The Troth
“The Troth is dedicated to exploring, practicing and promoting the pre-Christian religion of the Germanic peoples, who include the English, Norse, Icelanders, Swedes and Germans, among others. This religion is known by various names, including Ásatrú, Heathenry, the Elder Troth, and others. Although there are many variations in beliefs and practices within this faith, and many ways of describing and classifying these differences, we all share a defining personal loyalty to, or “Troth” with, the gods and goddesses of the Northlands, such as Odin, Thor, Frigga, and many others; a deep respect for our Germanic religious, cultural and historical heritage; and a strong determination to practice the moral principles followed by our noble predecessors, including Courage, Truth, Honor, Loyalty, Discipline, Hospitality, Industriousness, Self-reliance, and Steadfastness.
In order to help modern Heathens better to understand and practice the Elder Troth, we publish a quarterly journal, Idunna, and carry on other publishing projects. The best-known such project to date is Our Troth, a collective work of over 700 pages incorporating the research, thought and experience of many Troth members and friends, also available online. We are also involved in producing a series of pamphlets covering several aspects of practicing Heathenry in contemporary society.
In addition to publishing activities, the Troth conducts a training program for prospective Heathen clergy, incorporating study, training and experience in lore knowledge, theology, ceremonial practice, group organization, and counseling, and leading to certification after an extensive evaluation and final examination.
The Troth also tries to assist its members to form local groups to practice our religion and make it more widely available, by referring people to existing groups, providing networking help through local coordinators, or “Stewards,” listing affiliated groups, and supporting and publicizing local and regional gatherings when requested. Once a year, the Troth sponsors a major gathering at which members and interested folks from all over North America, and often from Europe, attend, conduct workshops and religious ceremonies, and discuss and Demonstrate their many skills and religious practices. This has been an invaluable opportunity to experience the richness of modern Heathenry, and add depth and energy to one’s own practice.
The Troth currently has around 250 members throughout North America, and including several members in Europe and Australia as well. We are incorporated as a non-profit religious corporation in the state of Texas, and are recognized by the U.S. Internal Revenue Service as a tax-exempt religious organization. The Troth exists in order to celebrate our religious and cultural heritage, rather than to promote political, racial, social or other agendas; membership in the Troth and participation in our activities is open to worthy folks regardless of race, ethnic origin, gender or sexual orientation, and we do not permit discrimination on these grounds in the activities of the Troth or any of its affiliated groups.
If you feel drawn to the ways of the Heathen North, and would like to participate in our growing community, we invite you to drop us a line at the e-mail addresses listed here, and start today to lend a hand in the challenging work of restoring the Elder Troth to a proud, open and active role in our society, culture and world. The old gods are calling; to hear their call is a joy, an honor, and also a duty. If they are calling to you, it is time to take your place among friends and kin, and bring new honor and strength to our ancient Heathen faith.
https://www.thetroth.org/ourfaith/intro.html