Heathen Holy Days

[@ArithHärger]

*Please Read* - Concerning Midsummer: There are no rituals or any mentioned of festivity concerning Midsummer in the Old Norse written sources. Midsummer was just a quarter year marker in the calendar, as three full moons after the beginning of Summer (at a Full Moon) when Sigurblót began, and three Full Moons (3 moon-cycles) away from Winter Nights (Old Norse: Vetrnætr). Unlike the Celts and several other cultural realities showing the importance of the observance of solar phenomenon in the counting of the seasons and the agrarian cycle, the pre-Christian Germanic peoples retained the habit of counting time through the phases of the moon - lunar calendars had been quite the widespread method of counting time until the late Mesolithic, and Germanic peoples were “reluctant” in letting go of this tradition. As such, Solstices and Equinoxes were not that big of a deal among pre-Christian Germanic peoples, especially among Scandinavians, as their calendars show a clear guidance by the phases of the moon, and among pre-Christian Scandinavians Winter Nights, Yule and Sigurblót were the three main celebrations and all of them on a full moon, and never related to solstices or equinoxes. The Midsummer celebration is of later importance, after Christianisation, and the adoption of Christian solar calendars, which on the other hand come from Classical Roman antiquity. Since Midsummer is the celebration of the Summer Solstice/June Solstice in the Northern Hemisphere, and therefore a sky phenomenon important in Solar Calendars, it was not celebrated in pre-Christian Scandinavia. In Germany, for instance, the summer Solstice gains a considerable importance from the 17th century onward, and always related to Christian celebrations. In Denmark, the solstice celebration is called sankthans or sankthansaften ("St. John's Eve"). There are clear pagan traditions in this celebration, but mostly from Classical Roman Period or Celtic influence, and also Germanic pagan traditions pushed into this celebration. In Norway, just like in Denmark, the celebration is called Sankthansaften, celebrated on June 23 in Norway, the day is also called Jonsok, which means "John's wake", which was quite important in Roman Catholic times with pilgrimages to churches and holy springs in Norway (Christianized places, once of pagan relevance, but nothing to do with solstice’s celebrations). Sweden is the Scandinavian country where the Midsummer celebration has great relevance and it's a Swedish cultural icon. However, one of the main aspects of the celebration is raising and dancing around a maypole, named majstång or midsommarstång; majstång, probably from "maja" or straight from "maj" to designate the month May, and "stång" from Old Norse "stǫng", which is "pole". This celebration has parallels with the pre-Christian heathen Sigurblót, which marked the beginning of summer at the end of April and beginning of May (at a full moon, 3 moon cycles after Yule) celebrated at Old Uppsala. The fact that a May-ish celebration was shifted to the Summer Solstice (Midsummer being in mid-June) and specifically a celebration from a solar calendar, shows that this was a religious introduction probably first introduced by Christianized Celts and then Christian missionaries, most likely German Christians, raising the May-Pole in June to equate with the solar solstice festivities present with the Catholic Church. Because a great part of the celebration is also having greens and flowers as decorations, which mark an important aspect of this festivity, and during May it is impossible to find flowers and greens due to the Swedish climate, we understand why a probable festivity following a lunar calendar was shifted to Midsummer but it continued to be called a maypole celebration. It is understandable why pre-Christian Scandinavians conducted their lives through the phases of the moon rather than the observance of solar phenomenon, simply because in Northern Europe winters and nights last longer, there's much more darkness and the sun is often concealed. Furthermore, the 3 months of summer are quite short and in the northernmost regions is always day time, which is why it is also understandable why Midsummer festivities were not important in pre-Christian Scandinavia, since they conducted their lives through the phases of the moon and the moon is scarcely present during a northern-European summer (Winter Nights, Yule and Sigurblót having been celebrated from the first day of winter to the last day of winter, for as long as the moon could be easily observable). In this way we also understand why Bronze Age Scandinavia had a great emphasis on Solar symbols just like in most European religious beliefs at the time, not because they naturally venerated the sun, but because it was a religious introduction controlled by the Bronze Age Scandinavian elite and as such it became common, accepted, familiar, like a religious routine and not because it had a natural significance; the same way Christianity is widespread in modern Europe, not because it had a natural significance but because it was introduced, forced, and eventually became common, accepted, familiar. The non-Indo-European Scandinavian myth of creation starts with the Night generating life, because that was their natural reality in pre-Indo-European and pre-Christian Scandinavia (the Ymir myth, on the other hand, is Indo-European and no longer reflects the importance of the Night).

[@lauriewalker8054]

L)

[@parabolicroadhouseinc.542]

sweden.se/culture-traditions/midsummer/ realscandinavia.com/midsummer-in-sweden-origins-and-traditions/ www.heathenhof.com/making-midsummer/ so this is alf fodder? I was under the impression that Midsommar came from Estonia, to Kvenland, and then to Sweden, and was always practiced by the pagans?

[@jacobeverman2993]

@Tom Schäffer as I understand it the years with a new moon after the winter solstice or up to a week before had 13 full moons and the Nordic calendars adjusted for this with a leap month. Essentially instead of being January it would be implied like February and would actually be held January 3rd. Hope this clears things up

[@Divig]

Small correction, maja/maj in majstång is not from the month May, but from the *activity* to maja = to decorate with green leaves/small trees.

[@gmgrecords3436]

We want a book from you not trying to sell beliefs but facts ! More seriously it would be great to have a Kind of summary of all your works in one book

[@bythemoonjourneys]

I agree. Just have someone typed up all your videos and go from there. Editing is the easy part, and you've already done so much work! And it's documented.

