On our website, you will find a variety of essays about
Theodism as Sweartfenn Theod practices it. These essays
will help you to become familiar with Theodism. You
will not be able to develop a
deep understanding of Theodism by reading the content of
this website . It is our view that the only way to
truly understand Theodism is through the acculturation
process we call "thralldom." We are presenting
information about Theodism so that anyone who is interested
in learning more will have some basis of knowledge that
comes from Theodish folk themselves.
As with all things that exist, not all theods are
equal. At one time, there was a central authority in
Theodism. The arbiter on the subject of whom and
what was Theodish was the founder of Theodism and aetheling
of the Winland Rice, Garman Lord Gering. In 2004,
Garman left Theodism. Since then, a variety of groups
calling themselves Theodish have appeared on the
scene. Not all of these groups are what we consider
to be Theodish in the sense that the term "theodish" was
understood prior to the dissolution of Gering Theod.
There are some essential elements of Theodism that cannot
be set aside and still call what one is doing
"Theodish." We encourage those who would like to
be a part of Theodism but have no direct knowledge of
Theodish thew to contact us before leaping into Theodism
based only on the material available in print and on
the internet. The most important aspects of
Theodish religious practice are not written down and are
only taught face to face. Each theod has its own
personality, if you will. The only way to honestly
judge and get a feel for how things work in a particular
theod is to meet members of the theod in person.
Our lord literally learned what it is to be Theodish from
the man who founded Theodism, Garman himself.
Sweartfenn Theod's hlaford was a Gering and part of the
Winland Rice's witan that raised Garman on the
shield. The hlaford Sweartfennes is the only heathen
with graduate degrees in both religion and in Anlgo-Saxon
culture. He has been a Theodish weofedthegn (priest)
for more than fifteen years. He has translated many
medieval Anglo-Saxon texts from their original language and
performs all of the Sweartfenn fainings and blots in that
language. He has presented scholarly papers at the
International Congress Medieval Studies in Kalamazoo,
MI. He has successfully performed blot (animal
sacrifice) on several occasions. When it comes to
knowlege of Theodish practice there are a few that are his
equal but none who are his better. The Hlaford
Sweartfennes has taught these ways to his folk and we are
sped in our learning and luck by his worth.
Sweartfenn Theod feels that the thews we have adopted are
an improvement on the way Theodism existed in the Winland
Rice. These changes are never made with the intention
to make Theodism more palatable to outsiders or enticing to
prospective members. Where our practices differ from
the Winland Rice and Gering Theod, they are intended to
improve the quality of our worship. Our foremost
concern is always to worship the gods in the ways that they
wish to be worshiped. The improvements in Theodish
praxis come from long study and then applying what we have
learned.
If you like learn more than what is found on our website,
clarification on some issue or for a personal meeting,
please contact us. We currently have members in north
west Ohio and New England. There are fainings held in
both places to celebrate the holy-tides. We consider
prospective members from outside these areas, given that
you are willing to travel occasionally for personal
instruction and to celebrate at our events.
