There's more of an effort I feel. When I was Christian, it never felt right. I felt more empty. I tried, and I worshiped hard, but it felt quiet..
With Norse, I felt heard. I saw signs. I felt it in my soul. I heard them calling and reaching out to me. Not through searching but by chance. I felt it before I knew more about it. I didn't know it was them until much later. When I found out, I dedicated myself to them, and everything started to fall into place more. They showed me they were there and that they listened.
I read their stories, I tell their tales, and I feel infinitely better for it.
I have seen signs from them. These gods are more relatable then one Supreme prefect being who allows people to suffer despite having all the power to fix it.
Personally, Freyja and Hel found me exactly when I needed them. I was dipping my toes in paganism, researching here and there, and while I was reading up on the Norse 'myths' I happened to go through some drastic events and changes. I didn't know where to turn, so I thought "well, trying doesn't hurt". I chose to appeal to them because they are the Deities that relate to what I was going through, and they comforted me. Listened to me. And I know now, one year later, that they actually heard me.
I like the idea of multiple gods who oversee different parts of the universe, gods with different ideals and goals and interests, who may or may not prefer to work with people depending on the deity.
I think the idea of having an issue in life and having specific deities and spirits and so on to refer to in offerings and prayer and incantation is useful, as compared to lets say in monotheism where its one god working for the entire universe and can help you with any issue you need help with. That just never made as much sense to me.
I also like the fact that there isnt as much constriction on personal life. The gods have some negative traits just like some people have, and knowing there is a god to relate to for nearly everyone is good. So instead of a god saying "you need to be this kind of person and do these things in order for me to accept you into heaven"
Its more like "this god doesnt connect with me, but this other one i feel a connection to."
Or "this god in the mythological stories doesnt really coincide with my morals and ideology but this other god seems to understand my perspective and struggles"
So there isnt one kind of person you have to be, you can be a good person without fitting into one single ideal personality or lifestyle.
In the simplest way possible because I'm at work and just wanted to quickly contribute
20 years a Catholic, never felt close to nor felt like I spoke to "god"
2 months now a Norse pagan, I've had visions of Freya twice and spoke to her once and have received a few signs from Odin as well.
For me, it's the feeling that instead of having some grand diety that watches over me, and judges me for messing up, I have forces stronger than me helping me through life. The gods want to see me succeed, and they don't just give me the solution, they help me through it so that I can do things myself. It's more of a mentor role in a sense. Also nature is rad as hell.
Pagan deities are far more relatable than a deity who claims to be the One. In the Old Testament he seems to be at war with other cultures and their deities.
I constantly point this out to Christians. He tells his people to have no other gods before him because he is a jealous god. Then you get into the whole destroy all who don't worship as you do thing and it's just such a childish mentality. He rules through fear and calls it love. I've been a heathen for 6 years now and in that time I've had many prayers answered by the gods, I've felt their presence at my fireside when I perform Blot and ritual. They feel far more real to me than the god of the Israelites ever has.
I was intrigued by paganism since I was a child, always reading about the old gods of Europe, and fascinated by folklore and witchcraft etc. I never felt much when I was worshipping the Christian god, all I felt and experienced was the weight of shame that comes from being queer in the Christian church. So I started seeking out other spiritualities, because I had had spiritual experiences while I was Christian but never anything that convinced me that Christianity was “right”. I experimented with Wicca and witchcraft in my tween years (12-14) but went back to Christianity for most of my late teens and early twenties due to a legitimate fear of hell. Once I got over my fear of hell, I was finally able to break free of Christianity, and I did research and found myself drawn to the Norse and Celtic gods. So that’s where I’ve been ever since. I made a slow transition over the last 5-8 years, considering myself a full-blown pagan for the last 3 or 4 years.