[@herpderpington6825]

I would also buy a book.

[@frogwalkerworld3547]

Yep definitely write a book Arith. We'd buy and read it!

[@6Haunted-Days]

You do realize MUCH of what you do spiritually isn’t and never will be FACTS. Not unless you plan to be like a xtian and be monotheistic? Cuz it can change Drastically from group to group….even if your trying to follow a historical path we’ve been finding SO MUCH stuff out just the last 10yrs that there’s really few FACTS surrounding ANY of this! So I’m not sure what you’re even saying…you want only a book of facts from him 😂🙄 Like religion or spirituality is somehow full of facts.

[@heidelward905]

I'm American, of Scandinavian decent, and I've been binge watching this channel for days. This man is a gift to humanity.

[@danielcorell1531]

This is the video I have waited for. Thank you. I have been laughed at, mocked, and shunned by modern Asatru for following a lunar calendar. While my beliefs do not require others to follow me, or do as I do, simple acceptance would have been nice. This video was a gift to me. I know Arith did not mean it that way, but it was. Thank you, Arith.

[@renata_of_the_craft]

I can all but agree with you Daniel.

[@renata_of_the_craft]

I should also have said that I follow the moon calendar myself and try to keep my celebrations to the full moons.

[@waterlily85]

Heimskringla says On winter day there should be blood-sacrifice for a good year, and in the middle of winter for a good crop; and the third sacrifice should be on summer day, for victory in battle. What source(s) mention the moon as timing? Not arguing as I actually like the idea, just curious.

[@danielcorell1531]

@@waterlily85 Yule was held on the full moon of Yule Moon for all the Germanic tribes. See the work of Dr. Andreas Nordberg of Stockholm, the world's foremost scholar, who proves that Yule was on the "first full moon after the first new moon after the winter solstice."

[@zhaya5255]

When I took my first tentative steps into Northern paganism I was immediately stumped that most online sources gave the same holidays for celtic, norse and germanic cultures, i. e. the wiccan ones... I'm happy I didn't give up and ended up here! That being said, I also think that spiritual development should leave room for adaptation - where I live we clearly do have four seasons, so why not celebrate them? - but informed adaptation! Knowing the source and go from there, taking your own needs and circumstances into account. Not plain ignorance... so thank you for this enlightening video and all the work you put in!

[@TeaRain_]

So my mother is wiccan and we celebrated those holidays when I was growing up. But she always encouraged me to learn about other religions and that she would support me no matter what I chose to believe. I adopted a norse spirituality because it's what I feel connected to most. I try to keep learning as much as I can, but I don't think I can give up the holidays I grew up with.

[@Ælfgifu-1]

Same! Born and raised in a Wiccan home. And, while I want to celebrate the Heathen holy days, too, I will keep the Sabbats! Even if they are new, who cares? All celebrations were new at some point.

[@mongoosecandice7402]

Protective rune garland is in the mail to my best friend, tree is lit, orange slices are baking for mulled wine later, and I'm embroidering some gifts while listening - perfection.

[@theodoralling8705]

The strangest story I’ve ever heard about Arith came from my mother. She was born in Sápmi before she met my father and came to live in Norway. She told that she had met Arith when she was 16 years old or so (she’s 57 now). She met a very old noaidi (sámi shaman) and they were in a group where the shaman was performing, and there were people there, including Arith Härger, my mother swears to it. When the sessions was over my mother asked the noaidi who were the people present there and the noaidi told her the names of everyone except for Arith, he said “his name cannot be spoken of now”. The noaidi told my mother that Arith was not actually among the “living”, or maybe he meant it quite literally. That he (Arith) was there and came at the end of his course (the noaidi) just as he (Arith) had been there in the beginning of his initiation (the noaidi’s). The noaidi told my mother that Arith had come when he was still a child, and was presented to him by his own grandfather (who had been a noaidi too) when he too was only a child. We are talking about a noiadi who was born in the early 19th century who met Arith. Well, the strange thing too is that the noaidi said Arith (or that spirit or whatever with Arith’s appearance) was there “at the end of his course”, and sure enough the noiadi died that year. I keep thinking about this and it’s so so weird man. I don’t understand this lol. My mother swears it’s the same person or at least the exact same face. She says the he disappears for a very long period and then comes back, or so the noaidi told her, like he is gone for several years and comes back, so I’m waiting for that to kind of happen, if he disappears all of a sudden without trace.

[@christinehope6317]

Cool story

[@sgtgensamer8693]

Arith has responded to other comments on this video already. Im very interested in hearing his reaction to this one. Perhaps he will confirm the story. Perhaps not. I think, most likely, he has not done either yet because: He is NOT the material, he is the educator. Deifying arith is, i believe, a mistake. I would much rather give him the credit and respect he deserves for his RELENTLESS and DEDICATED search for historical accuracy, and its rewards (which, as he mentioned, include wisdom, enlightenment, and spiritual progress.) Believe me: ARITH FOR PRESIDENT!!! (Yes, where do I sign?) But ARITH FOR DEMIGOD? (I think not)

[@HORRORIPSVM]

LOL

[@lilykatmoon4508]

I really appreciate learning the historical accuracy of pre Christian Northern European paganism. When I first started this pagan path, all of the books I read were from the Wiccan perspective and I’ve sought to find connections to the wheel of the years celebrations. It helps me better understand the mindset of my ancestors and to connect to and integrate this spiritual mindset to my modern life. Thanks for another great video!

