I swore my first oath on my ring to Thor today. I swore to be unwavering in my will to not only quit smoking, but also to turn my body into the best it can be. No more shall I be overly gluttonous and slothful. I will achieve my goals to be of sound mind and body and have the strength to be better in both. I've recently converted and I find a great joy in this community and everything it entails. Thank you for making these videos to help enlighten and spread the wisdom and virtue that can be gained from this kind of spiritualism. Tusen takk.
I think I'll pass on even getting one, but I might get a Mjolnir soon. For now I'll pass on oaths, runes, and magic as I'm pretty new to the faith. I'll stick to reading and giving offerrings out in the woods to gods and spirits for the time being.
Offerings can be done anywhere, you don't need to go out to the woods... Unless you fell better connected there. The Gods have no temples, the rocks, the fields, the air is their temple.
Perfectly captured how I feel. I'm not even sure I believe, but I want to make an offering. Connect with earth, the spirits, the metaphysical. I may get a ring for my own enjoyment and they look good, but not to make an oath
I forged my oath ring and mjolnir last summer. I haven't sworn on it, nor sworn any oath yet. I'm still waiting to figure out what my first oath is yet to be. As a Pagan, I feel that your oath is a fundamental part of your being. Even simple things, saying you're going to do something. Those small tasks are easy. Swearing an oath to the God's, for the rest of your life? That requires very careful thinking.
I appreciate your honesty and approach to your videos. I'm a metal and glass artist and I love designing Celtic jewelry as it just feels right to me. Whatever you do in life be authentic on how you live.
Getting into Norse paganism. I've been taught Catholicism all my life and I don't know if it's for me. By diving deeper and deeper into Norse paganism I'm getting more invested. I just bought my edda off of Amazon and got rid of the crucifix in my room. After watching this video I'm getting more comfortable and confident in this path I'm taking thank you for explaining that I don't have to swear an oath to anything and letting me into this religion
I'm ex catholic aswell, it's what feels right now for me. I'm very " Unverified Personal Gnosis" in my practice. If it works for me, I'll use it. If not, I won't. Very much trial and error. Great video.
I'm new to Norse Paganism, just the other day I saw two ravens. I also felt a strong presence as soon as I saw them. After I could only think Odin was there and giving me a sign
Two ravens are a symbol for Óðinn. Animist cultures, like our norse ancestors had, don´t have the platonic notion of a 'world of forms', and so the relation of symbol to reality is blurred. Those ravens animated Óðins presence and because you are on your animist path, your perception brought about that reality. What is ´really there´ is a modernist notion that can hold us back from engaging in these old ways. Of course my gods are real because I worship them. My animist practices animate them, that is, it brings them to life. Their influences are real, because they are apart of my world view. And if they are ´really there´ isn´t a relevant question. I´m not saying you are doing this, but to give some unsolicited advice: be wary of trying to find our old gods in the same way a christian tries to find christ.
Well im from Canada, but I notice the moment I found the faith in oden all father, I've been noticing 2 black birds (maybe crows) always watching over me every now and then when I've been looking for knowledge and answers to hard life situations
Jacob, you did good emphasizing the seriousness of making an oath and the possible consequences of breaking them. It's a statement of commitment, not to be taken lightly. I think you're spot on with it being a very private, sacred thing. I'm an old pagan but new to exploring Norse paganism. According to my dna profile, I have Sami ancestry way, way back. and much of my father's family are from the north of England/Scotland, so it's part of my heritage. Your videos are informative and fun to watch. Thank you for both the resources and the experiences that you share with us!
Thank you for this - the oath ring is just a material object as you stated. What truly counts is your loyalty to your oath, what ever it may be. Your oath is interwoven with your soul and heart. We should not be commercializing our faith be it from a TV show or material symbols. What counts is your pure intention on what ever action you take related to an oath or prayer.
I'm new to norse paganism. I'm Chirstian but I'm starting my journey in norse paganim. I saw a Raven today, I felt Odin looking at me... I felt is presence... I saw it while I was doing my first offering to the Gods.
@@WolfofOdin. I am trying to learn as much as I can from the most reliable sources that I can find. My ancestors are from Sweden. I'm trying to figure out what part the last name was Anders. I grew up learning a Swedish prayer and that was all the Swedish I knew until recently I have been trying to teach myself some phrases and watching people talk about the old culture. If you have any channels that you trust for recommendation please pass them along.
I look forward joyfully to the coming Golden age of Norse Polytheism! Love to all my Asatru brothers & sisters around the World! May The Gods bless & Keep you! Love from the UK 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧
Great video very informative.. I have a oath ring but haven't swar a oath yet as I don't feel ready I am still pretty new to Norse paganism so I am doing as much research as possible and finding my path before I swar a oath
I am an eclectic witch so have worked with several different gods. I think it’s a good point you make about your oaths/deals/bargains with a god being private & being a partnership. I like the idea of the oath ring being symbolic in the way a wedding ring is. I might pick one up eventually as I have worked with Norse gods & have Scandinavian ancestry.
I would advice you to follow the teachings of Meister Eckart as you follow the christian path, it's in my opinion the best form of christianity that never got the chance to have a church. try and read his books if you can.
Viking leaders and warriors used to swear allegiance and loyalty to each other until death. Usually, during this oath, leaders would give their warriors arm rings as a binding factor of the oath. The exchange of arm rings created an unbreakable bond that both sides respected at all costs.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm very new to the Heathenry and Norse Paganism, and I've been trying to wrap my head around Oaths and Oath Rings. There really isn't much information out there on them. This (your page) is awesome, please continue on your path, it's been an amazing guidance for me!
As a Certified Hypnotist I can add this about oaths: When you make a oath or promise to yourself, especially a passionate one... your subconscious holds space for that to occur, most of the time... What’s that mean? It means it takes up inner energy and creates inner non beneficial complications and decreases confidence in the same way you waiting for a important package to arrive and yet it never comes... Obviously depleting. You can go thru your mind and get some of these promises met... others you can heal and clear... you can do a new thing that will cover the old things as in a better or upgraded idea. Example: Wanted to learn Spanish or a 2nd language? Never did?... Think why you wanted that... and find how to make those intentions real today with the intent of the deeper truth to be upheld coming into the future now. That could be learning hypnosis, learning sales, learning art to share communication, or music again for sharing... or maybe latin so your more alive with reading science ect... or learning a Norse like language now cus more meaning for you? This can heal the old promise when done with intent, sincerity and mindfulness of the healing. Purpose of this is to clean up subconscious holdings of energy. Your confidence and energy will go up. Your self trust ect. This is one way to do that. There are other ways but it’s meed for your thought ;-) Skål
Ahh I have been waiting for this video and it did not disappoint! Perfect too because I ordered a new armring today from grimfrost to replace my damaged one. Jacob your channel has become my favorite channel. I love your passion and how well you take the time to research for your videos. Not to mention I really love that you are also in KY like me so it feels really close to home. Hail to you sir, may the gods keep you! Also I have the same tattoo of the valknut over my heart as well. A symbol of my oath to Odin I did almost 12 years ago.
