A Practical Heathen's Guide to Asatru by Patricia M Lafayllve

Author:Patricia M Lafayllve [Lafayllve, Patricia M]
Language: eng
Format: epub, pdf
Tags: Haitian Vodou is the only book that offers a respectful, the spirits of Haitian Vodou., betrayal, and practices grounded in ancestral communion, Haitian Vodou is a joyous and profound ancestral practice descended from the Vodu priesthood of West Africa. This little-understood belief system is among the truest religions of the Americas—yet its essence has remained a mystery to outsiders. Written by a practitioner of the highest initiatory rank, first-hand overview of the centuries old indigenous tradition. From Haiti’s culture and history to the sacred beliefs, rituals, ceremonies, Deeply rooted in Haiti’s culture and held sacred by millions, readers will get a rare look inside Haitian Vodou. Also explored: its relationship to other African diasporic traditions in the West; common misconceptions; Vodou magic and initiations; how millions survived slavery, and revolution; and the twentyone nations of the Lwa
Goodreads: 17436869
Publisher: Llewellyn Publications
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Innangardh and Utangardh 121

other. It is this distinctness which creates the innangardh/utangardh bal-

ance. This is why heathens consider the gods and goddesses, and those

related to them, as part of our innangardh. This is also why those outside

of that pantheon are considered utangardh. The other pantheons do exist.

Polytheistic logic suggests that there is more than one everything, so it

only makes sense that every other god and goddess exists just as ours do.

That said, heathen worship is for the Norse gods and goddesses, among

others, and not generally given to those not in our pantheon. Does that

make another pantheon “less than” or “better than” ours? No—it simply

means “different than.”

innangardh and Utandardh

The first thing you need to do in order to prepare for this meditation is to

spend time considering the various circles you belong to. It may be that

your personal innangardh is tighter and smaller; it may be that you do

not consider “Americans” in general as your innangardh, for instance.

It may be that even your regional community is not your innangardh—

heathen religion is community-based, but your community may not in-

clude anyone outside of your group, kindred or otherwise. It may be

helpful to write down lists of people whom you consider innangardh and

whom you consider utangardh. Remember, again, that utangardh does

not necessarily mean enmity, for strangers are considered utangardh.

Sit or lie down comfortably. Focus on your breathing, and as your

breathing deepens, feel your body relax. Picture a place in nature that

you know well, and then place yourself within that picture. As you con-

tinue to meditate, imagine that your family is with you. Note all the

members, and think about your relationships to them. In most cases,

these will be positive or neutral relationships. Negative relationships can

create a sense of utangardh between yourself and that person; this, too, is

natural. Avoid focusing on the negative relationships, for now is the time

to reinforce your innangardh.

Next, imagine your friends and consider them in the same ways you

did with your family. If you are in a kindred, tribe, fellowship or any other

122 Nine

kind of heathen grouping, do the same with them. Note in your mind any

connections between these three groups; chances are, for instance, that

you are friends with your kindred members as well as considering them

chosen family. Spend some time focused on these connections, these

members of your innangardh, and how they relate to you. Imagine, for

instance, lines extending out from the center of yourself to each member

of these groups, family, friends, and kindred, connecting them all to you.

Now imagine lines connecting some of them to each other. Some lines

may form—your kindred has chosen to connect itself to each member,

for instance—and some may not. See where those connective lines meet,

intersect, and connect back to you. This is your innangardh.

When you are finished, take a few deep breaths. Leave the place in

nature, and return to Midgardh by focusing on your breath, your physi-

cal body, and the space around you. Listen for noises, take in any famil-

iar smells, wiggle your toes, and open your eyes. Remain conscious of

your innangardh as you move forward in your life.

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