Declaration of the Heathen Troth:
Our Statement of Belief
To become a member of the Heathen faith, a person should take anywhere from a few months to a year to closely study the sacred stories, legends and sagas from our ancestral past. The interested person should put themselves under the guidance of a Redesman, and work with a Kindred or on a one-to-one basis with their adviser, until they feel that they are ready to proceed. Then, a simple statement of belief should be made publically, in the presence of at least two other true-folk or Asatruar, and an oath taken on one of the holy symbols of Heathenry. This is usually followed up with a Blot (a sacrifice) and a Symbel.
Our “Declaration of Faith” or “Declaration of Heathen Troth” is found below; most Asatru kindreds have their own versions of this declaration, reflecting the values and ideas they consider central. Declarations of this kind are professions of faith and loyalty to the Asatru religion and all that it stands for.
“I am of the Heathen Troth; I believe in the Gods and Goddesses of my ancestors, and I proudly identify myself as belonging to the faith of the Heathens.
I believe in the Aesir, the bright Gods and Goddesses of the Allfather’s Company, and the Vanir, the Gods and Goddesses who fill the Land and Unseen worlds with life and vitality. I know that these holy wights exist, and will continue to exist whether or not people believe in them.
I know that the Allfather and his brothers shaped the world in ancient times, and breathed the power of spirit into the first men and women, who were also created by their hands. I know that this world, and all of the worlds, are sacred, filled with sacred power.
I believe in the wights who dwell within the body of Nature, and who can be harmful or helpful to mankind. I accept that my life in this world is one of reciprocal participation with these powers that are seen and unseen. I know that it is my duty to respect the Land, only prudently taking of its many resources, and supporting initiatives to preserve the health of the Land, Sky, and Waters for the good of all.
I believe that Wyrd or Fate is the great power behind all that comes to pass; all of our destinies are woven at our births, and no man lives till eve whom the Fates doom at dawning. Our task when facing the immensity of Fate is to become fully the people we are, and be the best people we can be. We are to endure all of the Fated difficulties of life with courage and perseverance, with no hopes or expectations for reward.
I believe that the Gods are forever enemies of the destructive powers that exist, and that the Gods created human society and the holy concept of “law” for the good of all. I know that my duty as a human being is to join the Gods in holding back and defeating the forces of harm and disorder both inside myself and in society, again for the good of all. A good person never allows the giantish powers of greed, selfishness, and violence inside himself or herself to dominate their own mind and life. I believe that the Nine Noble Virtues are the best guides for any person who wishes to act and live in a noble, wise manner.
I know that self-sacrifice is a divine reality, one that is required of both the Gods and good people for the purpose of maintaining the order of the world- and for creating peace within the person. The Allfather has shown the path to realization and fulfillment in the sacrifice of his self to the greater Self, and in his descent into the depths, where wisdom is found.
I believe that death is a journey into a new world and a new life, where the worthy and the noble live forever in peace and honor. When I die, I shall journey to restful hearths where my ancestors have gone before me. If I am worthy, I will come to gain true wisdom and peace among the blessed dead, or be met with feasting and rest in the depths of Hel, to rise again into the reborn world after the world-doom and world-regeneration.
It may be, if I overcame fear and walked the path of his mysteries in this life, that I will be met with acceptance into the Allfather’s great hall, to sit at his table.
These statements of belief I know and make; I believe them with my mind, accept them fully in my heart, and will give my strength to uphold them.”
Those who are joining the Idavoll Kindred add this further statement of Troth to the above:
“I will join the Idavoll Kindred as a Troth-sworn member of their oath-circle, always considering them as my family and kinsmen. I will support and protect them all in what ways I can, as I know that they will support and protect me in every way they can. I will never speak ill of them, and I will give them loyalty. Before the Gods and on the holy sign of the Hammer and the Oath-ring, I make these oaths: I will uphold the Nine Noble Virtues, believe in the Gods, support and protect my fellow Kindred members, and reverence the Land which is home to us all.
Should I break these oaths, I will be cast from the fellowship of Idavoll as an Oath-breaker. May the wights of this place and the Holy Kindreds witness this.”