The Raven Assembly
24.03.202521:27
Returning Home to Our Ancestral Faiths:
We stand at a crossroads. For too long, we’ve wandered from the sacred paths carved by our ancestors, paths rooted in strength, honor, kinship, and connection to the land. In their place, many have been caught in the web of relatively new, foreign religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, all branches of the same Abrahamic tree. These systems have dominated much of the world for only the past 1,500 to 2,000 years, a brief moment in our long history. Yet they have not given birth to stronger, healthier societies. In fact, they’ve unintentionally sown the seeds of the very thing they claim to oppose: secularism, atheism, moral relativism, and spiritual decay.
Understand why. These Abrahamic religions are universalist by design. They teach of one god for all people, erasing the sacred bonds of ancestry, tribe, and land. They are missionary by nature, expanding relentlessly, flattening the uniqueness of every folk, every culture. They impose a single truth, a single law, demanding that local gods and customs be abandoned, reduced to "paganism" or "heresy."
This universalism unravels the foundation of strong, rooted societies. Over centuries, as these religions tightened their grip, controlling state, law, and personal life, people inevitably rebelled. The Protestant Reformation, the Enlightenment, secular revolutions, were all reactions to the heavy-handed control of Abrahamic institutions. But rather than returning to ancestral ways, people threw off religion altogether, plunging headfirst into atheism, materialism, and moral emptiness.
This is why the modern world is rootless, plagued by identity crises and spiritual confusion. When generations are taught that blood, soil, and ancestors mean nothing, they lose their place in the world. Secularism and nihilism are the inevitable result of uprooting faith and replacing it with universal ideologies detached from the people they claim to serve.
But it is not only the Abrahamic systems we must be wary of. There is another danger, one wearing the mask of tradition, but hollowing it out from within: New Age universalism. Movements that label themselves pagan, heathen, even Ásatrú, but preach inclusivity, moral relativism, and secular values divorced from bloodlines and sacred order. These are no different from the Abrahamic faiths. They too are universalist, modern, and foreign to the ways of our ancestors.
This is why I specifically call you to Sedianism. Sedianism is not a universalist faith. It is not a product of modern ideologies. It is rooted firmly in the ancestral, in kinship, in duty to your people and gods. It rejects moral relativism and upholds divine natural law, honor, discipline, order, and connection to the land and tribe.
For those of Germanic descent, Sedianism is the way home. And to all people, whether Slavic, Celtic, Vedic, African, or otherwise, the call is the same: return to your ancestral faiths. Leave behind the borrowed creeds, leave behind the false "paganisms" molded to fit modern ideologies. Only in the true, unbroken traditions of your ancestors will you find identity, belonging, and spiritual strength.
It is time to reject both the foreign creeds and their universalist imitations. Time to turn away from the systems that have led us into secular decay. It is time to come home.
We stand at a crossroads. For too long, we’ve wandered from the sacred paths carved by our ancestors, paths rooted in strength, honor, kinship, and connection to the land. In their place, many have been caught in the web of relatively new, foreign religions, Judaism, Christianity, Islam, all branches of the same Abrahamic tree. These systems have dominated much of the world for only the past 1,500 to 2,000 years, a brief moment in our long history. Yet they have not given birth to stronger, healthier societies. In fact, they’ve unintentionally sown the seeds of the very thing they claim to oppose: secularism, atheism, moral relativism, and spiritual decay.
Understand why. These Abrahamic religions are universalist by design. They teach of one god for all people, erasing the sacred bonds of ancestry, tribe, and land. They are missionary by nature, expanding relentlessly, flattening the uniqueness of every folk, every culture. They impose a single truth, a single law, demanding that local gods and customs be abandoned, reduced to "paganism" or "heresy."
This universalism unravels the foundation of strong, rooted societies. Over centuries, as these religions tightened their grip, controlling state, law, and personal life, people inevitably rebelled. The Protestant Reformation, the Enlightenment, secular revolutions, were all reactions to the heavy-handed control of Abrahamic institutions. But rather than returning to ancestral ways, people threw off religion altogether, plunging headfirst into atheism, materialism, and moral emptiness.
