Ultra-Right Imagery and Communities ❁ཻུ۪۪ ━
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This discusses the presence of alt-right individuals in Pagan communities and explores the historical appropriation of certain symbols by hate groups like the Nazis and white supremacists. The purpose is not to endorse these beliefs but to understand the origins and positive connotations of these symbols. The post delves into the history, meanings, and original usage of these symbols.
This is more of a how-to guide on spotting these individuals and stay informed about their presence.
If you notice anything within this post that doesn't have proper credit, misspelled, incorrect and or is misinformed, or there is something missing from the list, then please let me know.
When encountering these symbols, take time to understand the person's intentions, posts, and associations before immediately assuming they're racist. There are non-racist Norse Pagans who use some of these symbols. Keep that in mind.
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𖤣𖥧˚ Odinist/Wodenist/Wotanist
The group known as the Odinic Rite (OR) refers to their variant of Heathenry as "Odinism," a term that has gained popularity among white supremacist factions within the Heathen community. The OR defines itself as a "folkish" Heathen movement, focusing on Germanic paganism, mythology, folklore, and runes. The organization limited membership to white individuals, based on their belief in Heathenry as the ancestral religion of the Indo-European race. The Odinic Rite was established in 1973, with the reintroduction of the self-descriptor credited to Alexander Rud Mills, an Australian fascist and sympathizer of the Nazi ideology. Mills founded the Anglecyn Church of Odin in Melbourne back in 1936, writing a guide and hymns for the church.
Later on, the term "Odinist" was adopted by Else Christensen, born as Else Ochsner, who was born in Esbjerg, Denmark. She married fellow Danish Nazi activist, Aage Alex Christensen. Else Christensen formed an organization called the "Odinist Fellowship" in the United States, which ran from 1969 to 2005. Additionally, she published a newsletter called "The Odinist" in 1971. Christensen had great influence on the racially oriented Odinist movement, gaining the moniker of “Grand Mother” within the community.
To read more, there's this link about Odinism and Asatru groups. These groups often place a significant emphasis on their ancestral heritage and cultural identity, but it's essential to be cautious as some may overly emphasize racial purity and whiteness:
Odinism and Asatru: Basic Facts
The Völkisch movement, originating from Germany in the late 19th century and continuing through the Nazi era to the present day, is an ethno-nationalist movement. The term "Völkisch" is related to the English word "folk," and it draws inspiration from German Romanticism and the history of the Holy Roman Empire.
The central focus of the movement revolves around a perceived biological race, often referred to as "Northern European." Followers of the Folkish Heathen ideology express concerns about the threat of racial mixing, which they often attribute to the socio-political establishment. Some argue that their exclusive focus on their racial identity is a response to perceived challenges from other ethnic groups or is driven by explicit white supremacist beliefs.
The movement rarely delves into matters of spirituality or actual Pagan practices. Instead, their focus tends to centre around complaining and expressing hatred towards those who aren’t white.
Individuals who identify themselves as "Folkists," use this label to justify their actions and beliefs, often denying any racist inclinations or attempting to conceal them. They assert that their main goal is to safeguard culture and traditions, but this claim can sometimes be questioned. For instance, some proponents of the Folkish movement emphasize their focus on "ancient traditions," even though the movement itself is relatively young, much like Wicca.
Folkists should not be mistaken for folklorists or those involved in folkloristics. Folklorists comprises individuals who genuinely exhibit an interest in documenting and studying traditional practices, rather than harboring hatred towards any particular group.
This plays along with wotantists and folkists really. But Wontansvolk, also known as “Odin’s Folk” in English, is associated with a white nationalist interpretation of Neo-Paganism.
This particular movement was established back in the early 1990s by Ron McVan, Katja Lane, and David Lane, the latter of whom was serving a lengthy prison sentence for his involvement with the white supremacist revolutionary domestic terrorist organization called "The Order." Lane spent 190-years behind bars in a federal prison for his role in violating the civil rights of Alan Berg, a Jewish talk show host who tragically lost his life in June 1984 at the hands of another member of the group. Ron McVan, on the other hand, founded the Temple of Wotan and even co-wrote a book under the same name.
