We frequently overlook the place of the “Gottlaus” Heathen in Indo-European Spiritual culture. Heathens are encouraged to have particular relationships with the Gods and Goddesses they are close to. To many of us, it is almost beyond conception that someone who calls themselves “Folk” may stand outside of this stereotype.

 The term “Gottlaus” literally means “without Gods” but what does this really mean with regard to the culture and spirituality of the Indigenous Europeans?

 Those who were considered Gottlaus ranged from those who were totally atheistic, and relied totally on their own might and main, to those who acknowledged the existence of the Gods and Goddesses, but had no specific relationship with any of them.

 Within this range of belief is included those who:

• Were totally Atheistic
• Were Agnostic
• Had no specific relationship with any of the Gods and Goddesses but acknowledged the existence of them
• Related only with the land-spirits
• Related only with the ancestral spirits or land and ancestral spirits
• Viewed the Gods and Goddesses as impersonal expressions of nature’s forces.

 The “Gottlaus” person relied principally on their own might and main for their strength, and saw loyalty to clan and personal honour as their chief ethos.

 You could say that the “Gottlaus” person had a principally cultural perspective, and portrayed the ethos embedded in their culture. In fact, it is arguable that the ethos WAS the basis of their belief system. Thus, it would be expected that the cultural ethos would be essential to their very being. I doubt whether, for example, you would find an oath-breaker amongst a “Gottlaus” person. Probably they would be the hardest worker in the Tribe and a more hospitable and loyal person you could not find. In effect, they became their OWN God or Goddess.

 What to do with the “Gottlaus”? Welcome them! – They may not be much on theology, but they are possibly the best workers, soldiers, and even Shamans you will find. Their loyalty to the Folk is often second to none.

© Leif