The Hammer Of Thor Kindred Mission Statement

We in The Hammer Of Thor Kindred believe in the Germanic/Norse Pantheon of Gods and Goddess's with Odin and Frigga reigning as the AlFather & AlMother of Asgard. Our religion is Asatru. Our spiritual path is Germanic/Norse Heathenism. Asatru means "True to the AEsir," or True to the Gods". We believe that the goal of religion is to bring the human into a proper relationship with the godly, and by doing this to create a state of harmony between all the realms of being.
We believe that the Gods Odin, Vili and Ve, were descended from Bur and Bestla, and that they created the world from the body of the slain Giant Ymir.
We believe that our Gods and Goddesses are real, living, self-aware deities.
We believe in, and actively promote, the Heathen moral and ethical code known as the "Nine Noble Virtues." These virtues are: Courage, Truth, Honor, Discipline, Hospitality, Self-Reliance, Perseverance, Industriousness, and Fidelity.
We believe that the Eddas and Sagas, as well as the Germanic/Norse Myths, are based upon the wisdom of our ancient ancestors. This wisdom has been passed down to us from our ancestors orally and in written form, and is used as a guidepost in the practice of our religion today.
The purpose of The Hammer Of Thor Kindred is to provide the Folk with a solid, cohesive organization where they can assemble and further their spiritual enlightenment, as well as promote the religion of Asatru.
Our religious leaders are known as Godhar, Godhi (Priest) and Gydhia (Priestess) serve and guide our religious gatherings and are entrusted with the spiritual care and needs of the Folk.
We observe the eight holy days of the year: Þorrablót, Idis-Þing, Eostre, Walpurgisnacht, Sonnenwendfeier, Freyfaxi, Winternachte and Mutternacht/Julfest. During these times our Kindred assembles to worship and honor our Gods and Goddess's in the manner of our ancient ancestors.
The Hammer Of Thor Kindred believes in the oracular process known as "Seidh." Therefore, in conjunction with our dedication to serving the Folk, our oracular Seidh team was assembled. "Well and Tree,©" the Kindred's oracular Seidh team, is dedicated to the continued research and reformation of this ancient system. Public oracular Seidh rituals are held throughout the year to both serve the Folk and assure the continuance of this tradition.
The Hammer of Thor Kindred believes that our children are the foundation of the future. Therefore it is our responsibility to encourage their spiritual growth by our example in both word and deed.

Bylaws for The Hammer Of Thor Kindred

The members of The Hammer Of Thor Kindred meet for kindred meetings the first Wednesday of every month. If the regularly scheduled meeting cannot be held at that time, the members may reschedule the meeting to accommodate the needs of the membership.
Business meetings will be held the 3^rd Wednesday of every month on an as needed basis. All ring bearers are invited to the business meetings.
Any legal age adult, or minor over the age of 15 with parental permission, may petition for membership in The Hammer Of Thor Kindred.
Any petition for membership must be approved by a unanimous vote consisting of the ring bearers, (full members) of the Kindred.
A nine-month probationary period is required for all Kindred petitioners. During the probationary period, all prospective members must attend at least six kindred meetings, and one, of the two yearly gatherings. At the end of the nine-month probation, the Godhi will poll all ring bearers for a vote on full membership.
A unanimous vote is required for full membership of any petitioner into The Hammer Of Thor Kindred.
All Kindred members, as well as Kindred prospects, must be gainfully employed or actively seeking full or part time employment. Full time students, stay at home parents or those members or prospects on any form of full physical disability, are excluded from this requirement.
All Kindred members or Kindred prospects must have at least a High school diploma, or G. E. D. equivalent certificate.
All members of The Hammer Of Thor Kindred are required to take an oath to honor the Gods and the Kindred. All members are required to purchase, at their own expense, the Kindred's ring, which will be presented to the petitioner at the time of their induction. The Hammer Of Thor Kindred will present the petitioner with the Kindred's hammer at their induction as the Kindred's gift to the new member.
All inductions into The Hammer Of Thor Kindred will take place at our two yearly gatherings. Ostara in the Spring, and Aegir's Feast in the Fall.
After a Kindred prospect's membership has been approved, the prospect has two opportunities to become inducted into the Kindred. If for any reason the prospect fails to become inducted during this time, the ring bearers may at that time reconsider the prospect’s eligibility into the Kindred. Special circumstances will always be taken into consideration in deciding these matters.
Any member of The Hammer Of Thor Kindred may relinquish membership in the Kindred at any time by appearing before a council of the Godhi and assembled ring bearers. At that time the member can request to be released from his/her oath. A member may also submit a written request for release from the membership, which can be read to the assembled ring bearers by the Godhi.
If a ring bearer relinquishes membership in the Hammer Of Thor Kindred, they must return the Kindred ring and Hammer personally to the Godhi immediately upon being released from their oath. The ring and hammer then become the property of the Hammer of Thor Kindred. The Hammer Of Thor Kindred will buy back the ring at the cost of $100.
If a member ceases to participate in the normal Kindred activities and functions of the Kindred for a period of one year or fails to communicate at all for 6 months without good cause and fails to exercise their right to be removed from the Kindred's membership, the general membership may vote to remove said member from the Kindred by vote. At which time every effort will be made to inform the aforementioned member of the decision. Long distances will not apply to this bylaw.
If, at a later date, the former member wishes to rejoin the Kindred, they may petition for membership from the beginning under the general guidelines of a new membership.
All bylaws are open to exception on a case-to-case basis with a unanimous vote by the ring bearers.

