Why Humanistic Heathenry?
Humanistic Heathenry approaches the traditions, stories, and values of the Heathen worldview as a rich cultural and philosophical inheritance—one that does not require belief in literal gods or supernatural forces to be deeply meaningful. We honor the myths, rituals, and cosmology of the Norse and other Germanic peoples as powerful symbolic frameworks that speak to human experience, resilience, and connection to the natural world.
We see the Nine Worlds, Yggdrasil, and the sagas not as literal geography or historical records, but as mythic maps of the human condition—offering insight into our struggles, aspirations, and relationships with each other and the land we inhabit. Our blóts, sumbels, and seasonal observances are acts of mindfulness and community, grounding us in the turning of the year and the bonds we share with one another.
Even without theistic belief, Heathenry has much to offer a modern, pluralistic world: a vision of life woven into an interdependent web; a deep reverence for ancestors and cultural heritage; an ethic of reciprocity, hospitality, and honor; and rituals that bind communities together in shared meaning. By engaging with this tradition in a humanistic way, we preserve its beauty, wisdom, and vitality—ensuring it remains a living path that speaks to hearts and minds in our time.
Why “The Way of Ash and Elm”?
- Mythic resonance without supernatural claims – Ash (Yggdrasil) and Elm (embla) are the trees from which the first humans in Norse myth were formed, but you don’t have to take that literally to appreciate them as poetic symbols of human origins, growth, and connection. The trees, therefore, reinforce the humanistic approach the Heathenry.
- Nature-centered symbolism – Trees evoke life, ecology, and rootedness, which fits well with humanistic paganism’s emphasis on the natural world.
- Inclusive tone – “The Way” suggests a path or philosophy rather than a dogma, making it open to people who interpret myth symbolically or metaphorically.
- Duality and balance – Ash and elm together reflect complementary principles (often seen as masculine/feminine in the myths, but also adaptable to other humanistic interpretations).
What Are Some Possible Objections from Atheists?
1. “You’re still clinging to religion.”
Response: We see Heathenry as a cultural and philosophical tradition, not a supernatural belief system. Just as one can value Greek philosophy or Confucian ethics without believing in their gods, we value Heathenry’s wisdom and community practices as a living heritage.
2. “It looks like superstition.”
Response: Our rituals are symbolic acts, much like lighting candles at a memorial or observing national holidays. They’re not performed to influence supernatural forces, but to build meaning, strengthen community, and deepen our connection to nature.
3. “Why not just be secular?”
Response: We are secular, but we’ve chosen to draw on a specific cultural tradition because it offers a rich symbolic language, seasonal rhythms, and tested community practices. This gives depth and continuity that generic secularism doesn’t always provide.
4. “It could mislead outsiders.”
Response: We are transparent about our approach—our literature and introductions clearly explain that we are non-theistic. We believe honesty and clarity are essential to prevent misunderstanding.
What Are Some Possible Objections from Polytheistic Heathens?
1. “You’re rejecting the gods.”
Response: We honor the gods as powerful symbols and archetypes that carry deep cultural meaning. While our approach is non-theistic, we still treat these figures with respect, much like how some Buddhists honor deities without literal belief.
2. “It’s cultural appropriation or distortion.”
Response: We see ourselves as participants in the broader Heathen tradition, drawing respectfully on the same historical sources and modern scholarship as polytheistic Heathens. We’re transparent about our perspective so as not to misrepresent polytheistic practice.
3. “You’re undermining the sacred.”
Response: For us, “sacred” doesn’t require supernatural belief—it means deeply valued and worthy of care. We treat rituals, symbols, and traditions as sacred in the sense of being meaningful and binding for our community.
4. “You’re not really Heathen.”
Response: Heathenry is a broad umbrella with diverse interpretations. Our approach is one part of that diversity, focused on the cultural, ethical, and symbolic aspects of the tradition. We honor those who take a theistic approach, even if we differ in belief.
5. “It invites confusion in the community.”
Response: We clearly identify as Humanistic Heathens in all public materials, so people understand our specific perspective. We aim to contribute positively to the wider Heathen community through cooperation and mutual respect.
How Does Your Practice Differ From Traditional Heathenry?
Here’s a clear comparison of practical differences between a Humanistic Heathenry inspired by atheopaganism and traditional polytheistic Heathenry, with an emphasis on how ritual, language, and mindset might shift.
- Terminology Changes
- Instead of “altar,” using terms like “focus” or “ritual table” to emphasize the symbolic and meditative purpose rather than a space for offerings to literal beings.
- Replacing “sacrifice” with terms like “symbolic gift” or “act of honor” to avoid implications of supernatural transaction.
- Instead of “altar,” using terms like “focus” or “ritual table” to emphasize the symbolic and meditative purpose rather than a space for offerings to literal beings.
- Nature of Offerings
- In polytheistic Heathenry, offerings are made to please or honor real gods, spirits, or ancestors.
- In humanistic practice, offerings are symbolic acts—food, flowers, or crafted items are offered as personal reminders of values, commitments, or seasonal changes.
- In polytheistic Heathenry, offerings are made to please or honor real gods, spirits, or ancestors.
- Invocation vs. Dedication
- Polytheists might invoke Odin, Freyja, or landvættir as present beings.
- Humanistic Heathens might dedicate the ritual to the symbolic qualities those figures represent (e.g., “calling on Odin” as invoking wisdom and curiosity rather than a literal deity).
- Polytheists might invoke Odin, Freyja, or landvættir as present beings.
- Myth as Metaphor
- Polytheists often tell myths as stories about real divine figures.
- Humanistic Heathens retell myths as allegories about human nature, the cycles of life, and moral lessons—openly framing them as metaphor.
- Polytheists often tell myths as stories about real divine figures.
- Focus on Human Agency
- Traditional Heathenry may include petitions or prayers for divine aid.
- Humanistic practice emphasizes personal responsibility—rituals might include statements of intent, goal-setting, or community pledges instead of asking gods for intervention.
- Traditional Heathenry may include petitions or prayers for divine aid.
- Seasonal Cycles as Natural Events
- Seasonal rituals in polytheistic practice may include honoring deities tied to the season.
- In humanistic practice, the same festivals mark ecological and astronomical events, celebrating sunlight, harvest, or snowfall as natural phenomena that inspire myth.
- Seasonal rituals in polytheistic practice may include honoring deities tied to the season.
- Sacredness Defined Broadly
- Polytheists may define sacredness as connected to divine presence.
- Humanistic Heathens define sacredness as that which holds deep meaning, often tied to culture, community, and the natural world rather than the supernatural.
- Polytheists may define sacredness as connected to divine presence.
- Ancestor Veneration
- In polytheistic Heathenry, ancestors may be honored as present spirits.
- Humanistic Heathens honor ancestors as sources of heritage and example, using stories and remembrance to keep their influence alive in the human sense.
- In polytheistic Heathenry, ancestors may be honored as present spirits.
- Ritual Tools
- Tools like the horn, hammer, or blot bowl are still used, but their function is symbolic, representing values (strength, hospitality, community) rather than serving as conduits for divine power.
- Tools like the horn, hammer, or blot bowl are still used, but their function is symbolic, representing values (strength, hospitality, community) rather than serving as conduits for divine power.
- Public Communication
- Humanistic Heathens are explicit in explaining their non-theistic approach when engaging with outsiders or new members, to avoid confusion with polytheistic belief systems.
The Way of Ash and Elm 