Asatru Folk Assembly

Asatru Unlimited - Midsummer in the Sierras!

We're almost ready to kick off another Asatru extravaganza, in the form of the AFA's "Midsummer in the Sierras." The list of presentations is impressive.

I've chosen my own topics to highlight issues that I feel need to be urgently addressed within our community. My first talk, on Friday, will be on "Finding the Gods in Nature." In it, I'll refine and expand on recent blog posts on how we can perceive the numinous qualities - the divinity, if you will - of the natural world surrounding us.

My second presentation asserts that we men and women of European heritage are, in fact, a people (or, if you prefer, a family of closely related peoples) and contends that we need to start thinking of ourselves as such. How should we treat each other? How ought we relate to other peoples around the world? Why is this subject taboo?

On Saturday, I will talk about resilient communities. One of the AFA's goals is to create communities across the country and around the world. These will be made up of AFA members and will seek to implement the AFA's Declaration of Purpose. Community can manifest in many forms, from a simple network of people to much more complex forms. I will propose the building of a "resilient community" in the Northern California area.

Finally, on Sunday, I will lecture on "Runes for Transformation."

Stephen Pollington, our special guest from England, will speak to us on "Hall and Hoard: Display and Status in the Meadhall," "Hall and Harrow: Art and Material Culture, a Glimpse into the Iron Age," and "Runes in the Anglo-Saxon Tradition." Those of you who have seen his presentations will understand our enthusiasm for his material!

David James, Asatru elder, will show us more of his work in the form of a study on "Old Worth and New: The Values of the Northern Folk" and an exposition on "Composing Liturgy and Poetry." David has been with the Asatru revival in North America from its inception.

Glen Holstein will present on "Why We Need Our Reawakened Gods: A Brief History of our Folk." Glen has a way of taking complex scholarly concepts and putting them into terms we can all understand. His talk will provide us with context and perspective as we experience the rest of the gathering.

Jim Erikson will share valuable information on preparedness and urban survival for these "interesting times" in which we find ourselves. Jim's knowledge and his engaging sense of humor are legendary. On a complementary note, Bill Shelbrick will instruct us in basic first aid. Bill's a highly-trained medic and former Air Force parachute jumper who will give us some skills for confronting medical emergencies.

All this, and I haven't even touched on the blots, the sumbel, the magnificent meals and all the rest! Midusmmer in the Sierrras...It's going to be unforgettable.

Steve McNallen

Asatru Folk Assembly

http://runestone.org

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