Awakening to THAT

  Walking the Path of Recovery: A Norse Heathen Approach to the Twelve Steps Can a Norse Heathen Follow the Twelve Steps? Absolutely. For many entering a Recovery Program, the Twelve Steps can seem steeped in Christian language and thought, making it challenging for those who follow non-Christian spiritual traditions to see how the program applies to them. This is particularly true for Heathens, Asatruar, and Vanatruar, whose spirituality is rooted in the ancient polytheistic traditions of Northern Europe. However, the Twelve Steps are not inherently Christian, despite their historical context. They are a framework for personal transformation, accountability, and spiritual connection—principles that resonate deeply within Heathenry. Whether one follows the Æsir, the Vanir, or the forces of Wyrd, there are ways to adapt the Twelve Steps to a Heathen worldview while maintaining the integrity of both the program and one’s beliefs. Reinterpreting the Concept of a Higher Power in He...

  Can a Neopagan Follow the Twelve Steps? Absolutely—Here’s How Why the 12 Steps Are Not Exclusively Christian One of the common critiques of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the Twelve Steps is that they are deeply influenced by Christian thought, particularly Protestant traditions. While the language of the Big Book reflects the time in which it was written—when Christianity was, by far, the dominant religious framework in the West—AA explicitly states that the program is open to people of all beliefs. The phrase “God as we understood Him” was included to ensure that individuals could define their own conception of a Higher Power, making the program adaptable to diverse spiritual traditions. For Neopagans, this flexibility is crucial. Whether you honor deities from ancient pantheons, practice nature-based spirituality, or embrace an eclectic path, the Twelve Steps can be integrated into your belief system. Recovery is about seeking alignment with spiritual forces, cultivating wisdom...

  How to Find a Higher Power That Works for You in AA Why the Standard Judeo-Christian God Doesn’t Work for Everyone For many who seek recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), the concept of a Higher Power can be a stumbling block. The Big Book speaks of “God as we understood Him,” yet in many meetings, the assumed framework is the Judeo-Christian God. This can be alienating for those who don’t resonate with Christian theology, struggle with the concept of sin and redemption, or come from spiritual traditions that see divinity differently. If you’ve ever sat in a meeting and felt disconnected because you don’t believe in an interventionist deity, or you question the idea of a personal God who rewards and punishes, you’re not alone. Many in recovery find themselves searching for a Higher Power that makes sense to them—something they can trust, surrender to, and draw strength from without feeling like they are betraying their personal beliefs. The good news? AA doesn’t require bel...