Q & A
Questions and Answers about the OR and Odinism
OR Policy and Structure
| What are the aims of the Odinic Rite? |
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The Odinic Rite is an organization whose aims are to promote all aspects of our ancestral religion today called Odinism, the organic spiritual beliefs and way of life of the indigenous peoples of Northern Europe. The watch-words of the Odinic Rite are "Faith, Folk, Family" and this summarizes their ideals well.
Odinism is an entire and whole system - a way of "being". It is concerned with all aspects of our folk - cultural, historical, ecological, mystical etc. etc. It is concerned with the ethics of social behavior, our relationships with one another and nature, with the whole of life. Odinism defines our unique identity as a folk and as individuals within that folk organism. Odinists believe they cannot properly respect other folk until they can respect themselves. Odinism is seen not only as a link with the past, but as a strength for the present and a desire for a noble future.
As the Odinic religion is seen as a way of life - our inherited culture - Odinists feel they have a duty to pass it on to their children and to encourage their country men and women to find their own path. As our inspiration, we try to learn from it, and we seek to protect it, defend it, preserve it, advance and extend it, to bring about the New Awakening.
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| When was the Odinic Rite formed? |
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Founded in England in 1973, the organisation was first known as the Committee for the Restoration of the Odinic Rite, or the Odinist Committee for short. In 1979 the organisation was disbanded and its members came together as The Odinic Rite. Go to top |
| How is the OR structured? |
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The OR is not a loose alliance of like-minded folk but a structured and disciplined group. This does not suit some people and they will look elsewhere. Those who join the OR understand that our achievements and our stability have been facilitated by the way we are structured.
For an organisational chart of the OR click here:
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| How is the Rite organized locally? |
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Each individual member of the Rite is important and is regarded as a living cell of the living community of the Odinic Rite. Where possible, groups of members are encouraged to meet together, often at a member's home or a local site, to conduct Odinist celebrations (known as Blotar). These small local groups are known as Hearths.
Social contact is regarded as an important part of Odinism, as Odinism is a way of life, not a part-time hobby. The Hearth provides a circle in which the individual and group can learn from each other, help each other, cement comradeship etc. and in so doing benefit not just themselves but the community of the Odinic Rite as a whole. Hearths initiate and run various projects of benefit to the Odinist movement and have a high degree of autonomy, whilst still respecting the OR. To form a fully recognized Hearth of the Odinic Rite, the following conditions must be met: 1. The Hearth Guardian must be a professed member of the OR. 2. The Guardian and at least two other members of the Hearth must contribute to the Rite by annual donation. Thus a whole family could form a Hearth - this is encouraged. 3. The Hearth's proposed name must be submitted to the Court of Gothar for approval. (This ensures that there will be no confusion if a Hearth wanted to use a name already in use, and also that units are not representing the Community under a totally unsuitable name.) Once these criteria are met, the Hearth is likely to be recognized as an official Hearth of the Odinic Rite and can use the initials OR to indicate this - for example, Odin's Hearth OR. The Hearth is a self-supporting unit and raises funds for its projects, its upkeep and the obtaining of regalia from within its ranks.
There is nothing to prevent an Apprentice forming an Apprentice Hearth (called a Hearth AOR) with the intention of it becoming an official Hearth OR in time. (the OR supplies a booklet further detailing how to form and run a Hearth of the Odinic |
| Who runs the Odinic Rite? |
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The Rite is run entirely by unpaid volunteers who devote their time, energy and effort in the service of the Odinist community and the High Gods.
The Odinic Rite is governed by the Court of Gothar who are advised and assisted in the day to day running of the OR by various officers with skills in particular areas. All members are encouraged to assist in helping the OR to run smoothly.
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| How is the Rite financed? |
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By far the greatest source of finance comes from the annual donation made by the members. This is not a subscription as such, but donors receive the membership journal ORBriefing and Rimstock (an annual publication of Festival dates and contact details). In addition, some members choose to make extra regular donations or to donate as and when they can.
