Tradition Building: The Power of Honoring the Dead

This column is about tradition building. In interviewing contemporary Pagans, and writing about contemporary Heathenry, I am looking at the ways in which we are slowly but surely redefining our world of faith.  It is all about the slow, painstaking restoration of Pagan and Heathen religions and practices that were long ago thought consigned to a history determined by monotheistic dominance. So long as our ancestors exist however, those traditions are not lost. So long as our Gods grant us the favor of Their blessings and presence, we will not be silenced.

Now, go honor your dead.

* That dishonor lies only with the first generation or two to convert. Our recent ancestors grew up in homes that had been monotheistic for generations. There is no dishonor for them in that they practiced the religion of their families, the religion of their birth. Many may even have established deep devotional ties to the Gods of their birth religions. That is fine. Honor them.

12/1/2010 5:00:00 AM
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  • Galina Krasskova
    About Galina Krasskova
    The author of several books on the Northern Tradition, Galina Krasskova is a Heathen priest, shaman, and devotee of Odin. She blogs at Gangleri's Grove.