ASATRU DOG TAGS

 

 Arnhodi Ullersson of Hildulf Kindred, aka Sgt. Shane Johnson, stationed at Fort Rucker, Alabama, now carries military identification tags (dog tags) that indicate his religion as "ASATRU." In the past Norse Heathens or Asatru soldiers, airmen, and sailors could only indicate "NO REL PREF" (no religious preference) as their their religion on their dog tags.

Recently the military expanded the types of religions stamped on the dog tags to include "WICCA" and "SATANIST," but Asatru was not considered a legitimate religion. This changed when Arnhodi Ullersson requested that his dog tags indicate his religion as Asatru. He was required to show proof that Asatru was a legitimate religion. Arnhodi provided them with a whole stack of documentation on Asatru organizations in the US. His request was granted and his dog tags were stamped with "ASATRU."

Hopefully, this will set a precedent for other Asatru and Norse Heathen military personnel to change their dog tags to reflect their true religious beliefs.

http://voiceofthevalkyrie.blogspot.com/2004_11_01_archive.html

 

 

Posted by our friend Yngona on her blog 09/05/2006 

Hildulf Kindred Moot

"Meine mann and I spent Thursday evening with our daughter, son-in-law, granddaughter, and new grandson. Finding our way home after midnight, we managed a few hours of sleep before we were on the road, heading to Florida for Hildulf Kindred’s first ever moot.

We arrived at Florida Caverns State Park around 3:30pm and were delighted by the seclusion, nature, and pet camping. We were warmly greeted by Skjoldulf and his wife Beverly, Chieftain and Lady of Hildulf Kindred; then went about settling in for the weekend.

Allen arrived at our site, always a hug for this man; we were the first Heathens he met when he attended Lunch and Lore several years ago. I opened a bottle of my ‘special’ mead, one brewer to the other – a Black Cherry Melomel – to share with him.

Other folk soon arrived: Sara, Gator and Casey, then Lisa. Wiglaf shared our campsite, initially, but came alone – his wife and boys had a previous event planned.

Everte Farnell arrived, Chieftain of Osprey Bay Kindred – the Successful Barbarian himself – and promptly started setting-up his tent space. It would be later that two of his warband would arrive: Seth and CJ.

Gunnolfr was there – another that I have a growing allegiance with. I admire his efforts in rekindling Germanic warrior skills – in many ways reminding me of my own efforts in seidhr. Gunnolfr introduced me to one of their new folk, Thorulf; a fine and talented Irish man with a ready smile and quick wit.

As twilight fell, Beverly delighted us all with a hot spaghetti dinner, with lots of Parmesan cheese and garlic bread. The perfect meal after a long journey and setting-up camp!

Later that evening, meine mann and I sat at Sara and Gator’s fire, with Casey and Lisa. We exchanged good cigars and passed several bottles of mead (both mine and Sara’s). Allen and his homemade beer joined us, and Lisa opened a bottle of Juniper Metheglin. Thorolf also found his way to our fire and finished out the evening with us.

Saturday morning’s breakfast was hearty: multi-meat burritos, buffet style, build your own! Once again, Beverly showed herself to be the Lady of Hildulf Kindred (certainly capable of feeding a Heathen horde).

More folk arrived - including my Sister Rachel and Niece Morgan - so everyone helped everyone else establish their campsites. It was a relaxing day, perfect for long conversations over tent and fire building, wandering from one fire to the next, enjoying laughter and cold drink, sharing stories and renewing ties.

I brought all our dogs together: Fred, Lilka and Leda, so they would be close enough to mingle and play. Also close enough that they were always close to all of us. They too had their fair share of Beverly’s good cooking, as I gathered up leftovers for them; everyone pitching in scraps here and there so that our beloved pets were certainly spoiled that weekend!

Sunday started with another great breakfast, more mingling at campfires, then Gunnolfr’s lecture on Somafera and Wod building. I particularly enjoyed his class because, easily, 98% of what he related about berserker energy ties-in with seidhr. In the few months of knowing Gunnolfr I have realized him to be a good man and sincere Heathen, dedicated to the berserker and warrior paths. He has applied scholarly research with personal practice to present an ever-expanding picture of Wod and its applications – both historically and now. As a competitive integrated fighter he applies this theories in a way few ever dream of - for the benefit of us, sitting and absorbing the wealth of this experience thus far. All total, his presentation was informative and well received, generating many related topics that excited all attendees.

Later that day, I gave my lecture on Hoher Muot; an outline of ‘High Mindedness’ that I collected and organized from Dr. George Jones’ work, and presented in a cohesive form.This was the hottest day, so most of us wandered to creek side.

The park has a natural cold spring that has a beautiful turquoise color that felt wonderfully cool to the skin. It was a great opportunity to swim, shake the heat off, laugh, play with the kids, and do cannonballs off the dock.

After a true Heathen feast, we prepared for samal. Beneath a shade tent converted to a Hof, we hung our banners, passed the horn, spoke true words, exchanged gifts, and drew closer in our vinskapr and allegiance.

Meine mann and Seth closed that samal – long after the formal rounds were finished – and long after the last die-hards wandered back to their tents .. those two talked until early morning.

Sunday brought another day of good cheer, good food and good drink. More moving from one fire to the next, more cigars and laughter – a better weekend couldn’t have been had anywhere else.

Later that night Gunnolfr organized a Wod building ritual that led into a Wodan’s Blot. CJ led the Wod building and all there felt the powerful rush of frenzy as it encircled and descended, filling us with a power fury. Once we were settled down, folk joined us to honor Wodan. Solemn words spoken, vows made, an effigy burnt - it was a very good evening!

The last day always comes too fast, when the realization sets in, that our time together must end. As we all offered a hand building tents, we all did the same helping our vinr pack for the return trip. Even after we were packed, many of our vehicles parked one behind the other, we lingered still, no one wanting to be the first to leave.

Hildulf Kindred did an excellent job. They showed what a single kindred can accomplish by pulling together; and in doing so, not only fulfilled a Boast made at Florida Moot earlier in the year, but hosted a great moot that will be remembered for many years to come."

Moot Deliberately!
Yngona

 

 

"I wanted to extend a genuine thanks to the Wolfskins, who are the honor guard of the Hildulf Kindred, and have traveled from other States, entirely at their own expense, to keep our Community safe for both Pagan Pride Day Events in Biloxi. You Guys embody the very moral fiber of Pagan Pride… there aren’t enough words to thank you all for your commitment to the Pagan Community of the Gulf Coast! We are honored at your presence at Biloxi Pagan Pride Day!"