Introducing myself...

[massacregoddess]

Real/Given Name: Jess

Heathen Name: Don't have one... yet

Current residence in Miðgarð: Currently I'm still stuck in Central New York State

Patron Deity (if any): I feel close to Njord & Nerthus, though Odhinn & Thor insist upon stealing my attention more often than not, Odhinn in particular.

Religious/Spiritual Background: Protestant, rather loose.

Comments

[heathenry]

Your post reminded me a bit of myself. I have an interest in all of the barbarian cultures of northern and western europe.

[wyrtweard]

>Real/Given Name: Jess

Wes ðu hal.

>Heathen Name: Don't have one... yet

It is fine if you don't; they are not mandatory. In fact they can be down right silly at times with folk walking around with Icelandic/O.N./etc. names they can barely pronounce. The 80's was full of such buffoonery.

>Current residence in Miðgarð: Currently I'm still stuck in Central New York State

There are worst places. Enjoy that piece of Middangeard and what it has to offer.

>Patron Deity (if any): I feel close to Njord & Nerthus, though Odhinn & Thor insist upon stealing my attention more often than not, Odhinn in particular.

If you feel close to particular gods then you should cultivate that. But also remember a 'patron deity' is not mandatory in our way. We are a way with many gods who should be acknowledged as a whole just as much as individually. In the end they DO work as a team to ward the holy enclosures.

>Religious/Spiritual Background: Protestant, rather loose. Then at 12 I was introducted to Wicca (please don't cringe... I didn't

[weofodthignen]

Hi, pleased to meet you!

You clearly have good taste in gods :-) If you want to find out who's in your area, or just to sit back and watch a lot of friendly banter and coffee-moot organizing going on, consider joining NortheastAsatru on Yahoogroups. It's large and very active and full of very nice people, although there is rather too much about Yankees and Red Sox for my taste :-Þ

. . . There are indeed many fault lines. By my definition, and the one used here, I am not sure you are heathen. We use the term to mean one who follows the Æsir and Vanir, not any traditionalist pagan. In the last couple of years some people have started applying the term more broadly, but we use it for what you may call "Asatru." You may, on the other hand, be more multi-trad than eclectic. Well met in whatever case, but be aware of who we are :-)

Frith,
M

[othila_dagaz]

Don't worry about those who will pass judgment because you found heathenism through Wicca. More people than you think are the same. I am an example. It's like finding out your favorite cookie - you have to taste a few to know which one is best.

And even though you're young, be proud. Some people are in their 40's before they find the right path. Consider yourself blessed.

I concur with wyrtweard about the patron deity.