Misconceptions about Vanatru: What it is and what it isn't
Not long ago I wrote and shared a personal essay with the Norse Women group I am a part of, and it was well received, so I thought I would share it here on the blogosphere. The article is called "What is Vanatru" but I found that it was much easier to address that question by speaking more about what it ISN'T, rather than what it is definitively. There are several misconceptions about the Vanic way in both pagan and heathen circles, and I felt approaching the subject from this point of view helped to make the definition more understandable for those who are unfamiliar with the practice. I hope you all enjoy!
What is Vanatru?
Vanatru is a modern day revival of Germanic paganism which focuses almost exclusively of the Vanir Gods of the Norse pantheon. It is comparable to the modern revival of Aesir focused heathenry called Asatru. The word “Asatru” simply means “true to the gods.” In the same sense, the word “Vanatru” is translated by most as “true to the Vanir.”
Since there is much debate among heathens as to the defining elements of both Asatru and Vanatru among different groups or practitioners, it is more helpful to try and understand the question by addressing what exactly Vanatru is not.
Vanatru is not “Wiccatru”
Wiccatru is a derogatory term used in some heathen circles to describe those who follow a Wiccan faith who attempt to adopt Norse deities into their personal spiritual framework. In many cases, the Vanir gods Freyr and Freyja are adopted as aspects of the Lord and Lady, the manifested dualistic forces of the male and female divine energy. Wiccatru as a derogatory term originates with the idea that Norse deities and the belief traditions they are a part of are vastly different from the traditional system of Wiccan belief. Wiccatru refers to those who acquisition the deities of the Norse without any real understanding of their true nature, in a heathen paradigm.
The adoption of Norse deities into a Wiccan tradition in itself should not be a reason to deride another individual. There are many different types of Wiccan belief, just as there are several heathen traditions. Not all Wiccans in modern times ascribe to the extreme dualism of traditional Wicca, and more and more are classifying themselves as “eclectics,” who borrow practical elements and beliefs from a variety of traditions. Our judgment should not come in the form of derision of beliefs outside of our own sphere. An important element of heathen belief is the idea that “man is his deeds,” therefore, we should focus more on an individual’s level of dedication to learning and understanding our deities, rather than our own agreement with their personal beliefs.
The tradition of Seax Wicca is a branch of Wicca which focuses on reconstructing Anglo-Saxon heathen traditions from a Wiccan background, which seems to be moderately respected within most heathen circles. Wiccans who work with Norse deities exclusively often prefer to be referred to as Norse Wiccans. I have yet to come across any who appreciate being called Wiccatru, as it implies a “fluffy bunny” sort of belief which is offensive to serious practitioners of Norse Wicca and Vanatru.
Vanatru are sometimes referred to as Wiccatru because of our belief in the separatism of the Aesir and Vanir tribes of the Norse Gods. It is an assumption that Vanatru worship Freyr and Freyja in a similar fashion as the Wiccan Lord and Lady, as they are collectively known as the foremost Vanir Gods, and happen to be a male and female. Indeed, the word Freyr translates as “lord” and Freyja translates as “lady.” However, Vanatru do not conflate Freyr and Freyja with the ideals if the Wiccan lord and lady. For a Vanatru, these names are merely titles which denote their status within the god tribe of the Vanir. Our understanding of lordship and ladyship is almost always informed by an understanding of Norse societal functions rather than Wiccan spiritual idealisms.
It is worth noting that there are some who have determined to establish a real connection between Vanatru and the origin of Wicca. There are many who believe that a cult of Anglo-Saxon derived worshippers of Freyr and Freyja may have informed those (such as Gerald Gardener) who established Wicca as a belief system within the 20th century. For more on this, the book “Witchdom of the Tru” by Edred Thorrson is a good source of information.
Vanatru is not a sect of Asatru
Some Asatru have a tendency to question those who are Vanatru as to why they do not simply consider themselves Asatru who are dedicated to Vanir deities. Some have gone as far as to claim that Vanatru is not a real path, and is simply a made up denomination for those who prefer the earth based Vanir deities to the more warrior like Aesir. Essentially, the argument implies that Vanatru are somehow practicing a “soft” version of real Asatru because they are uncomfortably with the patriarchal, aggressive warrior culture of the Aesir gods.