[@lisascauldron1723]

I am glad that you addressed in the beginning about growth and on-going learning leading to changes in previous thought/ truths. The more we learn and our perspective changes through personal experiences, what we may have thought at the beginning of the journey may not hold true as new information comes to light. Too many times people - especially on social platforms- seem to forget that growth is an important aspect of life. I may know a lot about a certain subject but I know there is always more to learn and that it may lead to changes in previous thought. Thank you.

[@andrecourchesne2172]

its not contradiction...its called growing

[@juggaloscrub365]

It's always good to be able to admit that you were wrong about something and learn from it

[@carpejkdiem]

@@juggaloscrub365 Most definitely. Its the big part of the Christian journey that really doesn't start opening up at all until we actually read scripture. The most humble part of taking the journey is in learning sometimes we get it wrong & have to grow through it. Non researchers to me are people who don't want to grow. YHWH knows our heart sure and He knows if we are not studying to show ourselves approved. I'd rather get something wrong actually going through the journey seeking truth than be like the Luke warm. = Humble pie daily for a reason.

[@devidaughter7782]

Disablot, celebrated at the beginning of winter, was a celebration of the Disir- the female spirits of the land, ancestors, and the feminine in the Divine sphere (13:50). . . while the Icelandic Alfablot - sacrifice to the elves - was held on the full moon of November (33:36)

[@aldsidu8600]

I have been teaching this for a long long long time, and I have been CLOBBERED for this. About time a big name person comes out and says this, though Dr. Andreas Nordberg is the major (not a Heathen) scholar that teaches this. His work confirmed it for me, but Ynglinga Saga chapter 8 was the start... I do not feel as alone now, but our Aldsidu group has been following the lunar calendar (or lunisolar calendar) for some time. My wife and four children (and my eldest son's fiance) in our family blots, have celebrated the three major blots on full moon for a number of years. So much mis-information in the mis-information age... I am going to have all Aldsidu Heathens follow Arith now. We have so few really good resources out there. (Sure, the Sagas, and quotes like Thietmar of Merseburg who states that Yule was in January AFTER Xmas/Solstice, etc, but still as a youtuber myself, having already done a video, I feel like there is a shift going on. Old Gods Old Ways people will always be a minority. Research takes time. Christians in america do not read their bibles. Most in heathenry do not read the sources. We do not accept the sources like christians accept the bible, but the sources are still very important. This was a great video, all the passages and sources I found were mentioned, so i can say, that this video was an EXHAUSTIVE study, as I have studied this a long time, and therefore, I know the time Arith put in here... (PS- there is one reference to a midsummer blot, ONE in the sagas, but the context is forced christianization and an anti-Christian reaction, in Trondheim...) Yule and Winter Nights are mentioned all over the place...

[@KiltdHeathen]

The issue that people take with you is your presentation. You have accused that Asatru organizations and groups claim Ostara to be historical, when it has been stated to you repeatedly that it is known and recognized in an Official sense (read: Actual organizations, not individuals) that Ostara is a modern holiday for Modern Heathenry. Organizations have been quite open in where there is a lack of information, and instead cite modern ideas and thoughts, which reflect a modern practice, yet you often misrepresent this in what many perceive to be a "Crusade against Asatru", by accusing everyone and no one (blanket statements on Asatru while never naming specific people) as making claims on historical basis when none have been stated. Couple this with your tendency to misrepresent data and community views, and it's no small mystery why you are "clobbered" for your criticisms.

[@waterlily85]

I finally wrapped my head around these dates and I plan on following them going forward - or at least for the next calendar year to see how they feel. Since I'm so used to Yule revolving around the solstice, I'm curious how to celebrate Yule properly. Is a simple blot - sharing a drink with the spirits - "good enough". I'm a solitary practitioner.

[@aeon2906]

This is not the only time I have heard all of this, and read it, but it is the most detailed and easily digestible version yet! Thank you for providing so much clarity!

[@AreYouKittenMeRtNow]

As an American born Swede this is the most important and useful information I’ve come across yet when trying to better understand authentic pre-Christian Scandinavian history. I especially appreciate your work surrounding Hela. Modern paganism and hearhenry never felt quite “right” and I’ve come to understand there are some legitimate reasons for this. I and my family cannot thank you enough for your devotion to truthfulness and facts. You have a devoted subscriber for sure!

[@Vyk1345]

Great update Arith. One piece that I often see interpreted two different ways is which moon the blot should fall on. Some say "the first full moon after the equinox/solstice" and some say "the first full moon, following the first new moon after the equinox/solstice". In my research (I am not an academic or scholar, just like to study this stuff), I found Professor Andreas Nordberg's paper "Jul, disting och förkyrklig tideräkning" he states that it would be "the first full moon, following the first new moon". Which I have found to be a more accurate calculation of where the middle of winter actually is. Which would put Winter Nights on October 20th for this past October, and Yule/Midwinter on the full moon on January 17, 2022. Look forward to hearing your thoughts.

[@akirazumi6726]

😃 Gracias! A la vida y a usted señor Arith Harger por haber encontrado este canal, con tanta información que me gusta mucho.