Some finance also comes from the sale of various books and booklets that the Odinic Rite publishes and from other merchandise such as t-shirts etc..
The Rite is a completely self-supporting community in that without the financial support of its members it could not exist. Members believe that by supporting the Rite - their community - they also support themselves as individuals within the community.
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| What is the Rite's money used for? |
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All monies raised are used to further our community's advance by publishing Odinic booklets including ORBriefing and Rimstock, and publishing books such as The Book of Blotar.
Money also goes towards the costs of organising Moots, Camps and other such events.
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| Does the Odinic Rite take a political viewpoint? |
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The Odinic Rite is not a political movement - a member's political outlook, if any, is up to them as free people. This does not mean members cannot comment on matters which affect us all. Indeed individual members would be abrogating their civic duty if they neglected or ignored the ethical matters that are constantly being discussed in the wider community. But although it is expected of members that they apply Odinist principles in all endeavors, they involve themselves in political activity as private individuals not as representatives of the Odinic Rite.
Under no circumstances are members permitted to use Odinism as a tool for the promotion of their political views.
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| How are men and women viewed in the OR and Odinism as a whole? |
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Fundamental to Odinism is Natural Law, which works consistently to support positive evolution within a balanced context at all levels. One of the expressions of Natural Law is seen in the fact that there are males and females of many species, including in human beings. At the most obvious level, the interaction of men and women is crucial for the creation of children and hence, the survival of a family and the community. However, in order for this to happen successfully, the underlying male and female energies need to be balanced and to complement one another, otherwise there will be a dominance of one energy over another- an imbalance which will ultimately weaken both polarities and hence, the ability of a group to survive. We witness this crisis in wider society today where the insidious poison of monotheistic mindsets that denigrate the female energies has led to a materialistic society whose very fabric flouts natural law, creating pollution, apathy, lack of principle, family and community breakdown in it
s wake. Thus, all life is weakened.
One of the main contributory factors to this situation is the dogmatic assignment of 'value' to the terms 'masculine' and 'feminine.' Hence, the so-called 'masculine' values of dynamism, strength, rationality etc have been seen as of a more 'positive' value than the so-called 'feminine' values of receptivity, passivity, intuition etc. This is reflected by the importance wider society places on 'successful careers' and 'roles:' usually, those activities regarded as 'successful' call for the exhibition of the so-called 'masculine' qualities, whilst the crucial 'feminine' roles of housewife and mother are riddled with low expectation. Equally, many people unconsciously equate 'role,' 'value' and 'gender' with one another and hence, their sense of self-esteem and level of personal development may well be undermined by the limits of these 'labels.' This placing of comparative 'value assignments' on the two genders seriously threatens the integrity of the family and community and- as we see today- leads to divisive ness, chaos, weakening and the denigration of all.
In Odinism, we see that both the Gods and Goddesses have crucial roles relative to life's picture, and each God has a complementary Goddess. And whilst all roles are vital to the bigger picture, no single one is considered more important than another: all are required for the sustenance and evolution of society and tapestry of life. But neither are the Gods and Goddesses limited to their personal roles: they are inherently a God or Goddess because they are an expression of the lifeforce. Thus, their role is an aspect of them, but not their total being. Similarly, humans- male or female- can have a variety of roles in life; but as a unique expression of the lifeforce, they should work to transcend these limitations. But crucially, this should be in balanced cooperation with each other. For whilst men and women are each powerful in their own right, balanced cooperation will actually enhance and deepen those inherent forces which create, sustain and evolve life.Thus, by proudly working to restore the true and ho
ly nature of the male/female polarities in proper relationship to each other, so our folk will be restored to their rightful strength. This is Natural Law and as an expression of such, Odinism- and hence the Odinic Rite- hold this balance of polarity (i.e. both men and women) as equally sacred sustainers of the whole.