The truth is that Vanatru is none of these things, and the beliefs of Vanatru are divided from Asatru ideals on several levels. The first of these is the idea that the Aesir and the Vanir gods became a blended tribe after the war between them described in the Eddas. In other words, by the exchange of hostages and the movement of several Vanir deities to Asgard, the Vanir became part of the Aesir themselves.
Whereas most Asatru view the Aesir and Vanir as a collective whole, Vanatru do not believe such is so. Instead we see the Vanir as inherently separate visitors who chose to live among the Aesir as friends, yet still kept their own lands (Vanaheim, Alfheim) and their own homesteads which remained separate from the Aesir. The root “van” or “vana”from which the tribe gets its name translates to “friend.” For Vanatru, this in itself implies a separation from the idea of “kin.” To be Vanatru, we are attempting to dedicate ourselves to a belief system which relates specifically to the separate culture of the Vanir, rather than the Aesir.
This is not to say that we are somehow implying that the Aesir “are not good enough” or that the Vanir are somehow superior to the Aesir gods. There had to have been much similarity between the two tribes to enable them to reach peace and friendship among each other. Vanatru respect the Aesir gods, and most possess a vast knowledge of both Vanir and Aesir lore. In truth the majority of clues we have about Vanir culture and faith is possessed within literary sources which focus on the Aesir. Without knowledge of Aesir lore and a respect for the culture, we would have little left to help us decipher the Vanic ways at all!
Another distinguishing difference Vanatru see between Aesir and Vanir culture is the societal roles of men and women. There is little denying that the Aesir gods represent a highly aggressive, war focused, patriarchal social hierarchy. Yet when we examine the behavior of the Vanic gods, we see a reflection of something entirely different. The foremost Vanic goddess Freyja is herself aggressive, sexually empowered, and connected as much to war and death as any male Aesir god. In contrast, the brightest Vanir god Freyr is a fertility figure, yet an accomplished warrior, but in a protective rather than aggressive sense. Freyr is a god of gold, agriculture, and frith among men. He is also a love god, who gives up his most valued strength as a warrior, his sword, to win the heart of the giantess Gerd. The Vanir patriarch, Njord, is classified by some as a particularly passive male figure, almost androgynous and at times even classified as “ergi,” which to the Norse denoted (negatively) an almost effeminate male nature. It is this role reversal between Aesir and Vanir personalities that Vanatru see as an indication of separation between the cultures of both tribes of gods.
These two arguments in themselves illustrate well some of the inherent differences between the way of Asatru and Vanatru. As Vanatru, we strive to be true to the ways of the Vanir which are reflected in the gods, behavior, and these ways are at times both similar and at others vastly different from the ways of Asatru.
Vanatru is not about Sexual Deviancy
This is perhaps one of the most common and most insulting assumptions that is often made about the practice of the ways of the Vanir. Apparently, even in modern times, the ideal of an empowered sexuality is still making some people uncomfortable, even within heathenry. The sexual openness of Freyja, the phallic nature of the God Freyr, and Loki’s flyting of Njord are just a few examples of lore based material which has been used by both outsiders as well as some misguided followers of the Vanir gods to insinuate that Vanatru is connected with sexual deviancy.
This assumption is disgusting and misguided, and in my opinion the connection is furthered by the influence of conservative idealism about the roles of men and women which is sadly still rife even in the postmodern age.
I will not discuss this much further, as it stands to my own reasoning that if you are bothered by:
• A woman who has multiple sexual partners in her lifetime
• A man who is both exceptionally virile and loving
• A man who goes down on a woman
• Women and men exhibiting gender bending behavior
Well, if you personally believe that these behaviors are “sexually deviant,” I truly believe that you are the enemy of knowledge and truth, and hope that the Gods do not suffer you to live long enough to pass such ignorance further into the weaving of that which is becoming.
