A Witch in the Making In a world filled with mystery and enchantment, there exists a unique path: that of a witch. A witch is not simply born into her powers, but rather, she becomes one through her journey of self-discovery and unwavering determination. Being a witch is not just about casting spells or brewing potions; it is a way of life, an identity that is chosen and nurtured. The journey of a witch begins with a deep connection to nature and her surroundings. She finds solace in the whispering of the wind, the rustling of leaves, and the song of birds. In these moments, she feels a sense of belonging and harmony, as if the universe is guiding her towards her true purpose.

Norse pagan religious accommodation memo

Nevada Joint Force Headquarters Public Affairs

Story by Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka

Date: 12.19.2019

Posted: 12.19.2019 18:26

News ID: 356626

By Sgt. 1st Class Erick Studenicka
Joint Force Headquarters, Nevada Army Guard

LAS VEGAS – When the Nevada Army Guard’s 3665th Ordnance Company (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) mustered its final time here last summer before departing on its deployment to Afghanistan, its ultimate company formation within the state looked identical to countless other previous Nevada Army Guard assemblies – except for the fact acting first sergeant, Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Hopper, stood in front of his troops holding the company guidon wearing a full, reddish-brown beard.
Hopper, who’s now been in Afghanistan for more than two months and continues to sport his beard, is the first Nevada Army Guard Soldier to receive a religious accommodation approval for a beard. A religious accommodation in the Army is a waiver of Army Regulation 670-1 Wear and Appearance of Army Uniforms and Insignia and allows for an exception of regulation in the wear of the uniform or personal grooming. For Airmen, religious accommodation is an exception to Air Force Instruction 36-2903 Dress and Personal Appearance of Air Force Personnel.
Hopper requested the accommodation based upon his Norse Pagan beliefs. Succinctly, Norse Paganism is a polytheistic religion (multiple Gods) that is based on ancient beliefs and practices associated with the geographic area of Scandinavia. Norse Pagans may choose to have the Hammer of Thor emblem placed on their Veterans Administration-issued headstones and markers.
As military regulations and policies surrounding religious tenets continue to evolve, it’s likely visible signs of religious accommodation – including beards and the wear of a hijab, headscarf, turban or patka with uncut beard and uncut hair – will increase in the Nevada Guard’s ranks. According to the Nevada Guard’s Chaplain’s Office, two other Pagan Soldiers are also pursuing a waiver to wear a beard. Their requests will be reviewed by Brig. Gen. Ondra Berry by mid-February. (Senior Master Sgt. Laura Magee was approved to wear a hijab with her Air Force uniform in 2017-2018, but she currently opts to wear standard Air Force head gear.) According to the Nevada Army Guard’s and Air Guard’s personnel offices, the state has eight Guardsmen – four Soldiers and four Airmen – who declare Pagan as their religious preference.
Hopper, 34, of Madison, Alabama, said he has been practicing his Norse Pagan faith for about two decades and he noted his beliefs complement the Army Warrior ethos. He cited documents on the Skegg (Norse beard) that underscore the fact beards are seen as a sacred and defining feature of masculine men. He keeps the memorandum for record approving his beard on his person as he works on explosive ordnance disposal missions across southern Afghanistan should anyone question his facial hair.
“My personal faith is deeply tied to the modern warrior lifestyle that I have been able to live during my military career,” Hopper said. “In short, it is honoring the pillars of Heathenism, our ancestors and ancient Gods and way of life.”
Hopper said his beard has led to several inquiries while he’s been deployed.
“Regardless of why, the wear of a beard while in uniform does tend to raise a number of questions,” Hopper said. “I’ve been brought before some fairly high-ranking individuals to explain the situation as it is a newer process in the Army. Once I present my memorandum for record and cite all of the applicable regulations and directives, the focus on the beard tends to go away, for the most part.
“I see it as a phase very similar to when the Army authorized the wear of black socks during the fitness test. It is something new and authorized and you will always encounter people who do not like change – that is just life.”
Hopper said a memorandum from the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense dated March 27, 2017, that included Pagans as a recognized faith group was a key document that gave some gravitas to his desire for a religious accommodation. That same memorandum also recognized and gave new religious preference codes to more than 100 other faith groups, including Sikhs and Muslims, two religious groups often associated with religious accommodation. Adult Sikh males are required to wear beards and conservative Muslim women must wear head coverings under the tenets of their faith. (The Nevada Guard currently has eight Soldiers and three Airmen who list Islam as their religious preference, according to the respective personnel offices.)
Upon the release of the memorandum, Hopper realized he was now in a recognized faith group and could begin his pursuit of the religious accommodation of a beard. Pursuant to Army Directive 2016-34, he began his request for waiver to a grooming policy with a written request to his commander. The request eventually wound its way to then-Adjutant General Brig. Gen. Bill Burks, who was the first General Court-Martial Convening Authority officer in Hopper’s chain-of-command and was the approving authority.
Current requests for religious accommodation will be determined by Berry regardless if the Nevada Guardsman is deployed or stateside. (Although the doctrine differs between the military branches, the request process for Soldiers and Airmen is very similar.)
An additional stipulation Hopper met and is required by other religious accommodation pursuers is an interview with a chaplain to determine the religious basis and sincerity of the request. The chaplain is not required to recommend approval or disapproval, but he or she may do so.
A legal advisor will review the request packet and may make a recommendation on the request to the GCMCA officer. A complete waiver packet includes the individual’s written request, the chaplain’s interview memorandum, the legal review and recommendations from the chain of command.
Surprising to many is the Army’s statement that it will approve requests for religious accommodation whenever possible.
“The Army will approve requests for accommodation of religious practices, unless accommodation will adversely affect military necessity, including unit readiness, individual readiness, and health and/or safety for soldiers and units,” states All Army Activities message No. 002/2019.
Joint Force State Chaplain Maj. Donald Crandell said his staff is glad to help Soldiers and Airmen obtain sincere requests for accommodation. He underscored his opinion that religious accommodation should remain an extraordinary step to denote faith or belief while on military duty.
“The chaplain corps will work with any military member to aid them in a genuine pursuit of an accommodation,” Crandell said. “However, we are not actively promoting a trend in this direction or seeking to normalize it.”
Although most of the world’s armies, including Canada’s, are allowed facial hair, the U.S. Army orders its troops to remain clean shaven and is reluctant to allow beards because “beard growth consistently degrades the protection factor provided by the protective masks currently in the Army inventory” according to ALARACT 002/2019. Even with his memorandum for record, Hopper’s accommodation could be suspended by his local commander should the threat of toxic exposure occur in Afghanistan.
In a similar vein, Soldiers and Airmen who receive accommodation for religious headgear must still wear all required protective headgear.
The regulations for beards are spelled out in AR-670. Basically, beards must be groomed and professional in appearance and the length of the beard hair will not exceed two inches.
“I have had absolutely no hindrance to my professional performance or accomplishment of the mission due to my beard while deployed in Afghanistan,” Hopper said. “I do get up a little earlier than others to make sure it is in accordance with AR 670-1, but that is about it.”
For information concerning religious accommodation, call 775-887-7234.

