Examining the Aesirian Code: Change
By Mike Taylor
Drótinn of the Mannerbund
This is the fifth 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, “change” has a variety of definitions, necessary because “change” 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, “change” can mean to make a difference – alter; to make radically different – transform; to give a different position, course, or direction; to replace with another; to make a shift from one to another – switch; to exchange or undergo a modification. As an intransitive verb, “change” reflects becoming different or undergoing transformation, transition, or substitution – exchange or switch; to move from one means or place to another – transfer. As a noun, “change” refers to an alteration, transformation, or substation.
The various definitions all refer to change being a transformation – from one thing to another, from one place to another, and from one position to another, as well as all kinds of variations in between. This can seem daunting but for our purposes, change is a good thing. We want to change; we need to change. We cannot become our better and higher selves without change.
For followers of The Way, “change” means all the above and so much more:
Adapting and changing are important for growth and survival. That which cannot adapt or change is doomed to perish. Change is the mark of insight.
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 – growth and survival - but also a warning failure to adapt or change. But what does it all mean? Let us break it down into its component parts.
Adapting and changing are important for growth and survival. This statement has a very broad and deep application. It refers to life in general, on the individual and group levels, and everything in between. Individually, adapting to new conditions and changing from new experiences are part of human life, especially the learning process. To adapt and change is to grow – physically, mentally, and spiritually. This is how we mature – from childhood to adulthood, from ignorance to wisdom, from weak to strong. And this is how we survive.
That which cannot adapt or change is doomed to perish. If we fail to adjust to new stimuli – conditions, environment, information – we will stagnate and die. This applies on an individual level as well as a group level. Individually, if we fail to learn, we remain static as everything changes around us and leaves us behind. Collectively, our folk die out if we fail to grow, mature, and – wait for it – flourish. We have been given a roadmap – adapt or die. This is not only important to humanity, it is part of Natural Law.
Change is the mark of insight. Be insightful. At the basic level, insight is like awareness, but means so much more. But being aware is only the entry level, akin to having information. You must be aware, absolutely, but you must also understand what that information and awareness mean, singly and together. Put that information into context to get knowledge; add awareness to understand. This is true insight. And if you understand change – what it is, what it requires, and what it means – then you are insightful and, thus, ready and able to adapt and change, to grow and survive.
It is human nature, in our present form, to resist change. However, change is usually for the better and it is a part of the natural cycle. Be open to changes which might improve your lot or that of your family and kin. Sacrifice may be needed and such should be faced heroically. Change may seem daunting; always look to discover what positive benefits may be initially hidden.
In a complex world, few things are comfortable and nothing worthwhile is easy. But some things are simple. People, like all living things, must change to survive. This is basic Natural Law, as can be seen in the worlds of flora and fauna around us. Those who resist or cannot adapt – quickly enough or at all – will die. Individuals will die just as surely as their people will wither and – eventually – perish. To resist change is to resist growth and fail to become your higher self, and this is not in keeping with the Aesirian Code of Nine. Embrace change 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.
Adaptation is life. Change is maturity. The two together is survival. Live and learn, adapt and change, grow and survive. This is the Aesirian way.
