Reconstructionist Paganism

[A Freethinker]

Reconstructionist Paganism ---

I'm interested to know who else on this forum is interested in Reconstructionist Paganism, that is, aiming to research, rediscover and restore a pre-christian religion; possibly one that your ancestors practiced. For me, that is Druidism (Druidry, depending on who you ask). We don't know what that religion was even called by it's followers, but we do know some about it's content (A decent ammount).

The purpose of this thread is to create a place to discuss Reconstructionist Paganism and to see what other members of this forum think about it. Anybody is free to post, of course!

 

[Gardenia]

Yes, Kemetic here. Trying to revive the faith of ancient Egypt. Im not Egyptian, as far as I know (Native American, Irish, and Japanese =P), but it's just something that's always called to me.

 

[TrueQ]

Huh, it's not something I would do, but I don't see why people drawn to older religions shouldn't try and recreate them. But it seems to me that that's a pretty niche religion as far as these things go, how would you drum up converts? Not by brainwashing or aggressive evangelism I hope.

 

[ravenscape]

I'm interested in reconstructionist pagan movements, still actively study a couple, have been influenced by some, but don't practice one.

 

[gaijin178]

It's an interesting idea, and I think would be good to look into. I don't think that there would be an issue about converts because I think that most of us non-Christians are pretty much happy where we are and not trying to influence anyone into believing what we believe.

 

[A Freethinker]

It's an interesting idea, and I think would be good to look into. I don't think that there would be an issue about converts because I think that most of us non-Christians are pretty much happy where we are and not trying to influence anyone into believing what we believe.

Very, very well said. Converts are a non-issue. We don't rely on numbers for strength, it's quality over quantity. I'd take one educated, intelligent Pagan who took the time and invested the effort to find his/her own way than 1000 mindless sheep any day.

 

[TrueQ]

Good enough for me then, Dru it however you want (couldn't resist). What're the Druid beliefs? Some flavor of Nature religion, wasn't it?

 

[tocis]

I'm interested to know who else on this forum is interested in Reconstructionist Paganism...

A follower of Asatru (reconstructionist Nordic/Germanic heathenry) reporting for duty!

 

[Gardenia]

But it seems to me that that's a pretty niche religion as far as these things go, how would you drum up converts? Not by brainwashing or aggressive evangelism I hope.

As was said, this really isnt a problem. All of the pagan traditions that I have come into contact with do not seek converts.

 

[Lokisdottir]

Reconstructionist Paganism

Yyyyou rang?

I'm Asatruar as well. My view on reconstructionism isn't that it's about literally reconstructing every minute aspect of the old ways, but rather adapting them to life in the 21st century. It's a dynamic faith, not static and unchanging.

 

[A Freethinker]

Yyyyou rang?

I'm Asatruar as well. My view on reconstructionism isn't that it's about literally reconstructing every minute aspect of the old ways, but rather adapting them to life in the 21st century. It's a dynamic faith, not static and unchanging.

I see what you mean. I would like to first recover as much of what was done in the past and then FROM that information adapt it if necessary, but keep it as close to the original as is practical. Sacrifices, etc may not be as reasonable in our culture as it once was.

I am very aware of Asatru (Odinism), I study Norse Mythology as a hobby. Norse and Celtic mythology are two of my passions.

My favorite: Thor goes to Jotunheim.

 

[tocis]

...My favorite: Thor goes to Jotunheim.

...to retrieve Mjolnir I presume?

Aaah, a wonderful story indeed!

 

[A Freethinker]

I think he went in this case to retrieve a cauldron for some magical purpose.
The one where he spends the night in Utgard-loki's glove. Then he drinks from a horn connected to the ocean, etc.

He had and used Mjolnir in the story I'm talking about.

EDIT: Do you know any Old Norse? How about Futhark/Futhorc? I'll bet you know plenty about the Elder Futhark.

 

[Lokisdottir]

EDIT: Do you know any Old Norse? How about Futhark/Futhorc? I'll bet you know plenty about the Elder Futhark.

I know a fair bit about the Elder Futhark. I know all the names, which letter or letters of the Roman alphabet each rune corresponds to, and I can give you at least a brief description of each, some more than others. Particularly Kenaz, which is sort of my "pet" rune.

I'd like to learn Old Norse (or at least Icelandic), but that's more of a commitment than I currently have time for. For now, I'm content to speak to the Gods in English.

 

[A Freethinker]

I can read and write the Elder Futhark alphabet, and read most other Futhark/Futhorcs, but only between standard alphabet and English.

 

[Gwendar Evergreen]

I'm not so much interested in practicing a reconstructed religion, though I'm sure I'd love learning about them for interest's sake!
I feel that religion and spirituality are fluid. I don't think any religions are practiced exactly as they were when first founded, because societies change, and it seems that religions have to adapt with them... That's just for me, though.
I think it's a really interesting thing for people to do!
(I'm interested in learning about the Eldar Futhark, as well!)
Hmmm... I think I may learn more about Norse mythology!

 

[pensive]

The purpose of this thread is to create a place to discuss Reconstructionist Paganism and to see what other members of this forum think about it. Anybody is free to post, of course!

Personally, I have very mixed feelings about Reconstructionist Religion. I was a member of two different Reconstructionist organizations at different times over the past six years (I was a member of each for about two years). I enjoyed learning from extremely well-studied people and being able to find histoical and mythological information that was fairly sound.

But at the same time, I often felt that those involved (or at least most outspoken) in both groups were too "academic." Their idea of religion seemed to focus around intellectual study and exploration while practically ignoring the mystical. It was easy to find people who could argue about the exact meaning of a given word in a given manuscript, but findng someone who could talk about actually having a first-hand encounter with the deity(ies) being discussed was much more difficult.

As such, I prefer a middle road where some careful studying is done, followed by direct mystical experience (involving some "inventiveness" if neceessary).

 

[A Freethinker]

The last two posts both make good points. I especially agree that you can't be too academic, or too inventive. This is why groups are helpful; you have both types of people. Strong academic outlook is great as long as not everybody is just like that, in my opinion.

 

[tocis]

He had and used Mjolnir in the story I'm talking about.

Umm. I have no idea, right now, what saga you refer to. But then, there's still plenty of stuff I haven't read yet, and I haven't exactly memorized my Edda either, so...

EDIT: Do you know any Old Norse? How about Futhark/Futhorc? I'll bet you know plenty about the Elder Futhark.

Old Norse, no. Futhark, yes - at least the "Elder Futhark" alphabet, similar to what Lokisdottir posted. I just have a different "pet" rune, Thurisaz instead of Kenaz. Not surprisingly, considering that it's both the rune that symbolizes Thor and the rune my real-life first name starts with.

(Yes, I'm playing with fire... Thurisaz is often considered the most dangerous rune of the whole Futhark...)

 

[A Freethinker]

This is the story I was refering to, but it's not the best version. I'll try to find the good version I read.

http://todd.reimer.com/norse/story.html#Journey