[@Theoduuin]

Concerning Easter/Eostremanoth: the modern german name of this holiday is "Ostern" wich corresponds with the old frankish month name "Ostarmanoth". In low german (lower Saxon) Folklore this Day is strongly connected to the Sun (as a welcoming of the Summer) and celebrated with big bonfires ("Osterfeuer/Osterfüür" = easter fire), wich where to be lit through smaller fires called "Nodfyr/Notfeuer" (need fire; compare to number XV in "indiculus superstitionum et paganiarum"). All fires in the home, including the hearth would be extinguished before the celebration and new wood would be lit with coals from the easter fire the following day (this tradition only faded away with the vanishing of the traditional north german Hallenhaus (hall-house) in the 19th century). Saint Boniface called those Bonfires "ignis pachalis" (pascha fires), wich again shows that this is a lokal germanic tradition, unkonown to the anglo-saxon/cornish missionary of the franks. I don´t say that this is proof of a common germanic Easter, let alone a hypothetical goddess, but there were traditional fires around the same time as the Pascha in northern germany before the christianization and the term "Easter/Ostern" is definitely germanic and not of britonian origin. But Grimm's "Ostara" is Bullsht, nontheless. Anyways, have a great Easter/Ostern/Sigrblót!

[@MagischerPfad]

Thank you for your work, Arith! I have been trying to understand and de-wiccate the actual historical background of the "Wheel of the Year" for some time now. Especially because I was in the OBOD, a druidic order, but which also celebrates the 8 festivals, partly under different names than we know them from the wheel of the year.... I knew that at least 4 of these festivals (who are also called differently in the OBOD) have nothing to do with the "Celts" and therefore with the Druids and I started to question the whole concept of the wheel of the year and have left the OBOD, which presents all 8 as Druidic.... Among other obviously false statements. It's really hard to find non-Wiccan information about it. Your video was the most helpful thing I found so far! Thank you very much for that!

[@23KidChaos]

I just discovered your channel very recently, and, I love your videos! I'm 47 years old, I've been interested in Paganism (and folk magic) since I was in high school, unfortunately, I didn't have the resources I do today to learn about what pre-christian pagans/heathens actually practiced, like, for instance, The Wheel of the Year, my intuition always told me that there was something "off" about it, but, what else did I have to go by? Thank you for setting this straight! I look forward to digging through your videos and learning more!

[@davidlarsen1989]

Hi Arith, Interesting video! I am unclear about the correct identification of the harvest moon, which you suggest signifies the beginning of winter in Old Norse cultures, and therefore the timing of the disablot holy day (and also alfablot?). Is it the closest full moon to the autumn equinox i.e. either side of it, or the next full moon after the autumn equinox? What sources does this specific information come from? Also, is the third full moon after the harvest moon and the first full moon after the first new moon after the winter solstice the same? In your video you identify both as indicating yule for Old Norse cultures. Again, what is your source for this information? Thanks.

[@alpanamohajan6579]

I understood what you were saying, it's quite similar to our Hindu calendar as well which is also heavily dependent on moon cycles.

[@devidaughter7782]

yes, I'm wondering if this is the case throughout S. Asia? I know in Nepal the festivals are scheduled according to the lunar calendar even to this day.

[@randyjones3050]

It strikes me that the use of lunar vs solar calendars seems to be connected to whether or not a particular society was a hunter gatherer society or an agrarian farming society. It seems that the lunar calendars are more common among hunter gatherers in the north while (understandably) solar calendars are much more commonly used by agricultural farming societies. It may be that the lunar calendars are older than the solar calendars for this very reason - at least in the colder northern climates. I have so much to learn.

[@teresafigueiredo]

Hello, Mr. Arith! Wednesday has finally arrived, it is in every way a good day of the week, thank you for making this day so pleasant, it is already part of my life, my schedule! Thank you.

[@amandamiscellaneous3790]

I am so grateful for your channel....it's hard to find good content on heathenry and Norse paganism...thank you for sharing your knowledge 🙏🏻

[@ArithHärger]

Thank you very much ;) cheers!

[@chuckfriebe843]

Try @FreyiaNorling. You'll be amazed. She's an Artic Norwegian Völva here on KZbin.

[@wallaceervin8248]

You are my favorite archaeologist/historian. You give true academic research into the norse spirituality which is truly refreshing. Hailsa and skal to you.

[@miguelferreira8280]

Thanks for presenting this research since so few of us have the means or training to pursue it ourselves. No matter what or how we celebrate, it's important to know how we got there.

[@Wonderlustislikemeth]

I love your honesty with the difficulty of swallowing fact and talk about the swallowing process

[@bythemoonjourneys]

Thank you so very much. I really appreciate a channel I can trust. You project honesty. I love that you do the research, and you're a very good teacher. You have me enthralled.

[@Bethie13]

This is awesome! I love the current paganism sabbats because it is the closest thing I will have to "Christian" decor when I want to celebrate around my Christian family and friends (all extremely supportive of my path). NOW, I went digging through my sabbat based books and the one on Ostara does not include anything about heathens, BUT they do say when this holiday was made and how it is a younger holiday. I am kinda alone in my heathenry path if I do choose to celebrate any of these holy days it will be solitary.

[@Ælfgifu-1]

I love the Sabbats, too. Even if they are new, so what? Every ancient celebration was new at some point!

[@sayterslam]

Has to be one of my favorite channels on youtube. Keep up the great work!

[@tdesha100]

I appreciate this video so much because all the info I could find in books or online were just mostly Wiccan practices with a “Norse” label on it. It’s very frustrating so I’m so happy you make these videos!

[@wolfmanspeaks3071]

With me youre making a stronger friendship with every video. Thanks for looking as deeply into everything as u do, youre qualifying notions ive held for a long time and it's exciting. You have an awesome and important channel, keep on going!

