P.O. Box 8062; Watertown, NY 13601
$15/year, 4 issues, digest sized.
Theod is one of the many new magazine offerings in the Germanic Paganfield. Unlike its competitors it is not oriented around Ásatrú,but the smaller religion of Theodism, a type of Anglo-Saxon revival, related toÁsatrú, but some extremely significant differences. This gives ita certain advantage; Theod is close enough to Ásatrú to berelevant, but different enough to offer a fresh perspective.
The magazine is digest sized, black and white, with a white cover. The print issometimes a bit difficult to read. There is a high level of graphic design inmany of the layouts, but I fear that the printing quality is not quite up toit. Two issues have been released, both 34 pages including cover, and eachpackaged along with Æftera Gethanc, a supplement which containsreviews, opinion, and announcements. This is in keeping with Garman Lord'sprevious magazine, Vikingstaff, which also came with a supplement.
My favorite article, appearing in the first issue, is "An Argument forOrthodoxy" by Eric Wodening, which outlines the case for a positive type ofdogma, emphasizing common elements in our faith(s), while not stifling anyone.This is an extremely topical article, as it seems to me our community iscurrently in the process of become more diffused rather than more diverse.
Another interesting series, started in the second issue, is a history ofÁsatrú excerpted from a doctoral dissertation. I've read thedissertation in its entirety and it's fascinating. Unfortunately, Theodis sticking to the historical parts of the thesis, and has committed itself tonot publishing the more "interesting" parts of the dissertation such asrevelations of several Ásatrúars' membership in racist hategroups and several "off the record" comments by Heathens on their community.
Theod makes room for longer articles, which cover both theory andpractice. There are excellent articles in this genre, including ones on Wodenand the Runes, both from a perspective which is both personal and unique toTheodism. Each issue so far has also included "Theodish Belief for YoungPeople." Not being of the right age, I'm not sure how well these succeed. Theyconsist of basic Pagan philosophy, with a strong tendency towards gratuitousbashing of Biblical traditions, something which I think Theod alreadydoes a bit too much of. There are also several advocacy and opinion articles.Interspersed with all of this are short articles and filler such as the "ShitHappens/Religions of the World list."
The general tone of the magazine is serious and traditional. Long termÁsatrúar will recognize a "voice" which is more in keeping withthe early days of our movement. The approach is straightforward, conservative,defensive of tradition, and quite welcome. I recommend it.