Nov
Where It Counts!
One of my favorite techniques is to offer learning materials in a clear, concise and practical manner. I feel that adding “filler” just to thicken a text is counterproductive. A reader should not have to wade through heaps of extraneous materials in order to get to the facts. A clear, brief and practical text is valuable because it gets people to actually work with the material much sooner. Magick, Runes, divination and tradition are best developed by doing. The reading part should lead to practical work.
I emphasize this in my attitude toward Heathenism and its esoteric aspects. Rites, blots, study and classes are not the main goal. They should be a side show to the main event. At best, they are preparation on a small scale. The main event is what you do when you go out the door in the morning. What matters most is what you do in your everyday life out there in the real world. It is easy to be devoted and spiritual when you are at a blot or having a meeting with fellow Heathens. That is a protected environment, so to speak. Try living it in the real world all day, every day, because that is where it counts.
Reading a lot of books is nice and cozy. There are textbook Heathens who read all the time and manage to memorize many things. As far as I am concerned, they missed the point. Heathenism is not a book club. It is not a game of quoting books. Heathenism is a way of life that focuses on doing.
This world we like to call “Midgard” is where we live today. It is not a place to test us or a crucible to prepare us for the afterlife. Midgard is where we live and act and do things. That includes you. This world is a place for you to do things. These need not be great things or altruistic actions. You are not out there to make a statement. Your place is to live your life. That is what Heathenism is all about. Living includes both the work and the leisure. Dining, dancing, playing ball, going to the hockey game, doing your hobby, growing a garden, and having sex are among the many things you can enjoy doing. For us, enjoyment is part of living.
Walk proudly into the everyday world. When you go out the door in the morning, bring your Heathenism with you. Study is nice, but it only has value when you can turn your lessons into productive action. The everyday world is your world, so go out there and live.
And remember that when it comes to an afterlife, it is just a continuation of your present life in another place. By living effectively today, you assure that you will live effectively in the next life and the next.
