What is tribalism in
its relation to greater, modern heathenry? How does it affect
both social and religious structure? And why would one choose
this type of approach? These are the questions I hope to answer
with this very basic article. Often times, there is confusion
on what exactly it means and how it effects the practices of
one group or another. I hope that this will bring a better understanding
and tolerance for both tribalists and non-tribalists alike.
Part I: What is Tribalism?
Tribalism is an ethno-(or
folk-) centric approach to socio-religious dogma and custom.
This would be more in-line with Russell's approach to defining
a folk religiosity rather than a religion according to his studies
(1). Although
in contemporary society (especially in the United States) many
modern-day tribes are not purely entho-centric in a physical
way, they are still often times utilizing a cultural and spiritual
aspect in its formation and uniting element of one regional
peoples or another. In essence, today we have what one may more
correctly refer to as "proto-tribes". Given time and
continuity these proto-tribes have the potential to become ethno-centric
in more physical, traditionally defined ways. But, this focus
on the physical is generally regarded as the lesser aspect in
the scale of importance in comparison to the spiritual and customary.
In recent years there
has been a small burst in not only tribalist-based ideology,
but also in the formation of tribalist groups within the greater
heathen community of the United States. Many take their names
and traditions based upon older, known Northern European tribes
from times ranging from Pre-Viking Age up until the 10th century.
Part II: How does
it affect both religious and social structure?
Other than the obvious
devotional aspect of specific regional deities and folk-religious
thought, there are some main beliefs of theology which tend
to accompany the folk- or tribal-centric view. These are generally:
a belief in some form of a sacral leadership; a more orthodox
or retro- viewpoint of ritual practice; a very strong belief
in a more communal focus of devotional practice; an very strong
belief in the possible effect of certain physical actions upon
the metaphysical (and vice versa); a more extreme approach to
the guardianship of luck, might, and main; and a more formal
protocol for oath-taking and the effects thereof. This is surely
not to say that other heathens do not regard one or many of
these same points as important, but it is to the degree of how
strict that dogma or custom is held which is being referenced
in this article.
Due to these theological
ideologies there is an attempt to create, or re-assemble, a
holistic continuum of religious ideas which become interdependent
upon each other. Each is a basis for the other and its manner
of practical application. This interrelation often may cause
a type of "black and white" regard to particular situations.
Any situations or protocols which may lead to what some would
consider a "grey area" would be referenced to the
sacral leadership, or a council, for decision on the answer
for that particular case. Because of the communal belief regarding
the metaphysical, all those of the same tribe are expected to
adhere unwaveringly to the accepted dogma or custom.
Also, to someone outside
of the tribe, certain seemingly mundane actions within a ritual
context may actually have a highly significant metaphysical
effect to that tribesman (4).
Thus, an action contrary to the believed metaphysical protocol
may be considered taboo or unholy due to a concern of its believed
effect on hamingja, might, and/or main. To simplify further,
it is the details which are most important to the tribalist,
while the overall ritual outline along with modern innovation
may be considered most important to the non-tribalist.
In regards to social
structure, there is an emphasis to community worth and self-improvement.
Often times a hierarchical system (sometimes called arungs)
is established for four major reasons. One is for purely organizational
purposes, in which usually a set of specific responsibilities
which correspond with the position held are that person's duty.
Two, would be for the establishment of worth or community appreciation
as a reward of recognition for that individuals' contribution
to the tribe for the betterment of all. Three, it provides a
structure for the use of ordeal and worthing processes within
the group. And four, it can be to designate to outsiders (or
new prospective members) of whom may have a better knowledge
of a particular tribal customs, metaphysical beliefs, and/or
tribal protocols. Ideally, these paths would lead to the particular
persons' natural inclinations and/or sincere desires to better
position themselves to serve their community according to their
own talents.
Part III: Why would
one choose this type of approach?
Of course, one way of
answering would be to refer to the second question's answer
and merely stating, "Because they believed in those things."
But there are more. One aspect is the person has the urge towards
a more specific worldview in relation to heathenry and also
because of a believed ancestrial connection. Another portion
is the higher concern for the details of the metaphysical. A
third reason, could be the desire to be a, "part of a larger
whole" expressing the need and/or enjoyment of recognition
for one's efforts within a religious social structure. And yet
another reason could be a belief in communal celebrations (5).
Also, it should be mentioned
that there are an uncountable number of more personal reasons,
outlooks, and experiences which may lean one towards a more
tribal approach.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, although
one can see many similarities between the tribalist and non-tribalist,
it is those subtle differences or the degree/number of specifics
that may cause misunderstanding amongst the two very similar
types of heathenry. But, through understanding, consideration,
tolerance, and patience any stumbling blocks can be removed.
Also, we can facilitate an atmosphere in which religious beliefs
can be observed by all.
