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Wicca, Asatru, and Wotanism
By Jessica Nachtmann
I wanted to write about the differences between Wicca,
Asatru and Wotanism in an attempt to clarify some misconceptions I've seen
regarding Wotanism and what makes it different from Wicca and Asatru. This
article is obviously written to someone new to Wotanism but I feel it's
beneficial to all to consider as we aim to spread truth to those who want to
hear it. Many people tend to confuse Asatru and Wotanism and even all three
religions together. They have important differences that do need to be
clarified and understood by those who share an interest in them. I make no
claim to be a self-appointed expert on the topic but I feel this information is
basic and anyone with basic knowledge of all three religious paths would agree
with this article and those who don't know to form an opinion of their own.
Wicca
Wicca is a broad universal pagan religion with multiple
paths and Wiccans also usually identify themselves as Witches (female Wiccan)
or Warlocks/Wizards (male Wiccans). Wiccans sometimes choose specific "paths"
of practice. These paths are usually ethnic or indicate if the Wiccan follows a
particular school of Witchcraft. For example some Wiccans can choose to follow
the Celtic Path where Celtic Gods and Goddesses are worshiped and some Wiccans
call themselves "eclectic" Witches/Wizards if they mix and match
their magical belief systems and practice to suit their preferences.
Groups or clans of Wiccans form what they call covens. Wicca
is universal as it has many paths of many different cultures and religions. For
example a Black who practices Houdoo/Voudoo can be as Wiccan as much as a White
who follows neo-Druidism. Anyone can become a Wiccan if they wish to as long as
they abide by the universal creed "Do harm to none." Wicca is largely
practiced by women though men do become Wiccans and many Wiccan paths do focus
on Goddess worship which some Heathens consider to be a more female centric or
a feminist religion. Wiccans are generally very peace loving and are liberal on
views of homosexuality and other issues.
When you think of Wicca, think of a Pagan version of
Judeo-Christianity only more liberal.
Asatru
Asatru is a Heathen religion based on the Norse/Teutonic
pantheon of Gods. It means to be loyal to the gods or belief in the gods. It's
a religion that encourages one to draw strength from their ancestors and unlike
many other religions Heathens whether they are Asatruer or Wotanist accepts the
Gods as their kin.
While Asatru is an ethnic religion more exclusive to those
of Northern European heritage Asatru is becoming more universal like a branch
of Wicca and it has caused an unfortunate adoption of political correctness in
my opinion. Both Asatru and Wotanism alike do not encourage hatred of other
peoples as some have been lead to believe (though Wotanists acknowledge hatred
is a natural emotion to feel when what you love is being threatened) but due to
politics and political correctness, some Asatruers tend to have an defensive
anti-racist outlook and do not always recognize Wotanists as fellow Heathens
and even go as far as to stand against them. Many Asatruars face criticisms
from both those who accuse them of racism and by those who feel that Asatru
attempts to be too politically correct and try to appeal too much to outsiders.
Then again some Asatruars don't seem to place much importance of who can become
a recognized Asatruar in the Asatru community as long as they worship the Gods.
While there is non-universalist or traditional Asatruars they try to remain
neutral but still shy away from those who they feel might carry racialist or
folkish leanings or strong national or political views in fear of being called
a racist.
Something may I remind you the reader, our ancestors would
have probably equated to "You big mean Viking!" and probably had a
good laugh at the person who would call them such a minor insult. Then again
our ancestor's enemies wouldn't have had the courage nor the ability to insult
much since they once feared the wrath of the Northmen not the Northmen fear
them let along their empty insults.
Other then the above issues mentioned Asatru and Wotanism
are very much alike in terms of basic religious practice. Both accept the same
Gods, both believe in the same basic principals and virtues religiously and use
most of the same rituals and celebrate the same holidays.
Asatru unlike Wicca is more exclusive while still can be
fairly universal and is one path instead of many.
Wotanism
Wotanism differs from Asatru in some significant ways. For
example Wotanism in addition to Norse/Teutonic religion is more exclusive not
just too folkish Whites but it is seen as esoteric or only for those who
understand it or are initiated into its more mysterious teachings. It also
differs from Asatru in the sense that it can never be altered to be anything
other than a Heathen religion for White Aryans who wish to delve into the
mysteries of life. In the 88 Precepts it specifically states that any religion
that is universal is false by natural law and doesn't properly serve the ones
who follow it.
7. Religion in its most beneficial form is the symbolism of
a People and their culture. A multiracial religion destroys the senses of
uniqueness, exclusivity and value necessary to the survival of a race.
Wotanism also differs from Asatru in the sense that while
the Norse Gods are the primary deities worshiped that other gods from other
White pre-Christian pantheons such as Greco-Roman, Celtic, Slavic and more can
be worshiped as well. Wotan and other gods and goddesses are seen both as gods
and as archetypes.
It's hard to explain to the average person what Wotanism is
because Wotanism is very complex for the "average Joe/Jane" and
unlike most religions it's not meant for anyone who simply isn't meant for it,
and by initiated I mean someone who discovers Wotanism for themselves and is
inspired to dedicate themselves to learning the ancient mysteries and teachings
it bestows to those worthy. To become a Wotanist one must wish to be
enlightened.
So simply put Wotanism is a mystery school and the religious
aspect is only one level of Wotanism that can only be understood by those it's
called to.
Wotanism isn't for everyone and it's not intended to be and
that's what makes it special and unique and very beneficial to the Wotanist
initiate. The major world religions are universal in order to control and
destroy the others. Heathen and other Pagan religions were known for their rich
cultural diversity that can only be preserved by staying unique to those of
that cultural heritage and should refrain from becoming more like the
monotheistic religions that have aimed to destroy all which was/is great in
this world.
Wotanism is not new but it is a religion for the White Aryan
man or women who wish to learn what the ancients knew about the
body-mind-soul-divine. Those of you that don't know much about Wotanism it will
strike amazing cords within you. It's a path to freedom for those who wish to
be free. Free to think for their selves, to defend oneself from the moral and
spiritual decay of modern society.
Say no to forced universal mono-cultural belief systems
(even those claiming to be polytheistic) that preach "one world, one
people" false doctrines and embrace true diversity through racial
awareness and cultural preservation. Sadly some Pagans assume because something
is branded as Pagan or non-Christian it must be a better alternative than the
mainstream monotheistic religions and their spawn but it's not really all that
different. It's the same thing, with a different name. Don't fall for it.
Religions must be exclusive and have a clear set of core
values or the founding values will be corrupted and the religion will devolve
into just another religion that offers nothing of spiritual value to its
followers.
A religion must encourage its followers to better
themselves, to learn how to think and not what to think. For me that is the
path of All-Father Wotan and his wisdom.
