The Mannaz Rising Kindred
is a group of men who are
united in the beliefs embodied by the
Northern European cultural religious
expressions of our ancestors.

As such, we are bound together by
All-father Odin’s holy nation
in fellowship, family, and community.

Our central focus is placed on
personal development, as well as
the posterity of our faith,
it is absolutely incumbent upon
members of this kindred to maintain
the highest order of nobility;
that each and every one of us
may act as a pillar to his fellow kinsmen
and a beacon to those of our folk
trying to find a path home.

To this end the following has been codified.
Reminding you that as a member of
Mannaz Rising Kindred
you represent our faith, family, and folk
not just yourself.

So choose to live with a
strong character and noble spirit
embodied by the
fundamentals contained herein.

To follow the Trú Way a man has to make
a conscious decision to set aside monotheism.

Setting upon himself in a
deep rooted journey leading to the
very language of his ancestors.

This journey will challenge him
to overcome his weaknesses
and shortcomings.
Striving ever forward to be the
most honorable, noble and
self-reliant man
that he’s capable of becoming.

And with like-minded brothers
standing together with him
they’re capable of victory
regardless of any
roadblocks, obstacles or how the
odds may be stacked against them.

Traditional kindreds were brotherhoods sworn in blood, if someone gave their oath they were
forever bound to that kindred; however, another ancient formula is used by the Mannaz Rising
Kindred.

We use the sacred ring-oath swearing to uphold the Varlög of Mannaz Rising Kindred.

This effectively makes us “brothers-in-law” under a common idea and purpose while still
providing the benefits of a kindred structure. Every member’s oath is towards the same purpose,
to grow Ásatrú in a positive light.

Mannaz Rising Kindred originally formed as a small group April 24, 2024 in the Florida
Department of Corrections.

Where Ásatrú groups are subject to dispersion at the whims of
institutional administrations and circumstances.

Becoming “brothers-in-law” allowed Ásatrúar
to study and grow together in such an environment, without violating previous oaths or binding
men permanently to a kindred.

The Varlög (our-law) is what binds us and we can amend it to
adapt to our wyrd (fate).

It is Mannaz Rising Kindred’s ultimate goal to bring Ásatrú to all who are incarcerated and
seeking to practice their spiritual heritage.

● Drighten: is the Chieftain of the Kindred, administrative, not authoritarian. This
position is governed by experience. The member who performs this function has
leadership skills and can assert himself amongst others. His objectives are keeping the
community focused in a positive direction by maintaining moral balance, control,
diplomacy, and networking. THE COMMUNITY IS HIS HIGHEST PRIORITY. While a
Gothi is a priest-leader and a Vitki is a wise-magician, the Drighten is the physical and
social anchor in ancient Scandinavian culture. The Drighten’s power was not based on
land ownership or inheritance, but on personal charisma and success. If a leader was
successful in providing for his men, they stayed. If he failed, the “Drighten-ship”
dissolved. The Drighten is essentially the President:
○ The Responsibility: He is the “provider” of the organization—ensuring there are
resources, structure, and professional development for the members.
○ The Bond: He is the person to whom the members look for final decisions and
stability. He represents the “central pillar” that holds the group together.

● Law-Speaker: knows the laws that affect the community. The Law-Speaker is
responsible for the legal tradition and the preservation thereof within said community.
A firm knowledge of the Hávamál, the Aesirian Code of Nine and the Varlög of the
Kindred are necessary. The Law-Speaker must have the ability to listen and measure
situations with an unbiased authority to render decisions based on the Varlög. When
addressing any violations, Moots or disputes that may arise within the Kindred
community, the law speaker has the final word in the matter. In ancient Scandinavian
culture, the Lawspeaker was the living embodiment of the community’s legal and ethical
code. Before the widespread use of writing, the Law-speaker was the ultimate authority
on what was “right” and “fair.” The Law-speaker serves as the Secretary:
○ The Bylaws: They are the guardian of the Articles of Incorporation and the
Operations Manual.
○ Consistency: They ensure that meetings follow the established agenda and that
the organization’s actions stay true to its founding mission.
○ The Record: They document the history and the decisions of the board to ensure
the “memory” of the organization remains intact.

● Gothi: Equivalent to a priest or minister in the Ásatrú religion. The Gothi is the
ceremonial leader of the Kindred who conducts blót or appoints who’ll perform blótar. In
ancient Scandinavian culture, the Gothi was a unique social and political figure that
merged the roles of Chieftain and Priest. In contemporary Ásatrú the Gothi serves as:
○ The Celebrant: Performing weddings, baby-namings, and seasonal rituals.
○ The Mediator: Helping to resolve conflicts within the Kindred using the
principles of the Havamal and the bylaws.
○ The Teacher: Preserving and teaching the lore of the ancestors.

