What is Hearthfire?
Hey Hi Hello! Hearthfire is a Norse Heathen community in the Atlanta area with members from all over the southeast. We are a family-oriented, inclusive, pluralistic Kindred (group) that is open to the public for anyone to come and visit, even if just to check us out! We meet once a month and have our dates planned for the whole year, so please see our calendar for more information. Our Goði, Wolf The Red, has been involved with the Atlanta pagan scene for a decade and has been involved with leadership of various kindreds and groups during that time. But as many of us have experienced, due to poor standards and negligent and harmful leadership, Wolf decided he would take the lessons he learned watching others make mistakes and create his own group to finally give the Southeast of the US a Heathen group they could be proud of. After some time, Hearthfire held its first public gathering in September 2022. It has held a public gathering every month since and will continue to do so as long as it is safe. We are a registered non-profit corporation with a Board of Directors, committees, and members for transparency and accountability. We have filed for 501c3 status, and when that paperwork comes back, we will be a federally recognized religious non-profit and a federally recognized church with all the benefits that come with that. Our goal is to provide a safe, well-educated, inclusive space for anyone from any background who is genuinely interested in community.
When And Where Do Events Happen?
January 11th – Canceled due to snow!
February 22nd – Fenrir
March 22nd – Hel
April 19th – Jörmungandr
*May 17th – Angrboða
*June 13th (Prep), 14th HEARTHSUMMER – Loki
*July 26th – Sigyn
*August 23rd
*September 20th
October 18th
November 15th, Georgia Ren Faire
-December 19th (Prep)
-December 20th YULE
We are currently splitting locations halfway through the year. During the hotter months, we will be in a building with AC, bathrooms, and a playground right outside. Dates with a * denote we will be at Pickett’s Mill State Park in Dallas, GA using the Group Shelter building. In October we will be at Sweet Water Creek State Park in Lithia Springs GA at Picnic Pavilion 5. Date for Yule denoted with – in December, Yule, will be at Sweetwater Creek State Park Group Shelter in Lithia Springs GA.
What Is Hearthfire’s Stance On Inclusivity?
Hearthfire is a Heathen focused group. We know a lot of people have had bad experiences with Heathens in the past, and we are well aware that Heathenry has a significant problem with white supremacy and bigotry broadly. Our Goði, Wolf The Red, has been an active and aggressive fighter of those hateful beliefs, and in 2024 he carried those principles forward and wrote the Declaration of Flames, a very powerful document that can be summarized as such. Inclusivity means racism and bigotry have no place in Paganism of any kind, and anyone who discriminates based on race, ancestry, ethnicity, place of origin, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual and romantic identities, socioeconomic status, appearance, presentation, age, ability, or religion is not someone who should be associated with. If you stand with hatred, you stand alone.
To find out more on the Declaration of Flames, visit declaration-of-flames
Statement of Basic Belief
Hearthfire seeks to establish a foundation of inclusive and pluralistic Heathenry while allowing our community to grow and prosper spiritually.
What is Heathenry?
Heathenry is the polytheistic faith derived from the ancient Germanic peoples and the Gods they worshiped, and its iterations in the modern day. At Hearthfire, we believe in and use the pre-Christian pan-germanic faith of the people who worshiped the Germanic Gods in ancient times as our foundation. Our approach is historically informed, which helps inspire and develop modern living traditions and practices today.
Is Hearthfire For You?
Are you looking for an inclusive Heathen Kindred led by well-read, educated, compassionate, and understanding leadership that still knows how to have fun? Then this is the place for you. Our food is always good, the fellowship is better, and the rituals led by our Goði, Wolf The Red, will leave you spiritually rejuvenated and with much to think about!
While Hearthfire has its foundation in Norse Heathenry, we aim to make everyone feel welcome, whether it’s your first time with us or you have been with us since the beginning. No matter your path, we believe you will find something valuable with us. Maybe you are an open-minded Christian who is searching for something more, or just don’t like the way Christian Nationalism is headed in this country. Maybe you’re a pagan who is looking for more stability or guidance, or are just tired of being solitary. Maybe you’re an atheist but are interested in the history and culture surrounding the Viking age and want to hang out with fellow nerds. And maybe you aren’t sure what you believe, but you would love to meet other folks who are inclusive and good-natured, and would enjoy sharing a meal and having a chat. All this and more is not only welcome at Hearthfire, but encouraged. I assure you, you will find a place here in our community.