[@KiltdHeathen]

Hello Arith! Regarding Sigrblot, a common notion that I have seen among Modern Heathens is that the holiday is no longer relevant to us today, as we do not go to war and raid every summer. It was important historically, certainly, but as society has changed our spiritual practices have adapted to what our daily lives are now. With Ostara, while I see that it is recognized that there is sparse information on her, there are parallels made with several other goddesses of the dawn, such as Aurora (Roman), Eos (Greek), Ausrine (Lithuania), Auseklis (Latvian), Ushah (Persian) and Ushás (Sanskrit), all coming from the same Proto-Indo-European root of *Ausos, from which Ēostre and Ostara is also derived. Ben Waggoner has also conjectured that in Scandinavia, it is possible that this PIE "Dawn Goddess" may have been replaced by Dagr, the son of Nótt and Dellingr. Still yet, Ostara is recognized as a modern holiday by honest Heathens, and it reflects our modern mindset of Springtime (as opposed to the historical two-seasons), and celebrates this event. I know your thoughts on the lack of historical basis for such a festival, and while perhaps it cannot be said that the Norse people practiced it, what do you think about the holiday going forward?

[@alithwolf1065]

Hello Arith. I just want to say thank you for everything that you do. I am an American who's heart is in Aesir the reason why I mention this is because I know you like to get a demographic of who your listeners are, You helped me expand as a pagan man as it is very difficult to Wade through the waters of neo-paganism never really knowing what to accept. So thank you once again please keep up the good work! May Odin's grace find you.

[@SpiraeaHerbs]

Wow! I can see why it took years for you to adjust to this new way of thinking. My mind is spinning! I'll definitely be rewatching and taking notes. Thank you for all you do and share with us.

[@unconditionalascension3056]

always appreciated. Welcoming knowledge and facts can never be a bad thing unless you prefer to live in a fantasy. Thank you for always staying factual and informative.

[@elderking18-n6z]

What a great video! I've long had suspicions about the whole "wheel of the year" and when and what holidays were observed. This video has been a great help to me in my personal research!

[@oldhufflepuff7410]

Thank you. I'm a Heathen looking into my Scandinavian ancestry. I'm in Australia and love the information you share. I'm not wiccan and want to celebrate more traditional celebrations. Please keep going😍

[@mishkavalhalla9905]

Honestly what would the heathen community do without you? This is a video we all need lmao

[@cyclicallivingoz]

I just love these videos! Learning so much! Thank you!

[@renata_of_the_craft]

Thank you Arith for this very enlightening video, I have learned lots, I was under the impression that Vætrnætr was celebrated some days after Winterfylleth (Ƿinterfylleþ) moon, but will now adjust my calendar. Though actually it does make more sense, considering the month is Haustmanður (sorry, can´t get the accent over the a, as I haven´t that letter on my computer keyboard), and celebrations are usually held at the time of the full moon. I already look forward to Yule, when I will baffle everyone by celebrating ´Christmas' in the middle of January, full moon on the 17th this year (2021). Hopefully we might have a smidgen of snow by then. Oh, btw, usually, according to Wikipedia and a few other sources, the extra moon was added to the summer months, so some years there were 2 Solmandur months to make up for the extra days. Thanks again for this very informative video and for all the time you spend making this content. It is so appreciated!

[@Kon_Fot_]

It was an amazing video! Loved how you explained every aspect of the idea.

[@garychynne1377]

right on. thank yew arith.

[@ArithHärger]

Thank you Archer friend!

[@leenvisser4649]

Very helpful information. Thank you for taking the time to do this. Definitely a video I will be watching again. I found the note about Grimm being the only source for Ostara particularly interesting. A video examining the historical relevance of Grimm's Teutonic Mythology might be a good one to consider.

[@henninghartung9340]

I agree. My English translation still has the Latin and Greek text in their original language, so it will be more challenging for me when I take the time to read them.

[@augustcanyon3438]

You are an inspiration. As a Roman polytheist I am taking the same intellectual path as you towards the Norse belief system. Please keep up the good work and hopefully many will see the benefits of your research and your wisdom. 😘

[@victorblack6995]

Tremendous work Arith! tack!

[@williamvass1271]

As I am always seeking the truth through facts I am grateful for your diligence in research to bring us that truth. I am well aware that things do change based on new findings and am thankful for you and your channel. Thank you.

[@sharris4162]

Thanks for sharing Arith

[@samuraimedi4061]

Thank you so much for you effort in this, truly has helped me connect the best I can with my Scandinavian ancestors since I am so alone with no family.

[@jakateara2696]

Thank you so much for all your hard work. I celebrated my first midwinter blòt this year and it was a really enjoyable experience. I knew there were 2 more but wasn't sure exactly when they were and was going to start diving into trying to find them. This wonderful video has helped me so much on my quest for knowledge. Really appreciate the work you do dude.

[@teresafigueiredo]

The importance of recognizing that we can and must rethink our ideas, that is to grow! After all, we're intelligent beings!

[@ernamoller175]

Thank you Arith. Greetings from South Africa. Here in the Southern hemisphere these 3 holy days will then be on a different dates.

[@immeloff-road199]

Excellent video! Best I've come across on the topic.

[@seH2i]

Most people don't have a mind to decipher contradiction. As a mystic and follower of philosophies I have beliefs based on information available at a given time. As you said, and I'm paraphrasing, it does not mean you've been wrong, deceptive or misleading. We jusge, we misjudge. We discover, we rediscover. That's the paradox as reality unravels itself, no fault of our own. Thank you.

