Independence Day. Freedom to take back the ways of an indigenous culture is our theme here. This will embrace aspects of an inherited religious and Magical paradigm that has always been with us in our attitude and active approach to vital living. Since this is an exploration of 'integral' culture it must include history, ethics, language, and art. The practical appearance of daily living enfolds within and creates anew the pulse of a meaningful life.

The word, "Heathen" is of Teutonic origin and is therefore used instead of the more common word, "Pagan". The Latin pejorative aspects of 'Pagan' is a consideration since we are talking about taking back the ways of a Teutonic people. By 'Heathen' we mean an ancestral social, religious, and personal approach to life that can be as Shamanic, devotional, or pragmatic as individuals decide for themselves. In the Heathen Teutonic aspect we will explore Runes, Magic, Religion, Mythology, and Social Constructs.

The second part of our title, "Heretical" refers to the imperative of breaking free from oppressive and manipulative institutions and taking a more individual approach to enlightenment. The individual is what is important, not the institution. We are not anarchists. It is right that institutions be allowed the same freedoms that we ask for ourselves.

Sometimes we have escaped one manipulative paradigm only to be enslaved by another. This was my own bitter experience. With a lack of philosophical sophistication I joined a Buddhist cult that promised enlightenment if I obeyed totally with my thoughts, time and money. This was not prosletyzed up-front of course but introduced gradually. Their method is to introduce a sense of self-hatred and then offer obedience as a salvation. Not uncommon in varying degrees with any method of alien conversion. Having a strong sense of Self is part of what we mean by 'heretical'.

This blog is a very rough draft of a work in progress. Since ethics are part of an Heathen approach to life, I must now go attend to my elderly mother and other reponsibilities before I return with a more coherent series of essays. Thanks for reading this.

Alan Wittenberg