How Does Worship Work For Non-heathens?
Hearthfire Community participates in a pluralistic approach to spirituality. We provide a safe space for all inclusive expressions of faith. We embrace a diversity of faiths to worship as members of Hearthfire in a welcoming capacity. Hearthfire does not tolerate proselytizing, derision, or hostility towards the faiths of its members. Often, the ritual being conducted is more focused on the ideas and attributes, allowing people to easily substitute their own Gods, Spirits and other theology into the ritual easily.
I Just Want To Check An Event Out But Not Sure I Want To Participate, Is That Ok?
Absolutely, every event we’ve held, at least a few people are showing up for their first time. They are not sure what they believe, and they are not sure they would be comfortable diving into a spiritual event feet first. We respect that fully, and we have simple methods in place to skip over anyone who isn’t ready for that commitment. If you are just interested in coming for lunch and fellowship, you won’t be alone and won’t be pressured otherwise.
I’m Disabled In Some Way, And I’ve Faced Discrimination From Other Groups For It In The Past, Have Been Made To Feel Unwelcome, Or Just Wasn’t Thought Of At All. How Does Hearthfire Approach Accessibility?
Accessibility is a top priority for Hearthfire. We already make sure to only rent sites that are ADA compliant, and we make sure all event setups are done with things like mobility aids in mind. Plenty of space for wheelchairs, crutches, and canes. We also make sure people who need to go through the food line first to have plenty of time and options to choose from. For ritual any and all accommodations will be made, wheelchair ramps are always set out and utilized, and if at any point anything is needed to make your stay with us more comfortable, we want that feed back to make sure no one is left behind. There is parking up close to the pavilions for folks who need it, and the bathrooms are ADA compliant.
For those who get overwhelmed and overstimulated, we have plenty of space for those people to step away and get some fresh air, and have time to themselves to decompress. There is absolutely no stigma tied to this; many of our long-term members take advantage of this. Feel free to bring any items that may help you stay feeling comfortable, such as headphones, a comfort item, or stimming device.
I Really Want To Come, But I Have Kids And I’m Not Sure If They Are Welcome. They May Be Disruptive
Hearthfire is a family-oriented event! It is not a super serious face environment that seeks to silence kids or usher them out of the way. Nothing makes us happier than seeing toddlers and teens enjoying the communal space we have built together. We make sure that families get to serve food first so there are plenty of options for pickier eaters. We encourage bringing toys for your little ones that they are comfortable sharing. It is usually an outdoor event, and so kids will be loud. They may be loud during ritual. They may walk through the middle of ritual. That is fine! Kids are allowed to be kids at Hearthfire. We just ask that you help keep an eye on them and work together to maintain peace among the other kids!
Ok! I’m Ready To Visit! What Do I Bring?
Above all, a smile. Nothing else is required.
Some other useful things though:
Lunch
Hearthfire lunches are done potluck style! There is a Google Doc linked On the How To Attend page of this website. Filling that out is mandatory. It helps us know who’s coming, how much food to prepare, allergies to keep in mind, and if we need more of one thing vs another. Don’t want all desserts!
Community Altar
Every event, Wolf The Red builds our community altar. It is the representation of the whole group’s spirituality. Wolf brings a lot of nice statues and decorations, but if you have something you’re comfortable bringing that is spiritually significant to you, it’s highly encouraged you do so! We want everyone to feel represented and included at every event. It can be a small gem, to a large idol or statue. There is no limit to what is a valid item. (keeping family friendly in mind! I know those fertility deities can be spicy!) At the end of the event just remember to grab your item before heading home.
The Horgr
A Horgr, or rock altar, is built at every Hearthfire event. People are strongly encouraged to bring a rock from their home (or one they found and now keep at home) and add it to the Horgr. Hearthfire is more than just a name. It’s an idea. The idea that we are a collection of hearths, coming together to share in spirituality. In history, the hearth was the heart of the home. So the act of bringing a piece of your home in the form of a nice rock and adding it to the collection of other rocks shows us how we are joining houses to build a strong foundation of spiritual fellowship. At the end of ritual, Wolf The Red will close out ritual by pouring the communal libation onto the horgr, thereby transferring all the good energy and blessings from the ritual onto the horgr as it washes over each rock before reaching the ground and going to the Gods. Then you will take your rock with you at the end of the event and carry that blessing back to your home. The size of the rock doesn’t matter. We’ve had massive slabs of marble and tiny gems. You’re welcome to bring whatever you can carry. You’re welcome to switch it up each time as well.
