For Norse and other northern European pagans...

[Oregon Alley Cat]

How did you get started in practicing your faith? What tangible first steps did you make? I left Christianity slowly over the course of a few years and now am an atheist, more by default than anything else. Feel like there is something missing in my life. I am curious about Norse Paganism (Asatru) but am not exactly sure where to start. Any info would be helpful. Thanks so much.

 

[Iti oj]

Learn about the culture, the pantheon, the philsophies and the practice... incorporate what feels right.

 

[Riverwolf]

Odin called me home, essentially.

Starting is actually not as ubiquitous as the major religions since Asatru isn't a centralized or standardized religion at all; there are hundreds of variations.

Learn the Eddas, learn the sagas, learn the history of the North, but I started with music. TBH, some great music that might help connecting with a Northern-esque spirit is Skyrim's music, both from the game itself and the various fan-remixes and fan-songs(in particular, Legends of the Frost.)

Finally, search out Benjamin Bagby's masterful recitation of Beowulf for a glimpse into our Bardic/Skaldic art.