(This document is copyrighted as the sole property Cena Bussey. It is not to be distributed, copied, or posted in any form without the express permission of its owner. It may be printed or downloaded in original form for personal use only.)
In Frith
Cena
What is Vanatru?
Vanatru is a modern day revival of Germanic paganism which focuses almost exclusively of the Vanir Gods of the Norse pantheon. It is comparable to the modern revival of Aesir focused heathenry called Asatru. The word “Asatru” simply means “true to the gods.” In the same sense, the word “Vanatru” is translated by most as “true to the Vanir.”
Since there is much debate among heathens as to the defining elements of both Asatru and Vanatru among different groups or practitioners, it is more helpful to try and understand the question by addressing what exactly Vanatru is not.
Vanatru is not “Wiccatru”
 |
| Freyja, the Vanadis |
Wiccatru is a derogatory term used in some heathen circles to describe those who follow a Wiccan faith who attempt to adopt Norse deities into their personal spiritual framework. In many cases, the Vanir gods Freyr and Freyja are adopted as aspects of the Lord and Lady, the manifested dualistic forces of the male and female divine energy. Wiccatru as a derogatory term originates with the idea that Norse deities and the belief traditions they are a part of are vastly different from the traditional system of Wiccan belief. Wiccatru refers to those who acquisition the deities of the Norse without any real understanding of their true nature, in a heathen paradigm.
The adoption of Norse deities into a Wiccan tradition in itself should not be a reason to deride another individual. There are many different types of Wiccan belief, just as there are several heathen traditions. Not all Wiccans in modern times ascribe to the extreme dualism of traditional Wicca, and more and more are classifying themselves as “eclectics,” who borrow practical elements and beliefs from a variety of traditions. Our judgment should not come in the form of derision of beliefs outside of our own sphere. An important element of heathen belief is the idea that “man is his deeds,” therefore, we should focus more on an individual’s level of dedication to learning and understanding our deities, rather than our own agreement with their personal beliefs.
The tradition of Seax Wicca is a branch of Wicca which focuses on reconstructing Anglo-Saxon heathen traditions from a Wiccan background, which seems to be moderately respected within most heathen circles. Wiccans who work with Norse deities exclusively often prefer to be referred to as Norse Wiccans. I have yet to come across any who appreciate being called Wiccatru, as it implies a “fluffy bunny” sort of belief which is offensive to serious practitioners of Norse Wicca and Vanatru.
Vanatru are sometimes referred to as Wiccatru because of our belief in the separatism of the Aesir and Vanir tribes of the Norse Gods. It is an assumption that Vanatru worship Freyr and Freyja in a similar fashion as the Wiccan Lord and Lady, as they are collectively known as the foremost Vanir Gods, and happen to be a male and female. Indeed, the word Freyr translates as “lord” and Freyja translates as “lady.” However, Vanatru do not conflate Freyr and Freyja with the ideals if the Wiccan lord and lady. For a Vanatru, these names are merely titles which denote their status within the god tribe of the Vanir. Our understanding of lordship and ladyship is almost always informed by an understanding of Norse societal functions rather than Wiccan spiritual idealisms.
It is worth noting that there are some who have determined to establish a real connection between Vanatru and the origin of Wicca. There are many who believe that a cult of Anglo-Saxon derived worshippers of Freyr and Freyja may have informed those (such as Gerald Gardener) who established Wicca as a belief system within the 20th century. For more on this, the book “Witchdom of the Tru” by Edred Thorrson is a good source of information.
Vanatru is not a sect of Asatru
 |
| Freyr, God of Frith and Lord of Alfheim |
Some Asatru have a tendency to question those who are Vanatru as to why they do not simply consider themselves Asatru who are dedicated to Vanir deities. Some have gone as far as to claim that Vanatru is not a real path, and is simply a made up denomination for those who prefer the earth based Vanir deities to the more warrior like Aesir. Essentially, the argument implies that Vanatru are somehow practicing a “soft” version of real Asatru because they are uncomfortably with the patriarchal, aggressive warrior culture of the Aesir gods.