Wotansvolk's beliefs and principles draw from a blend of ideologies, including white supremacism, Jungian psychology, the Völkisch movement, and occult Nazism. David Lane, in particular, was driven by the conviction that the white race was facing extinction. He came up with the slogan "Fourteen Words," which served as a rallying point for white supremacists.
The Wotansvolk movement advocates for "pan-Aryanism," a type of nationalism centered around white identity. Its adherents have supported Hitler and the Nazis, portraying them as "captives" of artificial boundaries imposed by those who sought to divide and subdue the white race.
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It's become quite common for the far-right or fascist groups to appropriate symbols and iconography associated with peace. By taking ancient symbols and twisting their meaning, they manage to instil fear and confusion, leading to misinterpretations, misuse, and misrepresentation of these symbols.
This appropriation has led to a significant distortion of the once-meaningful representations of these symbols. However, it's worth noting that some symbols, such as the runes and the hammer Mjölnir, still hold better and more positive connotations for many individuals compared to their misuse as identifiers for racists.
𖤣𖥧˚ Fourteen Words and HH/88
"88" is often used as slang to represent the Nazi salute "Heil Hitler," where "H" is the eighth letter of the alphabet, and "HH" stands for "Heil Hitler." 14/88 is a reference to two slogans originated by David Eden Lane and are accompanied by Lane's "88 Precepts."
The phrase "Fourteen Words" refers to a white supremacist slogan and ideology that originated in the United States. The slogan consists of 14 words and has been used as a rallying cry and core belief for certain white supremacist and neo-Nazi groups.
The slogan is as follows: "We must secure the existence of our people and a future for white children."
A less frequently encountered variation goes: "Because the beauty of the White Aryan woman must not perish from the earth".
The primary significance of the Othala rune is tied to the concept of ancestral heritage, inheritance, and homeland. It is often associated with the idea of family, ancestry, and the passing down of traditions and property through generations.
In Scandinavian culture, "odal" signifies inheritance laws that granted land rights to families who had owned a particular piece of land for generations. These laws prohibited the sale of such lands to outsiders, safeguarding the inheritance rights of daughters within the family. Norwegian property laws continue to hold significance in modern times, including the Åsetesrett (homestead right) and the Odelsrett (allodial right). These laws grant individuals the right to complete ownership, free from any external authority, such as landlords, feudal sovereigns, or government interference. A similar tradition known as Udal law can be found in Shetland and Orkney in Scotland, as well as in Manx law on the Isle of Man, all originating from the same source.
Othala, along with other historical symbols in Europe or Asia like the swastika and Celtic cross, has faced misuse and appropriation by far-right groups such as the Nazi party, NSM (National Socialist Movement) and neo-Nazis. Despite this troubling association, the rune still retains its importance in non-racist settings, finding use in Heathenry and even making appearances in popular culture, like J.R.R. Tolkien's works.
The National Socialist Movement (NSM) is a party that asserts itself as the largest and most active in the United States. It is categorized as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center.
Established back in 1974 by Robert Brannon and Cliff Herrington (the former co-chairman of NSM), the party gained notoriety for leading the demonstration that triggered the 2005 Toledo riot. The party's present leader is Burt Colucci, who faced legal trouble in 2021 when he was arrested in Chandler, Arizona, for allegedly threatening a person/people of colour with a handgun during an argument. Here's an article by The Arizona Republic about it.
Anti-Defamation League article on NSM Legacy Logos and the changes.
𖤣𖥧˚ Algiz/Elhaz/Elhiz/Eolh
The primary meaning associated with the Elder Futhark rune, Algiz is protection and defense. The rune is often interpreted as representing a shield, warding off threats and danger, whether it be physical or spiritual.
Algiz is also associated with the elk or elk's antlers, symbolizing the majestic and powerful qualities of this animal. The elk was considered sacred in some ancient Germanic and Norse cultures, and its antlers were seen as a representation of higher spiritual connection and vitality, health, and luck. The name Elhaz does mean "elk" in early Europe, it represents hunting, stags, honour and nobility.