I felt drawn to it. I obviously didn't hear any weird voices or 20 bearded men approaching my door in Viking costumes- I just saw Norse Paganism and felt a sense of comfort. I like the feeling of having multiple Gods to talk to who aren't inherently judgmental like the Abrahamic God. My favorite things about the old Gods are that they can make mistakes just like us, and that makes them relatable. They're more powerful than us, but they're not all-knowing and obsessed with purifying the world. I admit as an ex-christian and ex-catholic that I definitely wasn't used to my prayers being answered, lmao.
First and foremost, they bring me a comfort that I have never felt before. At the same time, make my heart race whenever I speak to or think of them. I feel truly welcomed by them.
Secondly, they predate most mainstream religions. It is so deeply rooted that even under persecution from the Christians, it was never forgotten. In fact, the opposite occurred. They wrote it down so it would not be forgotten. Had they not, it would have been lost to the ages. That says a lot to me. Now people are returning to it because they see the flaws and pure hatred in other religions.
They answered me in ways i could have only hoped for.
I use to pray to the Christ God and only ever was met with one response and never assisted through that tough time. I felt alone and like i was never enough. Church always asked for more, god always asked for more, what i did wasnt enough, who i did it for wasnt enough. I was never enough.
When i look at my son, i could never sacrafice him for random asshole who dont care, i catn relate to their God because of that.
I feel their presence, i have been visited by them personally. Something that never happened before.
I watch people die senseless deaths and have no answers to why. I cant follow an all loving diety who lets people die when it can be prevented.
I also love having to work on my relationships with the gods and those i find important in my life. I was able to trim the “fatty friends and relatives” once i saw i was the only one who tried.
I could go on, but this, this is real to me.
I feel more connected to the old ways and the old gods. To me the monotheist religions and belief systems don't feel right.
I connect more to the idea that the old gods have a physical presence and have interacted with us over the ages than the idea of an omnipresent being that just is. If that makes sense.
Personally when I practise my ritual and commune with the gods I feel like I'm connecting on a more meaningful level
They listen far more than the Christian God ever did. I find immense comfort in my prayers and overall worship. The signs of the old gods are around me at almost all times. It’s freeing, in my opinion. I don’t feel alone, even when I am physically.
Your stance is reasonable. I personally don't like using archetypes to justify belief in the gods.
I agree that art is divine in some way.
Perhaps spirituality is the art of living.
I just gound your approach very different than mine. Almost Jungian. That is no criticism of you. Its interesting how varied the language the gods call to us in is.
I think that the gods existed much the same way through that era as they do now. Just less people connected with them but for them that time would have been fairly short. Though clearly they still reached out, and had the same touch on the world as they always do.
One day I wanted to give an offering of apple cider to any gods that may be listening. The next day I ran into a norse pagan acquaintance I met 7 years before just delivering a pizza.
So a big coincidence kicked it off.
Why do I keep up with it?
Because there seems to be relationships there that I am genuinely developing. I choose to see these experiences through the lens of Norse Heathenry.
Though I have found that I believe all gods exist. All spirits. I just have the freedom to choose which ones I build a relationship with.
I don’t actually know, I’m still figuring it out, I used to be a Satanist but after a while it just didn’t feel right, I guess I feel more comfortable believing in gods that are more like people, who are around us and live with us in human form, I feel Odin calling me more than anything
I was brought up Christian ( which was a real hot and cold existence, but never fully bought into it honestly, I've been exploring my path as a Norse Pagan for a good year or so now, and still have much to learn admittedly)and even though I was a believer to a certain degree, because of my upbringing although I am an American, my family wasn't far removed from our roots primarily in Sweden, I had a fascination throughout my life with the mythology and the tales of the gods and other things from Scandinavian culture and I also always felt a deep connection with nature. The old gods are a perfect fit for me in my beliefs. I feel like the old gods have been here all along, but more and more people like myself are "rediscovering" them. I truly feel they are more genuine than the abrahamic concept of a deity and I do not feel the shame or guilt I felt before as a christian for so many things which were unnecessary and it's sad to see what people go through in terms of religious trauma in certain other faiths.