The truth is that Vanatru is none of these things, and the beliefs of Vanatru are divided from Asatru ideals on several levels. The first of these is the idea that the Aesir and the Vanir gods became a blended tribe after the war between them described in the Eddas. In other words, by the exchange of hostages and the movement of several Vanir deities to Asgard, the Vanir became part of the Aesir themselves.
Whereas most Asatru view the Aesir and Vanir as a collective whole, Vanatru do not believe such is so. Instead we see the Vanir as inherently separate visitors who chose to live among the Aesir as friends, yet still kept their own lands (Vanaheim, Alfheim) and their own homesteads which remained separate from the Aesir. The root “van” or “vana”from which the tribe gets its name translates to “friend.” For Vanatru, this in itself implies a separation from the idea of “kin.” To be Vanatru, we are attempting to dedicate ourselves to a belief system which relates specifically to the separate culture of the Vanir, rather than the Aesir.
This is not to say that we are somehow implying that the Aesir “are not good enough” or that the Vanir are somehow superior to the Aesir gods. There had to have been much similarity between the two tribes to enable them to reach peace and friendship among each other. Vanatru respect the Aesir gods, and most possess a vast knowledge of both Vanir and Aesir lore. In truth the majority of clues we have about Vanir culture and faith is possessed within literary sources which focus on the Aesir. Without knowledge of Aesir lore and a respect for the culture, we would have little left to help us decipher the Vanic ways at all!
Another distinguishing difference Vanatru see between Aesir and Vanir culture is the societal roles of men and women. There is little denying that the Aesir gods represent a highly aggressive, war focused, patriarchal social hierarchy. Yet when we examine the behavior of the Vanic gods, we see a reflection of something entirely different. The foremost Vanic goddess Freyja is herself aggressive, sexually empowered, and connected as much to war and death as any male Aesir god. In contrast, the brightest Vanir god Freyr is a fertility figure, yet an accomplished warrior, but in a protective rather than aggressive sense. Freyr is a god of gold, agriculture, and frith among men. He is also a love god, who gives up his most valued strength as a warrior, his sword, to win the heart of the giantess Gerd. The Vanir patriarch, Njord, is classified by some as a particularly passive male figure, almost androgynous and at times even classified as “ergi,” which to the Norse denoted (negatively) an almost effeminate male nature. It is this role reversal between Aesir and Vanir personalities that Vanatru see as an indication of separation between the cultures of both tribes of gods.
These two arguments in themselves illustrate well some of the inherent differences between the way of Asatru and Vanatru. As Vanatru, we strive to be true to the ways of the Vanir which are reflected in the gods, behavior, and these ways are at times both similar and at others vastly different from the ways of Asatru.
Vanatru is not about Sexual Deviancy
 |
| Njord, God of the Sea,Wealth, and Father of the Vanir |
This is perhaps one of the most common and most insulting assumptions that is often made about the practice of the ways of the Vanir. Apparently, even in modern times, the ideal of an empowered sexuality is still making some people uncomfortable, even within heathenry. The sexual openness of Freyja, the phallic nature of the God Freyr, and Loki’s flyting of Njord are just a few examples of lore based material which has been used by both outsiders as well as some misguided followers of the Vanir gods to insinuate that Vanatru is connected with sexual deviancy.
This assumption is disgusting and misguided, and in my opinion the connection is furthered by the influence of conservative idealism about the roles of men and women which is sadly still rife even in the postmodern age.
I will not discuss this much further, as it stands to my own reasoning that if you are bothered by:
• A woman who has multiple sexual partners in her lifetime
• A man who is both exceptionally virile and loving
• A man who goes down on a woman
• Women and men exhibiting gender bending behavior
Well, if you personally believe that these behaviors are “sexually deviant,” I truly believe that you are the enemy of knowledge and truth, and hope that the Gods do not suffer you to live long enough to pass such ignorance further into the weaving of that which is becoming.
