I want to be a Heathen

Hello everyone my name is Final and I want to dedicate myself to the Gods of my ancestors. Is there some kind of initiation when becoming a heathen? Also, where can I find the Elder Eddas in one book and who would be the author. I checked at my local bookstore and couldn't find it. I did however buy Northern Magic: Rune Mysteries and Shamanism by Edred Thorsson. Is this book a reliable source of heathen knowledge? I know I ask a lot of questions. Please have patience with me and thank you.

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Initiation depends on certain things. Some kindreds have specific initiations they do. It also depends on what kind of Heathenry you are doing. Like I said before, it can get really specific, and depending on the type it would change how you go about this. If you're not in a kindred, and you are going solo, you could do some sort of opening blot to dedicate yourself to the Gods and to make it known that you honor them.

Here's an example of how one person went about this:

http://solitaryasatru.blogspot.com/2010/05/initiation-ritual.html

You can read the Eddas online for free, which is the way I would go if I was you. You can spend a lot of money to buy a hardback copy but it's all the same, really. Not to mention there's so many translations of them, and I can't really say which is the best.

Prose Edda: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/pre/

Poetic Edda: http://www.sacred-texts.com/neu/poe/

Edred Thorsson's books are all good, in my opinion, so I do suggest you read and invest in them.

Thank you so much. This has been a decision I have been meditating on for a long time. I have made my choice. I have no kindred to initiate me. I want to follow the path of Asatru but I strive to be as traditional as possible.

I am a Gythia, and I don't mind discussing more about this with you one-on-one and share with you some personal experience on the matter, and advice on how to go about doing it if you're interested.

Congratulations on your decision. Big decisions like this are important stepping-stones in life. I'm happy for you, and wish you the most blessed experience in your path.