Heathenry in the United Kingdom

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Heathenry in the United Kingdom is a loose collection of modern pagan groups that aim to revive pre-Christian Germanic traditions once practiced in the British Isles by Anglo-Saxon and Norse peoples. Most Heathens study and celebrate in small groups called kindreds or hearths. Because there is no single centralized church, many groups develop their own ways of practicing while staying connected through networks and the internet.

In Britain, the main rituals are blot and sumble. Blot is a personal or small-group offering to ancestors, land spirits, elves, or the gods (the Æsir and Vanir); animals are no longer sacrificed, and people often give handmade items or drinks like mead. Sumble is a community drinking ceremony with toasts, oaths, and shared rounds. Heathen worship is usually outdoors, at nature sites or ancient standing stones, stone circles, or cairns, rather than in dedicated temples.

Census data shows how people in the UK identify themselves. In 2001, a small number of people listed Heathen as their religion, with many simply saying they were Pagan. The 2011 census made it possible to identify as Pagan-Heathen, and it showed 1,958 people in England and Wales self-identifying as Heathen, plus another 251 as Reconstructionist Heathen (who may be reconstructing Germanic pagan practices). Asatru UK (AUK) is a well-known inclusive Heathen group in the UK, meaning they welcome people of all genders, sexualities, and ethnic backgrounds. They host moots (get-togethers) and run a community-focused program, while explicitly opposing groups that mis-use Heathen symbols for hate. AUK is part of a European network of Heathen groups and works to promote accurate information and inclusion.

There are also more controversial groups. The Odinic Rite and the Odinist Fellowship are neo-völkisch, meaning they emphasize a race-based element to their practice. These groups historically restricted membership to white people and have been described by scholars as having racially exclusionary or nationalist aims. The Woden’s Folk group has drawn attention for associations with hate speech and private rituals, and some linked ideas with far-right or extremist ideologies. These groups are often viewed with suspicion by other Heathens and by researchers, and they sometimes distance themselves from the broader Pagan movement.

The Heathen landscape in the UK is diverse and decentralized. The internet has helped many groups connect, share information, and organize events. Organizations and events like Asatru UK, the Association of Polytheist Traditions, and the International Asatru Summer Camp support a wider Heathen community across Europe. Past large gatherings in the UK, such as Heathenfest in Peterborough, are no longer held, but Asatru UK now hosts major events each year. Overall, UK Heathenry includes both inclusive, open communities and groups that are controversial for racial ideas, reflecting ongoing conversation about identity, practice, and ethics within the movement.