Jónína – artist, aromatherapist, and retired visual arts teacher – is a goði (ceremonial leader) within the Ásatrú Association.
“I would define Ásatrú this way : it is partly a religion, partly a philosophy, and finally, partly a way of life. It’s actually all of those things at once, along with many other aspects. It’s... how to put it... maybe mainly a custom or a way of living according to certain traditions.
It’s not a religion where you spend much time praying or admiring the gods. The gods are rather seen as friends. They are not distant or above you, they are close. As for the philosophical side, we focus more on ethics or on customs related to ethics. These principles are found mainly in the old poem Hávamál* and in the good advice it contains. It offers valuable guidance on how to behave well in life.
And when it comes to the lifestyle connected to Ásatrú, that may be harder to define. Some people see Ásatrú as a way of life, but for me, it’s difficult to explain, because I’ve been part of it for such a long time.”
*Hávamál, the “Words of the High One” : a collection of traditional poems from medieval Iceland (the Poetic Edda). Attributed to Óðinn (Odin), god of the Norse pantheon, it presents a series of wisdom sayings, ethical precepts, and philosophical reflections.
Non-dogmatic, this text allows for spiritual enrichment and is frequently used in Ásatrú ceremonies.