In runic inscriptions, Algiz is found on various artifacts, including weapons, amulets, tombstones, and personal items. The inverted meaning of Algiz stands for Yew, death, and funerals.
The Algiz rune has been appropriated by Neo-Nazis to represent the "life rune" or what they call the "life force of the nation." Unfortunately, this symbol has become widely associated with far-right extremists, including Nazis, Neo-Nazis, and racists.
Volksfront, founded by Randal Lee Krager and Richard Arden on October 20th, 1994, originated during their time in an Oregon state prison. This group identified itself as an "international fraternal organization for persons of European descent." However, it garnered notoriety for its virulent racism, rebellion, anti-authoritarian stance, and anti-Semitic beliefs. According to the Anti-Defamation League, Volksfront was the most active neo-Nazi group on the U.S. west coast and formed alliances with various other hate groups.
In Guido von List's Armanen Futharkh, we find the "Life Rune" or "Death Rune" (Lebensrune in German) represented by the Man and Yr runes, derived from the Younger Futhark. These runes were later adopted and altered by Karl Maria Wiligut, who played a role in introducing them into Nazi occultism. Notably, both List and Wiligut used the Yr rune, which bears the same shape as the Younger Futhark Yr rune. The Yr rune looks exactly like Algiz, but just inverted. Just keep that in mind.
𖤣𖥧˚ Valknut/Odin's Knot/Hrungnir's Heart/Valknutr
The Valknut is a symbolic knot associated with "Father of the Gods", Odin. The word "Valknut" is derived from modern Norwegian compound word, where "valr/valur" means "slain warriors" or "fallen warriors," and "knut/knútr" means "knot." It is also sometimes referred to as the "Hrungnir's heart" after a giant in Norse mythology, who was known to have a stone heart pointed with three corners. Some interpret the Valknut as a symbol of Odin's power to bind and unbind both mortal and divine matters. The term "Valknut" is relatively still modern.
Historically, the Valknut has been found on various artifacts and objects dating back to the Viking Age (8th to 11th centuries). It appears on rune stones, burial monuments, and other objects found in Norse archaeological sites. The Valknut's presence on these objects suggests its importance in Norse culture, particularly in relation to themes of death, battle, and the afterlife. There is even an image which depicts the Tängelgårda stone from Gotland, Sweden, features valknuts below a depiction of a man (possibly Odin) on a horse.
White supremacists, specifically those who identify as racist Odinists, have co-opted the Valknot symbol, distorting its meaning for their racist agenda. They commonly employ this symbol as a declaration of their unwavering loyalty to Odin, often associating it with a willingness to sacrifice their lives in battle. It is a common symbol that you'll see being used by white supremacists.
The symbol is not exclusive to racist "pagans"; its usage extends beyond that. To truly understand its meaning, it's crucial to examine the context rather than making assumptions based on a specific instance.
Tiwaz, also known as Tyr, is an ancient runic symbol that represents the god Tyr in Norse mythology. The name "Tiwaz" comes from the reconstructed Proto-Germanic word *Tīwaz, which is related to the Old Norse/Germanic god Tyr. The runic symbol for Tiwaz looks like an arrow pointing upward, resembling an arrow or spear.
Tiwaz is associated with the god Tyr, who is considered the god of war, law, and justice in Norse mythology. He was one of the principal gods in the Norse pantheon and was known for his bravery and sense of duty. The Tiwaz rune was often used to invoke the qualities of Tyr, such as courage, honour, self-sacrifice, and the pursuit of justice. It was believed that wearing or inscribing this rune could grant protection in battle and help bring about victory.
In Nazi Germany, the Tyr rune held significant symbolism and was adopted by various Nazi organizations, such as the leadership schools of the Sturmabteilung and a Waffen SS infantry division. Unfortunately, after World War II, the Tyr rune continued to be misused by neo-Nazis and white supremacists. Together with the Elhaz (or Life) rune, it became one of the most frequently appropriated ancient runic symbols by these groups. The Tyr rune's appeal lies in its association with the idea of a "warrior rune."