This is why the modern world is rootless, plagued by identity crises and spiritual confusion. When generations are taught that blood, soil, and ancestors mean nothing, they lose their place in the world. Secularism and nihilism are the inevitable result of uprooting faith and replacing it with universal ideologies detached from the people they claim to serve.
But it is not only the Abrahamic systems we must be wary of. There is another danger, one wearing the mask of tradition, but hollowing it out from within: New Age universalism. Movements that label themselves pagan, heathen, even Ásatrú, but preach inclusivity, moral relativism, and secular values divorced from bloodlines and sacred order. These are no different from the Abrahamic faiths. They too are universalist, modern, and foreign to the ways of our ancestors.
This is why I specifically call you to Sedianism. Sedianism is not a universalist faith. It is not a product of modern ideologies. It is rooted firmly in the ancestral, in kinship, in duty to your people and gods. It rejects moral relativism and upholds divine natural law, honor, discipline, order, and connection to the land and tribe.
For those of Germanic descent, Sedianism is the way home. And to all people, whether Slavic, Celtic, Vedic, African, or otherwise, the call is the same: return to your ancestral faiths. Leave behind the borrowed creeds, leave behind the false "paganisms" molded to fit modern ideologies. Only in the true, unbroken traditions of your ancestors will you find identity, belonging, and spiritual strength.
It is time to reject both the foreign creeds and their universalist imitations. Time to turn away from the systems that have led us into secular decay. It is time to come home.
26.01.202523:38
Here at the Raven Assembly: Our Thoughts on Viktor Rydberg, the Epic Method, and Its Importance to Sedian Reconstruction
At the Raven Assembly, our thoughts on Viktor Rydberg are not set in stone. We are always open to being corrected or challenged. Even among ourselves, we continually benefit from advice, fresh perspectives, and new insights. One of our core principles is ensuring that what we share is easy to understand. Clarity opens doors to deeper conversations and a greater understanding of these ancient truths. Equally important, we always encourage others to do their own research. Learning is not a passive act, it’s something we engage with actively, shaping our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.
Let me tell you about Viktor Rydberg and the epic method, a term we use today to describe the way we, as Sedian practitioners, apply his teachings to reconstruct and embody the old Norse worldview. While Rydberg’s work laid the foundation, it was Mark Puryear of the Norroena Society who brought this method into focus for modern practice. His efforts have helped refine the epic method into something not only meaningful but also practical for those of us walking the Sedian path. The epic method, as we use it, is far more than an academic tool; it is a way to honor the wisdom of our ancestors, rebuild what was lost, and breathe life into these traditions as we carry them forward into a living practice.
The Vision and Contributions of Viktor Rydberg
Viktor Rydberg was a revolutionary thinker in the 19th century, a scholar whose devotion to Norse mythology set him apart from others of his time. Born in Sweden in 1828, Rydberg approached Norse mythology with a vision unlike most others of his era. He viewed the myths not as fragmented folk tales or disjointed pagan relics but as part of a unified spiritual and cosmological system. His work, particularly in Investigations into Germanic Mythology, sought to reconstruct this lost worldview by piecing together the scattered fragments of myths into a cohesive, interconnected narrative.
Rydberg approached Norse mythology with what we might today call a forensic lens. He didn’t merely accept the fragmented myths as they were presented in the Poetic Edda or Prose Edda; he questioned their inconsistencies, traced their origins, and sought connections between them. His meticulous attention to detail and willingness to consider myths holistically laid the foundation for the epic method. This approach would inspire later scholars and practitioners, including Mark Puryear, to expand upon his ideas and adapt them for the reconstruction of ancient traditions.
How Rydberg Influenced the Epic Method
1. A Unified Vision of Norse Mythology
Rydberg’s most important contribution was his insistence that Norse mythology was not a random collection of stories but a coherent worldview. He argued that the gods, myths, and cosmological structures all fit into a larger system that reflected the spiritual and moral values of the Norse people. This perspective forms the backbone of the epic method: the belief that these myths can and should be understood as part of a unified tradition.
