! Assembly of The Elder Troth - What is The Assembly of The Elder Troth !

What is The AET?

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What is the Assembly of The Elder Troth?

Perhaps the best way to describe just what the Assembly of The Elder Troth is, is to take a look at what makes the name.

Assembly - (noun), A company or collection of human beings in the same place, usually for the same purpose; a meeting for religious worship or the like.

Elder - (adjective), older; having lived a longer time; prior in origin.

Troth - (noun), faith, fidelity

Thus the term Elder Troth refers to those who are "loyal to the Ancient Ways". The adjective 'true' is from the same root, used to indicate loyalty to principles or a cause. With religious concepts it indicates a practice directly derived from ancestral tradition. The Indo-European word 'deru' is the root word of 'true', 'trust' and 'truth' in English. Its meaning is firmness, solidity and steadfastness. As the word 'tree' also derives from 'deru', we have an image of organic growth. Branches and leaves growing from the same root and trunk.

The Assembly of the Elder Troth (AET) is dedicated to the worship, being praise, admiration, and veneration and/or the understanding of the function (as Archetypes) of the Ancient Gods / Goddesses and Ancestral Spirits (Wights) of Northern Europe. These are described in the writings known as the Eddas and Sagas and are called the Aesir and Vanir. This worship is generally called Asatru ie. True to the Gods. We acknowledge Asatru as a spiritual path for Personal and Social evolution.

The AET includes individuals and groups variously described as Asatru, Vanatru, Odinist, Theod and allows for the inclusion of any other group following a "recognised" ancient Northern European Religious, Spiritual and/or Cultural Tradition as accepted by the Directors of the AET (known as the High Rede) and who acknowledge the Nine Noble Virtues of Asatru. Unlike other organisations however, the AET doesn't deliniate how people should practice or their beliefs. There are no members of the AET save those who are specifically so as part of the company.

Broadly speaking an Asatruar is someone who is 'true' to their ancestral ways. But this 'troth' does not solely depend on race or geography. Any individual can adopt or be adopted by a culture if true resonance creates an affinity.

Asatruar gained experience of their ancestral Gods and Goddesses through practise of 'tried and true' ways. These personal and communal experiences were based more on 'trust' than on 'belief' or 'faith'. They observed the natural and super-natural worlds and tested themselves, and the Holy Wights, against the principles of experience gained throughout the generations. For example, our ancestors 'trusted' that the seasons would cyclically return because they had done so in the past!

The aim of the AET is to promote the Way of Asatru, as a relevant and appropriate lifestyle, in Australian Society through the provision of a framework for people to revive their inherent spirituality; to further their personal evolution through the use of their native talents and inclinations.

Some may be craft people, some scholars, while others may be poets, artists, musicians, dancers, warriors, magicians, mystics, diviners, healers or just seekers of a better life. We recognise the need for a feeling of belonging to an extended family, tribe or clan, to associate with your Kith and Kin. Where mutual support is given and bonds of friendship can be forged. We acknowledge and encourage the rights of freedom and independence of the individual and family within the AET.

Traditionally a religious organisation has little to do with culture. Within the Northern Traditions, such a divorcing of Culture from Belief is a process that is alien. Culture and Belief are intertwined in a symbiotic relationship. To this end the Assembly of The Elder Troth is specifically expanding its' terms of refernce to not only cover those aspects that are traditionally covered by religious organisations, but also to facilitate the promotion of the cultural background that is part of this belief systems heritage. The Assembly of The Elder Troth is specifically aiming at promotion of the following activites directly in the term of reference of
what the AET has been created to do:

Literature specifically dealing with our cultural heritage, both fiction and non;
Music performances, both historically based and modern that specifically aim to capture the spirit of our cultural heritage;
Performing arts which seek to revive traditional forms of expression as well as those which bring a modern perspective on our cultural heritage;
Visual arts either reproducing the art of our cultural heritage, or based upon that cultural heritage;
Film, both documentary and fictional that deals with specific aspects of our cultural heritage (may also cover Video and Television productions);
Radio programmes dealing with specific facets of our cultural heritage;

In recognition of our diversity we acknowledge, in very broad terms, the categories of :

Heathen - (Earth Warders)

Those who recognise the place of the God/esses and Wights (spirits of nature and the subtle realms) in the cyclic maintenance of Midgard (the Earth realm) and honour them through seasonal rites and observances.

Fiolkunnig (Folk Wise in Magick)

Tthose who recognise the God/esses as "Archetypes" of human spiritual potential and strive to emulate them, through exercising their own will power, rather than worship them as external beings.

Godhlauss (Non-religious)

Those who, rather than interacting with the God/esses or Wights on any level, choose to believe in their own power (might and main) as independent spiritual beings.

Our affiliated folk may share, combine or overlap any of the qualities loosely defined above. As the Elder Troth had (and has) no dogmatic theology, we leave it to the individual to find the appropriate expression for themselves. To this end we provide a support network throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Our Ancestors recognised that within the Folk there were people that had a calling or aptitude to specific expressions of their spirituality. Those that performed the Cyclic rituals of the year and/or cared for kindred's spiritual and /or physical/mental well-being are termed Godhar (God people). The male is called Godhi (Godman), the female Gydhja. (Godwomen).

In pursuance of this tribal tradition the AET offers training for those who desire to serve their Families, Hearths, Garths or Kindred in this capacity as a Priest or Priestess of Asatru. We also recognise that some of you are already fulfilling the Godhar function and may be given acknowledgment without further training or qualification.

Magick was not seen as separate from the rhythms of daily life. The use of our inner access to the Web of Wyrd (Cosmic pattern of Reality) was a craft that had many disciplines. Runes (Sigils that trigger wisdom and power within the user) were used for divination and the manipulation of subjective and objective reality. Seidhr (or Seith, meaning" to seethe" ) was a discipline that contained elements of practice that have similarities to medium-ship (channelling), witchcraft (spell-working) and Shamanism (projection of consciousness to other dimensions and/or contact with the God/esses and Wights). All these practices were used for the protection, direction and healing of the Folk, as well as, the thwarting of their enemies. The AET provides access and referral to the study and practice of Runelore and Seidhr (pronounced, "Sayth" ). For those who would like online contact with a runic study group we recommend the Australian based 'Rune-Net'.

We also encourage "Rings" within the AET for the revival of all crafts and artistic skills. A "Ring" is a group of people with a common interest in learning and sharing their knowledge. No technical or professional qualification or experience in that particular field is required. We are open to any new ideas and gladly welcome interested people and artisans from all crafts. Contact your state Steward for further networking.

AET folk hold festivals throughout the year where the Folk gather to celebrate the Seasonal turnings (the Great Blessings of the Year).

We recognise and associate with other Germanic Heathen groups, and all organisations that promote the understanding and appreciation of our cultural and/or spiritual heritage.

The affairs of the AET are managed and controlled exclusively by the Directors and Corporate Officers known as the "High Rede" who are guided by a legal constitution. The High Rede consists of Directors/Members and Corporate Officers.

All associated folk retain the right of belief and practice in their particular form of religious and magickal observances so long as they do not breech State and Federal Law.

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Last Update: Monday, June 30, 2003