Everyone has to start from somewhere, and this essay was written in mind for those who are new to the idea of Vanatru and feel it is right for them.

Most people will tell you if you are new to a religious system, to read the source material.  If you are working with historical Deities, it does make sense to look at what was written of Their mythology and how They were worshipped.  However,  there is not much in the lore pertaining to the Vanir: there are mentions of the Vanir in the Ynglinga Saga (Aesir-Vanir war and truce), Viga-Glum's Saga ("the wrath of Frey!"), the Saga of Heithrek and Hervor (King Heithrek was a devotee of Frey), the Sorla Þattur (the story of Freya's Brisingamen), Hyndluljod (Freya taking Ottar to Hyndla), Skirnirsmal (Frey's lovesickness for Gerda), and the portions of the Prose Edda dealing with Njord's marriage to Skadhi, and the other account of Frey winning Gerda which also discusses (briefly) His slaying of Beli.  There are examples of worship of Frey in the Sagas, such as Gisla Saga (mentions Thorgrim, a priest of Frey), the Saga of Hrafnkell Freysgodhi (a priest who kills someone for riding a horse dedicated to Frey), and Gunnar Helming's Saga (Frey-in-a-wain v. Gunnar Helming), but these are few and far between, and the Sagas are hardly the best example of human behaviour.  Finally, there are occasional mentions from historians such as Tacitus, who mention the procession of Nerthus in a wain.  Reading these historical texts can be somewhat important to get a background reference, but what is mentioned of the Vanir is scanty compared to Aesic Deities like Odin and Thor, and seems to be written from a heavily Aesic bias.  And ultimately religion cannot be experienced through a book - it has to be lived.

This means actually making an effort to connect with the Gods involved.  Offering food and drink is a show of hospitality to the Gods; the Vanir seem to favour fish and pork, home-baked bread, berries, and root vegetables.  You can share a meal and some quiet contemplative time in your home, and make your home welcoming to Them in some way. However, as the Vanir are the Powers of Nature, the best place to commune with Them is in Their element.  It is good to go to places where Their influence can be felt.  You can worship Njord at the ocean, or on a fishing trip at a lake or pond; Nerthus likes marshy places as well as forested areas.  Freya enjoys places with lots of flowers (and flowering trees), and gardening (especially where growing food is concerned) is just as much a devotional act to Frey as prayer. 

In general, going outside is important to understanding the nature of the Vanir and living Vanatru.  Get involved with something that means going outside on a regular basis, if you're not already doing so.  Breathe some fresh air, get some sun - or better yet, some rain - and watch nature all around you.  Get real, real familiar with the climate and terrain of your area, the little subtle differences in flora and fauna as the seasons change. 

As the Powers of the Land, the phrase "think globally, act locally" really does apply here.  Be an example to others.  Be the change you wish to see in the world.  Make sure your neighborhood is clean in both greenery and deeds.  Recycling and picking up litter are things we can do mindfully to pay respect to the Vanir and the land-wights.  Participate in your hometown.  Vote (even if only with your pocketbook).  It is your deeds that matter, not just your devotion.  Devotion can be expressed through deeds.  Look out for your family and friends, and for your local community, the Land and its people.  Don't contribute to urban decay and the ills of modern society.

Finally - and this cannot be said enough to Neopagans - it is important to work on personal stability, prosperity, and overall goodstuff.  Having enough in "goods and gear" is necessary to live.  At the same time Vanatruar should not be so bound up in materialism that they forget their family or what is beautiful in their world.  Fertility, to me, includes health of body and mind as well as creativity, it is not just limited to reproduction.  Vanatruar should be aware of their role in the co-creation of their own destiny, and always be mindful to seek their maximum benefit as well as the greater good.  But at the same time, Vanatruar should be able to stop and smell the roses, to take time out and be grateful for where they are at.  Express gratitude as often as you can.  When you feel the need to complain about something - and there is much to complain about in today's world - try to think about what is good, in your life - the little things as well as the big things, all important, contributing to making life worth living.  Life is a gift, and to affirm this and know even the small things are sacred, is the core of living Vanatru.


© 2010 Svartesól.