Twenty stouthearted kinsmen solemnly stand in a semi-circle about the stalli (Alter) as the horn bearer distributes the blessed mead to the men of Xanthrochroi Axiom Kindred. Strains of John Whelan's Celtic Reflections CD plays softly in the background as twenty Asatruar lift high their cups. "Hail Our Folk! Hail Our Hearth! Odin Hail!" they shout before the twenty drink as one in happy hour, each one savoring this communion in his own way, for on another hour they will be returning to their individual cells for the official 4:00 PM count. These men do not have the opportunity to gather in a secluded forest to worship for they are prisoners in a United States Federal Prison in Sheridan, Oregon.

Since October 1998, the pre-Christian Pagan religion, spread by the Norse throughout Europe, called Asatrú, has been officially recognized at FCI Sheridan. It started with one man filling out a request -to - staff (cop-out) form to the chaplain asking that Asatrú be officially recognized by the institution. Documentation giving a brief description of the beliefs were attached. After six months of chopping through bureaucratic red tape at the institutional level, the paperwork was finally processed. A few months later a National Directive from the Central Office of the Federal Bureau of Prisons was sent to the chaplain ordering the institution to grant the request.

Starting the very next week, a meeting room was provided for weekly study groups. Ritual regalia (ie runes, galdr staff, ritual hammer and bowli) were purchased from Wotansvolk and stored in the chapel in a secured area. Over a hundred dollars worth of candles were provided. Ten copes of The Masks of Odin by Elsa-Brita Titchenell were purchased for members to use, as were some CD's and audio tapes. A few videos were donated by Wotansvolk and books were donated by Bound Together Books. Members were permitted to purchase and wear personal Mjolnirs (Thor's Hammers) and space was given to hold seasonal Blots (rituals.)

This June an outdoor grove area is being constructed at government expense. One Oak tree will be planted at each of the cardinal points and fifty two Holly bushes will be planted to form a circular hedge (thirteen bushes to each quarter circle representing the thirteen moons in the year.) a fire pit will be positioned at the center of the circle of trees and a stalli located to the North of the firepit within the circle.

A ritual banquet is planned for the Midsummer Solstice on June 21. Food is to be provided by the institution and the chapel will be opened to Asafolk all day for fellowship. Outside guests have been invited to join in the celebration.

Asatrú is one of the fastest growing religious groups in the United States (Vinland) prison systems as can be seen in Sheridan. A dozen guys attended the original meeting. Since that time, several have been transferred or released. Of those who were transferred, they have pledged to form a kindred at their new destination. Despite the attrition experienced through the natural course of prison business, there has been an increase in numbers to more than twenty kinsmen in less than six months. Part of our success can be attributed to the popularity of our weekly study groups.

Our weekly meetings are fairly structured. One of the primary goals of our hearth is to make certain we learn something or do something constructive each time we meet. Some of the things we do at our weekly meetings include watching videos. We've viewed Joseph Campbell tapes, chemistry videos on the elements of fire and water, historical videos on Ireland and Scotland, and video biographies of famous composers. We've had runic study workshops. Just about all of the guys have presented an oral report on topics ranging from Norse deities and the Norse creation story to talks on Berserkrs and the Warrior Spirit. We've listened to a Robert Bly audio tape on classical forms of initiation and watched a video illustrating rites of passage. We've broken down and analyzed the myths, legends and stories of our Fold. We read poetry, listen to music and share information beneficial to expanding our knowledge in learning more about our folkish ways.

Since we live in a prison setting, we remain ever vigilant that we are not perceived as a prison gang. Members are encouraged to be respectful of others at all times. Flaunting a negative image is highly discouraged for there is a tendency for all to be judged by the misguided actions and deeds of the few. Everything that occurs in prison is noted by everyone. It's like living in a fish bowl, or constantly being examined under the microscope. All it takes is one bad apple to spoil it for the whole bunch. Ganglike activity cannot be tolerated in order to preserve the privileges some of our brethren fought so hard to gain.

I encourage other kinsmen to start a hearth at their local institution. If you are incarcerated, file a request - to - house (cop out) to your chaplain asking your institution to officially acknowledge your faith group (Asatru) and ask that you be provided with a meeting room and ritual regalia. He cannot deny your request as the National Office of the Federal Bureau of Prisons already recognizes Asatrú as an official religious group. If you are denied, file an appeal on the denial. Currently, there are kindreds in the Federal prisoners at Terre Haute, Indiana; Florence, Colorado as well as Inglewood, Colorado; Sheridan, Oregon and Lompac, California.

If you are not a prisoner, you need to get in touch with one of the prison kindreds. Institution kindreds need your support. People are needed to visit the kindred and keep minister to the folk behind the wire. Books, CDs, audio tapes and videos that are sold commercially can be donated to the kindred through the institution's chaplain's office. I personally feel it is imperative people give outside support in order to maintain whatever gains are made from within. A prisoner can be transferred at any time, but an outside ministering civilian volunteer can assure the kindred's permanence at a particular institution.

For myself, the Asatrú fellowship is the best thing going. It's made my life more complete. It's broadened my horizons by opening the doors to worlds I never knew existed. Just to be able to meet with my kinsmen and bond with them in a spiritual way has done more for the than words can express. I find I am a more focused, more complete person.

As we say in The Jarl's Rally at each of our seasonal Blots:

May those who lead be true
May those who follow be loyal,
So that we may be bound in a
Circle of unity and honor!

Each of us, doing our part, no matter how great or how small our contribution, can serve to honor our folk and spread the word of our faith.

Richard K