2. Comparative Mythology
Rydberg was one of the early thinkers to compare Norse myths to other Indo-European traditions, such as Greek, Roman, and Vedic mythology. He demonstrated that the Norse gods and myths shared common roots with those of other cultures, showing that they were part of a broader spiritual heritage. For example:
Odin’s quest for wisdom was compared to Zeus and Prometheus.
Baldr’s death and resurrection were likened to other "dying and rising gods" found in global mythologies.
This comparative approach is central to the epic method, as it allows us to fill in gaps in the Norse tradition by drawing on shared Indo-European themes.
3. Reconstructing Lost Myths
At the Raven Assembly, our thoughts on Viktor Rydberg are not set in stone. We are always open to being corrected or challenged. Even among ourselves, we continually benefit from advice, fresh perspectives, and new insights. One of our core principles is ensuring that what we share is easy to understand. Clarity opens doors to deeper conversations and a greater understanding of these ancient truths. Equally important, we always encourage others to do their own research. Learning is not a passive act, it’s something we engage with actively, shaping our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.
Let me tell you about Viktor Rydberg and the epic method, a term we use today to describe the way we, as Sedian practitioners, apply his teachings to reconstruct and embody the old Norse worldview. While Rydberg’s work laid the foundation, it was Mark Puryear of the Norroena Society who brought this method into focus for modern practice. His efforts have helped refine the epic method into something not only meaningful but also practical for those of us walking the Sedian path. The epic method, as we use it, is far more than an academic tool; it is a way to honor the wisdom of our ancestors, rebuild what was lost, and breathe life into these traditions as we carry them forward into a living practice.
The Vision and Contributions of Viktor Rydberg
Viktor Rydberg was a revolutionary thinker in the 19th century, a scholar whose devotion to Norse mythology set him apart from others of his time. Born in Sweden in 1828, Rydberg approached Norse mythology with a vision unlike most others of his era. He viewed the myths not as fragmented folk tales or disjointed pagan relics but as part of a unified spiritual and cosmological system. His work, particularly in Investigations into Germanic Mythology, sought to reconstruct this lost worldview by piecing together the scattered fragments of myths into a cohesive, interconnected narrative.
Rydberg approached Norse mythology with what we might today call a forensic lens. He didn’t merely accept the fragmented myths as they were presented in the Poetic Edda or Prose Edda; he questioned their inconsistencies, traced their origins, and sought connections between them. His meticulous attention to detail and willingness to consider myths holistically laid the foundation for the epic method. This approach would inspire later scholars and practitioners, including Mark Puryear, to expand upon his ideas and adapt them for the reconstruction of ancient traditions.
How Rydberg Influenced the Epic Method
1. A Unified Vision of Norse Mythology
Rydberg’s most important contribution was his insistence that Norse mythology was not a random collection of stories but a coherent worldview. He argued that the gods, myths, and cosmological structures all fit into a larger system that reflected the spiritual and moral values of the Norse people. This perspective forms the backbone of the epic method: the belief that these myths can and should be understood as part of a unified tradition.
2. Comparative Mythology
Rydberg was one of the early thinkers to compare Norse myths to other Indo-European traditions, such as Greek, Roman, and Vedic mythology. He demonstrated that the Norse gods and myths shared common roots with those of other cultures, showing that they were part of a broader spiritual heritage. For example:
Odin’s quest for wisdom was compared to Zeus and Prometheus.
Baldr’s death and resurrection were likened to other "dying and rising gods" found in global mythologies.
This comparative approach is central to the epic method, as it allows us to fill in gaps in the Norse tradition by drawing on shared Indo-European themes.
