Examining the Aesirian Code: Control
By Mike Taylor, Drótinn of the Mannerbund
This is the eighth 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, “control” has a variety of definitions, necessary because “control” 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, “control” can mean to regulate or rule – to restrain; to incorporate – to take verifiable measures. As an intransitive verb, “control” hints at purpose – to become controlled or controlling in order to accomplish a task or prevent an action. As a noun, “control” refers to an instrument, technique, or tool, something designed to regulate or restrain.
The various definitions all refer to control as being a restrained capability – something can be done, but measures are taken to regulate unchecked action. A strong man has the power to murder but does not do so because he is disciplined and honorable. As can be inferred by the reader, control requires strength of will and discipline. This can seem daunting but for our purposes, control is a good thing. Wild, berserk action has its place, but its selective use as a tool – when, where, and how – must be controlled lest it destroy those who would wield it. We cannot become our better and higher selves without control.
For followers of The Way, “control” means all the above and so much more:
Never lose control to your anger or be baited by the hostility of another. Never strike a woman unless your very life hangs in the balance. Never violate the weak or the innocent. Never tolerate those who do. Control is the mark of a disciplined mind, a sign of the greatest of warriors.
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 – discipline and warriorhood - but including a warning against failing to gain and maintain it. But what does it all mean? Let us break it down into its component parts.
Never lose control to your anger or be baited by the hostility of another. This statement addresses the two sides – or mirror images - of control: internal and external. Internally, you are the master of control and have a say in your influences on it. The word “lose” implies that mastery of control is in your hands; it is yours to lose. Externally, outside factors influence whether you maintain control or lose it. These can include conditions and situations, people and events, or even any of the vices by which we are confronted. Further, we are warned against the possibility of being baited by others. In so doing, we forfeit not only control but our discipline and strength of will. Controlling ourselves, our emotions, and our actions are the keys to exerting our will in our lives.
Never strike a woman unless your very life hangs in the balance. This should be understood as a given, but the depravity of the modern world still requires a reminder. There are plenty of videos online showing men striking women in response to being attacked themselves, but these are not the norm. A disciplined and honorable man exercises control and measures his response in the face of non-lethal threat as a matter of course, not just for women. Striking out at women without a life-and-death justification is simply dishonorable and undisciplined behavior.
Never violate the weak or the innocent. Like the above statement, this should go without saying, yet here we are. Disciplined and honorable folk defend and protect the innocent and weak, not exploit or violate them. This is our calling and our duty as members of a folkish community.
Never tolerate those who do. This statement is a natural extension of the previous two. In past days, violators would be considered outside the law, treated as such, and banished or exiled. Unfortunately, these are not options in the Modern Era. But we do have recourse, and folkish leaders will exercise the responsibilities of their positions in carrying out proper treatment. In our personal lives, we control our interactions. We choose with whom we interact and how, depending on the circumstances, personality, and situation, but for violators of the innocent and weak, and those who attack women, the law is clear: they shall not be tolerated. Do not do so in your personal life; the folk will not do so in the Folk Nation.
Control is the mark of a disciplined mind, a sign of the greatest of warriors. As mentioned above, discipline and strength of will are critical to enabling one to exert control. At the personal level, this is especially important because what occurs here affects what happens at the collective or group level. If the individual is dishonorable, undisciplined, or weak-willed, then the community will suffer. Only the greatest warriors rise above themselves and control their destiny and the destiny of their folk. Rise up, Folk Nation.
In a complex world, few things are more challenging than the issue of control. Countless forces attempt to exert their control over our everyday lives. We strive to resist those attempts while simultaneously exerting our own control – over ourselves and our lives. The more disciplined we can be, the more honorable we can live, and the stronger we develop our will, the more success we will have. Our success will be our folk’s success. Be a contributor, be better, be in control.
Control is discipline and discipline is strength. Achieving control is the path to a disciplined life and strength of body and mind. This is the Aesirian way.