For me... my oath ring just symbolizes/reminds me that I am listening/open to the influence and powers of this world and ALL the gods within all of creation. It shows I'm loyal to myself and sets me apart from the world denying ideology I was raised to think.
After watching this video. I hear you brother! I now have placed my order for a oath ring, and I chose the gold Fenrir... This will signify how I am the first of my bloodline specifically to "RE-IGNITE" the Celtic and/or Norse bloodlines in my family. Thank you, you have been a huge help, and of course... Skal!
This video is awesome and helpful. Being new to Paganism and feeling a tie to Óðinn as you do Jacob, and thank you for the information. I love history and knowledge and always want to learn something. You sir are wonderful, stay amazing! Skal!
I recently received my own oath ring from my brother on the 25th during Yuletide. My brother does not believe in his faith but he respects my choice and knew that I was looking into getting one. I agree that oaths do not need to be made public, that it between you and whoever or whatever you are swearing yourself to. I swore my oath to Odin on my own my other brother is also a Norse Pagan. Together we honor the gods that we connect with and call to and try our best to live our lives to the fullest and in honor of the gods and our ancestors. Thank you very much for your channel! You give me new information to better understand this faith and it is overall, a pleasure watching your videos. Skål, my friend! May Odin's ravens watch over you this coming year.
Yule does not fall in December per the sources. It is always in January or February based on the first full moon after the first new moon after the solstice. Our ancestors never celebrated Yule in December until they became Christianized.
@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodgerYuletide isn't the exact day of Yule but refers to the season around it, and his brother is not Norse pagan but celebrates a tradition (whether secular or religious) that celebrates **their* winter holiday on the 25th Dec & so the brother follows that tradition that gives gifts on that day, with the knowledge, probably, that the date was the decision of a certain group of men.... It's just when non pagans give gifts in countries that didn't keep old ways as thoroughly & gov'ts that combined winter observances & holidays into one bc of business matters, just one day off, & a week for kids... I don't know the brother's beliefs of course, but he's gift giving on that day bc that's when much of the society around him does, & we let them do what works for them bc we do not as pagans attempt to stifle or dictate to someone else's spirit or mind or heart what is best for their life, bc we don't like it when others attempt to preach to us or "save us," & so... Rather than telling our brother or our family & pushing them away, in some places we say Yuletide to be neutral bc it originally meant the time leading up to Jul, itself & it sounds old fashioned & homey to them while not being christianized terminology, for us. Bc old ways were illegal in many places often for centuries, there are code words almost, a subtle word choice that references old ways but in ways that didn't get folk killed for heresy etc & they're still handy for respecting diverse ways in a family, & our own during mainstream modern holiday festivities. So we say this & sometimes another pagan meets our eyes to see if we know when it's in person (quietly bc families may be devout that don't show it, so as not to make waves in another person's family) or simply to use language that's relatable to us. But Yuletide is old old code for the fact that Jul is approaching & to honor it, in Anglo-Saxon areas where the observed official holiday switched from Yule to Christmas but people held both or quietly the old one while being amid the newer, decreed one. People had to keep mum a long time in many places bc of fears & propaganda written by out of culture sources, fears of sacrifices, of raiders, etc. Those fears showed up on thrones & in competitive clergy with governmental powers, & in practice as killing & we protect our children & our community, & homes too, land, in such times as it's none of the government's business during such times for life & death reasons so the term respects our ancestors & their need for secrecy & now denotes the freedom we have to believe as we like, bc it reminds us of the difference. It's good of you to spread truth for anyone new to see, & so I'm adding this, as not all places applied this term in the same way or lost the knowledge of the meaning or never had to use it. Not everyone knows Yule is the Anglo-Saxon spelling or how Yuletide came to be a word or why. & I hadn't realized that, as I was raised with it & a twinkle in the eyes, a silent acknowledgement from elders who remember how much power priests once abused, how much resentment they felt & how vengeful even relatively modern ones can have or had or trouble they could cause a family in a "parish," & how little they followed their own literature on how vengeance is not their own but they're to leave it to their God & certainly not the forgiveness, love thy neighbor part. 😂 Men sought power & in honoring our ancestors we acknowledge their experience with that whether consciously or by example, with that wording while not negating our relatives enjoyment of their own traditions. We wouldn't want to act like the priests who condemned individuals' or cultures' beliefs. So it's also neutral bc of the multiple meanings. It's accepting.
@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger I apologize for my length. My mother had retired somewhere very hot. I'm very northern, 😂 and the heat is affecting my ability to be concise right now. I have matters of hers to handle before I can go back north. So I'm roasted! Pardon me, I could have said it better.
I agree we don't know exactly how the arm rings were used in the Viking age and that modern times have kinda brought on a new meaning for them. I personally wear mine every day. It was given to me. And it means personal improvement, dedication to the norse gods, and carrying myself with honor. I don't necessarily swear oaths on it, but it does have powerful meaning for me. I think Tattoos are a more serious for oaths. I've been in it for about 5 years and I have only taken one serious oath. One. Totally agree with you man. I appreciate it man.
Well put, my friend. I feel your Honesty and I hope that those who watch this KNOW what you are saying is TRUE. You are putting out serious INTENT and, with that, you HAVE to be willing to 'follow through'. This is NOT a "game" to "play" with your friends at a party! It is your Life we're talking about..take it SERIOUSLY!
Ive been Norse pagan a long time now and have a tsttoo aswell as part of my oath. Im in revovery aswel, and workong my recovery is one of my oaths. For me, my word is more important than a ring. It's deeply personal and a contract of taking and giving. I certainty feel the benefit, but it is a hard path to walk. My tattoo, ring, and Mjollnir remind me of my responsibility to my oath and Odin. My oath is in my heart.
I have been around many of the Norse gods for about 7 years now and i only recently began to worship Loki and Freyja and i am very happy i have found this video before i swore any oaths to any of the gods i closely work with in the Norse Pantheon. Thank you for helping all of us who are new to this on a formal level and helping to guide us as best you can
Thank you brother, this was very informative. Most people I meet don't have good information and are the ones who wear these sacred objects to look cool and think that I wear them for the same reason. It gives me a headache.