Voting privileges

The Hammer Of Thor Kindred is organized along tribal lines led by a Chieftain/Godhi, with a council of full members being known as ring bearers. Each ring bearer, i.e. full member, will possess one vote. All secular matters and other pertinent decisions will be discussed in council and a vote will be taken by the membership. The Chieftain/Godhi will cast the deciding vote in all matters. This is not a democratic organization per se, but one based on tribal principles as it was done by our ancient ancestors who governed with a council of Elders, hereby known as ring bearers, and led decisively by it's Chieftain/Godhi. All final matters in dispute will be resolved and decided upon by said Godhi.
Any member may call for a vote on decisions to be made concerning secular matters of the Kindred. With the exclusion of the unanimous vote required to accept a new member, decisions will be carried by a majority vote with the Chieftain/Godhi making the final decision.
Only full members can cast a vote in any Kindred decisions.

Kindreds

The Hammer of Thor Kindred reserves the right to promote the establishment and growth of other kindred's.
A Kindred is hereby defined as three or more people that adhere to the exclusive principles of the Norse/Germanic religion of Asatru, and to observe its High Holy days and other rituals.
The privilege of becoming a charter Kindred under the guidelines set forth by the Hammer Of Thor Kindred Bylaws will be dependent upon a unanimous vote of the Hammer Of Thor Kindred membership.

Board of Directors

The Hammer Of Thor Kindred will operate with a board of directors consisting of the Chieftain Godhi, a treasurer, a secretary, a communications officer, a new member contact and liaison officer, and a program and event coordinator. Other official positions will be decided upon by the membership as a need arises.
The Chieftain/Godhi will be president of the Board of directors.
The legal responsibility for the management of all affairs and business dealings of the Hammer Of Thor Kindred is vested in Chieftain/Godhi and the board of directors.
The Chieftain/Godhi, or members of the board of directors shall not receive any salaries for their services.
The members of the board of directors are elected by the general membership.
Members of the board of directors may serve a term of three years. After the term has expired, a board member may reapply for another term.
A board member may request removal from board membership, which will be honored at that time. In the event of the resignation of a board member, an election will be held by the voting membership to name a replacement. The term of the replacement board member will be until the next normal election of the board of directors.
A recall vote to remove a board of directors’ member must pass by a two-thirds vote of the full membership, with the Chieftain/Godhi casting the final deciding vote.

Law of the Hall

The "Law of the Hall" describes the behavior expected of the members of The Hammer Of Thor Kindred in to regard to each other. We can think of the Kindred as a vast chieftain's hall from the heroic age, and our fellow kindred members as our bench mates within that hall. To preserve peace in the hall and to protect the reputation of those who inhabit it, there are certain rules. These rules constitute the "Law of the Hall."

