Our Beliefs

Theodism reconstructs the polytheistic tribal beliefs and folk traditions from ancient Germanic and other Northern European tribes.
Theodsmen hold freedom of conscience as a matter of necessity for all Heathens.
Theodism advocates the Germanic Heathen concept of "Sacral Kingship" as the gift of the Gods and expression of Luck, Might, and Main.
Theodish groups advocate a "Web of Thew" and a "Web of Oaths" to bind the community
The goal of the individual is to struggle in life to build worth, which is something that will remain after death for the individual's family and community.
Theodsmen adhere to the "Three Wynns" (Joys): Wisdom, Generosity, and Personal Honor
All Theods submit to the Thing as the measure of "recht" or "right" and abide by its rulings.

Important Theodish concepts

Nobility is defined by one's deeds and worth rather than any concept of equality or birthright; everyone is born worthless and unproven.
Practicing the concepts of "Innangard" and "Útangard" or "insiders and outsiders" – placing one's loyalty to family and the tribal community eminently above all obligations to those who are not bound by oath or blood relations.
Sacral Kingship. Théodism practices a hierarchical relationship within the tribe. Beginning at the top with the sacral leader, the tribe has nobles, freemen, and non-freemen. The Sacral leader is the intermediary between the Gods and the tribe.
Oaths are binding; it is the glue that holds tribal society together. Betrayal and treachery are grievous sins that bring ill luck to the individual and the community. Oaths that are not fulfilled will actively damage the "luck" of not only the one who has failed to keep the oath but also of those who were present when the oath was uttered.
Right Good Will. The concept of Right Good Will states, simply, that Théodsmen will treat one another in a completely above-board fashion, and will not willingly harm or do ill to one another without a compelling reason.
Thew is an Old English word meaning "custom or virtue". In the Theodish community thew is the unspoken law which is the basis of society.

Rituals and Gatherings

In general, Théodish religious festivities are referred to as 'fainings' (meaning 'celebration'). As a rule, there are two sorts of rituals; blót and symbel. They are accompanied by a feast in between.

Blót is a term representing sacrifice (blood, blut, Blót). In Theodism, this is done by sacrificing valuables, fruits of the harvest, or an animal (meat). The meat is used in the feast (Husel) with assembled worshippers, and the excess is burned as an offering to the Gods. Whichever sacrifice is involved it is offered with complete respect as it is a Gift to the Gods Themselves.

Húsel is actually part of blót; as the sacred feast after the sacrifice. It begins with three toasts traditionally over a horn filled with mead (honey wine), one to a god or goddess, and then followed by the mynne full, or memory cup. The bragafull or "leader's cup" may follow. Once all are done eating, the leftovers and any special parts of the sacrificial beast are given to the Gods. (This offering is usually held off until after Symbel to incorporate any unconsumed mead that remains in the horn or blot bowl.)

Symbel (ON sumbl) is held after the feast, since it is customary not to have food present. Symbel
must be within an enclosed space of some kind, and comprises of rounds of ritual drinking (mead) and toasting, usually begun by three formal rounds, as deemed by the host often led by toasts in honor of the Gods, then ancestors and/or heroes, and then a general or personal boast. Other boasts may take place thereafter, but Symbel is always formally ended or closed once the formal boasts are completed in order to maintain its importance and solemnity; it should not evolve into “mere partying”.

When Symbel has officially ended, the women-folk of the tribe, traditionally lead by the Lady of the tribe or her designee, take the remaining Husel feast and Symbel mead and take it outside where they find a spot to offer it to the wights and Gods. Standing quietly, they listen and observe carefully for any sign that the offerings have been accepted. They then back up a few paces and, with their left shoulder pulled back, the theodswomen then turn in unison to leave the offering behind. Thus ends the ritual.