Asatru is an expression of the native, pre-Christian spirituality of Europe. More specifically, it is the religion by which the Ethnic European Folk have traditionally related to the Divine and to the world around them. From Iceland to Russia, from the frozen north of Scandinavia to the Mediterranean, the Ethnic European Folk wandered and settled over a span of thousands of years. Today, their descendants are spread around the world. We may refer to ourselves by our country of birth, but behind these labels lurks an older, more essential identity. Our forefathers were the many tribes of Europe – and, as sons and daughters of these peoples, we are united by ties of blood and culture undimmed by the centuries. Asatru is our native religion. It gave our ancestors comfort in the millennia past, and it can give us strength and inspiration today. Since the ancient Scandinavian version of our religion is the best documented, it has given us much of Asatru’s terminology and imagery. The soul of Asatru, however, is not confined to the Scandinavian model but encapsulates the belief of all the Ethnic European Folk. Indeed, Asatru reflects the deeper religiosity common to virtually all the nations of Europe. The Asatru Folk Assembly was formed by Stephen McNallen in 1995 as a successor to the Asatru Free Assembly, which dominated the Asatru scene in the United States from its inception in the 1970s until its dissolution in 1986. Since its inception, the AFA has been the premier force in the development and practice of Asatru. The AFA is committed, today and every day, to building strong and lasting communities and families, embracing traditional values, and venerating our holy Gods. If you are a traditionally-minded son or daughter of Europe… If you agree with our Declaration of Purpose… If you want to be part of a growing church dedicated to OUR Gods and OUR Folk… We invite you to join our AFA family. Welcome home!
