Section 3: Religion, Rituals, Lore

 Here it gets a little spicy. Dive into the conflicted world of modern Asatru. 

21. Barrett, Clive. The Viking Gods. UK: Aquarian Press, 1989.

Out of print, but readily available. Collection of Pagan myths, probably collected to coincide with his Viking Tarot. Suitable for kids, included here as an easy starting point for further study.

22. Buckland, Raymond. The Tree: The Complete Book of Saxon Witchcraft. England: Red Wheel, 1974.

Buckland, half-British, half-Gypsy, has made a career of many Wicca and witchcraft titles written for publishers like Llewellyn. They claim to have an Anglo-Saxon basis, but judging by his list of works, the historical authenticity is anyone’s guess. His works could probably be read with some value, however the Anglo-Saxon Theodism works by Garman Lord are probably more relevant today. 

23. Cachet, Louis, as Varg Vikernes. Paganism Explained, Books 1-5. USA: CreateSpace, 2017. 

Popular music, gaming and video personality Vikernes’ series on paganism. Varg’s books are interesting and controversial. Broadly, he advocates a withdrawal from modern life into family, simplicity and permaculture. His Paganism series is well-worth ordering, and affordable. Again, hard copies should be printed against the inevitable deletion of these works from the digital sphere. His pagan videos were outstanding, but are lost to ongoing digital censorship. The best example for why printed books are the only way forward.

24. McVan, Ron. Wotan’s Holy Rites & Ritual: Book of Blotar. USA: CreateSpace, 2012.

A common theme with most early Asatruar, McVan courts a high level of controversy, mainly due to his affiliation with Bob Mathews and David Lane from the militant White Nationalist scene of the 1980’s. Prominent and distinct art style, which includes drawings, paintings and sculpture. His books are currently available on digital print on demand; another author whose hard copies should be printed and stored in the event of digital deletion. 

25. *McNallen, Stephen A. Asatru: A Native European Spirituality. USA: Runestone Press, 2015. 

In possession of editor. Required reading for Asatru Folk Assembly members, this book offers a thorough background in the nature of the Aesir and Vanir and Asatru history and lore. An outstanding, fundamental text. McNallen’s columns in early Runestone magazines show an adherence to wise principles throughout his fifty years in the rebirth of Native European Faith. McNallen avoids the excesses of other authors to create a faith that maintains European integrity without the extreme violence sometimes espoused by radicals. Highly recommended.  

26. McNallen, Stephen A., ed. Asatru Book of Blotar and Rituals. USA: Runestone, 2009.

In possession of editor. This book contains rites mainly created by individual kindreds and early members of the AFA. The rites are extensive for the solstices, weddings, land takings and the like. Some have criticized the work because some of the members are no longer active, but in all a useful collection of actual activities one can perform to bring the Gods into daily life. AFA Gothi candidates continue to refine and develop further ritual research and publications. Recommended.

27. Mills, Alexander Rud. The Call of our Ancient Nordic Religion. Melbourne: Northern World Pub, 1957.

Reprint in possession of editor; widely available online. Mills envisioned an Anglo-Saxon church of Odin inspired by comparisons of Thor to Jesus. The author was imprisoned multiple times on suspicion of National Socialism. Foundational work for modern Asatru, even as most modern practitioners avoid christianity rather than seeking an alliance or rapprochement. Modern Asatru seems to be gaining more converts from alienated atheists and wiccans than from the christians that Mills wanted to reach. 

28. Paxson, Diana. Essential Asatru. USA: Citadel, 2006.

Universalist Asatru, and probably the best-selling Asatru book. Paxson was initially well-known as a fantasy author, collaborating with alleged pedophile Marion Zimmer Bradley on the Avalon book series. With Bradley, Paxson co-founded the Society for Creative Anachronism, which has been found liable in over a dozen pedophilia lawsuits. Paxson also co-founded The Troth, a universalist Asatru group with Temple of Set/Asatru James Chisholm and Stephen Flowers. For these reasons, Paxson is included as an example of why Universalist Asatru, and costumed organizations in general are avoided by many practitioners.

29. Slauson, Irv. Religion of Odin. USA: Asatru Free Church Committee, 1978.

An electronic version of this text is widely available. This early Asatru text should be printed in hard copy and preserved. Falls in the ethno-positive spectrum of modern Asatru. 

30. Thorsson, Edred. A Book of Troth. USA: Llewellyn, 1989.

Asatru faith book written by controversial figure Stephen Flowers. Flowers was a foundational figure in modern Asatru, along with McNallen and Valguard Murray. The controversy stems from Flowers’ membership in the Temple of Set, which has a Satanic basis. This divided loyalty has been addressed by Flowers stating that his Set beliefs have not influenced his scholarship in Nordicism. Flowers is the most published Asatruar in Rune studies, ritual and lore; however he also currently has books in print advocating carnal sex magic, bondage, Egyptian rites and other controversial practices. Flowers left The Troth, and has never been implicated in illegal activity with regards to the Temple of Set. 


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