[@agentredfox]

Ain’t nothing wrong with finding new information & revise your findings. In addition, I think it’s great to learn about all paths and religions, even if it’s not one you personally practice. Information breeds understanding and understanding bridges gaps. The world is in desperate need of more understanding.

[@wasseemhaidar3447]

I just want to say that this comment section has been slept on for along time by my own fault. the comments are so rich in information and I Love it!

[@EMTwombly]

Give us the facts! Excellent. As always! Facts lead to truth, regardless if we like them or not!

[@leandromol]

Impecável como sempre, meu professor lusitano!

[@Ravynwulf]

This was a really great video. Much needed. Thank you. 🌙

[@realplank]

Arith, I love your videos. But the ads every couple minutes in this one are killing me! lol

[@ArithHärger]

what the bloody hell happened here o.o it's true! I didn't do this sh*t . . . so many adds wtf . . . going to fix this, thanks.

[@ArithHärger]

I cannot fixed this what the hell. This is the only video like this, I don't understand! Went to KZbin Studio and the options for this video are the same as all the other videos, yet it has a lot of adds for no good goddamn reason! I'm sorry for that, but it wasn't like this when it was submited and after 1month of being uploaded it now has a lot of adds.... this isn't my doing! o.o . . . and I don't know how to fix this! Going to send a report to KZbin itself.... sorry for that..

[@ArithHärger]

I think I've fixed that, can you please check if it still has a lot of adds? how many? Or simply just one in the beginning? thank you. I have no idea what the heck happened here

[@realplank]

@@ArithHärger Maybe KZbin just wants more ads in videos??

[@realplank]

@@ArithHärger It seems to have been fixed! Thank you, Arith. Hope you have good day.

[@BaltimoresBerzerker]

In America, we are euro- mutts. Personally I'm southern French, Irish, and German. With our disconnection to both homeland, sacred historical sites of our ancestors, etc....it doesn't seem that outlandish to mix traditions from many indo European people. I agree, it should be done with accuracy and honesty though. I wouldn't claim my Germanic ancestors honored the same things as my Irish or southern French ancestors, celebrating the same holidays on the same days. Edit...and a major characteristic of polytheism is its ability to change to adapt to new cultural realities.

[@Shria9]

YES so much this!

[@dylanlandry4996]

The 1st american colony wasnt puritan it was heathens who had a maypole

[@Entererofthethreshold]

This is where my own practice is headed these days..as a "Euro mutt" myself, I'm far more interested in honoring all my known ancestry and something like a wheel of the year suits me well as I continue to search out a more general Northern European belief syncretic belief system that isnt defined by the current borders of nation states, but by broader shared symbols, life ways, and ritual practice.

[@hegefossum4002]

I have a question. According to Maria Kvilhaug, a Norwegian historian, Yule was a period of time and not just one big celebration/ blot. She says that there is reason to believe that Midwinter blot in January was marking the ending of the Yule season, and that the Yule season started round about Winter Solstice. I find her very reliable, and wonder how you view this. From Maria Kvilhaug's blog: Timing When did Yule happen? In the Saga of Hákon Góði, chapter 13, we learn: “King Hákon [ruled 933-961] was a good Christian when he came to Norway. But the entire country was pagan, and there was a lot of blót [sacrifice] going on and many powerful men, and he needed very much the help and the friendship of the people, and for that reason he chose to be secretive about his Christianity, but still held the Sundays and the Friday fast. He made it a law that Yule should start at the same time as among Christian people [December 24th], each man should make beer from one measure of malt or else pay fines, and the holiday should last for as long as the beer lasted. Before that, the Yule blót began on Höku-night (Night of the Hawk), that was the same as midwinter [January 12th], and then one held Yule for three nights. Hákon thought that when he had a firmer footing in the country and had laid the entire land safely beneath himself, then would he begin his Christian mission.” According to this source, the original, pagan Yule celebration took place between 12th-15th of January, but this was likely only the ending of the time period. According to Sophie Bønding[3], there are many reasons to believe that Yule was an entire month, the Yule month (jólmanuðr) which began at the end of the Ýlir month, marked by the winter solstice [December 20th], and that the Yule month, containing many different but related celebrations, ended with the three night Midwinter celebrations around the 15th-19th of January. In the Middle Ages, the calendar was a bit different, however, winter solstice, which to us is the night before the 21st of December, was the night before the 13th of December according to the older calendar. bladehoner.wordpress.com/2020/01/22/yule-pagan-origins-and-later-folklore/?fbclid=IwAR3-DKF93ybqb9bRC-O2aZM0XYcqiv4ZLqP_eiup5M2y3LuUQbr1U37B1-g

[@Vyk1345]

Hǫkunott isn't "Night of the Hawk" as she has it. Literally translated, hǫku is an indefinite of haka, which means "chin". So quite literally "Chin Night". However most linguists agree that Hǫkunott should be translated as "Midwinter Night". As far as the months, yes, most scholars not that there are two months that are called Yule. So the Yultide Season in pre-Christian times would have spanned two moon cycles.

[@hegefossum4002]

@@Vyk1345 Thanks for commenting, and for the correction. Made me think of how hoku or høk (modern spelling) is used in placenames in the alpine region where I live. These are just some associations I made when I read your comment of course, but still a funny thing, I think. There is a place called høk (chin, as you just wrote) but some type of mountains are also called hovda/ hovdin as in hovuder that means heads. When you walk in these areas you can clearly understand why those names were given to mountain and mountain ranges, because they do look like giant heads and chins and so on. I also wonder if the bird hawk (modern Norwegian spelling "Hauk" ) could have been named after these chinlike mountains, as they obviously often are seen there. Just a looooong stretch, I know, but I find it nice to wonder as I climb those mountains.