● Scribe: is responsible for recording topics discussed, decisions made and who attended
weekly groups. The scribe will also make a record of any oaths made, runes cast and any
other general business with the community. He is to be organized, mindful of decisions
and able to keep records legible for all standing members. The scribe must have a good
memory, be responsible, mindful and diligent in his duties.

● Warden: The Warder’s duty is to protect blessings, blots and community gatherings
from interruptions or distractions. Patience and politeness with a firm hand when
dealing with situations or others is needed. Awareness and alertness are his strengths,
as is his diplomacy.

● Treasurer: In ancient Scandinavian culture, the Féhirðir was the “Guardian of the
Wealth.” He collects the finances for feasts and is responsible for any needs, help or
compensation of the community. The Treasurer should be aware of the financial
situations of the community at all times. It is his duty to maintain a record of all monies
paid in or out of the treasury. The Féhirðir is the Treasurer:
○ Fiscal Health: They manage the bank accounts, track dues, and ensure the
non-profit remains in good standing.
○ Resource Management: They oversee the “Kindred Fund,” making sure there is
money for Kindred services, events, etc.
○ Integrity: Just as the ancient Féhirðir was chosen for absolute trustworthiness,
the Treasurer represents the financial integrity that allows members to trust the
organization’s future.

● Vitki: is a rune master, or training to become one. He is to be a well studied individual
with a significant amount of runic knowledge, lore and tradition at his command. It is
his duty to initiate the community into the knowledge and the use of the runes of the
Elder Futhark. And other rune related studies and understanding. In ancient
Scandinavian culture, the Vitki was a specialized practitioner of magic, wisdom, and the
esoteric arts. While a Gothi was a public religious and legal leader, a Vitki was a master
of the “hidden” world. The word is derived from the Old Norse vit
(wit/intelligence/knowledge) and is closely related to the English word “wizard” or “wise
one.” The Vitki is the the Educator:
○ Preserving Wisdom: They are responsible for the deep study of the Eddas and
Sagas.
○ Guidance: They provide the “Wit” behind the “Will,” helping members
understand the philosophical depth of their path.
○ Ritual Craft: They ensure that runic inscriptions are historically and
linguistically accurate.

● Herjann: is the official liaison between Sentinel Members and the Kindred. He
communicates with them via the JPay/Securus messaging system, the GTL phone system
or USPS mail. The Herjann coordinates with the Law-speaker and Treasurer to provide
resources and support to Sentinel Members. Traditionally an ancestral leader who took
on the attributes of a Herjann was seen as a Protector of the Comitatus (the inner circle
of warriors). He was the “Ring-Giver” who organized the chaos of a tribe into a cohesive
fighting force. He provided the logistics, the strategy, and the spiritual “luck” (hamingja)
required for the group to survive a campaign.

“To ensure the continued peace and growth of Mannaz Rising Kindred, we, the leaders, commit
to this Covenant. We promise to hold troth and work collaboratively, respecting each other’s
roles and duties as defined in this handbook. Our decisions will be made based on the Varlög
and dedicated to the overall well-being of the Kindred, free from self-interest. We recognize our
shared mission to grow Ásatrú in a positive light and to develop positive, self-reliant men. This
Covenant reinforces our mutual commitment.”

Kindred members live by the standards set forth in the Hávamál, the Aesirian Code of Nine and
the Varlög. Kindred members shall be known by word and deed. We recognize there are
different stages and levels of learning concerning our way and the Kindred structure reflects
this. These stages are categorized in the following manner:


● Seeker: This is an individual who is culturally and ethically aware of our way, but
possesses little or no knowledge pertaining to such. A seeker will have a minimum
ninety (90) day period to observe the Kindred so as to be able to make an informed
decision as to whether he wishes to join our community. A vote will be held to
determine when the seeker is to be considered for “hammer bearer” status. A three (3)
day fasting period will be required along with an essay on why they chose to live the Trú
Way. At this point, an Oath of Profession rite will be performed to gain hammer status.
A seeker is always encouraged to attend weekly study groups. A seeker may not don a
hammer. A seeker may attend and participate in blóts as approved by the community.

● Oarsman: This is a member of the Kindred who has made a commitment to the study of
our way and seeks to better himself through fellowship, education and personal sacrifice
required to become more intellectually knowledgeable in the Way. He strives to be a
productive member in the Kindred. Once hammer status has been obtained and the
Kindred Oath has been taken, he may partake in all functions. He will have a vote
concerning future endeavors.

● Hammer Holder: This individual is one who already walks the path, and has
established himself as such. Hammer Holders will be given a ninety (90) day period in
which to observe the community and determine whether or not this individual wishes to
become a member of said community.

● Lone Wolve: is an individual who, for whatever reasons, personal or otherwise, does not
wish to become a part of the community. Lone wolves will be treated hospitably and
with the respect that their actions reflect and warrant.

● Elder: is an established and learned individual who has taken the added responsibility
of a given traditional function for further guidance of the community. Elders are
responsible for the laws, structure and progress of the community as a whole. Elders are
the only community members to hold full rights to attend Moots.