Process of Becoming a Godhi

[Doc]

I know that I'm still wet behind the ears in Asatru. However if I did want to pursue becoming a Gothi what would I have to do and what kind of time frame would it be. Universal Life Church is a nondenominational church that ordains people for free. I can legally marry people and I have the same legal authority as regular clergy (at least in the state I live in) so if I choose to be a Gothi I will be able to perform legal ceremonies in the Asatru religion. Is becoming a Gothi worth the time and trouble or should I just wait till I'm deeper in the religion before I decide to undertake such a huge responsibility. The only reason I got ordained was to officiate a relatives wedding.
Respectfully
Doc

[Allaya]

I know that I'm still wet behind the ears in Asatru. However if I did want to pursue becoming a Gothi what would I have to do and what kind of time frame would it be. Universal Life Church is a nondenominational church that ordains people for free. I can legally marry people and I have the same legal authority as regular clergy (at least in the state I live in) so if I choose to be a Gothi I will be able to perform legal ceremonies in the Asatru religion. Is becoming a Gothi worth the time and trouble or should I just wait till I'm deeper in the religion before I decide to undertake such a huge responsibility. The only reason I got ordained was to officiate a relatives wedding.
Respectfully
Doc

 
Answered your own question, there.

Framing that process as something over whether it is "worth the time and trouble" should be a hint that you probably need to worry about learning the basics of the religion/practices before even remotely thinking about becoming clergy.

We're talking the difference between legally able to marry people and competent spiritual leader and logistics manager for others. A good many gothi/gythia undergo an apprenticeship or in-depth clergy training.

[RecycledBenedict]

Universal Life Church is a nondenominational church that ordains people for free. I can legally marry people and I have the same legal authority as regular clergy (at least in the state I live in) so if I choose to be a Gothi I will be able to perform legal ceremonies in the Asatru religion. (...) The only reason I got ordained was to officiate a relatives wedding.

Legal weddings are useful. I understand the practical purpose of this ordination. Just remember, that it hasn't added to or detracted from the ability to perform non-legal ceremonies, such as domestic libations, you had already.

I know that I'm still wet behind the ears in Asatru. However if I did want to pursue becoming a Gothi what would I have to do and what kind of time frame would it be. (...) Is becoming a Gothi worth the time and trouble or should I just wait till I'm deeper in the religion before I decide to undertake such a huge responsibility.

If you will become a Gothi, or not, is up to the Asatru/Heathen/Fornsi∂r-group you belong to, to decide. It is a responsibility given, not taken - and it is not given by Universal Life Church. Anybody is able to sacrifice to the Powers in the domestic and private sphere. Gothi is just a name of someone who do it publicly on behalf of a group of people, because that group of people want him to do it.

A public blót will probably come closer to the ideas of Fornsi∂r of old, if a Gothi ritually work in a team with a Thulr, a soothsayer, and someone who will remind the participants of the Law of the Land. Courts of justice and public blót were intimately intertwined in old Norse society, but since that is impossible to recreate today, some sort of positive remembrance of the legal system (and perhaps the charter of the group and something about virtues worthy of cultivation) in the beginning of the ritual would add that missing dimension. Different groups will find out different ways to implement that idea.

[bobthesane]

I know that I'm still wet behind the ears in Asatru. However if I did want to pursue becoming a Gothi what would I have to do and what kind of time frame would it be. Universal Life Church is a nondenominational church that ordains people for free. I can legally marry people and I have the same legal authority as regular clergy (at least in the state I live in) so if I choose to be a Gothi I will be able to perform legal ceremonies in the Asatru religion. Is becoming a Gothi worth the time and trouble or should I just wait till I'm deeper in the religion before I decide to undertake such a huge responsibility. The only reason I got ordained was to officiate a relatives wedding.
Respectfully
Doc

Uh, whoa there buddy. Cool your jets. Your enthusiasm is good, but don't start trying to fly jet fighters before you can crawl.

It takes *years* to learn enough to be an effective priest. I've been actively practicing heathenry for 25 years and I still don't know if I'm qualified. Start with your basics, learn and read and read and read and read (did I mention reading). Learn from other, successful clergyfolk. Watch the those who are... less than successful and see what mistakes they made.