I have never heard of oath rings until this video. I have been told any metal adornment can be binding and limit growth so I only wear my wedding ring at this time. Thank you for sharing this!
I've been thinking about getting an armring, but I'd probably use it as an extra statement to myself. Making the oath to stay true to myself while wandering this earth. Staying true to yourself is sometimes hard in this world, so having something to remind myself of my true feelings in situations would be nice
Thank you for this video. I watch you for a long time now, and this feels like the first time you talk out of not only your own experience, but also from a very sincere point of view.
Excellent video, Joshua. So very much has been lost and will most likely never be known by any of us. How powerful the gods are to have held fast, broken through centuries of religious reform having stirred each of us to seek them out.
Thank you for covering this topic, and I'm glad somebody finally said it. The oath ring is an object that's it. For me it's a symbol, and a reminder of honor, honesty, and the keeping of one's word. Keep up the videos👍
There have been some association with oath rings to the god, Ullr. In the Atlakviða, there is even a scene where there are oaths sworn on "the ring of Ullr". There have also been some archeological finds of what are speculated to be oath rings, including a temple that was unearthed in 2007 at Lilla Ullevi, Sweden, which was used from approximately 500-800AD. There were 65 amulet oath rings discovered there.
Honestly, thank you so much. I needed this direction in my early steps to get into the faith. Seriously opened my eyes to the modern interpretations and things we've sort of left to creative control. Now I have some better insight on how to stay more true to not only my ancestors but myself as I dive into this. Thanks!
Absolutely perfect . Excellent job touching on this subject. Love your videos , keep up the good work. You have helped me so much in my journey. Thank you .
I have one oath on my ring. Now if I have an oath on my ring, in particular, that is the oaths that run deep personally for me. I am a man of my word and I always follow through with what I saying . But the oath(s) on my ring is and will always be special.
Thank you for this bit of information. I have recently started on my Norse Pagan path and still have much to learn. My first purchase was Mjolnir necklace that I then gifted to a friend. Since then I've bought more Norse based jewelry... not yet an Oath Ring though.
Thanks so much for making this, I found it so helpful towards my own decision about making an oath. Because I didn't have a lot of information on it, I kind of thought it was something I would have to do if I was going to go on this path. I'm not a very dedicated person (due to my lack of motivation for life) so I was worried I'd get myself into something I couldn't go through with. Now I know I don't need to do an oath, and I probably won't either at all or for a long time. I think this is a subject that needs to be cleared up more in this faith. Skål! (Also sorry for the paragraph)
@@twdclemtheoriginal I don't want to be rude or anything maybe u don't want to share because it's personal but is there a reason why u r so unmotivated?
@@sonrors110 I have self-loathing and it kinda stops me from enjoying anything. And when I don't enjoy something I'm not going to want to go through with it. That's all.
IHO there is a dearth of grounded/natural rituals in western culture outside of organized religions, toxic sport culture, corporate “soft skill training” programs, etc. We need more rituals rooted in principles of tribalism, honouring your immediate “community” and nature for that matter. Viking and Norse culture I believe can be in part at least an answer to this void (it is for me and my family of 3 young boys and life partner). I subscribe to a contemporary and self designed “Universal Paganism” paradigm. Oath rings will form and continue to form a very tangible tool in marking important events/oaths in our “tribe”. Thank you Jacob for producing these TH-cam videos. I find them extremely informative but also practical. What we can’t find in history/evidence we can just make up as we go along. Yes the Viking show can be annoying to you hardcore pagan traditionalists lol but I find the show helps expose my 3 young boys to a “water downed” intro that keeps their attention. Skol.
I been following this path for a while now, and you did a very good job explaining with the limited research we have. I have sworn an oath to Thor with my tattoo as well. I don't wear an oath ring only because of limited knowledge on it. I like the idea of the oath ring however, as Odin knows knowledge is everything. This will most likely evolve in modern culture but as you said don't do it blindly or hastily. That is my personal advice to everyone and thank you for the video, i subscribed to your channel I hope it helps you out. Skol! 🍻
I like your perspective on things! Always trying to be objective and see all sides of things. I made my son an oath ring for Yule, it was his first holiday after turning 18. For my son and I the ring is just a reminder of the promise (oath) you swore. Thank you for a great video
I've been there though where you feel like you have to. I swore an oath on the horn necklace I got from my sister, that I would always be the best norse pagan I could be, and help others learning about the faith. It's kind of a hefty goal considering I don't know too much, but that's why I'm striving to learn more whenever I can
Iv watched a few of your videos and they always seem to appear to what I'm seeking the knowledge on whether it being to explain to others that ask or to gain personal knowledge I'm still new to this faith and look forward to learning from your teachings as well as doing the research to gain more wisdom keep doing what your doing I enjoy your videos
The dwarfs gifts to the gods norse mythology story........... the dwarfs give Odin his spear and a gold drop bracelet that rained more bracelets of gold every so often.... it represents rich pride and the relationship you have to the gods and how close you are to them get at me love your videos keep it up thank you
Where did you get your mjolnir as I want to look for a mjolnir that is able to have a rune with a forged design, also I am new to norse paganism and love the education I am recieving from your videos.
A tip for pronunciation: Go to google translate, enter the word for a specific language (in this case, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish - we don't talk about Danish), and click the little sound icon. I always do that if I have to pronounce something in a language I have no clue about, like Japanese or Thai. (And I just have to say "skål" is a very common one here and it is not "skal"! "Å" is more like "Oh".)
here in georgia our traditional dress had small pockets for flasks with gunpowder, later when someone gave oath or promised to do something he gave one of the flasks to whom he gave promise to and such promise couldnt be broken. oath rings could have been something simmilar to that, something that acquired ritualistic meaning later on.
I just recently got a tattoo of Odin on my forearm, was supposed to get it on my 18th birthday but Covid happened. This was also kind of like my oath to Odin as your tattoo was.
I swore my oath on my oath ring to Odin at my horgr in the woods behind my house. My personal opinion is that your oath should be in private between you and the god/gods. I would never tell anyone about what my oath was.
the large oath ring was used to seal an engagement which then handfasted and joined 2 loved ones together the smaller arm rings were used to bond 2 people together much like a wedding finger ring, the metal was twisted in a form of a knot,
I would suggest that, since we don't know exactly how they were used and since the religion should change and adapt, we might give arm rings as a gift, a sign of friendship or a close bond. They seem to have been tied to loyalty or given as gifts from a leader to his men, so perhaps we can give them as gifts of the loyalty of friendship. As...cheesy as that sounds.
