Hail and Welcome!
Welcome to the Wolf Tree Kindred website!
Who we are
We are the Wolf Tree Kindred of Laramie, Wyoming. Our Kindred has been organized since October of 2009, and we officially became incorporated as a church in the State of Wyoming in March of 2011. Since we started this Kindred we have come out into the Pagan community of Laramie & we have received a lot of support. Thank you to everyone who has helped us!
Kindred Offices Chieftain The Chieftain is the leader and facilitator of the Kindred. He or she is responsible for leading the Kindred in the direction the Kindred wishes to go, makes decisions when consensus fails, and organizes the Kindred's assets and meetings. The Chieftain is also responsible for making sure that all needed supplies for Kindred trips and events are available and organized. The Chieftain is also responsible for security at gatherings. Godhi/Gydhia The Godhi/Gydhia is responsible for the spiritual well-being of the Kindred. He or she organizes the group spiritual activities and events and helps the individual members with spiritual guidance when needed. The Godhi/Gydhia also acts as a mediator when necessary to resolve disputes between Kindred members. Lawspeaker The Lawspeaker is the record keeper of Kindred members, and Kindred oaths and activities, the speaker of the Kindred laws, and keeper of the written thew of the Kindred. He or she is also responsible for reciting the Kindred Laws twice a year, and whenever necessary. The Lawspeaker also makes sure all new members know the Kindred Laws and any other laws that are applicable for an event or situation, for instance the Thing. Other Offices At this time, these are the only offices that we have due to the small size of our Kindred. After we achieve a greater population there will be more offices to be filled. Asatru
Heathens by any other name
Heathen is the name that groups all the religions that worship the Northern Gods together. Heathenism is a broad term to describe these different paths as Paganism is used to describe the different non-christian religions under one name. Heathens usually class themselves as Pagans or Neo-pagans also, as Heathenism falls under the broad definition of Paganism because we are non-Abrahamic and polytheistic. We Heathens are also known as Asatru (asa - gods, tru - faith), Asatruar, Odinism, Odinists, Germanic Neo-pagans, Norse or Germanic reconstructionists, and a reconstructionist religion. Heathenry is known as a reconstructionist religion because we base our beliefs, morals, and ethics off of historical and religious texts relevant to our religion and are trying to revive the beliefs and culture of our ancestors based off a foundation of fact and tempered with modern views. What is asatru
by Erich Campbell
The word "Ásatrú" literally translates as "faith in the gods," but it is best described as the modern rebirth of the indigenous, pre-Christian faith of the Nordic/Germanic peoples. It is a polytheistic faith, meaning that it honors a pantheon of numerous gods and goddesses. Many of the names of these gods and goddesses remain part of our modern culture. One example is found in the days of the week, i.e. Wednesday is Woden's (Odin's) Day, Thursday is Thunar's (Thor's ) Day, Friday is either Frigga's Day or Freya's Day (scholars debate which). Ásatrú has been recognized officially in Iceland, but also has a large following throughout Scandinavia and in America, England, Germany, and other countries. Ásatrú is focused on honoring the two families of gods and goddesses, the Æsir and the Vanir, but it also holds a belief in various other land spirits and a reverence of ancestors. Many follow a list of nine virtues, referred to as the Nine Noble Virtues, that have been culled from the Eddas (our primary sources) and the Sagas. These virtues are: Courage, Truth, Honor, Fidelity, Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-reliance, and Perseverance. Ásatrú has a strong emphasis on individual spiritual experience, however, Ásatrú people often form small groups. These groups are variously known as kindreds, hearths, garths, felags, halls, etc. Some have a designated priest or priestess, while others rely on inspired volunteers to lead the celebrations. A priest is referred to as a Goði, a priestess as a Gyðja. There is a great deal of importance placed on the study of the literature, folklore, and history pertaining to the original religious and cultural elements upon which Ásatrú is based. Ásatrú is open to everyone, and there are many different sorts of Ásatrú people. Anyone who wants to become Ásatrú can do so -- regardless of gender, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, language, sexual orientation, or other divisive criteria. Our primary religious celebrations are called Blóts. They are essentially a ritual featuring a votive offering, usually in the form of libation. These Blóts are held at pivotal points during the year, the most important being Yule and Midsummer's Blót. There are various other Blóts that are also celebrated. Sumbels, consisting of rounds of ritual drinking and toasting, are also held occasionally. A typical calendar of celebrations is as follows: Disablót-31 January Ostara-21 March Valpurgis-30 April Midsummer-21 June Freysfest-31 July Haustblót-23 September Winter Nights-31 October Yule-21 December (These holidays are not universal in Asatru) Many other social and cultural events may also be held. Common religious rites outside of the major Blóts include weddings, land-taking, Coming of Age rites, professions, personal Blóts to a patron or matron among the gods and goddesses, Blóts done in time of need, etc |
Events and Groups
Study Group - Saturday 2:00 PM
Study Group Reading Night - Thursdays 6:30 PM
What Heathen really means
Hea' then: haithno [Gothic], hæthen [Anglo-Saxon], heide [German], mistranslation by the Gothic Bishop Ulfilas (4th century c.e.) of hethanos [Armoric], heathen, by association with haithi [Gothic], heath, thence the folk etymology of heathen as 'wasteland dwellers' developed by other Germanic languages. Then, heathen refers to anyone not of the Abrahamic religions, especially a member of a tribe, nation, etc. worshiping many gods. Historically used by Christians to describe others with different beliefs as barbaric, godless, and irreligious. In the modern revival of the pre-Christian religion of Northern Europe, many of us prefer to be called Heathens, although some shudder at the mere hint of so-called negative connotations.
Find Heathens in your area
Here are a few link that may help you find kindreds, groups and/or Heathens in your area. If you can't find a group near you and want one, then start one!
Asatru Alliance - Official Kindreds of the Asatru Alliance Temple of Our Heathen Gods - The Worldwide Map of Asatruars and Heathens The Asatru Fellowship - Kindred Directory The Irminsul Aettir - Asatru Organization and Kindred Pages |
Oathed Members of Wolf Tree Kindred
Amy Bernard - Chieftain
Krista Amunson - Thyle
Bronwyn Thompson - Gydhia
Amber
Justin
Viktyr
Alisha
Kith and Kin
Gypsy Rose
Arwen
Alex
Joshua
Marcus
Christopher
Rich
Joe
Tommy