Being a godhi isn't just about the fancy title. It carries just... enormous responsibility, beacuse you *must* have a community in order to be a godhi. Priests don't exist in a vacuum, they exist within the tribal or communal framework and serve a specialized function.

[Castus]

I know that I'm still wet behind the ears in Asatru. However if I did want to pursue becoming a Gothi what would I have to do and what kind of time frame would it be. Universal Life Church is a nondenominational church that ordains people for free. I can legally marry people and I have the same legal authority as regular clergy (at least in the state I live in) so if I choose to be a Gothi I will be able to perform legal ceremonies in the Asatru religion. Is becoming a Gothi worth the time and trouble or should I just wait till I'm deeper in the religion before I decide to undertake such a huge responsibility. The only reason I got ordained was to officiate a relatives wedding.
Respectfully
Doc

 http://asatrufolkassembly.org/about-the-afa/afa-clergy-program/

This may be of interest to you.

[Doc]

http://asatrufolkassembly.org/about-the-afa/afa-clergy-program/

This may be of interest to you.

 
Thanks everyone for the replies. I totally understand that it's more than the title I was just curious if there was a pathway like how the Christians have for their clergy members. Also I cannot find a kindred in my area so I'm forced to be a soloist.

Blessed be,
Doc

[bobthesane]

Thanks everyone for the replies. I totally understand that it's more than the title I was just curious if there was a pathway like how the Christians have for their clergy members. Also I cannot find a kindred in my area so I'm forced to be a soloist.

Blessed be,
Doc

Where are you, Doc?

[Doc]

Where are you, Doc?

 
Ocala Florida

[bobthesane]

Ocala Florida

I know some good heathens down Florida way, actually. Pensacola. Not sure if that's anywhere near you.

[Hyacinth Belle]

However if I did want to pursue becoming a Gothi what would I have to do and what kind of time frame would it be.

General heads up: I've just updated the title of this thread to be more concise and reflective of the topic. Thanks!

Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk

[Castus]

I know that I'm still wet behind the ears in Asatru. However if I did want to pursue becoming a Gothi what would I have to do and what kind of time frame would it be. Universal Life Church is a nondenominational church that ordains people for free. I can legally marry people and I have the same legal authority as regular clergy (at least in the state I live in) so if I choose to be a Gothi I will be able to perform legal ceremonies in the Asatru religion. Is becoming a Gothi worth the time and trouble or should I just wait till I'm deeper in the religion before I decide to undertake such a huge responsibility. The only reason I got ordained was to officiate a relatives wedding.
Respectfully
Doc

I should add that I assume that there are some pastoral elements involved in godhi-ship; such as counselling and the like. I'm not entirely sure that given your attitudes in other threads that you'd be appropriate for such work.

[Doc]

I know some good heathens down Florida way, actually. Pensacola. Not sure if that's anywhere near you.

 
Nah Pensacola is pretty far I'm closer to Tampa/Orlando area. I am looking for a mentor by message or text if I can't find anyone close though. So if you, or anyone you know who would be interested that would be cool.

[GaryG]

I know that I'm still wet behind the ears in Asatru. However if I did want to pursue becoming a Gothi what would I have to do and what kind of time frame would it be. Universal Life Church is a nondenominational church that ordains people for free. I can legally marry people and I have the same legal authority as regular clergy (at least in the state I live in) so if I choose to be a Gothi I will be able to perform legal ceremonies in the Asatru religion. Is becoming a Gothi worth the time and trouble or should I just wait till I'm deeper in the religion before I decide to undertake such a huge responsibility. The only reason I got ordained was to officiate a relatives wedding.
Respectfully
Doc

http://www.academia.edu/25689472/The_Historical_and_Modern_Role_of_the_Go%C3%B0i_and_the_Priest_A_Comparison

[bobthesane]

http://www.academia.edu/25689472/The_Historical_and_Modern_Role_of_the_Go%C3%B0i_and_the_Priest_A_Comparison

Hehe, pimpin' yourself Gary?

For them's what don't know, Gary here could be considered an academic 'heavy' in heathen circles. You would be well advised to at least read what he has to offer.

[Hyacinth Belle]

Hehe, pimpin' yourself Gary?

For them's what don't know, Gary here could be considered an academic 'heavy' in heathen circles. You would be well advised to at least read what he has to offer.

*claps!* Fantastic!