I'm glad you made this video. I watched your Fall Gathering video and felt as if I would never be able to follow this path truly, because I have no local folk to pledge an oath to. It also felt odd, watching people swear an oath of fealty to this path. It felt, like you said, like more of a baptism which in turn made it feel dogmatic. So thanks for this! I hope to one day attend a gathering of folk and really feel the presence of the Gods.
I wear a celtic torc which is very similar for my Irish Welsh ancestry. Although I'm not a norse pagan but a pagan witch I've loved watching and learning from your video's.
So what's your opinion on bracelet Torcs. They aren't oath rings, but my Fenrir Torc bracelet is confused as a oath ring all the time. The are essentially the same thing physically, except I don't see it as a oath ring.
I've been a Norse Pagan for almost 16 years. My first oath ring literally arrived the day before yesterday. I feel it's important for the most recent oath I took but not necessary for any oath
I heard that there was an old shrine to Ullr that had about 25 oath rings around it; if you make an oath to Ullr and break it the ring will shrink and sever your arm/hand. I think I heard from Grimfrost or Jackson. I view it as very sacred at personal level; I don't mind if people just wear it for the hell of it but I will be making it a massive deal. I won't doing some huge ceremony but I'll make a life long oath on it. Each to their own :) Hail the folk and the old Gods!
I just recently found your channel and am currently in the process of bingeing your catalog xD. As a child ive always felt a connection to the germanic pantheon and have considered myself pagan through many times of my life (despite being raised christian). Entered an explicitly and intentionally formed relationship with odin about 4 years ago. its been a very individual experience and although my beliefs may differ in some ways, ur videos still make me feel like part of a community that i had kinda been seperate from my whole journey. so thanks man!
Good video, thank you! My experience is that an oath does not have to be for life. Since oaths are based on causation, you simply make you oath for a certain time/period or accomplishment of a goal, but they can be for life if desired, np. Some people confuse a dedication with an oath, these are of course different, however both are part of contractual arrangements and agreements, but not always mutual, nor even very balanced. Just my 2 cents... :-)
My oathring is a Huginn , Muninn ring that I wear as a constant physical reminder to apply thought and memory to a specific, personal, ultimate goal on a daily basis. The oath is more to my future self than to a specific deity. It is no less sacred than if I swore to Freya or Odin or Thor. That said, I can still look to the deities for strength when the fight gets hard.
I view my oath ring as just a reminder to myself to uphold my beliefs. I have Huginn and Muninn as a sign to myself that the gods are always watching, and that I should be mindful of how I treat people, and it's helping me become a better person. not saying people can't just wear it as a fashion statement, that's just my personal beliefs on it
Thank you so much for making this video. I am Pagan but do not follow the Norse path myself. A few years ago I was at a open to the public ritual that was a blend between Wicca and Asatru. I was alarmed when at the close of the ritual the leader of the group produced an Oath Ring and invited participants to swear an oath to Thor. Some of these people had never been to a ritual before and weren't even sure that they were pagan. I thought at the time it was very irresponsible but I was powerless to do anything to stop what was happening. Oaths are no joke and should never be made lightly especially when you do not already have a working relationship with the entity you are swearing to.
Oaths are definitely private things. And should not be displayed publicly but maybe in the presence of a good friend if you’re nervous. I had a ring a few years ago and it broke I believe now it broke because I need to go down a different path I made a promise on my ring not a oath. The tattoo you have. is one I intend to get over my heart. I have made a promise on the mark to Odin that will turn into a oath win I’m able to get it inked. I refer to my promise as “Earning the Nine “
I have got a braided steel arm ring that is aesthetically pleasing but it is ultrabasic and is very unassuming. I wear it just for myself. I wear it just for my own reminding of My Own Strength and my own capabilities. This steel is gray and has patina, I myself am getting older and still yet I'm just as tough as I ever was.
I will not get into my oath Odin but I can say from first hand experience the true reward for the oath I have taken may not be in this life but it can be hard. I am waiting on the arrival of my oath ring now, and decided to get one to further that oath I made and remind me of the path I took. I agree these rings need not a public ceremony though it can be excepted in some cases like you said. Until the horns call, SKÅL.
May the gods be with all of you my brothers and sisters 31 years of living in a religion that I never really liked but accepted because of my family and then I felt this strong pool and then all the sudden I had an experience with Odin and Thor and that's when I knew I was home on American Viking with Danish ancestry
I swore my first oath on my ring to Thor today. I swore to be unwavering in my will to not only quit smoking, but also to turn my body into the best it can be. No more shall I be overly gluttonous and slothful. I will achieve my goals to be of sound mind and body and have the strength to be better in both.
I've recently converted and I find a great joy in this community and everything it entails. Thank you for making these videos to help enlighten and spread the wisdom and virtue that can be gained from this kind of spiritualism. Tusen takk.
I think that might be the best use. Regardless of history, not dismissing history, just new meaning - an Oath to Yourself...as you have done. SKÅL!
I am Scandinavian Norwegian 8%
Hi I am Scandinavian Norwegian I like to own a oaths
An oath to become a godly Like
@@levihoward4470 Snakker du norsk?
I think I'll pass on even getting one, but I might get a Mjolnir soon. For now I'll pass on oaths, runes, and magic as I'm pretty new to the faith. I'll stick to reading and giving offerrings out in the woods to gods and spirits for the time being.
yeah its good to start slow or heck stay with just offerings to the gods and research its your path walk it your way. skal
fair enough
That’s okay. Everyone can and probably should take it at their own pace and practice in any way they feel comfortable instead of rushing into it.
Offerings can be done anywhere, you don't need to go out to the woods... Unless you fell better connected there.
The Gods have no temples, the rocks, the fields, the air is their temple.
Perfectly captured how I feel. I'm not even sure I believe, but I want to make an offering. Connect with earth, the spirits, the metaphysical. I may get a ring for my own enjoyment and they look good, but not to make an oath
I forged my oath ring and mjolnir last summer. I haven't sworn on it, nor sworn any oath yet. I'm still waiting to figure out what my first oath is yet to be. As a Pagan, I feel that your oath is a fundamental part of your being. Even simple things, saying you're going to do something. Those small tasks are easy. Swearing an oath to the God's, for the rest of your life? That requires very careful thinking.
I appreciate your honesty and approach to your videos. I'm a metal and glass artist and I love designing Celtic jewelry as it just feels right to me. Whatever you do in life be authentic on how you live.
Getting into Norse paganism. I've been taught Catholicism all my life and I don't know if it's for me. By diving deeper and deeper into Norse paganism I'm getting more invested. I just bought my edda off of Amazon and got rid of the crucifix in my room. After watching this video I'm getting more comfortable and confident in this path I'm taking thank you for explaining that I don't have to swear an oath to anything and letting me into this religion
Amazon is owned by jews. Buying from Amazon is not Pagan.
