Plain english definition of Oaths Kindreds and Theod’s
August 5th, 2008This is how I see the larger orginization of Heathens in my own Microcosm of Heathenry. I am using plain english where as the heathen terms where I would normally associate with would cause confusion as it seems that everyone has a different interpretation of their meaning, Kindred, Theod etc.
I view it such as this. If you are a member of a group of people that comes together to worship those people are your spiritual family. Someone functions as priest and there is wyrd intermingled on with the sharing of the horn. I still consider people in this manner my spiritual family even though there is no hold oath.
Since I follow a tribalistic form of heathenry, Hold oaths are held at a much higher degree. In a tribe many families come together under one chieftain, for mutual benefit.
I think that it is possible that a large spiritual family the priest or god person would would assume some of the same duties as the chieftain, But with out a web of oaths the family unit would not have that person control the fate and wellbeing of the others.
In a tribal setting the chieftain is responsible for the welfare of all the families under their charge. It is possible that the tribe would have a official duties for some of the members, ie priest, secretary, etc…
However if one is a member of a family they may or may not be members of a tribe as their needs and wants of the individual dictate their involvement.
About Oath’s.
An Oath is the most sacred thing that one can take upon and should not be taken lightly. I have only held or given a few oaths in my lifetime and when one makes an hold oath it is a serious matter. I believe that is the reason why there are so many broken homes today is that oaths are given too freely.
For example my marriage to my wife and my adoption to my son are both legally binding hold oaths recognized by the state. To be released of those oaths one would have to convince the courts that the reasoning is just. I feel that the same is true for those that give a hold oath.
When I joined with the Frank’s I made a hold oath with my man Rick Windau. It was after many years of knowing Rick, and trusting him that I was able to accept him as a member of my family. I could not have made an oath to him, with out accepting him as a member of my family. As such I have a higher regard of Rick, then the man who gave me my name, as Rick has never broken his oath to my family.
As far as holding oaths with oath breakers. I don’t and I can’t, and I won’t.