Got Any General Info For Me?
Anyone who wants to cook anything at an event needs to join the discord and type @Cooking Committee and let the cooking team know what you would like to do before the event to make sure it’s feasible that month. There is an oven for warming dishes, and we have sinks with running, clean, filtered water for drinking and washing dishes as needed. Only service dogs allowed.
What Do I Wear?
While keeping family-friendly vibes in mind, wear whatever you’re most comfortable in! Some people approach it like ren-fair garb. Some try to be as historical as possible. Some lean more Skyrimesque. And some wear blue jeans and a t-shirt or something they feel nice in. It is 100% up to you, and no one will look at you twice as long as you are appropriately dressed for a family-oriented event in a public state park. Skyclad not welcome.
I Have A Question Not Listed Here!
Please don’t hesitate to ask. Dm Wolf directly on Facebook or Discord if needed. Or ask in the comments of his posts or visit Hearthfire on Discord and tag him that way. Always ask Wolf, he will be able to get you the most accurate answer.
Hearthfire Event Rules
All attendees must be respectful of everyone at the event, adults, children, and pets all included. If there is an interpersonal issue or you are made uncomfortable, speak to a Hearthfire leader including Wolf, an Officer of the Board, or anyone else in a leadership role, and let them know what happened.
Dogs are welcome on leashes no longer than 6 feet at the pavilions. Group shelters only permit service animals. They must be non-reactive to children and other dogs of all sizes. And you must clean up after your dog when it uses the bathroom. If your dog cannot behave, we will have to ask you to leave with them.
Aggression towards anyone (including pets) while at the event is unacceptable. If you have an issue you need help resolving, speak to a Hearthfire leader including Wolf, an officer of the Board, or anyone else in a leadership role, and let them know what happened.
Parents must be mindful of their children’s behavior. We want to make sure that children at the events are being respectful to the adults in attendance, but also treating their peers with respect. If an issue presents itself, a Hearthfire staff member may ask you to address the issue with your child.
Do not pick up kids that are not yours. This is for the safety of the children and the comfort of both them and their families. Parents should tell children not to ask to be picked up. The exception to this rule is if we have a first aid issue where a kid can’t walk and needs help or needs to be picked up.
Respect others’ personal belongings. Do not touch things that are not yours without asking. If you find an item that seems to have been abandoned, bring it to a Hearthfire leader or place it in the lost and found box.
If you have any issues or concerns of any kind, please speak to Wolf or a Hearthfire leader. We want to make sure everyone is comfortable at events. If you are bothered by something, odds are, others are too. We welcome everyone to speak up about their concerns.
Event attendees are not permitted to bring, consume, or be under the influence of alcohol or any other non-prescription drugs/intoxicants at an event
Smokers/vapes: please step a reasonable distance away from the group to smoke. Be mindful of the direction of the wind where possible.
Do not touch others without their consent
People with food restrictions and mobility issues will go through the food line first, children second, and everyone else after.
Please be respectful of the ritual space and those who are in it with you. Keep side conversations to a minimum
Label your dishes or ask for label supplies when you arrive, so that people are aware of what they are eating
IF YOU HAVE A FOOD ALLERGY that is serious and severe, please be aware that Hearthfire cannot guarantee a potluck dish will not be cross-contaminated. All food is made by attendees in their own homes, and will have dozens of people filing past all of the food. If you are concerned that the food may not be safe for you to eat, please make arrangements for yourself for food that you are comfortable with.
Sometimes it is not safe for people to be photographed at a pagan gathering due to unsupportive living and working conditions. As such, candid photos are not allowed by members. If you would like to get a picture with someone or a group of people, make sure everyone is aware before you do so, and if someone declines, that must be immediately respected.
Professional pictures (DSLR, tripods, etc.) are not allowed unless prior approval is given by Wolf. Approval is not guaranteed for a variety of reasons.
Drones are banned.
Please leave all firearms in your vehicle and lock the vehicle.
Please respect all Hearthfire representatives and respond to their requests.
Disciplinary actions are at the discretion of Hearthfire leadership.