I'm ex catholic aswell, it's what feels right now for me. I'm very " Unverified Personal Gnosis" in my practice. If it works for me, I'll use it. If not, I won't. Very much trial and error. Great video.
I'm new to Norse Paganism, just the other day I saw two ravens. I also felt a strong presence as soon as I saw them. After I could only think Odin was there and giving me a sign
Two ravens are a symbol for Óðinn. Animist cultures, like our norse ancestors had, don´t have the platonic notion of a 'world of forms', and so the relation of symbol to reality is blurred. Those ravens animated Óðins presence and because you are on your animist path, your perception brought about that reality. What is ´really there´ is a modernist notion that can hold us back from engaging in these old ways. Of course my gods are real because I worship them. My animist practices animate them, that is, it brings them to life. Their influences are real, because they are apart of my world view. And if they are ´really there´ isn´t a relevant question. I´m not saying you are doing this, but to give some unsolicited advice: be wary of trying to find our old gods in the same way a christian tries to find christ.
@@christopherrowley7506 :o
I also had an experience like that in September
I have a raven that visits my window from time to time and comes in my room so i can understand and it was likely a sign
Well im from Canada, but I notice the moment I found the faith in oden all father, I've been noticing 2 black birds (maybe crows) always watching over me every now and then when I've been looking for knowledge and answers to hard life situations
Jacob, you did good emphasizing the seriousness of making an oath and the possible consequences of breaking them. It's a statement of commitment, not to be taken lightly. I think you're spot on with it being a very private, sacred thing. I'm an old pagan but new to exploring Norse paganism. According to my dna profile, I have Sami ancestry way, way back. and much of my father's family are from the north of England/Scotland, so it's part of my heritage. Your videos are informative and fun to watch. Thank you for both the resources and the experiences that you share with us!
Thank you for this - the oath ring is just a material object as you stated. What truly counts is your loyalty to your oath, what ever it may be. Your oath is interwoven with your soul and heart. We should not be commercializing our faith be it from a TV show or material symbols. What counts is your pure intention on what ever action you take related to an oath or prayer.
I'm new to norse paganism. I'm Chirstian but I'm starting my journey in norse paganim.
I saw a Raven today, I felt Odin looking at me... I felt is presence...
I saw it while I was doing my first offering to the Gods.
I think that's a smart deduction about the oath rings being subconsciously connected to baptism! Very interesting video, thank you.
I wear one to remind me of my ancestors and where I come from.
Whatever motivates you to follow the old ways.
@@WolfofOdin. I am trying to learn as much as I can from the most reliable sources that I can find. My ancestors are from Sweden. I'm trying to figure out what part the last name was Anders. I grew up learning a Swedish prayer and that was all the Swedish I knew until recently I have been trying to teach myself some phrases and watching people talk about the old culture. If you have any channels that you trust for recommendation please pass them along.
@@wendyvoye3110 Do you have Instagram? I don’t want to put rival channels on Jacob channel . I can recommend some good books also .
@@WolfofOdin. yes it's my name. Not sure if it's forwards or backwords.
@@wendyvoye3110 message sent mine is W0lf0fOdin
I look forward joyfully to the coming Golden age of Norse Polytheism! Love to all my Asatru brothers & sisters around the World! May The Gods bless & Keep you! Love from the UK 🇬🇧 🇬🇧 🇬🇧
Great video very informative.. I have a oath ring but haven't swar a oath yet as I don't feel ready I am still pretty new to Norse paganism so I am doing as much research as possible and finding my path before I swar a oath
I am an eclectic witch so have worked with several different gods. I think it’s a good point you make about your oaths/deals/bargains with a god being private & being a partnership. I like the idea of the oath ring being symbolic in the way a wedding ring is. I might pick one up eventually as I have worked with Norse gods & have Scandinavian ancestry.
I am not Norse but I like to educate myself I am catholic. I enjoy your videos for my knowledge and interest. I love learning and religions
More people need to be open minded like you
Same! Also Catholic but slowly being indoctrinated into paganism 😆
I would advice you to follow the teachings of Meister Eckart as you follow the christian path, it's in my opinion the best form of christianity that never got the chance to have a church.
try and read his books if you can.
@@nataliebrown8971 shame ! as catholic you should convert pagans to one real faith. I doubt you are real catholic
i am christian been watchin vikings tb show i wanna worship to odin lol
Viking leaders and warriors used to swear allegiance and loyalty to each other until death. Usually, during this oath, leaders would give their warriors arm rings as a binding factor of the oath. The exchange of arm rings created an unbreakable bond that both sides respected at all costs.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I'm very new to the Heathenry and Norse Paganism, and I've been trying to wrap my head around Oaths and Oath Rings. There really isn't much information out there on them. This (your page) is awesome, please continue on your path, it's been an amazing guidance for me!
As a Certified Hypnotist I can add this about oaths:
When you make a oath or promise to yourself, especially a passionate one... your subconscious holds space for that to occur, most of the time...
What’s that mean? It means it takes up inner energy and creates inner non beneficial complications and decreases confidence in the same way you waiting for a important package to arrive and yet it never comes...
Obviously depleting.
You can go thru your mind and get some of these promises met... others you can heal and clear... you can do a new thing that will cover the old things as in a better or upgraded idea.
Example:
Wanted to learn Spanish or a 2nd language? Never did?...
Think why you wanted that... and find how to make those intentions real today with the intent of the deeper truth to be upheld coming into the future now.
That could be learning hypnosis, learning sales, learning art to share communication, or music again for sharing... or maybe latin so your more alive with reading science ect... or learning a Norse like language now cus more meaning for you?
This can heal the old promise when done with intent, sincerity and mindfulness of the healing.
Purpose of this is to clean up subconscious holdings of energy.
Your confidence and energy will go up. Your self trust ect.
This is one way to do that. There are other ways but it’s meed for your thought ;-)
Skål
Wow, I'm going to donate a dollar to you, bigshot.
Educational, informative, and interesting.
I had no prior knowledge or interest in the topic, but found this video enlightening.
Ahh I have been waiting for this video and it did not disappoint! Perfect too because I ordered a new armring today from grimfrost to replace my damaged one. Jacob your channel has become my favorite channel. I love your passion and how well you take the time to research for your videos. Not to mention I really love that you are also in KY like me so it feels really close to home. Hail to you sir, may the gods keep you! Also I have the same tattoo of the valknut over my heart as well. A symbol of my oath to Odin I did almost 12 years ago.
