Kindred (Heathenism)

Kindred (Heathenism)

In the Heathen movements, a kindred is a local worship group and organizational unit. Other terms used are hearth, theod (only within the Theodish movement), blotgroup, sippe, and other less popular ones such as garth, stead, church, and others.

Kindreds are usually grassroots groups, most of which are independent from any other organization. Rarely through, a kindred may be affiliated with a national organization such as the Ásatrú Alliance, or The Troth, rather than the Swedish Forn Sed Assembly or the Odinic Rite. Independent kindreds are more typical within the US than elsewhere.