Wéofodþegn Training Program

PROCESS FOR ENROLLMENT

The interested party must be at least a probational member of the GFS to begin the program.  He or she need not be a gesiþ at the time of enrollment, but may not be ordained until they have gained this level of membership. Note that the probational period before  gesiþ rank is conferred is usually one year, and the program will also take one year.  Interested parties should contact Osric by email. Once accepted for the program, the student is a probational member of the Sácerdhad, and will be known by the title of Dedicant, or in Old English “Gebedmann”.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION

The study program will take at least one full year to complete (due to documentation requirement #8). Otherwise there is no time limit for completing the program.

You may complete documentation requirements #1-#8 in any order. When you’ve finished a section, send both a hard copy OR electronic copy to your mentor for evaluation. Electronic copies may be sent on disk or via email.

Documentation requirement #9 (the Wéofod Oath) should not be completed until the other eight have all been approved by your mentor. Requirement #9 demands that the aspiring GFS wéofodþegn will give an oath dedicating himself to the Germanic Gods and the path of the Fyrnsidu. This is essentially a re-affirmation of your Siþcund oath, emphasizing your continuing and deeper commitment as a wéofodþegn.

1. A written discussion of each aspect of the Sevenfold Goal; Freoð (peace and goodwill), Hlíséadignes (renown), Gástedóm (spirituality), Mægen (strength and vitality), Gearowitolnes (sagacity), Cystignes (abundance) and Lufu (love). Please refer to the GFS website if you are unfamiliar with these concepts. Each short essay should demonstrate your own understanding of the goal and how it relates to your own life as an Anglo-Saxon Heathen. Minimum 150 words each. An online forum exists to post these short discussions and get feedback: click here.
2. Short essays on each of the Great Thews– Minimum 150 words each.
3. Two short book reviews; 1 indigenous English religion title, and 1 general Germanic religion title. The books must be selected from the recommended reading list (see below) OR be approved by the Witan on the recommendation of one or more mentors. Minimum 350 words each.
4. A brief description, including at least one photograph, of your home wéofod. Minimum 150 words.
5. Short essays on at least five of the Anglo-Saxon deities; Woden, Tiw, Þunor, Frige and Eostre. You may include additional deities, but these five must be covered. Essays may include personal revelation, but must demonstrate some knowledge of these deities as they are represented in the lore. Minimum 150 words (for each of the five required deities).
6. A short essay on your understanding of your ancestors and how you honor them. Minimum 300 words.
7. A short essay on your understanding of the ælfcynn (land wights) and how you honor them. Minimum 300 words.
8. A short essay for each of the eight Feast Day rites you attend or perform over a twelve month period. At least four of the rites must be specifically conducted within an Anglo-Saxon context. Minimum 150 words each.
9. A complete text of your Wéofod Oath and a description of your performance of the rite. Minimum 500 words.

RECOMMENDED BOOKS: INDIGENOUS ENGLISH RELIGION

“The Lost Gods of England”, Brian Branston

“Looking for the Lost Gods of England”, Kathleen Herbert

“The Real Middle Earth”, Brian Bates

RECOMMENDED BOOKS: GENERAL GERMANIC RELIGION

“Gods and Myths of Northern Europe”, H.R.Ellis Davidson

“The Norse Myths”, Kevin Crossley-Holland