3. Reconstructing Lost Myths
04.01.202520:31
The Dangers of New age Influences on Ancient Traditions
01.02.202516:29
Being Sedian has nothing to do with anti-Semitism, nor does it involve any focus on Judaism, Christianity, or any other non-Germanic tradition. Our path is rooted in the spiritual worldview of our ancestors, guided by the lore, customs, and values of the Norse and broader Germanic peoples. Sedianism is about honoring our own gods, ancestors, and traditions, it is not about defining ourselves in opposition to any other group.
That being said, we distance ourselves as much as possible from Abrahamic religions due to their historical role in cultural erasure, forced conversions, and the destruction of our ancestral ways. The violent imposition of Christianity upon our ancestors, often under the threat of death, severed a living connection to our traditions that we now work to restore. This is not about hatred or obsession with these religions, it is about reclaiming what was taken and ensuring that our focus remains on rebuilding rather than being entangled in philosophies that have no place in our worldview.
In today’s age, we may critique these religions as we would any system that has historically sought to dominate and erase indigenous traditions, but our priority is distancing ourselves from them as much as possible. We do not need to define ourselves in reaction to them, nor do we need to entertain their philosophies, as they have no bearing on our way of life. Our purpose is not to dwell on what others believe but to build upon our own foundation, strengthening our understanding of the natural order, the bonds of kinship, and the wisdom of our gods.
And it is worth remembering, these peoples were also once polytheistic themselves. Long before they were reshaped by monotheism, they had their own gods, their own traditions, and their own connections to the divine that were cast aside in the same way our ancestors’ ways were attacked. This only reinforces the importance of staying true to what is ours rather than becoming entangled in debates over belief systems that have long since abandoned their own ancestral traditions.
Here at the Raven Assembly, when we speak on the subject of Abrahamic religion, it isn’t to define ourselves by what we are not. I see it more as a history lesson, one that should be acknowledged so that we understand what happened to our ancestors, how our traditions were suppressed, and why we are now in the process of reconstruction. It is about recognizing history for what it is, learning from it, and ensuring that our path remains clear and undistorted. Understanding the past allows us to better honor our traditions in the present and future, without unnecessary entanglements or distractions from outside worldviews.
That being said, we distance ourselves as much as possible from Abrahamic religions due to their historical role in cultural erasure, forced conversions, and the destruction of our ancestral ways. The violent imposition of Christianity upon our ancestors, often under the threat of death, severed a living connection to our traditions that we now work to restore. This is not about hatred or obsession with these religions, it is about reclaiming what was taken and ensuring that our focus remains on rebuilding rather than being entangled in philosophies that have no place in our worldview.
In today’s age, we may critique these religions as we would any system that has historically sought to dominate and erase indigenous traditions, but our priority is distancing ourselves from them as much as possible. We do not need to define ourselves in reaction to them, nor do we need to entertain their philosophies, as they have no bearing on our way of life. Our purpose is not to dwell on what others believe but to build upon our own foundation, strengthening our understanding of the natural order, the bonds of kinship, and the wisdom of our gods.
And it is worth remembering, these peoples were also once polytheistic themselves. Long before they were reshaped by monotheism, they had their own gods, their own traditions, and their own connections to the divine that were cast aside in the same way our ancestors’ ways were attacked. This only reinforces the importance of staying true to what is ours rather than becoming entangled in debates over belief systems that have long since abandoned their own ancestral traditions.
Here at the Raven Assembly, when we speak on the subject of Abrahamic religion, it isn’t to define ourselves by what we are not. I see it more as a history lesson, one that should be acknowledged so that we understand what happened to our ancestors, how our traditions were suppressed, and why we are now in the process of reconstruction. It is about recognizing history for what it is, learning from it, and ensuring that our path remains clear and undistorted. Understanding the past allows us to better honor our traditions in the present and future, without unnecessary entanglements or distractions from outside worldviews.
13.01.202521:25
My version of a the Sedian tree…. Thoughts?
03.01.202516:10
26.01.202523:38
Viktor Rydberg’s influence on the epic method cannot be overstated. His work laid the foundation for how we, as Sedian practitioners, approach the reconstruction of Norse mythology and its integration into our spiritual lives. Together with Mark Puryear’s modern adaptations, the epic method provides us with a powerful tool for restoring what was lost and making it relevant today.
