Midsummer has always been a time of new beginnings for the AFA and this year is no exception. At one time Midsummer was the only "National" event the AFA hosted, and in a way, it marked the beginning of each new AFA year. At Midsummer 2016, I was elevated to Alsherjargothi and Midsummer 2023 marked 7 years for me in this position and started my 8th Alsherjargothic year. Beginnings are a special time to think and to evaluate things, for me and I believe, for all of us. Whenever we take stock of things, it is valuable to focus on the fundamentals. Asatru is the word that defines our faith. Asatru is the word that defines our lives. Asatru is the word that defines US. Asatru literally means "loyal to the Æsir". It should be obvious (but we all need to be reminded of it) that Asatru should be about the Æsir... not about what's cool, not about what our buddies think, and not about what is most comfortable. The question at the front of our mind should always be "What do the Gods think?". When our Gods see us, how we look, how we dress, how we present ourselves... are the proud? When the Gods hear us speak... are they proud? When the Gods evaluate our deeds... are they proud? The AFA is our church, not a club. Asatru is a religion, not a political or social accessory. It is time to refocus. In all we do and all we are... we shall strive to make our Gods proud. Hail the Æsir!
Alsherjargothi Matthew D. Flavel