"Because today the Tyr rune continues to be used by non-racists as well, including members of various neo-pagan religions, one should not assume that use of the symbol is racist but instead should judge the symbol carefully in its specific context." — Anti-Defamation League
In 1997, Swedish far-right activists, including Klas Lund, founded the organization under the name "Swedish Resistance Movement." The group later expanded its influence to other Nordic countries, leading to the current name, the Nordic Resistance Movement. Emerging as an offshoot of the Swedish White Aryan Resistance, the group aimed to consolidate nationalist forces under a single banner in the Nordic countries. Inspired by similar far-right movements worldwide, the NRM soon expanded its influence beyond Sweden, reaching Denmark, Norway, Iceland, and Finland. However, it was banned in Finland back in 2019. Respected terrorism expert, Magnus Ranstorp, has labeled the NRM as a terrorist group due to its alarming aims of undermining democracy, engaging in paramilitary activities, and being associated with weapons caches.
The Nordic Resistance Movement is infamous for its aggressive and violent approach to achieving its goals. The group promotes a white supremacist ideology, advocating for the preservation of the Nordic race and the expulsion of non-Nordic immigrants. Their rhetoric also includes anti-Semitic and anti-democratic themes, calling for the establishment of a totalitarian state that mirrors their extremist beliefs.
In Norse mythology, Mjölnir (also known as Mjǫllnir in Old Norse) stands as the formidable hammer wielded by Thor/Þórr, the thunder and lightning deity. Forged by the skilled dwarven brothers, Brokk/Brokkr and Eitri (Sindri), this hammer served as a crucial tool in protecting Asgard from the relentless attacks of giants (jötunns/jotuns) and safeguarding the Aesir.
In Old Norse, the term "Mjölnir" translates to "Crusher." Another connection to Old Norse would be the Icelandic term "mjǫll," which referred to "fresh" or "powdery snow." In modern Icelandic, "mjalli" conveys the meaning of "white," symbolizing lightning's purity and radiance. Thus, Mjölnir can be interpreted as the "shining lightning weapon." Some scholars also propose connections to the Old Norse term "mala" and the Gothic term "malwjan," both implying "to grind."
Additionally, in Russian, the term "molnija" once referred to as "lightning," potentially borrowed from Slavic roots or sharing a common source.
Mjölnir served as a symbol of fertility, and a means of protection. It wasn’t only a weapon, but a tool to grant blessings on significant occasions, such as weddings, funerals and births. This is why you’d hear about the Norse people wearing hammer amulets in archeological findings. These amulets are believed to have predated when Christianity and the Norse were at odds.
People will wear a Mjölnir amulet or have Norse-related items because they believe that they share a connection to Scandinavia, whether it be in blood or through interest. Mjölnir can also signify you are Norse Pagan, but again, it doesn't always mean that for everyone, especially those who aren't Norse Pagan.
However, in recent times, Mjölnir has been appropriated by the alt-right to insinuate the weapon is a way to attack Jewish people or something, along with their attempts to evoke a perceived sense of cultural identity and heritage. White supremacists have even gone to the extent of getting Mjölnir tattoos with hidden swastikas or wearing them as an amulet.
It's important to note that the use of Mjölnir by the alt-right is controversial and not representative of the broader Norse mythology community or modern followers of Norse paganism, who generally focus on the historical and cultural aspects of these symbols rather than promoting extremist ideologies.
In popular culture, Mjölnir is also commonly associated with the Marvel Comics and Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) version of Thor. In these adaptations, Thor's hammer has become a widely recognized symbol, representing strength, power, and heroism.
𖤣𖥧˚ Black Sun/Sonnenrad/Sunwheel
Black sun on the left, and the Merovingian sun wheel on the right.
This is going to be a long explanation for the Black Sun symbol and the history, just a heads up.
Initially mistaken as a Viking symbol, the Sunwheel, also known as the Black Sun or Sonnenrad, is a Nazi symbol—sometimes mistakenly shown having a connection to runes, which even though, has no connection to runes despite some variations showing otherwise. The Black Sun symbol draws inspiration from the Merovingian decorative Sun/Solar wheels, used by the ruling family of the Franks in the mid-5th to 8th centuries CE. Some of these solar wheels even featured having the swastika symbol. Before being appropriated by the Nazis, the right-facing symbol held positive connotations in Hinduism, symbolizing prosperity and good luck.
