THE HAMINGJA PODCAST
An introduction to what the Hamingja Podcast is all about, what purpose it has and why you should listen to it. We begin to show the common origin of Norse, Germanic, Anglo-Saxon, Vedic, Greco-Roman, Balto-Slavic, Celtic and Persian beliefs, with parallells to the Proto-Indo European worldview. It’s astonishing when the puzzle pieces start falling into place.
This episode is about our oldest ancestors; the Proto-Indo-Europeans, and how their culture and beliefs came to change Europe and big parts of the northern hemisphere. We also discuss two main themes and principles that are key to actually understand paganism.
Our spirituality is one part Indo-European polytheism and one (smaller) part hunter-gatherer animism. To complete the picture this episode is about the hunter-gatherers that had lived in Europe for tens of thousands of years when they got a visit from the steppe herders. We also discuss animism as an essential part of ‘paganism’ and western beliefs.
Xartus is the big Weave – the origins of what Indo-European peoples call the web of Wyrd, Rta, Logos, Asha and so on. It is the cosmic order and eternal natural way. In this episode we explore the world tree and how its branches and roots permeate everything, creating the pattern we all live upon and how cause & effect impacts our future.
After Xartus the most important element of Indo-European spirituality is the ghosti principle, the sacred rule of reciprocity, hospitality and gift giving. To be the guest and the host as the foundation of sacrifice and prayer in paganism.
Thor from the YouTube channel Norse Magic & Beliefs is our guest in this Yule special on the winter solstice. We answer six of the listeners’ questions about Yule tide, and we note that we need to reclaim ancient traditions. God jul! Also: The wild hunt! Throwing ash in your neighbor’s face! Drinking beer on the floor to maximize next year’s prosperity! Magic mushrooms as stocking stuffers!
This episode is about etmn – atman – and the Indo-European parts of the self. How to view the ’soul’ in paganism. Finding balance in life and following our true calling and living honorably to transcend death and become immortal. Also: Eternal life! Odin’s raven doesn’t return! What it feels like being split into three! Nirvana! Slavs bragging! Climbing Yggdrasil! Don’t be Gollum! Don’t be a dragon either! The elves leaving Middle-Earth!
Right between winter solstice & spring equinox many holidays are celebrated, not the least Imbolc. A balance act between winter & spring, life & death. The longing for life & growth to come back. All Indo-European peoples highlighted this time of the year, and this episode is about how it was celebrated all over the dharmic world. Imbolc is often translated as ’in the belly’, and here we present what that has to do with Proto-Indo-Europeans, Ullr, Uranos, Varuna, Skadi, wool & milk.
Be revolutionary – go to a place where the shallow consumption society and Instagram likes don’t run your life and make the decisions for you. Do something truly Indo-European – meditate! Just like all dharmic pagan peoples have always done. In this episode you get a historical context of meditation and we also teach the Vedic meditation technique.
Many have heard of or practiced feng shui, but few westerners know about Vastu Shastra – the traditional Vedic architecture & design science, and that it actually is the origin of Feng Shui. A short introduction to Vastu Shastra – the Vedic science and teachings of harmonious architecture, construction and design. Originally founded to optimize placement of graveyards and the building of temples.
Purushartha is the four aims of human life. An ancient system to follow for a purposeful and honorable life. In this Kali Yuga – where most things are confusing and where true meaning to life is blurred out or forgotten, and where leaders and role models are few, Purushartha means valuable guidance to what our Indo-European ancestors claimed was the meaning of life.
Pagans don’t pray! We’d never kneel down for anyone! Or would we? In this episode we discuss that prayer is the most common pagan spiritual expression and about the importance of prayer in daily pagan spiritual practice. We also guide you through a structure of Indo-European pagan prayer so you can integrate it into your daily life.
Groves, temples, frithyards, wells, stafgardr, vé. Pagan rituals and worship take place within sacred space. But what do they really mean? Why are they used? And do they have to be these magnificent, pompous halls and walls? Learn more about pagan sacred space in this episode of the Hamingja Podcast.
The importance of poetry, hymns, prayers, mantras & chants within Indo-European paganism can’t be overestimated. It’s possibly the most important spiritual expression. Our love for beauty manifests itself in poetry & songs – words for ritual, stories of the deeds of the ancestors, for feasts & meetings, all passed down in an oral tradition. This episode is about pagan poetry, the high social status of the skald or bard & about the wonderful Dawn goddess.
Pagans drink mead, celebrate Odin for sacrificing an eye to drink from the Well, & pour libations. But why? Why did the sacred drink become integral to the religious beliefs & practices of Indo-European peoples? It is one of the most enigmatic mysteries and at the same time perhaps the most central phenomenon in Indo-European myth & spirituality. This episode takes a deep sip of the elixir that keeps the gods immortal & conveys divine insight, inspiration and fertility.
We often see people who really want to deepen their Indo-European pagan spirituality, but don’t get going since they feel they don’t know where to start, how to do things in an authentic way and that they lack words. We’ll do something about that now. This is a guide to an authentic and well-attested morning prayer ritual aligned with Indo-European paganism.
Slavic paganism is perhaps the least well-known of the Indo-European spiritual branches. It is unfortunately also heavily distorted by new-age & other modern influences. This episode will remedy that! A great resource for those who seek their native Slavic roots and for those who want an even broader understanding of Indo-European culture and spirituality.