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 Heathenry

One of the core challenges for Heathens in AA is the idea of a Higher Power. Many Heathens are either hard polytheists, who see the gods as distinct beings, or animists, who recognize spirits and natural forces as active powers in the world. Some follow a more philosophical or symbolic approach, emphasizing Wyrd (fate), Orlog (personal destiny), and the Norns (who weave the threads of existence).

Step 2 states: “Came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity.”

For a Heathen, this Higher Power does not need to be a singular deity or an external force of salvation. Instead, it could be understood as:

  • The web of Wyrd, which acknowledges that our actions create ripples through past, present, and future.
  • The wisdom of the ancestors, who guide and inspire us through their lived experiences.
  • The collective strength of the tribe, kindred, or community, emphasizing interdependence rather than self-reliance alone.
  • A chosen deity, such as Odin for wisdom, Tyr for discipline, Freyja for transformation, or Thor for protection and strength.

Heathens do not surrender blindly, but they do recognize the importance of working with the gods, spirits, and their community to cultivate strength and wisdom. The concept of reciprocity—a gift for a gift—can frame one’s relationship with a Higher Power, where one actively participates in recovery rather than passively receiving grace.

Step 3: Making a Decision to Work With the Gods and the Web of Wyrd

Step 3 traditionally states: “Made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we understood Him.”

For Heathens, this can be understood as aligning oneself with the flow of Wyrd, making conscious choices that honor one’s fate rather than resisting the necessary transformations of recovery. It can also mean establishing or deepening a relationship with a specific deity:

  • Odin teaches seekers to pursue wisdom and face hard truths, making him an ideal guide for those confronting addiction.
  • Tyr, known for sacrificing his hand to bind Fenrir, embodies honor, discipline, and personal sacrifice for the greater good.
  • Freyja, a goddess of love and magic, represents the power of self-transformation, sovereignty, and embracing the full range of human experience.
  • Thor, with his unyielding strength, offers resilience and protection on the path to sobriety.

Rather than surrendering in a Christian sense, Heathens may see this step as forging an oath—a solemn commitment to walking the path of recovery with the guidance of the gods, ancestors, and kindred.

Step 4 and 5: Taking Stock with Courage and Honor

Step 4 requires a fearless moral inventory, and Step 5 involves admitting one’s wrongs to another person. Heathens place great value on honor, truth, and accountability, which align with these steps naturally.

However, Heathen morality does not stem from external commandments but from one’s personal sense of integrity, the expectations of one’s tribe, and the recognition that one’s actions weave into the fabric of Wyrd. When making an inventory, Heathens might consider:

  • How have my actions dishonored myself or my ancestors?
  • Have I upheld or damaged my frith (peace and social bonds) with my kindred?
  • What oaths have I broken, and what must be done to make amends?

Admitting wrongs is not about self-flagellation but about owning responsibility. The Hávamál, a collection of wisdom attributed to Odin, reminds us:

"The unwise man is awake all night, and ponders everything over; when morning comes he is weary in mind, and all is burden as ever."

This speaks to the restless mind of addiction and the need to release what no longer serves us, embracing recovery as a path toward wisdom and strength.

Facing one’s past without shame, but with a commitment to change, is deeply in line with Heathen values.

Step 6 and 7: Strengthening the Self, Not Seeking Salvation

The traditional wording of these steps suggests asking a Higher Power to remove one’s shortcomings. For Heathens, this may be better framed as a process of self-cultivation:

  • Step 6: Recognizing which aspects of the self are out of balance and preparing to shape them anew.
  • Step 7: Seeking guidance from the gods, ancestors, and community to strengthen virtues like courage, self-discipline, and wisdom.

A Heathen’s goal is not passive purification but active transformation, much like the way a warrior tempers their sword through fire and toil.

Steps 8 and 9: Making Amends Through Frith and Reciprocity

Making amends is central to both AA and Heathen ethics. Frith (peace and right relationship) must be restored where it has been broken. However, Heathenry also acknowledges that not all amends can or should be made, particularly if they would cause further harm.

These steps involve understanding the difference between restitution (restoring balance) and atonement (seeking forgiveness). In a Heathen sense, one might:

  • Offer weregild (symbolic compensation) where harm was done.
  • Perform acts of service to rebalance relationships.
  • Seek counsel from the kindred (the sponsor and the Fellowship) to determine the best course of action.

Step 11: Meditation, Divination, and Seeking Wisdom

Step 11 involves deepening spiritual practice, which fits naturally within Heathen traditions. Meditation, rune work, seiðr, and daily devotionals can provide clarity and strength in recovery. Asking for signs from the gods through runes or omens can be a way to seek guidance.

Step 12: Carrying the Message as a Worthy Example

Service in Heathenry is not about evangelism but being a worthy example. Those who have walked the hard road of addiction and emerged into sobriety embody resilience, wisdom, and strength. Just as warriors pass on knowledge to the next generation, recovered Heathens can share their insights with those still struggling.

Conclusion: A Heathen’s Oath to Recovery

Recovery is not about surrendering power but about reclaiming sovereignty over oneself. It is about aligning one’s Wyrd with actions that honor the gods, ancestors, and community. Whether working with Odin, Freyja, or simply with the wisdom of the past, Heathens can walk the Twelve Steps while staying true to their values.

If you are a Heathen in recovery, know this: You are not alone. Your strength is not lost. The road ahead is yours to shape.

Hail the path to recovery! Hail the gods and ancestors! Hail to those who walk in wisdom!

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