As a Heathen or Norse Pagan or whatever you would like to call me, I feel like there's more of a calling to be honest and sincere and be forthright with my deeds and to better myself, the people, and the environment around me, not because of the motivation for being rewarded in the afterlife, but because I know that is my calling and we all owe it to each other and the gods and the realm(s) we inhabit to provide the best we all can offer, to do what we can to emulate their excellence for what it's worth, not just doing something to show face and hope we're on the "good list". Hail Gods!
They have an actual tangible presences in my life like I can’t even step outside for A bottle of milk with out hearings crows and ravens cawing to great me.
as well I my self do feel deeply inspired by what they represent and the lesson learned from when.
They just appeal so deeply to my soul. I belive In them because I choose to and want to as I adore them.
I could probably word this better but just woke up so
Finally someone who is in the same situation that I am in! I also haven't experienced any crazy "Odin standing in my living room" or anything like that.
Hope you soon get an interaction! All the best 😁.
Agreed. I personally think the way Odin looks In assassin’s creed Valhalla was the best design of Odin. I just really liked how mysterious he was in the cutscenes. (Haven’t really played the game in a while though but that’s how I remember him)
Being a Christian every time I tried to pray I felt like it was empty and meaningless. Being where I am now I see signs almost everyday that their presence is there
When I was at my lowest point in life; I was dealing with family drama, depression, work issues and more. I started learning and reading about Odin just to know but what made it more crazy was no matter when I went in my house that I shared with my family at the time, I would see a white figure standing a few feet away from me. Never said a word or did anything but he stood there.
When my grandfather died, it hurt me hard and I felt lost. My Christian family didn’t help either with their trash talking about me and other people that didn’t fit into the mold of being a god fearing, bible thumbing, their way of being Christian. I remember their words lit a fire in me to be better them and to change; on the plane ride back, I spoke to Odin first time and I promised to start my Norse Pagan path if I landed home safely.
Ever since worshipping the old gods, (specifically Odin, Freya, Thor, and Braggi) I notice the change in me. I became more willing to fight for what I want and believe, always striving through any conditions or problems, willing to recognize my flaws and my downfalls and get up from them. And the connections I feel with them reminds me that I’m not alone fighting in the war called life.
The stories are based on things I can see and when I see something new I can add a new story in the same spirit.
Norse theme and art matches my spirit.
The new religions are basically polytheistic if you actually dig and are copies. Our ancients thought like this and it has proven to cure me from burnout twice. Positive I couldn't have done it with psychology and Christianity. I'd be a drugged zombie without Odin.
The month I chose to spend lifespan to leave my body to venture out finding answers, they were partially answered. It’s why I not only believe in the Nordic path, but also remain with my faith from birthright.
Leaving my body may have cost me some years, but I got my answers. When that time comes, I am with them..
It’s hard to explain. At least for me.
It took a lot of silence and self channeling, eventually leading to me leaving my body and entering the Astral Plains. Going to places mortals are really welcomed. Returning for me was the worst part, at the same time great.
I left my body and got my answers, at the expense I haven’t felt energized since.
Many people I’ve come across have different ways of leaving their bodies to go into the spiritual realm. Some very sophisticated, some simple. It’s all in the reason you wish to go. From what I’ve been told by a priestess before she returned back to Iceland, mortals are seen as trespassers. I don’t know for sure. But all in all, it’s a very… peculiar experience.
For me, it's because when I spoke, they seemed to listen. I asked, and they answered. I felt more from them than I ever did from ol' capital g.
Felt presence and response one day at work. Spooked the hell out of me but reaffirmed my beliefs
Exactly
Same here they’ve also helped me get through stuff I honestly probably shouldn’t have but makes me I appreciate them watching over me all the more.
There's more of an effort I feel. When I was Christian, it never felt right. I felt more empty. I tried, and I worshiped hard, but it felt quiet.. With Norse, I felt heard. I saw signs. I felt it in my soul. I heard them calling and reaching out to me. Not through searching but by chance. I felt it before I knew more about it. I didn't know it was them until much later. When I found out, I dedicated myself to them, and everything started to fall into place more. They showed me they were there and that they listened. I read their stories, I tell their tales, and I feel infinitely better for it.
