Examining the Aesirian Code: Balance
By Mike Taylor, Dróttinn of the Männerbund
This is the seventh article in a series in which I will examine the Aesirian Code of Nine, focusing on a single code per article and with the following disclaimer:
In contrast to deeper and purely esoteric examinations by members of the gothar class, my series of articles will be from the lay practitioner. Each will contain aspects from the exoteric and esoteric, but will not focus on one or the other. My goal is to provide a ground-eye view of the Aesirian Code of Nine based solely on my own personal experiences, research, and study. As with all articles I write, my examinations are mine and mine alone. I neither seek to impose my perspectives on any of the folk nor dictate any single means of belief, interpretation, or view. I simply mean to share my experiences in the hope they foster conversation, discussion, and further inquiry.
According to the dictionary, “balance” has a variety of definitions, necessary because “balance” can be both a transitive and intransitive verb, as well as a noun. Each requires a short but deep look to capture the true essence of this simple yet complex term. As a transitive verb, “balance” can mean to equalize – put in proportion or harmony; to offset – counterbalance, equal, or make the same. As an intransitive verb, “balance” reflects becoming equal or coming into balance – correct an imbalance or inequality. As a noun, “balance” refers to stability or steadiness – in physical equilibrium.
The various definitions all refer to balance as being some kind of equal distribution between two or more aspects, characteristics, or things. This can seem daunting but for our purposes, balance is not only a good thing, it is a must. We want balance – in ourselves, in our lives, and in our world. We cannot become our better and higher selves without balance.
For followers of The Way, “balance” means all the above and so much more:
Remember the law of balance. All that which you do or wish for, good or ill, shall return to you one day. Strive for good.
Short and simple, yet connected by its very nature and definition to other Aesirian codes. Like others, it captures the layered complexity of the code, connecting not only key elements – equilibrium and stability - but also a warning against favoring the darker side. But what does it all mean? Let us break it down into its component parts.
Remember the law of balance. This opening statement lays down in no uncertain terms the importance of balance. Not only is it important, but it is also law. This law of balance covers life itself as well as its myriad components – internal and external - including individual and interpersonal conduct, group relations, and everything in between. Individually, we need balance of body, mind, and soul, both the development of, and the attention we give, each. Imbalance in this regard leads to incomplete or stunted folk. Groups also require balance so they can sustain themselves and protect their livelihoods. Imbalance here would invite ruin.
All that which you do or wish for, good or ill, shall return to you one day. This statement embodies the phrase “you shall reap what you sow.” In other words, if you always do or wish ill, you shall receive ill in the end. Conversely, if you strive to do or wish good, good shall find you. This is not to say that you will never suffer ill, for suffering is how we grow, learn, and seek our better selves. Balance, though, is the key. Suffer the ill, do the good, and in the end, you will prosper and so will the folk.
Strive for good. It does not get any simpler than this. Strive for good – body, mind, and soul. From this we can infer that we will improve ourselves and our folk if we continuously strive for good. Not only will we find good, but we will keep the darkness away, maintain a healthy body, mind, and soul, and be better poised to protect the folk and support its endeavors at surviving and thriving.
It is human nature, in our present form, to subconsciously resist balance. We want good for ourselves and our folk. But life presents us with challenges that will test us in every way possible. We will be beset with physical illness and injury from time to time. To maintain balance, we must overcome it and train. Dark thoughts will enter our mind now and then. We must keep the faith with ourselves, our families, and our folk, overcome the darkness that seeps in, and cast it out to emerge mentally healthier and hungry for knowledge. We will face doubts about our faith and its role in our lives. We must keep faith with our gods and goddesses, as well as our ancestors, and honor them in every way possible. This is how we maintain our connection to them and through them we will gain the strength to return balance to our soul.
In our modern world, life is complex. We have the luxury of living comfortably, but we must balance this with seeking out challenges and finding opportunities for growth. Nothing easy comes without cost. Nothing is gained without suffering. Life is a give-and-take, a balanced transaction. Embrace it, live it, and excel in it. To take the easy road is to live an imbalanced life and this is against nature and Natural Law. People, like nature, must live in balance, in harmony with their surroundings.
To resist balance is to resist the gods and the goddesses. We must embrace all we have been taught and all we have learned through hard work and experience. Through balance, we will find our higher self. Embrace balance to become better – to grow as an individual, a family, a community, and as a folk. This is your duty – to yourself and to your folk.
Balance is equilibrium and order; imbalance is chaos. Strive to achieve order by striking a balance in your life. This is the Aesirian way.