[@satyrsak]

So, It looks like the pre-Christian Scandinavians based their holidays around Winter season, i.e. Winter Nights=beginning of winter; Yule=middle of winter (abouts); Sigurblot=end of winter (beginning of summer) (two seasons: Winter, Summer).

[@watchingthebees]

I’m not a Norse Pagan (not a Wiccan either but I started with it) and I quite like the neopagan calendar but I think it’s important to know who created it in modern days (and that they were created in modern days) and where their origins came from, and that their importance is to connect yourself to the seasons and the earth. I’m from the Southern Hemisphere however, so I celebrate them inverted, but I met a Norse Pagan that literally got in a fight with me because “there’s no point then, because the ancestors didn’t celebrate it like that” without even knowing that people in pre-christian Scandinavia didn’t celebrated them. But also, what would be the point of celebrating the winter solstice during summer? I swear some people just don’t make any sense (and base their whole identities on what they THINK the “ancestors” did but don’t actually research or know what people in ancient cultures did). I just stopped talking to them lol

[@gojoyner]

Thank you so much for your work! I'm always looking for information that is based on historic facts!

[@erikeparsels]

One reason I would still think that the English Easter was the big spring blot is that elsewhere in northern Europe the church succeeded in replacing it with the word Pascha. The pope wrote to the missionary Augustine, who had complained that the people kept going to their holy site even though he had burned it down, and said Augustine should build a church there. So the church was ready to co opt places and vocabulary it couldn't eradicate. I also think, and this is just my guess, that Bede, writing a century after the Christianization, wasn't all that accurate when, for instance, he said there were two months, aerra geola and aeftra geola. My suspicion was that the germanic lunar time reckoning divided months into a first half, from the new moon to the full moon, and a second half, from the full to the new moon. Thus the single month Jolmanudhr would have a "before Jol" and an "after Jol" component, which Bede might have heard of at some point and mistaken for the names of two separate months. Also, the Germans under Charlemagne called April Ostarmanoth, even though Germany adopted the name Pasche for Easter. I don't see such ardent Christians who were so zealous that they practically committed genocide against the Saxons keeping such an obviously heathen name unless it was too deeply entrenched to get rid of.

[@sykotikmommy]

So, does Winternights fall on the harvest moon?

[@samuraimedi4061]

you sir never fail to help me in my lifes journey! Much appreciated.

[@eikthyrnirodinson9662]

I watched it. Thanks for this wonderful video. Very interesting to see.

[@johnrutledge3892]

Thank you for your knowledge and truth fullness !

[@chrisd1]

My query is the megalithic monuments in the UK and other places, which are aligned to the solar year, I ma not saying that historical heathens celebrated them merely that those monuments were still extant to some degree and could have been used to show solar dates, is there any evidence of their use in heathen times?

[@starr234]

Thank you for this! I appreciate the knowledge you share!

[@martinobanassa]

Thank you for this new information--good to know. I really appreciate your honesty and openness, as well. Of course as an intelligent, thoughtful person, your opinions and philosophy will evolve along with your increase of knowledge. Thank you for sharing this factual information and your wit and gentle humor.

[@Number-one-good-friend]

i really love you buddy.. thank you so much for all your work.

[@karelkremel]

getting back to this video year later - i'm confused around 16:00 you refer to midwinter as the last fullmoon before solstrice - based on heimskringla around 18:50 i hear you ti ckaun ut;s fullmoon after new moon after solstrice - based on some unreferenced byzantine source the later you repeat around 34:45 as ?your preference? or why did you choose this version?

[@curtismiller8312]

Thanks you for sharing your lessons ,they mean so much to me Thank you . 🙏✌

[@landru49]

Hey dear Arith, thank you for clearify some misconceptions concerning the holy days. You mentioned misconceptions in the heathen mindset. Can you recommend any overviews about more accurate mindsets? Thank you for your videos. Gods be with you

[@aegishjalmer1270]

I knew the calendar was wrong when I started looking into their backgrounds, but couldn’t pin how or why it was there... so, thank you for this

[@MrScotsouth]

As always...very well researched and presented. I find it interesting that many Pagans state they came to the religion to get away from Christian or other religion's dogma...but when you succinctly point out current Pagan dogma/belief is factually wrong, they get upset and cling to these modern misconceptions and fallacies. As always, thank you for your hard work and time Arith.

[@MiaogisTeas]

Since they were using a Lunar calendar, the dates wouldn't change each year because it's the moon which determines the days. But I get what you mean. That said, how about we find, create, or recreate a Lunar calendar for us all to use? One for the southern hemisphere, too.

[@damattice23]

It would be super cool if there was an app or publication that showed all of the various heathen, pagan, Wiccan, etc holidays each year for those of us who don’t give a crap about modern “holidays”. App please?

[@asherdevin]

It's so different. The book I read had 6 holidays, 4 of which are the equinoxes and solstices. Mother's Night, Yule, Disting, Ostara, Midsummer and Harvest. It also said that their year was only 2 seasons, winter and summer.

[@erikeparsels]

I think you make a very good case. And given the pre- and even post-christianization Scandinavians for odd numbers, for imbalance in their art, only three major festivals in the year sounds totally plausible, especially when backed up by the written sources.

