Heathenry: A Study of Asatru in the Modern World

My kids that are of this faith love it. It has helped them in putting some of the history of this path in order for them. That was my intent. It is ALWAYS so important to know where things came from and how they have changed and grown over the passage of time. All faiths should be seen in that eye. Yet they are not. Those that do not think it's apart of their own path never find what they are looking for. Have you?

I don't understand the negative reviews. Wayland has an attitude? Get over it. It is written from his perspective, what do you expect?

The author has a very solid knowledge base which is undeniable. However, the book is filled with rants (personal opinions) that are extreme even for Heathenry. Comes off as judgmental. This is a shame, because the knowledge base is really there. Writing style is not very teaching orientated. Very judgmental as well in the sense that it is the author's way or the highway. Too a point, I understand that, but historical ancient Heathens were not orthodox across the board with one way or the highway beliefs in their polytheistic world view and modern Heathenry has its various movements and people with differences of opinion. For Introduction books to Heathenry, I do not think the topics serve a beginner well, but may paint a more negative picture that Heathens only bicker and disagree. Also, at times, name calling goes on in his writings. I would also suggest going to the author's website, as most of his book is up online (as well as his other books), and you can read them for free, and see what I am talking about as well. Again, this is sad, because he really knows his material, but the constant rants really detracts from the knowledge presented and make it un-readable. Certain belief systems are trashed (both the Folkish and Universalist views are attacked, while Tribalism is praised. While I myself am a tribalist and I agree with his views consistently, I do not think the focus of Heathen writings in books for beginners should be about explaining a view point and attacking it. It should explain what Heathenry is with the various viewpoints explained. Yes, there are many passionate Heathens on the Universalist vs. Folkish opinions, I just don't think that is a good direction for the book or a book, and one can easily find a ton of information on all sides on all the Heathen websites. Sometimes, certain people with a ton of knowledge, don't make the best teachers.I personally believe a better book for your money would be "A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru." This is a book where the basics are taught well, presented so one can understand, without feeling the "anger" and "I define heathenry" attitude that permeates every paragraph.

I've only had a short time to skim threw it so far, But from what I've seen, I made the right choices in 2 books about Asatru. I will just say that I've been a "Pagan" most all my life. I've fallowed my grandma's foot steps as a Witch. I don't regret it for one moment. However, After meeting a number of Heathen's in my community and getting to speak about their ways, I found myself wanting to know more about it. I was directed to this book and "Essential Asatru, walking the path of the Norse Paganism" by Diana L. Paxson. I see I've got my work cut out for me, but I'm loving every minute of finding this path as well. I wish all out there that are trying to find their "True path", as a High Priestess once said to me, "Ask questions, the answers will come to you upon the wind." I listen now......