Programs
Heathens in Recovery
A peer-based recovery program for Heathens who need help.
Heathens in Recovery is a peer-based support group for those who are struggling with addiction, trauma, mental illness, or any problem that might be causing difficulty in our lives.
It was created out of the need for inclusive, informative, and accessible resources, and it strives to offer a uniquely Heathen alternative to the traditional 12-step/Christian-centric model of recovery. We offer meetings, a private Facebook group, and our own unique path through the steps of healing.
The options for pagans looking for recovery resources has long been very slim, and even more so for practicing heathens.
Most have had to work through 12-Step programs that either didn’t work or had to be heavily modified to fit their beliefs. Our steps for Heathens in Recovery have been carefully thought out to support our Pagan views and to avoid so many of the pitfalls found in trying to work through a traditional 12-Step system.
No one is completely powerless, no one needs to submit their entire will to a higher power, and no one should ever be coerced by fear or shame to follow a path that does not work for them.
There has long been a stigma around those in the Heathen community who have struggled with addiction, depression, physical disability, or trauma.
Many toxic ideas have been perpetuated by Germanic Neopagans, but possibly one of the most harmful is that those who are addicts are no longer worthy or acceptable to the community. The toxic glorification of strength that has flowered within modern heathenry has also spread the idea that any sign of weakness or needing assistance is abhorrent to our Gods, but nothing could be further from the truth. People suffer and people struggle, and it is no different for those who worship the Northern Gods. Heathens in Recovery works to raise awareness of these struggles, and to normalize the inclusion and restoration of those working the path to recovery.
Heathens in Recovery is dedicated to Hospitality and Inclusion, and as such we do not support Folkish beliefs, White Supremacy, or the use of Germanic culture and symbols to advance any form of hatred or prejudice.
We firmly stand against racism, sexism, nationalism, transphobia, homophobia, and any other method of discrimination, and believe that all are welcome – regardless of tradition, race, ethnicity, gender, ability, sexual orientation, or family structure.
The Journey to New Life: The Heathens in Recovery 12 Steps
1.We admit that we have lost control of our lives, that we feel hopeless, and that we alone do not see a path to healing.
2. Slowly cultivating our relationships with the gods, ancestors, land-spirits, and wise members of our community, we come to believe that healing is possible, but that much help will be needed in the beginning.
3. We make a decision to follow the path towards healing, putting trust in the gods, ancestors, land-spirits, and wise members of our community to help guide us on our way.
4. We work diligently and courageously to uncover the roots of our habits and deep hurts, and to document the extent to which these forces have caused harm to ourselves and to others.
5. We invite the gods, ancestors, land-spirits, and wise members of our community to hear an honest account of all we have done and all that we have learned.
6. We acknowledge that our past ways will no longer serve us, and that a radical change must come next.
7. We go through a ritual death and rebirth.
8. We make amends with the gods, our ancestors, and the land-spirits.
9. We make direct amends with as many people as possible, except when doing so would cause additional harm, and then also with ourselves.
10. We continue to check in regularly with ourselves, addressing new problems as they come up.
11. We continue to strengthen our relationships with the gods, ancestors, and land-spirits, making time for regular devotion, conversation, and study.
12. We give back to the community and involve ourselves in service to others, especially helping those working the steps towards healing and recovery.