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| What is the meaning of the OR logo? |
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The Triskel is a very ancient symbol and there are many differing views about its meaning. To Odinists the number 3 is a holy number and it can be seen thoughought our mythology. It is also the square root of 9, another very important number. It represents completeness and can signify the union of two opposite forces giving rise to a third. On one level this could be seen as signifying the family - the father and mother whose union gives birth to the child yet, as with so much in Odinism, it can be viewed and understood on many levels.
The specific Triskel symbol used by the OR today, along with the Faith, Folk and Family motto (another 3!) first appeared on the back page of ORBriefing number 112 in October 1991. The design of the black OR triskel on a red background pleasingly creates 3 blood drops which is wonderfully symbolic of Faith, Folk and Family, things we are linked to by blood.
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OR Membership
| What does OR membership entail? |
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The OR is a movement of volunteers, all having different strengths and weaknesses, different levels of ability and abilities. Within the Rite members strive to maximize strengths and minimize weaknesses, while believing in self-responsibility. The OR will show loyalty to its members and expects that loyalty to be returned.
Members are expected to seek to abide the 9 Noble Virtues and Charges and to adhere to the following: 1. To strive for the advancement of the Odinic Rite, to promote its prosperity and spirituality and to sustain its worship and discipline. 2. To maintain family loyalty. 3. To educate one's children in the spirit of the Odinic Rite. 4. In all ways to be zealous in one's efforts to advance the interests of our holy religion. 5. To regard fellow members as comrades. 6. To aid and be aided in sickness and distress. 7. To maintain courtesy of speech. 8. To be slow to take offence and to be ready for reconciliation without delay. These apply as much to the Apprentice member as the Professed member. Members of the Odinic Rite place high regard on the importance of the family and encourage at least one night a week be reserved as Family Night which is spent at home with the family and perhaps invited fellow Odinists who might otherwise spend the evening alone or in non-Odinist company. Hospitality is one of the Noble Virtues of the Odinic Rite. The importance of sworn oaths should be remembered.
Members are expected to always behave in a way that is consistent with OR membership and be aware that their activities may reflect on the Odinic Rite.
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| What do I get as a member? |
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On acceptance of a member's application they will receive their first copy of ORBriefing, the quarterly members journal and Rimstock, a booklet detailing the OR festivals, events and contact information. Details of the Odinic Rite Correspondence course will also be received. This gives new members an excellent introduction to Odinism as particularly promoted by the OR.
Members may also ask to be added to the OR's online discussion forum, a community in itself within the OR. The forum is a place where all kinds of subjects relating to the OR and Odinism are discussed. Most of all what you get is membership of the OR community, a family of dedicated people who work for the new awakening of our folk. |
| What is Apprentice Membership of the Odinic Rite? |
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Apprentice membership is open to all who feel an interest in and accord with Odinist principles. It is for those who are new to the Rite and gives a chance to learn more, make contacts and decide if they wish to become fully professed OR members. There is no pressure on anyone to become professed: it is a personal choice.
Many of the Rite's most active members are Apprentices and they are valued as much as any other member.
Apprentices may use the initials AOR after their name if they so choose. This is not a requirement but many choose to show their loyalty to the OR in this way.
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| What is "Profession"? |
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The ceremony of profession confirms before the Gods and men a person's restoration to their true indigenous faith and their dedication to the Rite. They become full members of the Odinic Rite, Odin's Holy Nation.
It is not a step to be taken frivolously, for it is a very holy ceremony where irrevocable oaths are sworn. Usually someone wishing to be professed must have been an apprentice member for at least one year, and in any case they must be at least twelve years of age. The act of profession is irrevocable by the individual: although we speak of "members" of the Odinic Rite, it is not possible to "resign" as though it were a club. The Odinic Rite is regarded as a folk community, the Nation of Odin. Once professed, the oaths taken always apply. In order to become professed member, an apprentice must: 1. Have been a member for at least one year 2. Have shown an active commitment to the advancement of Odinism and the OR 3. Find an already professed member to conduct the ritual of profession. 4. Find another already professed member to "sponsor" them. 5. Complete an application form from the Secretary of the Court of Gothar and have their application approved by the Court of Gothar 6. Make a "torc" (to be invested during the ritual) which is the symbol of the professed member - their "badge" of honor.
