Heathen

The Journal of Contemporary Heathen Thought

Issue 1

The Journal of Contemporary Heathen Thought is an impressive production aimed at exploring the world of modern heathenry in an informed and erudite manner. Its expressed aim is to encourage the expansion of Heathen thought into the domains of theology, philosophy, sociology, psychology and other disciplines that have yet to be thoroughly examined by Heathenry or any other form of European polytheism. It offers a wide range of essays and poetry as well as a selection of book reviews and an interview with Musicians Sonne Hagal.

It open with Why am I a heathen ? Which brings up some significant issues in relation to identity and spirituality. A heathen in northern lands would not have seen him or herself as having a religion; culture, spirituality, ecology and ethnicity would have simply been part of an integral whole. It is would have been about who you were not what you believed and today this is something we need to regain. Heathenism begins with the natural world and celebrates science but also accepts that there is more to the universe than senses posit. Heathenism is our connection to language and place and this is in direct opposition to the quite alien values expressed in the desert religions with their absolutist morality.

This is followed by a significant essay examining the hot issue of race within heathenry. Borthwick offers an excellent comparison of the difference between a volkisch worldview and a racist one. While each people have their own ancestral traditions this does not automatically assume some form of ranking. He also offers the insightful comment that there is not a small amount of the Jewish and Christian chosen people myth within the racial worldview.

Henry Lauer then offers a superb philosophical journey into cognitive bias and the way in which many grand pagan theories have been created due to logical errors. You find what you look for and Marija Gimbutas and Metzner are classic examples. He continues on to consider how dualistic thinking from Christianity has been imported into much heathen thought especially in regards to the Jotuns Vs the Aesir.

There are many nice poems with artwork and some intriguing essays on gardening and herbs in the northern tradition, including an essay on plants, hexes and plants as spirit beings and as intentional agents.

The feminine in the post modern age is certainly a controversial and provocative piece. While I certainly agree with the dangers of feminism, to suggest it is more damaging than Christianity is a bit of a stretch. That being said this exploration of gender roles, family and the folk is thought provoking.

The significance of shamanism in Asatru is so often ignored, yet really is the key to understanding of Odins quest for the runes. Through Shamanism or Seidr we can gain direct and personal access to the nine worlds and its denizens and this is a challenging discussion of its significance.

Alain de Benoist explores the innate tolerance of early European paganism and the innate violence of monotheism. He traces this back to the very earliest forms of Judaism and their tribal massacres and religious wars and gives more than abundant proof of the dangerous of monotheistic thought.

An interpretation of Germanic mythology is a great essay. It allows the Eddas to speak for themselves working to unlock the gnosis hidden in mythic and symbolic form. It opens with a fascinating discussion of the role Loki took in the creation of human consciousness and continues examining the battle between the Vanir and Aesir. He considers the significance of Heimdall , Odin and his trickery to gain the sacred mead of Hvasir, Odins sacrifice for the runes, Baldur and many related mythic explorations. It offers and insightful commentary with new and challenging interpretations