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Ninive · 36-40, F
I think Vikings were more open minded, accepting and more connected with the nature . It gives somehow more sense if you look at it. I don't like to compare their religion to other religions. But that is because I personally don't love religions. I just love the culture and their legends and art.
But everytime I read about the christianization of Scandinavia it just make me really sad.
But everytime I read about the christianization of Scandinavia it just make me really sad.
RemovedUsername8862 · 26-30, M
Speaking as a former Christian turned pagan, I really enjoy the Norse and Celt approach to divinity - the gods were shaped in our image and after our personalities, and included both the best and worst of humankind, all our strengths and foibles. The gods were human and relatable in a way that the Abrahamic God isn't.
You must be an Aryan Brother because that is the only group that I know of that takes Odin serious.
Do you sport a shamrock tattoo?
Do you sport a shamrock tattoo?
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RemovedUsername8862 · 26-30, M
@SomeLikeItHot I guess from the theological root, the idea is that a sacrifice of a living being displays the seriousness of the worshiper, as traditionally the sacrifice would be of a valued warhorse or ox, or a slave. This also doubles with the idea of simply giving things to the gods in question to make them more inclined towards you - this practice was common with Old Testament Hebrews as well, who reference burnt offerings of cattle and sheep.
In my worship, the blood I spill represents my devotion to my gods, and my desire for them to bend an ear to my entreaties, as well as a possible down-payment on their services. Further, as the Morrigan is most commonly associated with those fallen on the battlefield, and she is my primary deity, it seems like a worthy way of paying tribute to her - at least in part, as I tend to offer three libations to her: As she is triune in nature, representing fate, sovereignty, and death and rebirth through conflict, I pour on her alter my semen, strong spirits, and my blood - seed, mead, and blood.
It's pretty symbolic, really, but it ties to the same idea behind the Christian explanation of the forgiveness of sin being purchased through the sacrifice of Yeshua ben-Yoseph.
In my worship, the blood I spill represents my devotion to my gods, and my desire for them to bend an ear to my entreaties, as well as a possible down-payment on their services. Further, as the Morrigan is most commonly associated with those fallen on the battlefield, and she is my primary deity, it seems like a worthy way of paying tribute to her - at least in part, as I tend to offer three libations to her: As she is triune in nature, representing fate, sovereignty, and death and rebirth through conflict, I pour on her alter my semen, strong spirits, and my blood - seed, mead, and blood.
It's pretty symbolic, really, but it ties to the same idea behind the Christian explanation of the forgiveness of sin being purchased through the sacrifice of Yeshua ben-Yoseph.
@RemovedUsername8862
The sacrifice of animals did point to the Messiah for the Hebrews. It underlined the cost of sin and was used on the Day of Atonement. I was curious if the sacrifice was tied to other traditions.
I do appreciate the sincerity of your replay.
The sacrifice of animals did point to the Messiah for the Hebrews. It underlined the cost of sin and was used on the Day of Atonement. I was curious if the sacrifice was tied to other traditions.
I do appreciate the sincerity of your replay.
RemovedUsername8862 · 26-30, M
ArnoldJRimmer · 56-60, M
What I appreciate is that "prayer" for a christian, Jew or Muslim is like begging a slaveholder for something. For the Pagan, it was a bargain struck. The god was just as obliged to stick to the bargain as the mortal man was.
RemovedUsername8862 · 26-30, M
@ArnoldJRimmer I don't know - I offer sacrifices to the two gods I worship (The Morrigan and Tyr), but I don't feel much like it's a bargain struck, if only because there hasn't been any negotiation. I haven't received any hint as to what these gods want, if in truth they want anything from me. Instead, I think of my sacrifice and my prayers to them as a just due delivered.
Mind you, I wouldn't object if Tyr felt the need to reveal the honorable path to my eyes always, or if the Morrigan felt willing to ride my soul into Tir na Nohg, but I don't think that my pitiful sacrifices entail such a constraint upon them.
Mind you, I wouldn't object if Tyr felt the need to reveal the honorable path to my eyes always, or if the Morrigan felt willing to ride my soul into Tir na Nohg, but I don't think that my pitiful sacrifices entail such a constraint upon them.