A professed member uses the initials OR after their name. (note: members of the Court of Gothar use the initials CG after their name).
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| What about geographically isolated members? |
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The OR has many geographically isolated members. We have a network of area contacts who will strive to put isolated members in contact with others or keep in contact themselves. We encourage isolated members to do their best to meet with members nearest to them and this has brought about the formation of Hearths whose members, whilst fairly dispersed, have a greater sense of belonging and comradeship. They may only meet a few times a year but those meetings are very special times.
The OR members forum is an ideal resource for isolated members allowing them to become involved and to make plans to meet others.
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| Can I belong to the OR as well as other Odinist/Asatru organisations? |
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The OR does not encourage multiple memberships of organisations as we believe that this dilutes any potential energy available for a specific task. Whilst we may allow members of other organisations to join the OR we would expect that their first loyalty be to the OR.
Those who are oathed to another group will not be accepted for OR membership as their first loyalty must be to that group.
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| How do I join the Odinic Rite? |
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Please click the "JOIN" button on our web site and you will be shown all of the joining options available.
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| Does the OR accept prisoners as members? |
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Yes, we believe that incarcerated Odinists, most of whom discover Odinism whilst in prison, should be supported in their faith. We recognise that one day these people will be released into our communities and so it is in all of our interests to aid them in thier quest to live a nobler life through Odinism.
The vast majority of Odinist inmates accept that they did wrong and must serve their time. They know that Odinists must take responsibility for their own actions and face the consequences. We do not extend our support to those convicted of sexual offencess or of offences against children.
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| Does the OR have a prisoner outreach program? |
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Initially the Odinic Rite set up an outreach program but it soon became clear that "Outreach" did not adequately describe the work we were doing. So the "Prison Affairs Bureau" was created and it now oversees all OR prison activities.
Outreach is still a major part of our activities but also the PAB is involved with campaigns for religious rights and also acts in a consultative capacity to prison and federal authorities.
Our goal is to provide relevant information and to provide spiritual and emotional tools so men and women who chose Odinism can become responsible for their actions, deal with prison life, and eventually re-enter society with an eye on positive contribution and balanced lives. Ultimately we are practical minded, with an interest in applying Odinism to modern challenges.
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Other Questions
| What are Odinic Names? |
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Some members, especially those Professed members or those holding official positions within the OR, adopt an Odinic name for use within the Rite. This is common practice among many religious bodies. For some it marks more clearly their restoration to the Odinic Faith, while others do not wish to be known by names which are not native to the folk. Still others wish to retain the names given to them by their parents. It is a matter of personal choice.
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| Why are the Runes so important? |
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Study of the runes is encouraged in Odinism. It should be remembered that the runes are far more than a divination system as is so often portrayed. Moreover they are a part of the Odinic system and the Odinic system alone. Attempts to merge or fit them to other systems, e.g.the Qabbalah, is pointless and will not lead to any deep understanding of our Runic system - though it may and often does lead to self-delusion.
On the other hand, those who believe that runes and runology are the be-all-and-end-all of Odinism have too narrow a vision of the runes, a shallow knowledge of their mysteries and a lack of understanding of the meaning of religion. The runes are the essential mystical ingredient of Odinism but not its sum total.
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| What calendar does the OR use? |
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Odinists often use different month names and may even use a different numbering system for the years. Both emphasize a unique identity. The month names relate to the cycles of the year, for example Lenting, Harvest and Fogmoon, and are a reminder of natural rhythms and of the link to our ancestors who also used such names.
The year numbering system is more arbitrary and less widely used but is called the "Runic Era" (R.E.) and adds 250 years onto conventional Western calendar dates. This tallies with earliest runic artifacts found when the system was adopted (earlier examples have since been found) and was instigated to emphasize that Odinism is a natural organic religion, existing long before the arrival of Christianity. Some think that even this is an unnecessary limitation, as we know our culture and religion goes back much further still.
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