Heathens hold religious services rooted in Norse paganism aboard aircraft carrier

Heathenry is experiencing a resurgence. The polytheistic religion, one that traces its origin to Norse myths that tell of the universe’s creation and prophesy its destructive end, was at one time stifled following the end of the Viking Age and the subsequent spread of Christianity.

One such collections of myths, “The Prose Edda” — authored by Icelandic historian, poet and politician Snorri Sturluson sometime around the year 1220 — provides much of what the modern world knows about Norse mythology: Yggdrasil, Asgard and the Aesir, a tribe of gods and goddesses with familiar names like Odin, Thor, Loki, Frigg and Idun. Now, nearly 800 years after Sturluson’s “Edda,” a small group of sailors aboard the aircraft carrier John C. Stennis has adopted these deities as the pillars of their religion, according to a Navy release. The chapel onboard Stennis is where Aviation Electrician’s Mate 2nd Class Joshua Wood, a once-Roman Catholic sailor from Eagle River, Alaska, fills the duties of Heathenry lay leader, a position of religious leadership that must be appointed by a unit’s commanding officer.

As the most senior practitioner of Heathenry — he has been observant for five years now — Wood is tasked with leading a small group of sailors devoted to the Norse gods and goddesses in weekly services that are even advertised on the ship’s one-main circuit. ‘OPENED MY EYES’ Wood was just in high school when he enrolled in a mythology class that he says “opened my eyes to the Nordic Gods." From there, he examined the famous Eddas, like Sturluson’s, to learn more, eventually coming to the realization that he identified with the polytheistic faith in a way he never had with Catholicism.

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A soldier just got authorization to wear a beard because of his Norse pagan faith

An Army directive authorizing beards for soldiers based on their religion applies to all religions — as evidenced from this recent memo from a brigade commander.

It didn’t take long before the sailor discovered a group of like-minded Heathens in his hometown of San Diego, one that helped cement his perception of his newfound faith and his place in its community. “They are my surrogate family,” Wood said in the release. “They helped me understand the religion, and with their help, I transitioned from someone who was merely interested in the religion to someone who is well-versed enough to lead others in prayer. I went through them to get certified to lead services on the ship.” With his acquired knowledge, Wood has encouraged other sailors with inquisitiveness of Heathenry to attend a sumbel, a ceremony traditionally consisting of toasting and reciting poems or songs. Aviation Electronics Technician Airman Joshua Shaikoski attended one of these ceremonies led by Wood.

“Just like Wood, I was not born a Heathen,” said Shaikoski, who was born in Norway and raised in Minnesota. “I went to Lutheran services with my parents when I was growing up, but it always felt forced. I never felt like I connected with anything spiritual until I visited Norway and discovered a group of Heathens who opened my eyes to their religion.” Despite their newfound religious clarity, much of what Heathens like Wood and Shaikoski observe remains a mystery to those on the periphery of the faith’s beliefs and practices. Rumors surround the religion and its followers — like Shaikoski, who said he’s fielded inquiries about everything from whether they perform ritualistic animal sacrifices to whether they’re racial supremacists. “Not only is it the farthest from the truth, but it is hurtful,” he said.

