Heathen Iconography
Germanic symbols that carry importance in Heathenry have long been appropriated by extremists.
They must be judged in context.
Examples of extremist variations and appropriations are noted and photos appear in grayscale
The hammer of the Thor is perhaps best known and widely used symbol representing the Heathen faith today; representing protection and consecration. Styles vary upon historical reproduction and modern designs. - Almost exclusively worn as a necklace. - Very common in tattooing.
This extremist depiction of Thor's Hammer has been stylized with a Swastika. For a more esoteric example, the runes below spell out: "RAHOWA" ("Racial Holy War")
Sacred symbol of the Heathen practitioners of Urglaawe (Pennsylvania Dutch or Deitsche tradition). It represents the sickle of the goddess Frau Holle, and the agricultural tool is often used as a tool of consecration in ritual. - Most commonly worn as a necklace.
The hammer of the Thor is perhaps best known and widely used symbol representing the Heathen faith today; representing protection and consecration. Styles vary upon historical reproduction and modern designs. - Almost exclusively worn as a necklace. - Very common in tattooing.
As we work to reclaim many of these symbols, there is one that is beyond such efforts and CANNOT be reclaimed.
Despite its benign eastern origins, this symbol is too blood-soaked to ever be and should not be reclaimed. Even Hindu practitioners (who carry more claim to it) have opted to drop it out of use to respect the millions who were murdered by the Nazi regime. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE to reclaim it. Any reclamation calls may rightly be attributed to folkish/extremist ideologies.
The "Black Sun", commissioned by Heinrich Himmler to be placed in his SS headquarters in Wewelsburg Castle, has absolutely no historic validity whatsoever. Folkish (extremist sect of Heathenry) Heathens would claim this as a sacred symbol... It is not. - Very common in jewelry
Despite its benign eastern origins, this symbol is too blood-soaked to ever be and should not be reclaimed. Even Hindu practitioners (who carry more claim to it) have opted to drop it out of use to respect the millions who were murdered by the Nazi regime. There is absolutely NO EXCUSE to reclaim it. Any reclamation calls may rightly be attributed to folkish/extremist ideologies.