Unsubstantiated methods and beliefs in Heathenry

After some recent interweb discussions I would like to chime in on a topic that comes up frequently in Heathen/Asatru groups, the subject known as unsubstantiated personal gnosis (UPG for short).  This is the term that many use to refer to a person's own experiences and practice that are not backed by our Lore.  Many times it is used in reference to the many authors out there that espouse methods and worldviews that are not traditionally Northern European but offer it up as a traditional belief or practice, either magical or religious.

As an occultist, I am first and foremost concerned with results.   If a method, however time tested and traditional, doesn't garner the necessary results then I am not going to make use of it (though I will continue to explore it).  The inverse is also true.  I could not care less if the method is only 20 yrs old, if it garners the expected results then I will be using it.  Take note that I am speaking primarily of techniques and tools.  Our ancestors did not have access to binaural beat synthesizers, laptops, or strobe lights.  I do and I have used them to good effect.  Being a magician, in my eyes at least, means being a technician.  There is a problem, I will use the tools at my disposal to find a solution.  End of story.  I highly doubt that our ancestors would have an issue with this.

Please do not misunderstand me, as a heathen I fully understand that our faith is founded on the Lore.  The Lore assists in reclaiming that worldview that is our spiritual heritage.  As such, it is of the utmost importance to study both the written, linguistic, and archaeological evidence that has been left to us to help us understand the world as our ancestors did.  But let us not forget that we are living in a different time with different tools at our disposal.  I say let the Lore guide our interpretations and interactions.

Some might harangue me for using the runes this way, doing a particular ritual this way to honor a god or wight, clearing land, or sacrificing for a need due to their not being any evidence that it was done this way by our ancestors.  I am glad that they know their Lore.  For them I can only offer them this, I am not unlearned nor do I disregard our historical lineage.  Take note, however, that I look at this in the same light as families developing their own customs.  Again, I honor my ancestors, read the Lore, and sometimes can even be a "Havamal Thumper" (Thanks Bodi, I love this term).  But my path to the present has led me down some pretty interesting roads and I have learned a thing or two that works for me.

The takeaway from this long winded and somewhat poorly written diatribe is this:  I think that as long as folks don't preach it as some ancient practice they should be left to their own workings.

In the words of Forrest Gump....."and that's all I got to say about that."