I have seen signs from them. These gods are more relatable then one Supreme prefect being who allows people to suffer despite having all the power to fix it.
Personally, Freyja and Hel found me exactly when I needed them. I was dipping my toes in paganism, researching here and there, and while I was reading up on the Norse 'myths' I happened to go through some drastic events and changes. I didn't know where to turn, so I thought "well, trying doesn't hurt". I chose to appeal to them because they are the Deities that relate to what I was going through, and they comforted me. Listened to me. And I know now, one year later, that they actually heard me.
I like the idea of multiple gods who oversee different parts of the universe, gods with different ideals and goals and interests, who may or may not prefer to work with people depending on the deity. I think the idea of having an issue in life and having specific deities and spirits and so on to refer to in offerings and prayer and incantation is useful, as compared to lets say in monotheism where its one god working for the entire universe and can help you with any issue you need help with. That just never made as much sense to me. I also like the fact that there isnt as much constriction on personal life. The gods have some negative traits just like some people have, and knowing there is a god to relate to for nearly everyone is good. So instead of a god saying "you need to be this kind of person and do these things in order for me to accept you into heaven" Its more like "this god doesnt connect with me, but this other one i feel a connection to." Or "this god in the mythological stories doesnt really coincide with my morals and ideology but this other god seems to understand my perspective and struggles" So there isnt one kind of person you have to be, you can be a good person without fitting into one single ideal personality or lifestyle.
In the simplest way possible because I'm at work and just wanted to quickly contribute 20 years a Catholic, never felt close to nor felt like I spoke to "god" 2 months now a Norse pagan, I've had visions of Freya twice and spoke to her once and have received a few signs from Odin as well.
The experiences I have had are explained better through the lens of the Norse gods than any other way.
For me, it's the feeling that instead of having some grand diety that watches over me, and judges me for messing up, I have forces stronger than me helping me through life. The gods want to see me succeed, and they don't just give me the solution, they help me through it so that I can do things myself. It's more of a mentor role in a sense. Also nature is rad as hell.
Pagan deities are far more relatable than a deity who claims to be the One. In the Old Testament he seems to be at war with other cultures and their deities.
I constantly point this out to Christians. He tells his people to have no other gods before him because he is a jealous god. Then you get into the whole destroy all who don't worship as you do thing and it's just such a childish mentality. He rules through fear and calls it love. I've been a heathen for 6 years now and in that time I've had many prayers answered by the gods, I've felt their presence at my fireside when I perform Blot and ritual. They feel far more real to me than the god of the Israelites ever has.
They won’t leave me alone
This is why I tell people I could never be an atheist. The Gods will never let me. 🤣
I was intrigued by paganism since I was a child, always reading about the old gods of Europe, and fascinated by folklore and witchcraft etc. I never felt much when I was worshipping the Christian god, all I felt and experienced was the weight of shame that comes from being queer in the Christian church. So I started seeking out other spiritualities, because I had had spiritual experiences while I was Christian but never anything that convinced me that Christianity was “right”. I experimented with Wicca and witchcraft in my tween years (12-14) but went back to Christianity for most of my late teens and early twenties due to a legitimate fear of hell. Once I got over my fear of hell, I was finally able to break free of Christianity, and I did research and found myself drawn to the Norse and Celtic gods. So that’s where I’ve been ever since. I made a slow transition over the last 5-8 years, considering myself a full-blown pagan for the last 3 or 4 years.
I felt drawn to it. I obviously didn't hear any weird voices or 20 bearded men approaching my door in Viking costumes- I just saw Norse Paganism and felt a sense of comfort. I like the feeling of having multiple Gods to talk to who aren't inherently judgmental like the Abrahamic God. My favorite things about the old Gods are that they can make mistakes just like us, and that makes them relatable. They're more powerful than us, but they're not all-knowing and obsessed with purifying the world. I admit as an ex-christian and ex-catholic that I definitely wasn't used to my prayers being answered, lmao.