(This document is copyrighted as the sole property Cena Bussey. It is not to be distributed, copied, or posted in any form without the express permission of its owner. It may be printed or downloaded in original form for personal use only.)
In Frith
Cena
Great explanation thanks,
ReplyDeleteI thought you might enjoy Viking inspired machinima film
The Helmsman; Blessed Be ~
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_8EMllaymqo
Love this! Would you mind if I link this with a reblog this on my blog?
ReplyDeleteNo, I don't mind at all. =) As long as its attributed you are welcome to share on your own page.
ReplyDeleteI have recently discover Vanatru, if I had to put a name on the path I've been semi-creating for myself within the last few months. I guess you could call me a shamanic heathen witch. I have never been wiccan, however, even though some people tend to argue that point with me. I love your page and have so far found it to be very informative. I've not had much success in locating much information on Vanatru online and buying books online right now is not an option.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait til keep reading. Thanks for doing a great page.
Neopaganism is a joke, and not a particularly elaborate one. You don’t have an unbroken chain of initiation, and some major part of your myths come from non-pagan mythographers. And, indeed, you don’t know how the true pagans interpreted those myths. So, your religion is not legitimate. Come to the Catholic Church, here we have an unbroken chain of initiation, our texts are well-preserved, and the tradition of interpretation of those texts is yet living.
ReplyDeleteI welcome you to view my response to you not particularly enlightening or logical comment above on this post! =)
Deletehttp://wanewyrds.blogspot.com/2013/03/neopaganism-is-jokemy-response-to.html#.UUEzsxyG2p0
You said anyone who dislikes sexual deviance should be killed by the gods yet you call others warlike and ignorant? Look at "your" culture, although the women were strong and empowered it was not a "gender bending" culture but a stringently naturalistic, heterosexual culture. reframing deviance "post-modern" sounds like the words of Lok, not any Vanir I've ever heard of. Your liberal marxist new age drivel helps only the enemies of gods and europeans, whether you know it or liek it or not.
ReplyDeleteYou know, maybe it's just me, but anonymously commenting on blog posts on the Internet seems quite cowardly, which doesn't strike me as a core virtue among the Norse/Germanic peoples, quite the opposite, actually.
DeleteSeriously though, even a half-assed researcher like myself knows that in the Gesta Danorum, Saxo Grammaticus reports that priests of Freyr made "effeminate" gestures and danced around with bells on.
Let me say that again: They were PRIESTS, not a bunch of average guys just doing it for kicks, these were trained religious specialists, cross-dressing.
As for being "stringently heterosexual" have you never encountered references to "hard cats" and "soft cats"? These are slang terms that refer to homosexual behaviour between older men (reflecting the belief that men became argr as they aged). In fact, they generally didn't care so much as long as you were the one doing the penetrating. It only really, REALLY became an issue when the Christians came knocking, and then suddenly all homosexual behaviour was a sin.
And, quite frankly, as a modern woman I have no use for archaic notions of "manliness" and "womanliness", and, to be honest, the negative attitudes towards homosexuality in Pre-Christian Scandinavia seem to stem more from the misconception that the "bottom" is a weakling (as well as sexist attitudes) than disgust at the actual act itself.
Now that I think about it, you must REALLY have a problem with Freyja. Woman who functions perfectly fine without a husband? Check. Has sex with four dwarves for material gain (also known as prostitution)? Check. Participates in the traditionally male-dominated warrior culture? Check and check. Any or all of those points could fit any number of post-modern women.
Also LOL "words of Loki"? Loki is not the Norse Satan, and we aren't Christians in horned helmets (horned helmets are anachronistic anyways) please try again.
Marxist, you keep using that word, I don't think it means what you think it means.
In close, get your Christianity out of my Vanatru!
Welcome back Anonymous. Since you have yet to reveal your true face and hide like a coward, I probably shouldn't bother replying, but I will for the sake of clarity.