Honor the Aesir and Vanir, wights and ancestors, by blot and deed.
Grow in the lore, and strengthen the Mighty Ones with ritual; observe the holy days of Asatru.
Abide no strife in the hall or between kin.
One must be able to speak one's mind candidly, but disagreements must never exceed the bounds of respect or courtesy. All within the hall are brothers and sisters and are to be treated appropriately.
Build bright fame, not dark disdain, for those who dwell in the hall.
Our deeds and words must be such that the reputation of The Hammer Of Thor Kindred, and of Asatru as a whole grows more glorious because of our presence. Do good to your kin, grow in your might and main...and when we disagree among ourselves, let it be done out of the sight of others.
Give first love to family and Folk, but deal honorably with all whose hands are open and whose hearts are true.
Your primary duty is to those closest to you by blood and troth, but give good for good from all who give it. Love your own, but hate not others without reason.
Strive that our Folk shall live forever, though all the forces of Muspel march against us.
Work for the good of the Folk Within (Asatruar) and the Folk Without (the Greater Family of our people who have not yet come to the Gods) in all ways that are honorable and noble.
Deal with candor and forthrightness with all in the hall, and scorn the poison of gossip and intrigue.
Speak honestly and openly, and do not talk behind the backs of others.
Envy not those who earn gifts, fame, and favor within the hall, but seek instead your own by might and main.
The glory given your brother or sister shines on you, as well; Let gold and bright fame not stir enmity among kin.
Be open-handed and open-hearted, generous to aid kin and forward the folk.
Give gladly of time and effort, helping those in the hall and advancing our enterprise.
Honor your oaths to kin and to Gods, though your life be the price.
Hand on ring or steel, hand given in good trust to another - these are sacred and on them lives the might of those in the hall.

The original version of "The Law of the Hall" was written by Stephen McNallen, Godhi and Drighten of the AFA. We thank Stephen for his kind permission to adopt these "Laws" for our own kindred and hope that they become an inspiration and guide for other Heathens and their Kindred's.

Well & Tree Seidh™

A Service of Hammer of Thor Kindred

Team Rules

1. Relationship between the team and the Kindred:

The Well & Tree Seidh Team is an integral part of Hammer of Thor Kindred and operates under the Kindred's authority. (See Kindred Mission Statement, item #9) Well & Tree is a specialized subset of Hammer of Thor Kindred distinguished by the skills exercised by its members in providing the public service of Seidh rites.

2. Role of the Chieftain & Godhi of Hammer of Thor Kindred vis-à-vis the Well & Tree Seidh team Godhi/Ghythia and team members:

The Chieftain & Godhi of Hammer of Thor Kindred holds the same authority over the Godhi/Ghythia of Well & Tree Seidh Team as he does over any other member of Hammer of Thor Kindred. By extension, members of the Well & Tree Seidh Team are bound by the decisions made relating to the team by the Chieftain & Godhi.

3. Kindred Bylaws and Law of the Hall:

The Well & Tree Seidh Team is governed by the Bylaws and Law of the Hall which govern Hammer of Thor Kindred as a whole.

4. Authority and decision making in the team:

The authority and decision making structure for the Well & Tree Seidh Team parallels the authority and decision making structure of Hammer of Thor Kindred. Team members advise the team's Godhi/Ghythia and may vote on matters of philosophy or procedure. The Godhi/Ghythia casts the deciding vote. The Godhi/Ghythia of the Well & Tree Seidh Team must be a full member (ring bearer) of the Hammer of Thor Kindred. The Godhi/Ghythia of the Well & Tree Seidh Team serves at the pleasure of the Chieftain & Godhi of Hammer of Thor Kindred and is appointed or removed by him.

5. Criteria for inclusion of non-Kindred members:

The Well & Tree Seidh Team may include individuals who are neither prospective nor full members (ring bearers) of Hammer of Thor Kindred. Such individuals must possess all of the characteristics that would make them suitable as members of Hammer of Thor Kindred. While application for membership in the Kindred is encouraged, it is not required. Former Kindred members who wish to be Well & Tree members will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the Godhi/Ghythia of the Seidh team, who may seek the advice of team members. If the former Kindred member's departure from the Kindred involved any dishonorable conduct on their part, they are not eligible for application to the Well & Tree Seidh Team.

6. Evaluative procedure for prospective team members:

If a prospective Well & Tree Seidh Team member has been supported for membership by a unanimous vote of the current team members, and approved by the team's Godhi/Ghythia, the prospective team member must be introduced to and meet with the Chieftain & Godhi of Hammer of Thor Kindred and a number of Kindred members invited by the Chieftain & Godhi in a mutually convenient venue. The Chieftain & Godhi may appoint a Kindred member to meet with the prospective team member in his stead.