Rydberg’s legacy teaches us this: the myths are not relics, they are alive, waiting to guide us. By using the epic method, we don’t just study mythology; we become part of it, stepping into the cycles, values, and wisdom of our ancestors. Through this approach, we honor the past, live fully in the present, and prepare the way for future generations to carry the torch.
Rydberg’s legacy teaches us this: the myths are not relics, they are alive, waiting to guide us. By using the epic method, we don’t just study mythology; we become part of it, stepping into the cycles, values, and wisdom of our ancestors. Through this approach, we honor the past, live fully in the present, and prepare the way for future generations to carry the torch.
05.01.202518:36
We defend our traditions through knowledge, action, and community, ensuring that our culture remains alive and meaningful. While we stand firm against those who seek to erase our ways, we also leave space for those who approach with respect and a genuine desire to learn. By living authentically and preserving the wisdom of our ancestors, we secure our heritage for future generations.
18.12.202421:19
In Sedian belief, men and women are seen as distinct but equal in their contributions to family, kin, and community. Women are the cultural heart, preserving traditions and nurturing life, while men provide protection, leadership, and structure. This complementary partnership emphasizes harmony, not competition, valuing the unique roles each plays in sustaining the hearth and ensuring cultural continuity. Unlike Abrahamic faiths, which often diminish these dynamics, Sedianism respects the balance between men and women, recognizing their differences as strengths that together create a thriving, enduring community.
26.01.202523:38
Rydberg believed that many myths were lost or heavily altered due to the Christianization of Scandinavia. By piecing together references, linguistic clues, and cultural context, he attempted to reconstruct these lost stories. One example is his work on the Norns, where he explored their role as cosmic weavers of fate, connecting them to Indo-European concepts of divine natural law.
This focus on reconstruction is one of the defining features of the epic method as we practice it in Sedianism.
4. Symbolic Analysis
Rydberg placed great emphasis on the symbolic meaning of myths. He viewed elements like Yggdrasil, Ragnarök, and the Norns as more than just narrative devices, they were reflections of deeper spiritual truths. This symbolic approach is crucial to the epic method, as it allows us to see beyond the surface of the myths and understand their relevance to spiritual practice.
5. Preservation Through Adaptation
Rydberg’s work laid the groundwork for viewing mythology not as a relic of the past but as a living tradition. This idea, of adapting ancient wisdom for modern spiritual use, is central to how we as Sedian practitioners approach the epic method today.
The Role of Mark Puryear and the Norroena Society
While Rydberg laid the intellectual foundation, Mark Puryear and the Norroena Society have brought the epic method into the modern era. Puryear adapted Rydberg’s ideas into a structured approach that aligns with Sedian values and practices. His work focuses on:
Making Rydberg’s Teachings Accessible: Simplifying Rydberg’s complex theories so they can be understood and applied by modern practitioners.
Applying Reconstruction to Practice: Integrating the epic method into Sedian rituals, values, and worldview.
Encouraging Research: Like Rydberg, Puryear emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and active engagement with the sources.
Through Puryear’s efforts, the epic method has become not just a way to study Norse mythology but a tool for living it.
How We as Sedian Practitioners Use the Epic Method
For us in Sedianism, the epic method is more than an academic exercise, it’s a way of restoring and embodying the spiritual essence of our ancestors’ worldview. Here’s how we apply it:
1. Reconstructing the Old Ways
The epic method helps us reclaim what was lost during the Christianization of Scandinavia. By piecing together the fragments of myths, we restore the spiritual framework that guided our ancestors.
2. Aligning with Cycles
The Norse worldview is deeply cyclical, reflecting the rhythms of nature and life. The epic method helps us see this in myths like Ragnarök, which represent not just destruction but renewal. As Sedian practitioners, we use these cycles to align our lives with natural and cosmic order.