Despite some similarities, there are distinctions between the Merovingian Sun wheel and the Black Sun symbol often associated with alt-right groups. The term "Black Sun" or "Schwarze Sonne" itself was coined by the Nazis and has no historical connection to the Merovingian disks.
Archaeological evidence reveals that these ornamental disks, known as "Zierscheibe" in German, date back to the European Bronze Age and Iron Age and were worn as metal jewelry. They are found in women’s graves, and were possibly used as pendants or amulets, or to fasten belts or tunics. The Black Sun symbol was later adapted from this artistic style by the Nazis to represent their occult beliefs.
In ancient times, ornamental disks emerged in Western Italic and Peninsula as symbols of the sun, often jewelry of prestigious women during the Late Bronze Age around 800 BCE.
The solar disks might have held significant meaning for the warrior-elites of the Merovingian Dynasty, as well as affluent members of the nobility and clergy, symbolizing both their elevated status and deep-rooted faith.
This artistic style endured into the Iron Age of the Migration Period or Merovingian period. As we move northward into Central Europe, we find more intricate disks, particularly within a Christian context, resembling the Nazi Black Sun in some ways or not being remotely close to it. In the Nazi era, the iconography of these sun disks underwent reinterpretation and modification within Germany’s Nazi occult circles.
Distinctively, the Black Sun symbol features a dark globe in the centre, highlighting its mystic-mythological aspects. In contrast, the ancient Germanic solar wheels did not have a filled centre, as they solely represented the sun.
The number of rays in the Black Sun and Merovingian disks vary, with the the Nazi symbol Black Sun typically having 12 rays, while the Merovingian disks usually had 7 to 9 rays—and very rarely 10. The number 9 has connections to Odinic beliefs in Germanic-Nordic paganism. The number 9 would be associated with deities of death, ecstasy, mysteries of the afterlife and chthonic deities of the underworld and fertility—or earth. And even the number of days Odin was hung in Yggdrasil. However, the association with the number 9 being an Odinic number (not the Merovingian disks) is commonly heard in Scandinavia and in Iceland. It could even be speculated that the rays aren’t necessarily rays of the sun, but rather associated with thunder in a fertility-religious context.
The 12 rays of the Black Sun are linked to Christian esotericism in Nazism, representing 12 aspects of the Judeo-Christian God or the 12 original disciples.
The Nazi-created symbol emerged in 1934, made by SS members of Heinrich Himmler, reinterpreted to align with Christian esotericism and the politics of Nazism. The Wewelsburg castle became a focal point for this symbol's ceremonial use and the dissemination of hidden knowledge among a select few, reflecting the Nazis' desire for global dominance through invasion, colonization, and oppression.
While the Merovingian disks can be traced back to the Frankish territory, where Clovis I was the first king of the Franks and founder of the Merovingian Dynasty, their association with the Black Sun is tenuous at best. One known example of a "Merovingian Sun Wheel" with 12 rays is considered well-known forgery.
General Keywords or Glossary
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We'll explore common keywords and phrases often utilized by individuals associated with racism, white supremacy, and the alt-right. These terms may be used for self-identification or to justify harmful actions. However, it's crucial to remember that some words are broad and not everyone using them is a racist. Stay vigilant, assess the context and intentions before making assumptions. Being aware of these terms is important.
Heritage: The term "Heritage" was frequently employed as a euphemism for promoting and preserving what white supremacist/alt-right considered to be traditional white European culture and values. It was often used to express opposition to immigration, multiculturalism, and social changes that they believed threatened their perceived cultural dominance.
Ethnic: The word "ethnic" might be used in a way that emphasizes and promotes a sense of ethnic identity and nationalism. The alt-right might argue for the preservation of what they perceive as their own ethnic or racial group's cultural and societal dominance.
