Toronto Pagan Conference - Speakers

Andy Biggers

Bio:

Andy has been deeply involved in the North American pagan and heathen community for over twenty years. He is a member of the board of directors of Wic-Can Fest and Harvestfest – Canada’s longest running pagan festival – as well as serving on the board of the American Vinland Association. He is an Elder in the Ásatrú faith and a past High

Redesman of the Ring of Troth. He is also a key organizer and board member of SiMuCoR (Simcoe Muskoka Coalition of Old Religions). Andy holds several advanced academic degrees including Bachelor and Master’s degrees in History.

Presentation:

Alternative Approaches to Ritual

Those familiar with the modern approach to pagan and heathen ritual will recognize that (at least in general terms) most follow a similar structural and organizational pattern. Those similarities arise as a consequence of two factors: 1) the profound influence exerted by ceremonial magic upon western occult thought, and 2) the necessity to manage time as it relates to ritual length. However, from a historical perspective, such considerations were irrelevant. In this talk I will introduce elements of an alternative approach to ritual – one that is finding a growing number of adherents within the Asatru community – that is a closer approximation of the kind of ritual our pagan ancestors would recognize.

THE AMERICAN VINLAND ASSOCIATION, INC. presented with Prudence Priest

Come learn about an organization founded in 1993 for Heathens of all persuasions to network and practice the old religions of our Northern European Ancestors in North America. We have members on our board which we call the “Hrafnar” (= just as high) in Canada and the US and will be happy to answer questions and share information. Facilitated by Prudence Priest & Andy Biggers (Hrafnar members).