Grimfrost! Good choice broheim
For me... my oath ring just symbolizes/reminds me that I am listening/open to the influence and powers of this world and ALL the gods within all of creation. It shows I'm loyal to myself and sets me apart from the world denying ideology I was raised to think.
After watching this video. I hear you brother! I now have placed my order for a oath ring, and I chose the gold Fenrir... This will signify how I am the first of my bloodline specifically to "RE-IGNITE" the Celtic and/or Norse bloodlines in my family. Thank you, you have been a huge help, and of course... Skal!
This video is awesome and helpful. Being new to Paganism and feeling a tie to Óðinn as you do Jacob, and thank you for the information. I love history and knowledge and always want to learn something. You sir are wonderful, stay amazing! Skal!
I recently received my own oath ring from my brother on the 25th during Yuletide. My brother does not believe in his faith but he respects my choice and knew that I was looking into getting one. I agree that oaths do not need to be made public, that it between you and whoever or whatever you are swearing yourself to. I swore my oath to Odin on my own my other brother is also a Norse Pagan. Together we honor the gods that we connect with and call to and try our best to live our lives to the fullest and in honor of the gods and our ancestors. Thank you very much for your channel! You give me new information to better understand this faith and it is overall, a pleasure watching your videos. Skål, my friend! May Odin's ravens watch over you this coming year.
Yule does not fall in December per the sources. It is always in January or February based on the first full moon after the first new moon after the solstice. Our ancestors never celebrated Yule in December until they became Christianized.
@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodgerYuletide isn't the exact day of Yule but refers to the season around it, and his brother is not Norse pagan but celebrates a tradition (whether secular or religious) that celebrates **their* winter holiday on the 25th Dec & so the brother follows that tradition that gives gifts on that day, with the knowledge, probably, that the date was the decision of a certain group of men.... It's just when non pagans give gifts in countries that didn't keep old ways as thoroughly & gov'ts that combined winter observances & holidays into one bc of business matters, just one day off, & a week for kids... I don't know the brother's beliefs of course, but he's gift giving on that day bc that's when much of the society around him does, & we let them do what works for them bc we do not as pagans attempt to stifle or dictate to someone else's spirit or mind or heart what is best for their life, bc we don't like it when others attempt to preach to us or "save us," & so... Rather than telling our brother or our family & pushing them away, in some places we say Yuletide to be neutral bc it originally meant the time leading up to Jul, itself & it sounds old fashioned & homey to them while not being christianized terminology, for us. Bc old ways were illegal in many places often for centuries, there are code words almost, a subtle word choice that references old ways but in ways that didn't get folk killed for heresy etc & they're still handy for respecting diverse ways in a family, & our own during mainstream modern holiday festivities. So we say this & sometimes another pagan meets our eyes to see if we know when it's in person (quietly bc families may be devout that don't show it, so as not to make waves in another person's family) or simply to use language that's relatable to us. But Yuletide is old old code for the fact that Jul is approaching & to honor it, in Anglo-Saxon areas where the observed official holiday switched from Yule to Christmas but people held both or quietly the old one while being amid the newer, decreed one. People had to keep mum a long time in many places bc of fears & propaganda written by out of culture sources, fears of sacrifices, of raiders, etc. Those fears showed up on thrones & in competitive clergy with governmental powers, & in practice as killing & we protect our children & our community, & homes too, land, in such times as it's none of the government's business during such times for life & death reasons so the term respects our ancestors & their need for secrecy & now denotes the freedom we have to believe as we like, bc it reminds us of the difference. It's good of you to spread truth for anyone new to see, & so I'm adding this, as not all places applied this term in the same way or lost the knowledge of the meaning or never had to use it. Not everyone knows Yule is the Anglo-Saxon spelling or how Yuletide came to be a word or why. & I hadn't realized that, as I was raised with it & a twinkle in the eyes, a silent acknowledgement from elders who remember how much power priests once abused, how much resentment they felt & how vengeful even relatively modern ones can have or had or trouble they could cause a family in a "parish," & how little they followed their own literature on how vengeance is not their own but they're to leave it to their God & certainly not the forgiveness, love thy neighbor part. 😂 Men sought power & in honoring our ancestors we acknowledge their experience with that whether consciously or by example, with that wording while not negating our relatives enjoyment of their own traditions. We wouldn't want to act like the priests who condemned individuals' or cultures' beliefs. So it's also neutral bc of the multiple meanings. It's accepting.
@@HroduuulfSonOfHrodger I apologize for my length. My mother had retired somewhere very hot. I'm very northern, 😂 and the heat is affecting my ability to be concise right now. I have matters of hers to handle before I can go back north. So I'm roasted! Pardon me, I could have said it better.
I agree we don't know exactly how the arm rings were used in the Viking age and that modern times have kinda brought on a new meaning for them. I personally wear mine every day. It was given to me. And it means personal improvement, dedication to the norse gods, and carrying myself with honor. I don't necessarily swear oaths on it, but it does have powerful meaning for me. I think Tattoos are a more serious for oaths. I've been in it for about 5 years and I have only taken one serious oath. One. Totally agree with you man. I appreciate it man.
Hi, when do you take off your arm ring?
@@akselihamalainen171 I only take mine off when I have my arms in something nasty. Like when I’m doing dishes. Otherwise it is always with me.
@@xanm269 ok. Thanks for the reply
@@akselihamalainen171 yeah no problem. Hopefully it was helpful.
@@xanm269 yes it was. Now I know what to do haha. Have a good day brother. Skål
Well put, my friend. I feel your Honesty and I hope that those who watch this KNOW what you are saying is TRUE. You are putting out serious INTENT and, with that, you HAVE to be willing to 'follow through'. This is NOT a "game" to "play" with your friends at a party! It is your Life we're talking about..take it SERIOUSLY!
Ive been Norse pagan a long time now and have a tsttoo aswell as part of my oath. Im in revovery aswel, and workong my recovery is one of my oaths. For me, my word is more important than a ring. It's deeply personal and a contract of taking and giving. I certainty feel the benefit, but it is a hard path to walk. My tattoo, ring, and Mjollnir remind me of my responsibility to my oath and Odin. My oath is in my heart.
I love the brook nearby. A real nature setting.
I have been around many of the Norse gods for about 7 years now and i only recently began to worship Loki and Freyja and i am very happy i have found this video before i swore any oaths to any of the gods i closely work with in the Norse Pantheon. Thank you for helping all of us who are new to this on a formal level and helping to guide us as best you can
Your a blessing to your community 🙏🏽
Thank you brother, this was very informative. Most people I meet don't have good information and are the ones who wear these sacred objects to look cool and think that I wear them for the same reason. It gives me a headache.