7. Procedures for expulsion or mandatory leave:

A member of the Well & Tree Seidh Team may be permanently expelled or required to take a leave during which their membership in the team is suspended. The decision for expulsion or mandatory leave is made by the Godhi/Ghythia of the Seidh team, with advice from team members other than the one being considered for this action. The team member being considered for this action may request to speak to the team as a whole to present their perspective on the impending action. Such action is considered when a team member conducts themselves in a manner which is contrary to the operating philosophy of the team, in a manner deemed dishonorable, or in a manner judged by the Godhi/Ghythia to endanger the team and/or its ability to fulfill its functions.

8. Roles on the team - Warder/Chair Stander, Guide, Seer/ess:

The Well & Tree Seidh Team operates with members fulfilling the following roles in a Seidh rite.

Warders maintain the safety of the space in which the rite takes place, keeping out any harmful energies or entities, and monitor the condition of all attendees, providing necessary support and assistance.

The Chair Stander is an optional role which not all Seers/Seeresses wish to have available. The Chair Stander provides physical support to insure the stability of the High Seat and assists the Seer/ess into and out of the High Seat. The Chair Stander protects the Seer from any harmful energies or entities which might approach from behind the High Seat.

The Guide directs the Seer/ess during their journey in the High Seat. The Guide monitors the condition of the Seer/ess to insure that they do not exceed a safe and responsible number of questions from the attendees, and manages interactions between Seer and questioners. The Guide may take primary responsibility for making introductory comments prior to the commencement of the Seidh rite.

The Seer/ess has as their primary responsibility making the trance journey which results in their being in a condition which fosters providing useful and true answers to attendees questions. Each Seer/ess composes and utilizes their own individual journey text. The traditions of Asatru must be respected and honored in the composition of their journey, and the place from which they answer questions may vary according to the preferences and Patron Deities of the Seer/ess.

The entire team, other than the Seer, shall maintain communication and awareness with each other to assure the smooth running of the ritual, and the safety of all present.

Guest assistants are individuals who may be invited to assist the team at larger events at which they are needed to work as Warders or Chair Standers. Guest Assistants are required to fulfill the same requirements and standards as full team members, are held by the same pledge of confidentiality as full team members, and are allowed to attend the post-Seidh meeting for any Seidh rite at which they assist. The limitation of roles to Warder or Chair Stander may be waived on a case-by-case basis by a unanimous vote by the full team members. This unanimity must include the team Godhi/Ghythia's vote, whether or not s/he participates in the Seidh rite to which the vote applies.

9. Conditions necessary for a Seidh rite to proceed:

A sufficient number of team members must be in a condition which fosters the safe, ethical, and responsible performance of the Seidh rite. For smaller events (approximately 30 attendees or fewer) one Seer and one Guide, with two Warders participating, are necessary. Larger events (e.g. Pantheacon with approximately 60 attendees) require two Seers, two Guides, no fewer than three Warders, and a Chair Stander for each Seer (unless otherwise requested by the Seer).

Conditions which will prevent a team member from being allowed to participate in presenting a Seidh rite include but are not limited to - strong emotional upset, physical illness, being under the influence of any consciousness altering substance, including prescription medicines, any condition which diminishes the necessary level of trust held by other team members in that Seidh rite, or a clear sense that the time is not right to participate in presenting a Seidh rite.

The Godhi/Ghythia of Well & Tree Seidh Team may cancel the presentation of a Seidh rite at their individual discretion.

10. Pledge of confidentiality - for both team issues and questioners:

Every member of the Well & Tree Seidh Team is bound by a pledge of confidentiality. Issues which arise, as well as general business of the team, is confidential and is not to be shared outside of the team or Hammer of Thor Kindred as necessary, with the exception of spouses/partners who will be bound by a pledge to keep all such information confidential. All discussions of questions asked in a Seidh rite and the responses of the Seers are held to be extremely confidential with the greatest degree of discretion to be exercised in keeping the discussions within the Seidh team.

Changes to the Bylaws

These Bylaws may be altered, amended, or added to, by a two-thirds vote of the full membership and the approval of the Chieftain/Godhi.