Rev. Carl Thompson, MDiv

I chose an online ordination because at present, the various pagan traditions are not recognized for the manner in which clerics are chosen. Generally speaking, we do not ordain like Christians have ordained. So, in my case, I have the requirements to work as a cleric without the requirements of the government and chaplaincy organizations to work as a professional, which are skewed to favor the Abrahamic traditions. I am a Gothi in the Asatru tradition (Gothi Is Bard) & I have an MDiv from Harvard Divinity School.

I am from Craigsville, Virginia.

I hope to add the recognition that comes from a church organization to my validity within my kindred along with my credentials.

My primary affiliation is Neo-Heathen, this is a further movement within Asatru, which is based on the religion of the Old Norse, which is part of Germanic Paganism. Particular to us is the focus on the Old Norse Gods, a recognition of the importance of reconstructing & reimagining old traditional practices (such as our practice of the Seidr of the Twilight Veil), with a recognition of the importance of a professional clergy.

My ceremonies are special because of our flavor of Neo-Heathenry. Our ceremonies, rites, and services have the intersection of known tradition (as seen in the revival of the Old Norse Religion via Asatru), my kindred's (the White Raven Kindred) work on reformation with a goal of making meaning for the modern pagan, and the influence of post-modern magick practice as taught by Peter J. Carroll. All of these come together into a modern tradition where one can get their 'viking wedding or funeral' if they are wanting wedding or funeral tourism and/or one could get a modern wedding or funeral service that still has the efficacy of blessings from the powers of the Aesir & Vanir.

During the last week of December & the first week of January, I am in Virginia and have availabilty there. Otherwise my service are available in the Massachusetts North Shore area or Boston.

I want to offer a clarification: I do not offer baptisms or Christenings, as these are Christian practices; however, I do offer the Heathen equivalents that inspired those Christian practices: The Naming Ceremony (a blessing ceremony for babies). I also offer a profession ceremony for those interested in establishing relationship with the gods (think pagan adult baptism if you will). I also offer unbaptism ceremonies for pagans looking to sever ties with their religious past, while also avoiding atheistic based language.