I have never heard of oath rings until this video. I have been told any metal adornment can be binding and limit growth so I only wear my wedding ring at this time. Thank you for sharing this!
Seeing my name on the patreon list always brings a smile to my face. Thank you for the awesome videos Jacob!
I've been thinking about getting an armring, but I'd probably use it as an extra statement to myself. Making the oath to stay true to myself while wandering this earth. Staying true to yourself is sometimes hard in this world, so having something to remind myself of my true feelings in situations would be nice
I appreciate your open mindedness and perspective. Great video
Awesome video man! Love it and informative! Keep up the epic videos! Your doing great things for the folk and the faith!
Thank you for this video. I watch you for a long time now, and this feels like the first time you talk out of not only your own experience, but also from a very sincere point of view.
I love this so much. Thank you for this
Excellent video, Joshua. So very much has been lost and will most likely never be known by any of us. How powerful the gods are to have held fast, broken through centuries of religious reform having stirred each of us to seek them out.
Thank you for covering this topic, and I'm glad somebody finally said it. The oath ring is an object that's it. For me it's a symbol, and a reminder of honor, honesty, and the keeping of one's word.
Keep up the videos👍
There have been some association with oath rings to the god, Ullr. In the Atlakviða, there is even a scene where there are oaths sworn on "the ring of Ullr". There have also been some archeological finds of what are speculated to be oath rings, including a temple that was unearthed in 2007 at Lilla Ullevi, Sweden, which was used from approximately 500-800AD. There were 65 amulet oath rings discovered there.
I just received my oath ring on the 21st. Thanks for this video!! Skål as always.
Honestly, thank you so much. I needed this direction in my early steps to get into the faith. Seriously opened my eyes to the modern interpretations and things we've sort of left to creative control. Now I have some better insight on how to stay more true to not only my ancestors but myself as I dive into this. Thanks!
Its like youre putting my thoughts into words most of the time bro never stop posting youre fuckin amazing
Absolutely perfect . Excellent job touching on this subject. Love your videos , keep up the good work. You have helped me so much in my journey. Thank you .
Well said! Take your time. Get to know your deity before jumping into big commitments with them!!
I really like how you do your utmost to convey the seriousness of oath-taking. Thank you for sharing.
Nice Valknut tattoo , I think I'm going to get the same one somewhere on my torso someday.
My husband and I have matching ones for 1. A visual representation of our loyalty and commitment to each other and 2. They look cool 😂
I have one oath on my ring. Now if I have an oath on my ring, in particular, that is the oaths that run deep personally for me. I am a man of my word and I always follow through with what I saying . But the oath(s) on my ring is and will always be special.
I wear one, I am part of a tribe, and member who swear an oath, received one. We are working on getting recognized here in the US.
Thank you for this bit of information. I have recently started on my Norse Pagan path and still have much to learn.
My first purchase was Mjolnir necklace that I then gifted to a friend. Since then I've bought more Norse based jewelry... not yet an Oath Ring though.
Thank you. Jacob love all your videos my alter is slowly coming together with your guidance 🇭🇲🇭🇲
I just discovered your channel and you are so helpful and knowledgeable. Thank you friend.
You sir are amazing. Thank you 😊
Thanks so much for making this, I found it so helpful towards my own decision about making an oath. Because I didn't have a lot of information on it, I kind of thought it was something I would have to do if I was going to go on this path. I'm not a very dedicated person (due to my lack of motivation for life) so I was worried I'd get myself into something I couldn't go through with. Now I know I don't need to do an oath, and I probably won't either at all or for a long time. I think this is a subject that needs to be cleared up more in this faith. Skål! (Also sorry for the paragraph)
making an oath to be less lazy / unmotivated seems like a good idea tho ;D
@@sonrors110 I thought of that too! But then I realised I'd probably fail after the first week (ب_ب)
@@twdclemtheoriginal I don't want to be rude or anything maybe u don't want to share because it's personal but is there a reason why u r so unmotivated?
@@sonrors110 I have self-loathing and it kinda stops me from enjoying anything. And when I don't enjoy something I'm not going to want to go through with it. That's all.
IHO there is a dearth of grounded/natural rituals in western culture outside of organized religions, toxic sport culture, corporate “soft skill training” programs, etc. We need more rituals rooted in principles of tribalism, honouring your immediate “community” and nature for that matter. Viking and Norse culture I believe can be in part at least an answer to this void (it is for me and my family of 3 young boys and life partner). I subscribe to a contemporary and self designed “Universal Paganism” paradigm. Oath rings will form and continue to form a very tangible tool in marking important events/oaths in our “tribe”. Thank you Jacob for producing these TH-cam videos. I find them extremely informative but also practical. What we can’t find in history/evidence we can just make up as we go along. Yes the Viking show can be annoying to you hardcore pagan traditionalists lol but I find the show helps expose my 3 young boys to a “water downed” intro that keeps their attention. Skol.
I been following this path for a while now, and you did a very good job explaining with the limited research we have. I have sworn an oath to Thor with my tattoo as well. I don't wear an oath ring only because of limited knowledge on it. I like the idea of the oath ring however, as Odin knows knowledge is everything. This will most likely evolve in modern culture but as you said don't do it blindly or hastily. That is my personal advice to everyone and thank you for the video, i subscribed to your channel I hope it helps you out. Skol! 🍻
Thank you for all the videos they are helping me along this path
I like your perspective on things! Always trying to be objective and see all sides of things.
I made my son an oath ring for Yule, it was his first holiday after turning 18. For my son and I the ring is just a reminder of the promise (oath) you swore.
Thank you for a great video
Thank you for making this video. This made me feel better.
I've been there though where you feel like you have to. I swore an oath on the horn necklace I got from my sister, that I would always be the best norse pagan I could be, and help others learning about the faith. It's kind of a hefty goal considering I don't know too much, but that's why I'm striving to learn more whenever I can
Yessss finally been waiting for this video for ages and I was also thinking on getting an oath ring soon
Iv watched a few of your videos and they always seem to appear to what I'm seeking the knowledge on whether it being to explain to others that ask or to gain personal knowledge I'm still new to this faith and look forward to learning from your teachings as well as doing the research to gain more wisdom keep doing what your doing I enjoy your videos
I know you didn’t want to do this subject, but it was handled very well and provided a lot of usual information. I just got one and I love it. Skål
I'm saxon/celt pagan..oden returns❤💯....oden will show u your path
The dwarfs gifts to the gods norse mythology story........... the dwarfs give Odin his spear and a gold drop bracelet that rained more bracelets of gold every so often.... it represents rich pride and the relationship you have to the gods and how close you are to them get at me love your videos keep it up thank you
Where did you get your mjolnir as I want to look for a mjolnir that is able to have a rune with a forged design, also I am new to norse paganism and love the education I am recieving from your videos.