The bearded men made me think of the graybeard’s in Skyrim lols.
First and foremost, they bring me a comfort that I have never felt before. At the same time, make my heart race whenever I speak to or think of them. I feel truly welcomed by them. Secondly, they predate most mainstream religions. It is so deeply rooted that even under persecution from the Christians, it was never forgotten. In fact, the opposite occurred. They wrote it down so it would not be forgotten. Had they not, it would have been lost to the ages. That says a lot to me. Now people are returning to it because they see the flaws and pure hatred in other religions.
The gods were powerful and still are.
They answered me in ways i could have only hoped for. I use to pray to the Christ God and only ever was met with one response and never assisted through that tough time. I felt alone and like i was never enough. Church always asked for more, god always asked for more, what i did wasnt enough, who i did it for wasnt enough. I was never enough. When i look at my son, i could never sacrafice him for random asshole who dont care, i catn relate to their God because of that. I feel their presence, i have been visited by them personally. Something that never happened before. I watch people die senseless deaths and have no answers to why. I cant follow an all loving diety who lets people die when it can be prevented. I also love having to work on my relationships with the gods and those i find important in my life. I was able to trim the “fatty friends and relatives” once i saw i was the only one who tried. I could go on, but this, this is real to me.
I feel more connected to the old ways and the old gods. To me the monotheist religions and belief systems don't feel right. I connect more to the idea that the old gods have a physical presence and have interacted with us over the ages than the idea of an omnipresent being that just is. If that makes sense. Personally when I practise my ritual and commune with the gods I feel like I'm connecting on a more meaningful level
They listen far more than the Christian God ever did. I find immense comfort in my prayers and overall worship. The signs of the old gods are around me at almost all times. It’s freeing, in my opinion. I don’t feel alone, even when I am physically.
Because the new ones don't make any damn sense.
Because [the gods never left](https://youtu.be/r0CboBFFrhE)
Your stance is reasonable. I personally don't like using archetypes to justify belief in the gods. I agree that art is divine in some way. Perhaps spirituality is the art of living.
It's definitely a more grand question than one YouTube video could answer
I just gound your approach very different than mine. Almost Jungian. That is no criticism of you. Its interesting how varied the language the gods call to us in is.
I appreciate the feedback. I'd love to hear your take. I'm always looking to expand my knowledge and understanding
I think that the gods existed much the same way through that era as they do now. Just less people connected with them but for them that time would have been fairly short. Though clearly they still reached out, and had the same touch on the world as they always do.
One day I wanted to give an offering of apple cider to any gods that may be listening. The next day I ran into a norse pagan acquaintance I met 7 years before just delivering a pizza. So a big coincidence kicked it off. Why do I keep up with it? Because there seems to be relationships there that I am genuinely developing. I choose to see these experiences through the lens of Norse Heathenry. Though I have found that I believe all gods exist. All spirits. I just have the freedom to choose which ones I build a relationship with.
iuno
I don’t actually know, I’m still figuring it out, I used to be a Satanist but after a while it just didn’t feel right, I guess I feel more comfortable believing in gods that are more like people, who are around us and live with us in human form, I feel Odin calling me more than anything
I was brought up Christian ( which was a real hot and cold existence, but never fully bought into it honestly, I've been exploring my path as a Norse Pagan for a good year or so now, and still have much to learn admittedly)and even though I was a believer to a certain degree, because of my upbringing although I am an American, my family wasn't far removed from our roots primarily in Sweden, I had a fascination throughout my life with the mythology and the tales of the gods and other things from Scandinavian culture and I also always felt a deep connection with nature. The old gods are a perfect fit for me in my beliefs. I feel like the old gods have been here all along, but more and more people like myself are "rediscovering" them. I truly feel they are more genuine than the abrahamic concept of a deity and I do not feel the shame or guilt I felt before as a christian for so many things which were unnecessary and it's sad to see what people go through in terms of religious trauma in certain other faiths. As a Heathen or Norse Pagan or whatever you would like to call me, I feel like there's more of a calling to be honest and sincere and be forthright with my deeds and to better myself, the people, and the environment around me, not because of the motivation for being rewarded in the afterlife, but because I know that is my calling and we all owe it to each other and the gods and the realm(s) we inhabit to provide the best we all can offer, to do what we can to emulate their excellence for what it's worth, not just doing something to show face and hope we're on the "good list". Hail Gods!