3. Building Ritual and Practice
The epic method provides context for our rituals and practices, ensuring they are grounded in the worldview of our ancestors. Whether we are honoring the gods, ancestors, or the land, the reconstructed myths give depth and meaning to our actions.
4. Strengthening Ancestral Connection
By using the epic method to understand the myths, we honor our ancestors by preserving their wisdom and integrating it into our lives. This connection to the past strengthens our sense of identity and purpose.
Viktor Rydberg’s Enduring Legacy
Rydberg’s work continues to inspire and guide us because it embodies the values we hold dear in Sedianism:
Honor: His meticulous scholarship honors the integrity of the old ways.
Wisdom: His insights into mythology provide us with tools for understanding and living the Norse worldview.
Perseverance: Despite criticism, Rydberg remained committed to uncovering the truth of our ancestors’ beliefs.
Through the epic method, we as Sedian practitioners carry forward Rydberg’s vision, ensuring that the myths remain not just stories of the past but living guides for the present and future.
Conclusion
This focus on reconstruction is one of the defining features of the epic method as we practice it in Sedianism.
4. Symbolic Analysis
Rydberg placed great emphasis on the symbolic meaning of myths. He viewed elements like Yggdrasil, Ragnarök, and the Norns as more than just narrative devices, they were reflections of deeper spiritual truths. This symbolic approach is crucial to the epic method, as it allows us to see beyond the surface of the myths and understand their relevance to spiritual practice.
5. Preservation Through Adaptation
Rydberg’s work laid the groundwork for viewing mythology not as a relic of the past but as a living tradition. This idea, of adapting ancient wisdom for modern spiritual use, is central to how we as Sedian practitioners approach the epic method today.
The Role of Mark Puryear and the Norroena Society
While Rydberg laid the intellectual foundation, Mark Puryear and the Norroena Society have brought the epic method into the modern era. Puryear adapted Rydberg’s ideas into a structured approach that aligns with Sedian values and practices. His work focuses on:
Making Rydberg’s Teachings Accessible: Simplifying Rydberg’s complex theories so they can be understood and applied by modern practitioners.
Applying Reconstruction to Practice: Integrating the epic method into Sedian rituals, values, and worldview.
Encouraging Research: Like Rydberg, Puryear emphasizes the importance of critical thinking and active engagement with the sources.
Through Puryear’s efforts, the epic method has become not just a way to study Norse mythology but a tool for living it.
How We as Sedian Practitioners Use the Epic Method
For us in Sedianism, the epic method is more than an academic exercise, it’s a way of restoring and embodying the spiritual essence of our ancestors’ worldview. Here’s how we apply it:
1. Reconstructing the Old Ways
The epic method helps us reclaim what was lost during the Christianization of Scandinavia. By piecing together the fragments of myths, we restore the spiritual framework that guided our ancestors.
2. Aligning with Cycles
The Norse worldview is deeply cyclical, reflecting the rhythms of nature and life. The epic method helps us see this in myths like Ragnarök, which represent not just destruction but renewal. As Sedian practitioners, we use these cycles to align our lives with natural and cosmic order.
3. Building Ritual and Practice
The epic method provides context for our rituals and practices, ensuring they are grounded in the worldview of our ancestors. Whether we are honoring the gods, ancestors, or the land, the reconstructed myths give depth and meaning to our actions.
4. Strengthening Ancestral Connection
By using the epic method to understand the myths, we honor our ancestors by preserving their wisdom and integrating it into our lives. This connection to the past strengthens our sense of identity and purpose.
Viktor Rydberg’s Enduring Legacy
Rydberg’s work continues to inspire and guide us because it embodies the values we hold dear in Sedianism:
Honor: His meticulous scholarship honors the integrity of the old ways.
Wisdom: His insights into mythology provide us with tools for understanding and living the Norse worldview.
Perseverance: Despite criticism, Rydberg remained committed to uncovering the truth of our ancestors’ beliefs.
Through the epic method, we as Sedian practitioners carry forward Rydberg’s vision, ensuring that the myths remain not just stories of the past but living guides for the present and future.
Conclusion
04.01.202520:32
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