A tip for pronunciation: Go to google translate, enter the word for a specific language (in this case, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish - we don't talk about Danish), and click the little sound icon. I always do that if I have to pronounce something in a language I have no clue about, like Japanese or Thai.
(And I just have to say "skål" is a very common one here and it is not "skal"! "Å" is more like "Oh".)
here in georgia our traditional dress had small pockets for flasks with gunpowder, later when someone gave oath or promised to do something he gave one of the flasks to whom he gave promise to and such promise couldnt be broken. oath rings could have been something simmilar to that, something that acquired ritualistic meaning later on.
I learned to make them, it's pretty easy. I give them as gifts
I just recently got a tattoo of Odin on my forearm, was supposed to get it on my 18th birthday but Covid happened. This was also kind of like my oath to Odin as your tattoo was.
I swore my oath on my oath ring to Odin at my horgr in the woods behind my house.
My personal opinion is that your oath should be in private between you and the god/gods. I would never tell anyone about what my oath was.
i recently made my oath ring and swore my first oath on the 21st very special moment and am looking forward to more moments with the gods.
the large oath ring was used to seal an engagement which then handfasted and joined 2 loved ones together the smaller arm rings were used to bond 2 people together much like a wedding finger ring, the metal was twisted in a form of a knot,
I would suggest that, since we don't know exactly how they were used and since the religion should change and adapt, we might give arm rings as a gift, a sign of friendship or a close bond. They seem to have been tied to loyalty or given as gifts from a leader to his men, so perhaps we can give them as gifts of the loyalty of friendship.
As...cheesy as that sounds.
I kind of agree with you but I look at my oath ring as something to remind me of my oaths personally
It is in my opinion that oath objects are like Bind Runes. Each one is for the individual and is between you and your deity.
I love how you play odinn as your intro song, good stuff 👍🏻
I ordered one on Amazon can't wait to wear it
Thank you for the explanation. ❤️ love the channel
I'm glad you made this video. I watched your Fall Gathering video and felt as if I would never be able to follow this path truly, because I have no local folk to pledge an oath to. It also felt odd, watching people swear an oath of fealty to this path. It felt, like you said, like more of a baptism which in turn made it feel dogmatic. So thanks for this! I hope to one day attend a gathering of folk and really feel the presence of the Gods.
I wear a celtic torc which is very similar for my Irish Welsh ancestry. Although I'm not a norse pagan but a pagan witch I've loved watching and learning from your video's.
Right on brother! Hail the Allfather!
So what's your opinion on bracelet Torcs. They aren't oath rings, but my Fenrir Torc bracelet is confused as a oath ring all the time.
The are essentially the same thing physically, except I don't see it as a oath ring.
I've been a Norse Pagan for almost 16 years. My first oath ring literally arrived the day before yesterday. I feel it's important for the most recent oath I took but not necessary for any oath
I heard that there was an old shrine to Ullr that had about 25 oath rings around it; if you make an oath to Ullr and break it the ring will shrink and sever your arm/hand. I think I heard from Grimfrost or Jackson.
I view it as very sacred at personal level; I don't mind if people just wear it for the hell of it but I will be making it a massive deal. I won't doing some huge ceremony but I'll make a life long oath on it. Each to their own :) Hail the folk and the old Gods!
I just recently found your channel and am currently in the process of bingeing your catalog xD. As a child ive always felt a connection to the germanic pantheon and have considered myself pagan through many times of my life (despite being raised christian). Entered an explicitly and intentionally formed relationship with odin about 4 years ago. its been a very individual experience and although my beliefs may differ in some ways, ur videos still make me feel like part of a community that i had kinda been seperate from my whole journey. so thanks man!
I love when people begin the binge! Hope you enjoy 😂
Skål brother. Thank you for the info. This was one of the questions I had lol
Good video, thank you!
My experience is that an oath does not have to be for life. Since oaths are based on causation, you simply make you oath for a certain time/period or accomplishment of a goal, but they can be for life if desired, np.
Some people confuse a dedication with an oath, these are of course different, however both are part of contractual arrangements and agreements, but not always mutual, nor even very balanced.
Just my 2 cents... :-)
Thank you!! Skáld Jacob!
My oathring is a Huginn , Muninn ring that I wear as a constant physical reminder to apply thought and memory to a specific, personal, ultimate goal on a daily basis. The oath is more to my future self than to a specific deity. It is no less sacred than if I swore to Freya or Odin or Thor. That said, I can still look to the deities for strength when the fight gets hard.
I view my oath ring as just a reminder to myself to uphold my beliefs. I have Huginn and Muninn as a sign to myself that the gods are always watching, and that I should be mindful of how I treat people, and it's helping me become a better person.
not saying people can't just wear it as a fashion statement, that's just my personal beliefs on it
Thank you so much for making this video. I am Pagan but do not follow the Norse path myself. A few years ago I was at a open to the public ritual that was a blend between Wicca and Asatru. I was alarmed when at the close of the ritual the leader of the group produced an Oath Ring and invited participants to swear an oath to Thor. Some of these people had never been to a ritual before and weren't even sure that they were pagan. I thought at the time it was very irresponsible but I was powerless to do anything to stop what was happening. Oaths are no joke and should never be made lightly especially when you do not already have a working relationship with the entity you are swearing to.
Big help thanks
Oaths are definitely private things. And should not be displayed publicly but maybe in the presence of a good friend if you’re nervous.
I had a ring a few years ago and it broke I believe now it broke because I need to go down a different path I made a promise on my ring not a oath.
The tattoo you have. is one I intend to get over my heart. I have made a promise on the mark to Odin that will turn into a oath win I’m able to get it inked. I refer to my promise as “Earning the Nine “
I have got a braided steel arm ring that is aesthetically pleasing but it is ultrabasic and is very unassuming. I wear it just for myself. I wear it just for my own reminding of My Own Strength and my own capabilities. This steel is gray and has patina, I myself am getting older and still yet I'm just as tough as I ever was.
I will not get into my oath Odin but I can say from first hand experience the true reward for the oath I have taken may not be in this life but it can be hard. I am waiting on the arrival of my oath ring now, and decided to get one to further that oath I made and remind me of the path I took. I agree these rings need not a public ceremony though it can be excepted in some cases like you said. Until the horns call, SKÅL.
May the gods be with all of you my brothers and sisters 31 years of living in a religion that I never really liked but accepted because of my family and then I felt this strong pool and then all the sudden I had an experience with Odin and Thor and that's when I knew I was home on American Viking with Danish ancestry
I agree it is a very personal thing.