symbol

This protective amulet so famous in the Scandinavian countries, and also found in other parts of the world, comes from Scandinavian mythology.

According to the legends Norse, Thor was the god of the storm, eldest son of Odin, king of the gods, and Jord, the earth goddess.

From small noted for their strength and size, but with a good heart, was stubborn and irascible. His rage was dreadful and deadly hatred, but despite his character always helped who asked him if his intentions were noble. He traveled in a chariot drawn by two goats across the sky.

 His father had built for him a magic hammer called Mjolnir, which was indestructible and had the property back as a boomerang after being used, so that never strayed and magically returned to their hands after having accomplished his mission.

 No living being could hold unless it was worth. Thor channeled ability to control the elements of the storm, was allowed to open doors and become three-dimensional human form, giving also the power to fly. Thor, armed with this powerful, became a great warrior. He was the protector god. And Mjolnir in Thor's hands, became one of the most powerful and destructive weapons in the universe. He was considered a protector of human god.  and became so popular that appears in many names and placesThey used to call upon for protection, get healthy, improve yields and achieve justice. At a time when there was peace, the hammer was used to solemnize marriages and became the protective symbol of married couples.

Characters

Dan Halloran is a Republican politician member of the New York City Council. Dan was also supported by various parties as a candidate for election to the city council in 2009, representing the 19th district in Queens and elected November 3, 2009. Will continue in office until December 2014.
Halloran's religion became an issue during the campaign after it was revealed that he was a supporter of Asatru.
He describes his group as a cultural, religious and martial; dedicated to reviving the folklore of the Nordic peoples of northern Europe.

Worship and prayer

The Asatru ceremonies are basically three points:
1.Blót celebration or ceremony.
2.Celebration of feast, usually a dinner.
3.Representation of traditions and folklore.

 BLÓTS: is the consecration of where they officiate the ceremony, then will perform three traditional libations and offerings. Participants are placed in circular position, which is passed with the libation bowl. The first toast is dedicated to the gods, the second to the Elves and Disar, and the third family Ancestors. The most common container in this ceremony is a drinking horn or some sort of chalice. According to the practice of this ceremony, only the one with the container can go and talk to the gods, and the others must wait their turn.

 SACRED PLACES

 In Asatru religion, sacred places, are usually natural places. Asatru spirituality find these places as the most suitable to find a communion between the gods and humans.

 The appropriate places to hold any ceremony are:

1. Hörg:: This would be a mound of stones or megalithic sites.
2. Stafgardr: Its meaning is complex. It is considered Gardr those spaces surrounded by hazel wood sticks.
3. Hof: This would be a building, room or building space. In ancient times referred to a community farm.
4. Vé: Considered a sacred forest, rivers, lakes and wildlife sanctuaries.

Geographic location

Currently, Asatru has fans in nearly all European countries, the United States and the rest of the Americas, with Costa Rica, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia and Chile Latin American countries with more Ásatrúar, although there are also communities in Brazil, Venezuela and Peru. There are Ásatrús in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Turkey, Azerbaijan and India. In some countries, politicians have been publicly Ásatrúar.

Gods

Origin and development

The first peoples who followed this religion were the Normans and Vikings, which brought their traditions, customs and ancient beliefs to Christian countries.

Ásatrú is a reconstruction of the ancient cult of the Germanic peoples.

 There are certain agreed concepts in the Asatru religion:

     -Life is good and should be lived with courage and joy.

     -You can directly contact the Aessir and Vanir gods. The relationship between the gods and men is of brotherhood and harmony, and not of subjugation and slavery.

     - Each individual is responsible for their actions; What we do comes back to us.

     - Cult and sympathy for nature.

     - Men are connected to their ancestors, and at the same time will be part of their descendants.

Ásatrú is a religion whose source of spirituality is found in nature. Many of the names of the gods have origin in natural phenomena. Therefore, the place of most common spiritual among the Asatrus are groves sanctuaries, rivers, lakes and landscapes.

Festivities represent seasonal changes. All its symbols and ceremonies are a natural representation.

The Asatrus understand that human beings were created by Odin and Hoenir, Lodhur. They found two tree trunks called (oak) Askr and Embla ("Elm") without appearance, uninspired, without movement, without health or soul. The three gods gave them these gifts, and the man born Askr and Embla first woman.

Ásatrú is a religion officially recognized by Iceland, Norway, Denmark, Sweden and Spain. The Government of the United States does not support or officially recognized no religious group, but numerous ásatrú groups have achieved the category of religious organizations.

Currently, Asatru has followers in almost all European countries, the United States and the rest of the Americas. There are also Asatrus in Australia, New Zealand, Israel, Turkey, Azerbaijan and India.