28 April 2011

10 Differences & 5 Similarities Between Irminenschaft and Théodish Belief

Much in Irminenschaft is similar to other forms of Heathenry. We certainly have more in common that we do differences! But many people have asked how we differ, so here some thoughts on the matter. This list is certainly not intended to be complete, but is intended as something of a generalized notion.

It should be stated that not all Théodsmen or Théodish tribes believe/practice the same way, so anything described herein is done only to be taken in very general terms.

1.      Irminen see one another as more-or-less equal (although respect is given toward certain offices). Théodish Belief bears a strong, defined social structure similar to the ranks found in a military or police unit.
2.      Irminen work to build personal, individual relationships with our gods. Théodsmen see this as near-impossible unless the individual in question is exceptional. The relationship between the divine and mankind in the Théodish mind is established through the community.
3.      Irminen perceive ourselves as practicing a living, evolving tradition. Théodsmen perceive themselves as reconstructing a long dead religion/culture.
4.      Irminen share immaterial bonds with one another based on common ancestry. Théodsmen share immaterial bonds with one another through tribal unions and hold oaths.
5.      Irminenschaft does not recognize any sacral leader. Théodish Belief bases much of its thought on the assumption that the luck of the gods is transferred to the people through a sacral king.
6.      Irminen see Heathendom as distinct from the neo-pagan movement. Théodsmen consider Heathendom to be only one facet of neo-paganism.
7.      Regarding lore, Irminenschaft recognizes a broad canon with the understanding that many sources may be useful, but that the various sources must all be understood within appropriate contexts. Théodish Belief recognizes a much narrower canon, reading anything written after the Thirteenth Century with suspicion.
8.      Irminen base our overall direction and goals on the assumption that we are conforming to cosmic law (Arm: Rita), that is, fulfilling our individual and group destinies. Théodsmen base their overall direction and goals on efforts to overcome an individual’s destiny (OE: dóm) while family/community is maintained through the concept of “right good will”.
9.      Irminenschaft understands that our culture has evolved over the centuries with the importation of various religious, magical, and political ideologies that have made their stamp on our native Heathenry. Théodish Belief attempts to reconstruct ancient traditions as if the course of history did not have any effects on the Volk.
10.   Irminen bear an attitude of “come to us if you are interested”. Théodsmen actively attend pan-Heathen and pan-pagan events seeking converts.

And now for some similarities:

1.      Irminen recognize an authentically Heathen calendar (based on the records of Charlemagne). Théodsmen also recognize an authentically Heathen calendar (based on the records of Bede).
2.      Both Irminenschaft and Théodish Belief insist on historical accuracy and attested sources, even if we sometimes disagree on the merits of certain source materials.
3.      Both Irminenschaft and Théodish Belief are smaller in number than other Heathenrys allowing for a much more well-defined faith and a more committed community.
4.      While many other Heathenrys are extremely anti-dogmatic, both Irminenschaft and Théodish Belief hold tightly to orthodoxy and orthopraxy.
5.      Both Irminen and Théodsmen have demonstrated a willingness to adjust beliefs and practices to coincide with our learning and discovery.

Next up: Irminenschaft vs. Ásatrú

Anti-Pagan Florida Democrat in Run-Off Election

http://wildhunt.org/blog/2011/04/the-anti-pagan-florida-democrat.html

26 April 2011

10 Differences & 5 Similarities Between Irminenschaft and Odinism

Much in Irminenschaft is similar to other forms of Heathenry. We certainly have more in common that we do differences! But many people have asked how we differ, so here some thoughts on the matter. This list (and the ones to follow comparing Irminenschaft to other Heathenrys) is certainly not intended to be complete, but is intended as something of a generalized notion.

It should be stated that not all Odinists or Odinist organizations believe/practice the same way, so anything described herein is done only in very general terms.

1.      Irminenschaft uses a combination of Old High German and Kalic terminology as a liturgical language. Odinism lacks a liturgical language, preferring to use whatever is the modern tongue spoken locally.
2.      Odinism places a heavy emphasis on the relationship of the individual/community with Odin and Frigga (Wodan and Frija). Irminen honour all the gods and goddesses equally.
3.      Irminenschaft is completely polytheistic, seeing the dynamic relationships between the three clans of gods as intrinsic to the establishment and maintenance of the All. Odinists perceive Odin as something of a godhead, with all the other gods and goddesses manifesting aspects of Odin.
4.      Irminen practice a folk religion carried on by the German people and their descendants. Odinists see their faith as belonging to all Caucasians.
5.      Irminenschaft perceives itself as a religious and cultural movement. Odinism also sees itself as a religious and cultural movement, but also involves itself in questions of economics and politics.
6.      Odinists expect to see a “fall of the West” (Ragnarok) after which they will have the opportunity to rebuild an Odinic-based culture. Irminen do not hold to such a belief. Our notion of Godotuom (MoHG: Götterdämmerung) is perceived in a more mythic sense.
7.      Irminen place a greater emphasis on our altmâgâ (OHG: “ancestors”) and the wihtir (OHG: “beings”; “spirits”) than on the gods. Odinists emphasise the gods and only in recent years have begun to dig more deeply into ancestor worship.
8.      Irminen use an authentic calendar based on the records of Karl der Groß (Charlemagne) to track months and holy tides. Odinists use a reconstructed calendar for the same.
9.      Irminen focus on the gods of the German people (although a few Scandinavian or English deities have been imported into the German tradition). Odinists focus primarily on the gods of Iceland.
10.   Irminenschaft evolved greatly from its roots because of its interplay with Théodish Belief. Odinism evolved greatly from its roots because of its interplay with Ásatrú.

And now for some similarities:

1.      Neither Irminenschaft nor Odinism have a self-perception of practicing a reconstructed religion. Both Heathenrys are planted firmly in the present and keep our eyes on the future.
2.      Both Irminenschaft and Odinism find our roots in the First Reawakening but have been changed significantly by influences brought on by other Heathenrys during the Second Reawakening.
3.      Both Irminenschaft and Odinsim are smaller in number than other Heathenrys allowing for a much more well-defined faith and a more committed community.
4.      Both Irminenschaft and Odinism have been tarred with the racialist and/or neo-nazi brush by most of the uninformed media.
5.      Both Irminen and Odinists have demonstrated a willingness to adjust our beliefs and practices to coincide with our learning and discovery.

Next up: 10 Differences and 5 Similarities Between Irminenschaft and Théodish Belief

24 April 2011

Willkommen!

Welcome to the official blog of the Irminen-Gesellschaft. This blog replaces the blog we used to run at MySpace.

Roots of Irminsûl will report events of interest to Irminen, the actions of the Irminen-Gesellschaft, and news postings of interest to Heathens. It is our hope that this blog will provide a useful and interesting resource for Irminen and other Heathens in the years to come.

Triuwa enti êra!

~~Steve Anthonijsz
     President; Irminen-Gesellschaft