Asatuar Values

Generally the Asatruar are very principled people, but that doesn't mean their faith is without joy. If a life is well lived there should be plenty of time to gather with kin and celebrate, but there are also times to work hard and perhaps even to battle. The Asatuar Values are reflected in the Nine Noble Virtues, which offer a moral Compass. They also make consideration for their reputation and the honor of their families will remain after their death.

Nine Noble Virtues

The Nine Noble Virtues provide a guide for living a good, just life. These values are not recorded in ancient lore but were developed by modern Asartu organizations based on the working in the Havamal, which is a collection of poems in the Poetic Eddas. Most Asatru consider them to be ample moral guidance. The Virtues are not rules like the Ten Commandments, but are single words that embody important personality traits.

   1. Courage: This is nor merely the lack of fear in the face of danger. It's also the courage to stand up for the rights of others and yourself. It's the courage to live according to these moral values even when it seems all around you are in violation.
   2. Truth: Honesty, which is the key part of maintaining personal honor. It's also allegiance to your gods, your religious beliefs and your family.
   3. Honor:  What drives you to act according to the Virtues and what is right. Without honor, you are nothing. It precedes your arrival in new places and follows you after death.
   4. Fidelity:  Being faithful to your commitments, both to your friends and family as well as the world at large.
   5. Discipline: This is really self-discipline, working hard to keep yourself on the correct path. It's also getting yourself back to work if you're relaxed a little to long.
   6. Hospitality:  Welcoming people warmly in to your home and treating others with respect. It's also treating your house spirits with the dignity owed them.
   7. Industriousness:  Not just working hard at your chosen career, but working hard at your faith. It is forming a kindred if you can't find one to join.
   8. Self-Reliance:  Instead of or in addition to seeking help from other people or the gods, you do what is necessary to fulfill your own needs and desires.
   9. Perseverance: Continuing in the fact of difficulty, whether it's in your personal life or a challenge to your faith from the outside.


Oaths and Oath -Breaking

Oaths made by and between Asatruar are taken very seriously. An oath is much more than a casual promise - it's a pact and a solemn promise to preform some action. A popular type of oath is the oath of Frith, in which Asatruar promise to uphold the honor of a person or the group as a while. Oaths can be sworn during rituals called blots or sumbels. They can also be made outside of rituals. It isn't usually necessary to write them down, but witnesses may be present.

An oath should be broken only in dire circumstances. In cases where keeping an oath would directly harm either "oath-brother/sister" the oath may be broken, however you should do your best to uphold an oath at all costs. Because oaths are taken so seriously it's a good idea to consider your oaths very carefully prior to making them and to avoid making oaths until you get to know the other person well. You could view an oath similar to signing a contract, if you wouldn't sign a legally binding contract with this person for this propose, you shouldn't be taking the oath.