Aryan: The term "Aryan" originally referred to a group of Indo-Iranian peoples who migrated into the Indian subcontinent during ancient times. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, it was misappropriated by European racial theorists and white supremacists who propagated the notion of a supposed "Aryan race" as the purest and superior race. This concept was based on pseudoscientific and racist ideologies that aimed to justify colonialism, racial segregation, and discrimination.
Ethno-nationalism: is used by some factions of the alt-right, it might involve advocating for policies that prioritize the interests of a specific ethnic or racial group over others. This can include opposition to immigration and multiculturalism, as well as an emphasis on preserving what they perceive to be their own cultural or racial identity.
Nationalist: Some individuals within the alt-right movement might use the term "Nationalist" as a way to emphasize their love and pride for their country (patriotism) but with a more extreme, exclusive, and often ethno-centric approach. This can lead to a form of nationalism that prioritizes the interests of the nation's dominant ethnic or cultural group while marginalizing or excluding others.
Ethno-centric: The word "ethno-centric" is a term used to describe a worldview or belief system that places a particular ethnic group at the center of social, cultural, and political importance. Ethno-centrism often involves the belief that one's own ethnic group is superior to others, and it can lead to the marginalization or discrimination of other ethnic or racial groups.
White Power: The phrase “White Power” is a rallying cry or slogan to mock and essentially mimic the “Black Power” slogan often used by African-Americans in the 1960s/70s. It was made to promote their racist beliefs and agenda.
White Genocide: "White Genocide" is a term created by white supremacists to spread propaganda about the supposed decline of the white race. They believe that increasing non-white populations and "forced assimilation," orchestrated by a Jewish conspiracy, are to blame. Some advocate extreme, even violent, actions, claiming that failure to act will lead to the extinction of the white race.
White Nationalism: The term "White Nationalism" was initially coined by white supremacists as a euphemism for their ideology of white supremacy. Over time, some factions sought to differentiate it by defining it as a concept that emphasizes creating countries or regions based on white racial identity, advocating for the exclusive interests of whites while often disregarding other diverse backgrounds.
White Pride: The slogan “White Pride” is linked to promoting white supremacist ideologies. The slogan is seen by many as a response or counter to the broader concept of “Black Pride” or “Pride” movements that focus on empowering marginalized groups and celebrating their cultural heritage and identity. White supremacist may employ this slogan, or something similar, to disassociate themselves from racism, asserting it as a form of "White Pride."
Alt-Right: The "Alt-Right" or "Alternative Right" in politics differs from traditional conservatism as it promotes white nationalism, nativism, and strict anti-immigration policies. It opposes multiculturalism and seeks to revive perceived traditional cultural values. This faction gained traction through online platforms like forums and social media, attracting a significant following.
Extreme-Right: Some individuals or groups within the alt-right might refer to themselves as part of the "Extreme-Right" to emphasize their radical beliefs and distance themselves from more mainstream conservative positions.
Far-Right: The label "far-right" is occasionally employed to encompass some aspects of mainstream conservatism, but it lacks the precision of terms like "extreme right" or "radical right." As a result, many individuals opt for more specific labels to avoid ambiguity.
Neo-Nazis: Neo-Nazis are a prominent faction in the global white supremacist movement. They idolize Hitler and the Nazi era, incorporating its symbols and myths into their own contexts. Many mainly adopt the aesthetics of the mythology of the Third Reich.
Racist Skinheads: The Skinhead subculture began in the UK in the 1960s and later spread globally. Initially a working-class youth movement interested in music and fashion, it diversified over time. However, in the United States, a far-right extremist faction called "Racist Skinheads" emerged. They sport a distinct style, featuring shaved heads, combat boots, tattoos, symbols, rituals, and their own music.
Radical-Right: The term "Radical-Right" is often embraced by certain factions within the alt-right who embrace far-right ideologies, such as white nationalism, nativism, anti-immigration sentiments, and opposition to multiculturalism.
Asatru: Asatru is a modern pagan religious movement that seeks to reconstruct and practice the religious beliefs of the ancient Germanic and Norse people. It emphasizes a connection to the gods and goddesses of the Norse pantheon, such as Odin, Thor, Freyja, and others. Asatru is NOT, within itself, a racist religion, although some white supremacists consider themselves as Asatruists.
