Our ancestors really didn't have a name for their spiritual belief. In their time it wasn't necessary to name something that was a part of everyday life.
To them the Gods and Goddesses were the creative forces of nature . They were there from the beginning and would be there until the end .
These forces or entities, if you will, have an intelligence and a personality unique to each individual deity.
As all people like to personalize their deities, the Gods and Goddesses were named and humanized to some extent. This made it possible to become intune with these deities . By focusing the mind on the attributes of one or another of these forces , the individual could set up a communication or exchange of energy with them .
This concept , is by no means unique to Asatru . Followers of almost all religions are able to experience this closeness or communication . Communication reinforces the reality that there is a higher power than the individual . By many , this is called " having a religious experience. "
What is unique about Asatru is : It is a religion of complete spiritual freedom . The entire experience is one of learning your own individuality and independence . Also , an understanding of your own self worth is realized .
The Asatruar is not slave to the Gods. We do not beg or grovel before them . We honor our deities as our kin for they are part of us as we are part of them .
External control of an individual by any dogma or demigog is completely alien to the spiritual path of the Asatruar . The emotional stimulus of guilt , fear , hatred , and love can not be used to control the free mindset that is part of the concept of our spiritual awakening .
As each person is free therefore each person is equal . Gender does not constitute an advantage in Asatru . All are looked upon as having equal rights , responsibilities , and priviledges.
To be able to function in society , all people have a responsibility to conduct themselves in such a way as to respect the rights of others . Asatru does have a code by which we live . These are outlined in the " Nine Tenets of Asatru " - Courage - Strength - Honor - Troth ( Loyalty ) - Industriousness - Truth - Perseverence - Hospitality - Self Reliance . These " Virtues " show us how to live our lives in balance .
The Asatruar also believes that the soul is eternal . We believe that a persons spirit or soul goes through many cycles of life . These cycles are very much like the seasons of our Earth. The rebirth of the spirit is much like Spring while death is akin to Winter , with the Summer and Fall represented as the growing then declining of a person's earthly existance.
Asatru is : A multi faceted path of freedom , spirituality , balance , and completeness .
Asatru is : A path to the Gods .
