Paolo

Love is not an issue within the Nordic wordview before Christianity simply because the concept as we know it today didn’t exist. People had “hug” (to each other) instead. That’s the word to look for in the sagas.

You’ll find it as a preposition usually, and depending on context it can convey all kinds of care and attention towards other people, animals, things, etc. (as in “hugagodhr” = kindhearted, “hugást” = deep love, or “hugarfyst” = desire) – and, of course also the opposite (as in “hugarekki” = heartache). This concept also includes what we now (metaphorically) call head, mind, will, heart, etc. For instance, if you’re distressed you might be called “hugsjukr” (= “hug” sick), if you’re a coward you’ll be called “huglauss” (= without a “hug”), or if you’re faithfull, you’re “hugtrúr”…

It’s a concept much broader and more including than That (modern) Thing Called Love, which is why it’s not so stupidly “in your face” when you enccounter it in the sagas. You might not even notice it if you only read translations which often miss nuances and hints.

Other hints can be found in later folk customs – people didn’t turn Christian over night, and some heathen customs are still alive and kicking here and there. Maybe not looking as they looked a thousand years ago, or maybe they’re not even that old – but they are heathen all the same. Especially the customs surrounding births, weddings, funerals, etc. are interesting, and can tell a lot about the ways people cared and loved – or showed care and love – through the generations.

For instance, godparents were to generate a sweet disposition for the newborn by making sweet love on the night of the knee-setting. And, you were to hold your hand in the flame of a candle (go through fire) before you were even allowed to _look_ at a newborn – now, that’s love! :)

You know you’re an asset to any shore you reach. You bring wit and wisdom. You know how to help and guide others. That will bring those with similar traits in your time of need. I’m glad to have you here, brother!

Well TBH Hinduism is not really panthenism,its monotheist which says that god is one,but manifestations are many..but I(hindu brahmin-Iyengar-keeper of the culture-blah blah ;) to be exact)would like to relate myself and my “”religion”" with all you pagans if that would give a legitimate and ancient platform with impecable pedigree and descendancy to neopaganism and other reconstructionist religions.Trust me,when all the totally unrelated,non-vedic Indian tribal cults of Tamil nadu and other places can be classified as Hindu,I don’t think any “”Hindus”" should mind pagans.I actually can feel deep within what happened to you guys.Have read lots about pre-christian europe,the druids may have been southie brahmin monastics for all we know :0

Panthenist Greece and Rome were close associates with India(the former via trade and the latter via war!),so lots of ideas were exchanged between the philosophical Indians(our forte) and the materialistic westerners(their strength-AKA the mingling of best of both worlds.I believe all religions were constructed by man(unlike our “heathen” christians and islamists who believe it is god’s message!LOL) and see no fault in rational religions being constructed today.

Reconstruction of heritage buildings destroyed by invaders is seen as a good deed,but when we do the same to religion,it is seen as an unmentionable and maybe even silly deed.Fact is white europeans(considering many non-ethnic europeans are europeans too-citizens that is,for example I could become swiss if I wanted ;) )are attached to their ancient ways and after learning to what their ancestors had to go through,they are more interested in their ancient ways to the extent of dropping christianity(in decline all over the EU and USA as well).

IMHO Some more archeological findings in Lithuania would place neopagans in a better position of understanding their workings,rituals and so forth,considering the morons did’nt baptise that baltic country well until the 1400s,when a light bulb suddently reminded the pope of such a people’s existence…unfortunately!But this relatively recent timescale of lithuania’s conversion may produce innumerable depictions,manuscripts and other invaluable info for reconstructionists.Wealthy nordic countries like Sweden,Norway,Denmark and so forth have to convince their governments to spend on digs there to better understand the history of lithuania and thereby that of pre-christian europe as well.

Most “Indians” are so brainwashed,they don’t what their religion is about and many things cannot be questioned here so they just don’t do it.The level of diversity allowed in USA is not allowed here ironically.This is a society heavily reliant on the government,considering Republic of India is a premature democracy and our constitution was written by a man who wanted to destroy hinduism.Freaky stuff…Hindus like most pagans are self destructive…there’s another similarity.Anyways this is a timeless land and you are welcome to our culture.

BTW the scottish beltane festival attracts more participants than sunday’s church mass…this is in scotland,lets not even go into hardcore pagan celtic lands like Ireland and so on.You european whites have ensured that education and enquiry have removed the 2000 years old diseas eplaguing you and are back on track for a golden era.No more middle ages for your lot(as long as you manage to keep too many-unassimilable immigrants outside your borders you know)

Cheers and love to yall!