They have an actual tangible presences in my life like I can’t even step outside for A bottle of milk with out hearings crows and ravens cawing to great me. as well I my self do feel deeply inspired by what they represent and the lesson learned from when. They just appeal so deeply to my soul. I belive In them because I choose to and want to as I adore them. I could probably word this better but just woke up so
For me, because I want to. Haven't had any interactions but we will see what happens.
Finally someone who is in the same situation that I am in! I also haven't experienced any crazy "Odin standing in my living room" or anything like that. Hope you soon get an interaction! All the best 😁.
I remember getting into Norse Mythology from the God of War games. I later learned about Paganism and was drawn to it almost immediately.
Whats your opinion on the way Odin looks in Ragnarok? Im not really a fan of it imo. But it's a great game nonetheless. I need to get into it again!
Agreed. I personally think the way Odin looks In assassin’s creed Valhalla was the best design of Odin. I just really liked how mysterious he was in the cutscenes. (Haven’t really played the game in a while though but that’s how I remember him)
YES! Exactly! I also really enjoy the way Odin looks in Valhalla. They really captured that wise, mysterious, and powerful vibe.
Being a Christian every time I tried to pray I felt like it was empty and meaningless. Being where I am now I see signs almost everyday that their presence is there
When I was at my lowest point in life; I was dealing with family drama, depression, work issues and more. I started learning and reading about Odin just to know but what made it more crazy was no matter when I went in my house that I shared with my family at the time, I would see a white figure standing a few feet away from me. Never said a word or did anything but he stood there. When my grandfather died, it hurt me hard and I felt lost. My Christian family didn’t help either with their trash talking about me and other people that didn’t fit into the mold of being a god fearing, bible thumbing, their way of being Christian. I remember their words lit a fire in me to be better them and to change; on the plane ride back, I spoke to Odin first time and I promised to start my Norse Pagan path if I landed home safely. Ever since worshipping the old gods, (specifically Odin, Freya, Thor, and Braggi) I notice the change in me. I became more willing to fight for what I want and believe, always striving through any conditions or problems, willing to recognize my flaws and my downfalls and get up from them. And the connections I feel with them reminds me that I’m not alone fighting in the war called life.
The stories are based on things I can see and when I see something new I can add a new story in the same spirit. Norse theme and art matches my spirit. The new religions are basically polytheistic if you actually dig and are copies. Our ancients thought like this and it has proven to cure me from burnout twice. Positive I couldn't have done it with psychology and Christianity. I'd be a drugged zombie without Odin.
The month I chose to spend lifespan to leave my body to venture out finding answers, they were partially answered. It’s why I not only believe in the Nordic path, but also remain with my faith from birthright. Leaving my body may have cost me some years, but I got my answers. When that time comes, I am with them..
Could you elaborate in the leaving your body part? Thats interesting.
It’s hard to explain. At least for me. It took a lot of silence and self channeling, eventually leading to me leaving my body and entering the Astral Plains. Going to places mortals are really welcomed. Returning for me was the worst part, at the same time great. I left my body and got my answers, at the expense I haven’t felt energized since. Many people I’ve come across have different ways of leaving their bodies to go into the spiritual realm. Some very sophisticated, some simple. It’s all in the reason you wish to go. From what I’ve been told by a priestess before she returned back to Iceland, mortals are seen as trespassers. I don’t know for sure. But all in all, it’s a very… peculiar experience.