No matter the chasmic disconnect between Heathenry followers and those oblivious to its tenets, there is no denying that the religion has gained a foothold — however small — in the U.S. military. Just last April, a soldier from the 795th Military Police Battalion was granted an accommodation to grow facial hair as part of his pagan faith. “In observance of your Heathen, Norse Pagan faith, you may wear a beard, in accordance with Army uniform and grooming standards for soldiers with approved religious accommodations,” the soldier’s commander, Col. Curtis Shroeder, wrote in the memo approving the soldier’s request.

The Hammer of Thor is available to be placed on government headstones and markers in the United States. And in 2013, the image of Mjölnir, commonly known as the Hammer of Thor, was added to the list of symbols that can be used on veteran headstones, such as those at Arlington National Cemetery. Such strides of religious freedoms should help dispel outlandish myths like those disputed by Shaikoski. “Heathenry is a religion of peace and community,” he said. “[It] helped me connect with people on the ship that I would have just passed by.”

A US soldier who worships the Norse thunder god Thor just got permission to keep his beard

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US army special forces soldier in Afghanistan in 2002. Scott Nelson/Getty Images

• A bearded US Army soldier who worships Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is being permitted to keep his beard as part of the military's effort to be more religiously accommodating.
• The military began allowing beards in 2017.
• The military's prohibition of beards largely dates back to World War I and the introduction of chemical warfare.

A bearded US Army soldier who worships Thor, the Norse god of thunder, is being permitted to keep his beard as part of the military's effort to be more religiously accommodating.

In 2017, the Army decided to allow soldiers to wear a turban, beard or hijab for religious reasons . Initially, religious accommodation of facial hair in the Army seemed to be directed at Sikh service members (beards are a religious requirement for male Sikhs).

Now, however, it appears this new policy also permits adherents of the Norse pagan faith, also known as heathens, to keep their beards. Unlike Sikhs, Norse pagans are not required to wear beards as part of their faith, but facial hair is apparently encouraged.

A memo written by commander Col. Curtis Shroedero to a 795th Military Police Battalion soldier who reportedly made the request stated, "I grant your accommodation, subject to the standards and limitations described below."

The memo, which has been shared around on Facebook but does not include the soldier's name, went on to say, "In observance of your Heathen; Norse Pagan faith, you may wear a beard, in accordance with Army uniform and grooming standards for soldiers with approved religious accommodations."

The authenticity of the memo was confirmed by a Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, spokeswoman to the Army Times.

The military's prohibition of beards largely dates back to World War I and the introduction of chemical warfare. Soldiers were no longer permitted to wear beards because they got in the way of gas masks. This policy has evolved over time, and some special operations soldiers who've served in the Middle East have been allowed to grow beards in order to blend in with local populations.

Not everyone in the military is fond of the new policy toward beards. In January, Command Sgt. Maj. John Troxell, the senior enlisted adviser to the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said he believed beards are a distraction and a "gimmick."

In these moments, she feels a sense of belonging and harmony, as if the universe is guiding her towards her true purpose. As she delves deeper into her craft, she starts to explore the ancient knowledge passed down through generations. She immerses herself in the world of herbs, crystals, and tarot cards, seeking wisdom from elders and connecting with the energy of the universe.

Each step she takes becomes a lesson, an opportunity to grow and evolve on her path. At times, the journey may be challenging, filled with self-doubt and uncertainty. However, a true witch embraces these obstacles as stepping stones towards her ultimate destiny. She understands that darkness and light are intertwined, and it is through her own shadows that she harnesses her true power. She learns to confront her fears and face the unknown with courage and resilience. Throughout her journey, a witch evolves not only spiritually, but also emotionally. She learns the importance of balance and the interconnectedness of all things. She realizes that her magic lies in her intentions, in the love and compassion she brings to the world. With each spell she casts, she infuses her energy into the universe, creating ripples of positivity and change. Becoming a witch is not a destination, but rather an ongoing process. It is a lifelong commitment to growth, learning, and exploration. As she continues to walk her path, a witch discovers her true essence, aligning her soul with the natural forces of the universe. She embraces her unique powers and uses them for the greater good, spreading love and light wherever she goes. In a world that often values conformity, a witch in the making stands apart. She embodies strength, intuition, and resilience, channeling her energy towards the restoration of harmony and balance. With every step she takes, she becomes more empowered, more attuned to the mysteries of the universe. She is a force to be reckoned with, a beacon of light in a world that sometimes feels dark. So, if you ever feel the desire to embark on the path of a witch, remember that it is not a decision to be taken lightly. It is a journey of self-discovery and transformation, an exploration of the depths of your own soul. Embrace the challenges, trust in your intuition, and never forget the power that lies within you. For you, my dear, are a witch in the making..

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Witches Throughout History: Inspiring Stories of Those in the Making