ReplyDeleteLet's address the term "sexual deviancy." I listed several behaviors above which for most western human beings do not constitute sexual deviance. If you feel these behaviors are deviant in your own opinion, so be it. My opinion that these behaviors are healthy, normal human behavior evinced through the ages stands well supported in both science and anthropology. If you would like me to serve up a list of peer reviewed literature which supports this historically, I would be happy to do so.
Secondly, you are SORELY mistaken that the Norse culture was "stringently heterosexual." Barring the actual literature of the Norse, which you obviously have not read whatsoever, grave finds and archeological evidence has shown MANY examples of graves in which women were found with male clothing, jewelry, and instruments of war, as well as graves found of men which possess typically female instruments such as sewing needles, distaffs, etc. If the Norse were "stringently heterosexual" as you put it, these finds would be virtually non-existent in comparison to those who display traditional gender roles, yet several such graves have been found and continue to turn up.
Even Roman sources have indicated witnessing behavior from male priests which was termed effeminate, though I prefer to leave that out for the sake of Roman unreliability in regards to the germanic cultures they wrote about.
As for your terming of heterosexual relations as "naturalistic," I can only assume you borrowed that term from some or another Romantic or Victorian age scholar. It is a term which is meaningless in modern academia outside of the realm of Darwinism, and has little to do with religion or Norse culture, which this blog focuses on.
I have no intention of reframing "deviance" as post modern, as the behaviors I spoke of are completely normal and non-deviant, according to most humans with a working brain which do not ascribe their human morality to religious fundamentalist ideals borrowed from Christian monotheism.
There is little Marxism in this post or my philosophy. I encourage you to perhaps enroll in a few philosophy courses which focus on political ideology so that you may read the works of Marx and create a basic framework of understanding that will guide you to understanding what Marxism actually is and means. Realize that it doesn't apply to the context of this post in even the remotest sense.
As for helping the enemies of the gods, FUCK YOU. I know my gods better than you know the back of your hand, and you know nothing about me. I have dedicated myself to the Vanir for many years now and will continue to do so, with little relish or regard as to what you feel or think about my attitude toward Aesir based divinity or ideology, cause we all know that's what this is really about.
Lastly, this is a site and a blog about a particular blend of germain neopaganism. I am an American and truly could not give a fuck about helping or hindering "europeans," outside of those whom I know and love as personal friends, or my husband. Europeans, like Americans or any other people, are perfectly capable of supporting there own agendas and lives, without my help or opinion.
I found this highly interesting. Although I do not specify my heathenry in Asatru or Vanatru, I have encountered Freya a number of times. She is the first Vanir to excel in the ways of seid
ReplyDeleteAsatru has become a hyper masculine cultural phenomena. Vanatru sounds to me like an effort to bring balance to our kin. Many leaders of Asatru are overly masculine, seemingly compensating. Pouring all belief into a singular definition of the male archetype that represents men as lacking any feminine attributes. This is puzzling to me since so many asatru claim Odin as their patron god. Yet in myth Odin seeks out Freya to learn the magic of Vanir. I am ergi. And I feel as if Odin cannot be fully known by the hyper masculine male. One must follow in Odin's footsteps to know him. This means the Asatru must lay down his chauvinism and commune with his feminine nature via the Vanir or else you are only walking half the path. So go worship Thor and leave the one eyed to those who do not fear knowing all of our selves.
ReplyDeleteI cannot do less than save this page on my pc... the stupid comments of some anonymous cowards are very annoying, but your replys to these comments are simply awesome.
ReplyDeletePlus, your post is very interesting.
As someone who is fairly new to Asatru, I knew they had to be a difference between the Aesir and the Vanir, kinda like humans have different races but we are all human, but I never knew they were different enough to warrant followers. Thank you for these blogs to explain the difference and give new light to my views on the Old Gods. Also I'd like to add that, for me, even though Odin and Frigga are the All father and Allmother, I don't see either one god or goddess as more important as the other. My wife and I performed a blot yesterday to honor Frigga and it was said that even though Odin seeks counsel from kings, it is Frigga who chooses those kings. I will try to do more research to ensure I honor the Vanir as equally as I honor the Aesir.
ReplyDelete