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Here are some words whose meaning will help you understand the true nature of Forn Síðr.

Allsherjargóði. High-priest. The supreme cult-bearer of an individual cult, wether local, regional or with its votaries spread over a larger area. Or the highest and most respected priest of an entire kingdom or nation.

Asa/Ás/Æsir. Name for the Gods as individuals or as a collective. Related to the Sanskrit word "asu", life-force, life-spirit. In restricted sense used as name for one of the two major affiliation of deities, namely Óðinn and his offspring.

Asatru. A constructed term created to correspond to "christian tru (belief, faith)". However, the differencies between christianity and Forn Síðr is not merely a question of what God(s) you worship. It´s a question of attitude and thinking. Therefore, I find this term barely acceptable, but misguiding.

Álfar. Collective of spiritual beings whose activities are synchronic to the life cycles of the earth. Females are called dísir.

Blót. Service of the Gods. The blót expresses and deepens the eternal spiritual kinship between the Gods and the folk.

Bond. The Binding. Name for the Gods in their role of holding the universe together. See Hopt.

Dísir. Female divine beings whose activities are tied to the turning of seasons - winter, spring, summer and autumn (fall).

Edda. Sacred knowledge. The word is related to Sanskrit Veda, aswell as to lat. videre, know, and anglosaxon wit.

Forn Síðr. "Ancient tradition". But forn does not only mean old, it means original. And it is the origin that defines our inner selves, our identity. We are defined by our innermost nature, which is formed by the lives and experiences of countless preliving generations. Compare to Hindu "sanatana dharma", the eternal law/tradition.

Goð/Guð. Probably the same word as good. The word was originally a neuter. It was the christian spiritual conquerors that gave it a male interpretation, as their God was a man. Since then, any female deity had to be called God-dess. But originally, even Freyja and Frigga were Gods. And this is why we can speak of Gods and mean male aswell as female deities. Three affiliations of beings are considered Gods: the Æsir, the Vanir and the Álfar. The first two are kindreds of Gods (about fourty) we know by their names. The Álfar are divine beings who operate as a collective.

Góði. Derived from Goð, God. The title of a cult-bearer in our native religion. A góði has his position tied to a certain temple or sacred place were those come who have chosen him as their spiritual guide. The position of góði is inherited in one family from generation to generation. It is his obligation to officiate in the holy ceremonies, keep in mind the sacred knowledge connected to his cult and serve as guide for the young.

Hail/Heill (swe. hell). An ancient word with many sides to its meaning. Based on the word "heill", whole, complete, harmonic, is a number of words. Heilag holy, heilsa health, heild wholeness, swe. helga sanctify and swe. hälsa greet, hail. All these meanings, along with happiness and prosperity can be read into this word. Say this to someone, and you certainly wish him/her all the best.

Harg. Stone altar in a nature sanctuary, dedicated to norse Deities. Is either a larger rock or a pile of smaller stones. Idols may be placed in front of the harg or upon it.

Heathen. Icel. heiðing, swe. hedning. Those (savages) who live on the moor (heath). Insulting and disparaging term for non-christians, used by the enemies of religious freedom to belittle the votaries of natural native traditions. Can be compared to the racist term "sub-human". Indicates what one may call spiritual racism. However some wish to interprete the word as "honorable" or "clear" (sky), thus making it a positive word. This effort is likely to be most successful on Iceland, were the word heiðir/heiðin means just that.

Hopt. Links (of a chain). Collective name for our Gods. See Bond.

Native religion. A religious tradition that is the result of continuous spiritual development of many generations. Has not been instituted by any individual at any given time, but is a heritage that is carried on from one generation to the next. Often characterized by preferance of finding its origin in the minds and hearts of its votaries, rather than being dictated by any kind of authority. Many view the return to the native religions and natural ways of living as the only means of establishing world peace and harmony.

Pagan. See Heathen.

Vana/Vanir. One of the three major affiliations of Gods. Frey, Freyja and their father Njorð are Vanir. Hönir is their chief. They are exclusively Gods of fertility and love. A very beautiful prayer dedicated to them, the Vana-hail, has been published by Olof Freymund Freysgóði. Are also called Ginnregin.

Tru. Old norse word, meaning faithful, loyal, true.

Uppregin. Name for a group of the Álfar that attend to cosmic functions, such as Dag (Day), Nótt, (Night), or Delling (Dawn).

Vé. General name for a sacred place. Derived from vígja, sanctify.

Þjóð. Nation, folk. (Svíþjóð, Angelþéod, Deutsch) Can be defined as the sum of heritage (genetical and spiritual), and environment (nature, culture, upbringing).

If you know any other word that you feel would fit into this list, please mail to frejtorp@ljusdal.se and inform.