The Nine Nights (Thrimilci)

[The Kilted Heathen]

I meant in regards to Ostara; I went through pretty much every book that I had, and it all confirmed what you were telling me regarding it's non-historicity.

With the vernal equinox, we basically just celebrate and observe the end of Winter and the beginning of Summer. I don't consider this Wiccan (or inspired) at all, as it is an observable event -- as well as my kindred (and other Heathens that I know) not bothering with or needing ceremony ritual or over-reliance on magical fluff. It is modern, I will give you that, but that doesn't necessarily mean Wiccan.

In regards to authenticity, I'm not a proper "Reconstructionist" in that I don't need my faith and worship to be absolutely accurate to the past and what was done a thousand years ago. I don't begrudge others for trying, it's just not something I find necessary. Time and culture has progressed and advanced, and I rather work to move Heathen faith into the modern era, rather than drag my modern life backwards.

 

[Hildeburh]

I meant in regards to Ostara; I went through pretty much every book that I had, and it all confirmed what you were telling me regarding it's non-historicity.

With the vernal equinox, we basically just celebrate and observe the end of Winter and the beginning of Summer. I don't consider this Wiccan (or inspired) at all, as it is an observable event -- as well as my kindred (and other Heathens that I know) not bothering with or needing ceremony ritual or over-reliance on magical fluff. It is modern, I will give you that, but that doesn't necessarily mean Wiccan.

In regards to authenticity, I'm not a proper "Reconstructionist" in that I don't need my faith and worship to be absolutely accurate to the past and what was done a thousand years ago. I don't begrudge others for trying, it's just not something I find necessary. Time and culture has progressed and advanced, and I rather work to move Heathen faith into the modern era, rather than drag my modern life backwards.

That is a common misconception regarding Reconstructionism it is in fact the exact opposite. Reconstructionism is a methodology used to bring a belief system into the modern era by understanding its worldview and applying that worldview to the modern world. The methodology is about respecting our ancestors, the old customs and their worldview. One of the ways this is achievied is to use, as far as possible, a Heathen ritual and cultural template rather than one based on modern generic paganism.

No one wants to bring 100% of historical Heathenry back, there are aspects of their ritual practice and their value system that would be completely inappropriate in today's world, not to mention illegal. Given the paucity of our sources that would not be possible anyway.

This blog by Huggin's Heathen Hof is quite eloquent in explaining Reconstructionism:

Ranting Recon: No, Not ALL Reconstructionists are Idiots... - Huginn's Heathen Hof

By the way I am Frynsidu, I just happen to use a Reconstructionist methodology.