Our Sacred Traditions: Why Deep Wisdom and True Inclusivity Must Light the Path

In our journey within the vibrant and evolving landscapes of modern Pagan and Heathen spiritualities, particularly paths like the Celtic and Norse Heathenry, a vital question often surfaces: Who should guide our understanding and shape the way we practice? I believe the answer lies in recognizing an essential distinction. There are those among us who dedicate their lives to plumbing the esoteric depths of our traditions—our Druids, Priest, Shamans, Gothis, Seiðkonas, Völvas, and other committed spiritual artisans. Then there is the wider community, the laity. It is my conviction that this devoted esoteric core, through their intensive study, lived experience, and profound engagement with the mysteries, are uniquely equipped to interpret the rich tapestry of our ancestral lore and define its practice. Their journey into these profound teachings often unveils a fundamental truth: spiritual knowledge, in its purest form, transcends artificial borders of culture or race. It is universal, reminding us, for example, that Odin is the Allfather, not merely the "Somefather" of a select few.

However, I've grown increasingly concerned by a trend I've witnessed in some quarters. Certain segments of the laity, sometimes aligning with a "warrior" identity or a strictly "folkish" (ancestral-only) perspective, are attempting to seize control of the narrative in ways that I find deeply troubling and ultimately harmful. A particularly alarming aspect of this is the aggressive promotion of racial exclusivity—the damaging idea that our ancient spiritual paths are, or should be, closed to all but those of a specific genetic lineage. We hear claims, for instance, that both Celtic and Norse spirituality is exclusively for "white" people (yes we have Folkish Celts). In my view, this is not only a form of gatekeeping rooted in racial bias but also often a product of a surface-level engagement with our sacred traditions. Such stances frequently rely on simplistic interpretations of historical origins, rather than a deep, unbiased immersion in the lore itself. This narrow, exclusionary approach, I contend, tragically stunts our collective spiritual evolution and understanding.

Years ago, I attended Burlington College in Vermont.  For a college thesis in my psychology class, I explored a related concept through the lens of primate language studies. I theorized that if you taught a group of chimpanzees a symbolic language, like American Sign Language, (inspired by the movie, Project X and Planet of the Apes) you would essentially be giving them a powerful new tool. This tool would allow them to discuss ideas, innovate, and develop their understanding of the world in ways that a group without that linguistic key simply could not. They would be able to "cross borders" in their pursuit of knowledge. I see a strong parallel here with our spiritual communities. Those Heathens who embrace a Universalist perspective, much like those hypothetical language-equipped chimpanzees, are able to explore the full, expansive breadth of spiritual understanding, unhindered by artificial racial or cultural barriers. Conversely, a folkish perspective that rigidly insists on racial exclusivity seems, in this analogy, like the chimps without that broader communicative tool. Their potential for deeper understanding becomes unnecessarily limited by a self-imposed boundary—a kind of "specism," if you will, applied to human spirituality, where one's physical ancestry dictates the limits of their spiritual quest.

Therefore, if we genuinely desire our traditions to be vibrant, evolving wellsprings of authentic spiritual growth, profound insight, and true wisdom, we must turn for guidance to those who have journeyed deeply into their esoteric heart. It is those individuals who embrace a universal, inclusive approach to knowledge, grounded in comprehensive study, disciplined practice, and lived experience, who are best suited to illuminate our path forward. This ensures that our sacred ways remain open to all sincere seekers and are not diminished or distorted by prejudice, superficial readings, or exclusionary agendas.