[@abatos1146]

Excellent break down and explanation! I've learned a lot about the faith and am eager to learn more from your future videos! Take care friend. :)

[@gentlemanviking9389]

No anger here. I love learning. It may challenge my interpretation of what I was taught. But the truth should never be a source of anger 🤙🏻🤙🏻

[@waterlily85]

Heimskringla says On winter day there should be blood-sacrifice for a good year, and in the middle of winter for a good crop; and the third sacrifice should be on summer day, for victory in battle. What source(s) mention the moon as timing? Not arguing as I actually like the idea, just curious.

[@antsquirly7654]

I am so grateful you did this clarification. Thank you.Because of where I lived as a child in my formative years, I experienced the Solstices and Equinoxes in their extreme. (Alaska) For me, those are the only times of the year to celebrate. I consider the other four man made even though natural occurrences do happen during these times.

[@alexisl.4335]

I get so much crap from people when I tell them I follow this kind of calendar! I actually worked all this out just before quarantine started in my state (early March) and when I tried to share it with others and ask what they thought about it, people got upset. I had several people tell me that it doesn't matter when it was actually celebrated because it's celebrated on the solstice now, and if I didn't celebrate it when everyone else did, I wasn't really one of them. One person was really glad I posted it, but that was it. For the most part, people laugh it away. That won't change how and when I celebrate the appropriate holidays, but it stings a little sometimes to know that not only am I pretty lonely because there aren't many heathens in my area, but that even of the heathens in my area, I'm isolated because they don't like my lack of conformity to their holidays and calendar.

[@chuckfriebe843]

Dare to be different and celebrate it.

[@kristintindall7585]

Wow! Sorry to you for the closemindedness of your community. It shows how hard it can be to deprogram from cultlike patterns, even when one has been rejected for another. I practice full moon celebrations and wheel of the year celebrations to strengthen my connection to natural cycles of birth, growth and death, to the moon and the sun. I feel these must make sense to us in our physical geography, or the reason for celebrating is lost. Your practice needs to make sense in your heart, for your spiritual growth. Maybe celebrating with community is part of what makes it valuable, but maybe it is creating personal ritual and meaning. We are each on our own journey.

[@samuelmelcher]

Happy Winter Nights everyone

[@Helen-Ophion]

Would you please tell more about trees: apple, cherry, oak and nut trees

[@brynhild71]

It is very hard (personally) to trusts text that are written by christians and even with a Christianity tone. Plus how can anyone be sure about the world view of the people when it has been tainted by many other factors (Christianity being one of the most prominent ones).

[@ZeroGravityFuneral]

With that idea you can’t take any source because if it’s influences. Nothing is pure. I dunno, this seems like a excuse to not do the research

[@phoebegraveyard7225]

I am somewhat confused for this year. October holds two full moons this year, one on the first and the blue on on the 31st. When then would next year’s Yule and Sigurblot fall?

[@MikeVroman]

My answer to that would be the 31st. Since Yule is the first full moon after the first new moon after the winter solstice, that places the second moon in October three lunar cycles prior to Yule.

[@beorwinesheathencorner6425]

Yeah, I want to say the end of October this year. I believe this year is one of those years that has a 13th month and it makes it a little fuzzy.

[@J.Leistikow]

You say that winter begins with the last full moon before the equinox. Or do you mean the first after the equinox? For example 2021 equinox in the northern hemisphere is 22th of september. Do you mean the full moon of 20th of september or 20th of october to be the start of the year and therefor the winter nights/ vetrnætr?

[@citizent6999]

In Southern Hemisphere we have a new moon coming up right on the Winter Solstice, both 21/6. Do we count from this new moon after Winter Solstice or wait for the next to calculate Yule?

[@henninghartung9340]

My question exactly. :-)

[@kadinmay]

Hi Arith!! I was just watching your videos hoping you would post soon so I could ask this question. I know you have done a video on ergi, but can you do a video specifically on vitki and male seidr practitioners? I have heard rumors that they would castrate seidmen but I could understand that not being true. I am interested in their feminization, what might’ve been a feminine seidmans role in society compared to the Volva... the non feminine seidman, a “Heterosexual vitki.” Thank you for your time!!!

[@sorayatorchic]

It’s the same in Egyptian neo paganism. Unfortunately there’s so many holidays and so many deities and so much information that’s laying around in some mysterious place. It’s difficult to find when the deities you worship were honored. Plus there’s very little set holidays throughout the year. It varies by region and time period. Then there’s actually calculating when the holidays you can find are actually supposed to happen. It’s tough

[@morgotha42]

thank you for this video! for years I have strongly felt the holidays have been celebrated on the wrong days. I could never understand why pagans obsess over the moon yet have no actual holidays on the full moon, except by accident of course. I also felt being on the current calendar messed things up as well. I always admired the Jews for keeping the old calendar for religious reasons while working with the modern one for everyday life. I have wanted to find a working version of a Norse calendar for myself and this video helps at least in regards to Yule (half way threw vid need to keep watching hehe).

[@morganacrows9974]

O conhecimento não pode morrer 🤘🤘🤘🤘 Estou adorando, desconstruindo tudo aqui rsrs, só tenho que trazer essas datas, ou melhor essaa luas aqui para o Sul. Gratidão 💜🤘

[@afrolite86]

Thanks for the all the knowledge that you share. Did the ancient germanic peoples have names for the the full moons? As i know we tend to use the native American names.

[@alexanderwagner4587]

Look up the Anglo-Saxon calender😉