i don’t use “hate” lightly but i absolutely hate that alt-right groups are taking nordic symbols for themselves, and i didn’t realize it was as much of a problem as it appears to be. I’m also rather upset i didn’t know more sooner, because i have an Algiz tattoo. didn’t know it to be anything but a tube of protection and healing. do you have any suggestions for norse pagans who want to take back our symbols from these hate groups?
Don’t fret! I have an Othala and Algiz tattoo.🖤While it’s certainly important to recognize where our imagery is being misused, we definitely shouldn’t stop using it. When a symbol becomes too closely connected with a racist movement, it becomes theirs – it belongs to the racists and eventually, it’ll be seen as a symbol of hatred. Ultimately then, the symbol is removed from common cultural use. Now is the time to step up and show the world the true meanings of runes, especially since we are in a time where these symbols are being bastardized. If we do not fight this, then white supremacists will continue to perpetuate the message that Nordic paganism is evil, no matter who is practicing it – which is simply not the case. So, how can we reclaim our runes and images?
When talking about Norse paganism talk about our stand against hatred. Make it known that racism, transphobia, homophobia, anti-semitism, misogyny, ableism, and bigotry are not tolerated in the community. Make it known that everyone is welcome to participate in Norse paganism and worship the Norse gods if they choose to. Norse paganism is an open religion and the gods hold no prejudice.
Raise awareness about viking history/culture and make sure it’s known that anyone is welcome to participate and enjoy it. Does your town/state have a yearly Viking festival or reenactment? Go to it! Invite your friends to it, your loved ones, share posts about it on social media so word gets out there is an open-to-all educational, fun space about Norse history. The more interaction non-Norse pagans have with a healthy, welcoming community, the more often that’s what we will be associated with.
Wear our symbols with pride! If someone asks about one, be open with it’s true and original meanings. Let them know why it’s important to you. When someone I worked with found out I got a bindrune tattoo that incorporated Othala they asked me, “isn’t that a nazi sign?”. I was able to tell them no and how the The U.S. National Socialist Movement were the one’s to misuse it, informed them of the original meaning, and they were happy to change their perspective of the rune. I also like to literally where Pride Symbols. I have a rainbow Mjolnir bumper sticker I made for my car. The more our imagery is tied to support, the more people will realize we want to offer support to everyone.
**It is extremely important to note if you’re going to be wearing Othala or any of our symbols currently tied to hate that you wear something to offer your political stance next to it(i.e. blm badge, LGBT flag, anti-fascist pin, GNAR pins, etc)**
This leads to my next point, learn about when which symbols were appropriated and when. If we want to keep our holy symbols free of bastardization we have to know who, when, and why they were appropriated. That way we can better inform others of how recently they were “changed” and for how long in history they had their own meanings.
Actively fight hatred. If we want people to believe in our community is a safe one for everyone we have to be vocal when you see hate within the community. If we just let it slide – on any scale – we’re part of the problem. We have to be vigilant and actively do our best to be allies to every marginalized group of people.
