The Golden One

Meditations on the Peaks by Julius Evola

Posted on May 16, 2024

I have read Meditations on the Peaks by Julius Evola, and, as a result, I now have a great urge to mount an expedition to Kebnekaise (Sweden’s highest peak). Such an expedition typically only takes four days; even so, it is hard to do in my current situation. However, should an opportunity present itself and I find myself on the summit, I will, of course, get plenty of video and photo material. This leads us to the question – what would the good baron Evola think of my plans?

What Would Evola Say?

Perhaps he would have lambasted me for my need of a public, and perhaps he would have found my physique posting to be too theatrical:

‘While the “Mediterranean type” is characterized by the need for a public and by the inclination to behave in a theatrical manner, the experience of the mountain is one of the best antidotes against this Mediterranean component that may remain in our Italian souls. Those who really practice mountain climbing learn an opposite joy to that of the Mediterranean type, namely the joy of being alone, of being left to one’s self amid the changelessness of things, alone with one’s action and contemplation.’

Julius Evola – Meditations on the Peaks. Page 34.

I must admit that I do like an audience! So perhaps the Mediterranean spirit comes to the fore in me sometimes. I do, of course, also enjoy time alone (perhaps more so, to be honest). Evola often contrasts the Mediterranean spirit with the Aryan-Roman one (greatly favouring the latter). In another book, he actually uses Gabriele D’Annunzio (pictured below) as an example of someone imbued with the Mediterranean spirit – on a personal note, I admire D’Annunzio greatly.

What Did Evola Say About Skiing?

I will quote Evola directly to clarify the matter. In the essay titled Ascending and Descending, he states the following:

‘In order to prevent misunderstandings, I must specify the level to which my thoughts apply. First of all, I would like to make it very clear that I have never had, nor will I ever have, anything against the practical value of skiing. I will gladly acknowledge everything that may be acquired from this sport in terms of health, bravery, physical and mental invigoration, and its refreshing effect upon our youth, whom the modern metropolitan life suffocates and oppresses.’

Julius Evola – Meditations on the Peaks. Page 43.

He goes on to note that he also practises skiing (in addition to being an avid mountaineer). Later in the same essay he offers his spiritual critique of skiing as a sport:

‘The fact is that in skiing, the modern spirit finds itself essentially at home; this modern spirit is intoxicated with speed, with constant change, with acceleration.’

Julius Evola – Meditations on the Peaks. Page 46.

A central theme of the book is the metaphysical aspect of mountain climbing, of reaching an inner experience via the climb. The climb itself, then, is a spiritual action – with plenty of references to be found in myth. As we have noted elsewhere, mountains have a sacred value. The key to understanding his view lies in the title of the essay itself – Ascending and Descending – where the ascent is the heroic path that contains the spiritual element. In my humble opinion, I definitely see a spiritual component in the descent as well – skiing downhill comes with real danger and requires a totality of focus. Something similar can be found in the Gym – especially when attempting a personal best in the Squat, there is also a real danger here (when higher weights are used). I will elaborate more on this in a video.

Aryan-Roman Community

As is often the case when reading Evola, I encountered a particularly beautiful passage which I will share:

‘Thus, this latter element, when compared to it, reminds us of the type of community that was one of the most characteristic elements of the ancient Aryan races and the Aryan-Roman people; this type of community had nothing to do with socialism. Its foundation was neither a collective entity nor individualism, but rather personality. Its law was action; in it there were relationships of real men, cemented by trust, loyalty and truthfulness, not to mention the shared dignity of belonging to the same race. Subordination did not humiliate people in this type of society, because of the precise vision of the whole and because and because of the vision shared by each individual.’

Julius Evola – Meditations on the Peaks. Page 35.

The last passage in the quote above is particularly insightful. I will discuss this at length in a coming podcast episode.

The Children of Destiny

I will also discuss the following beautiful passage in a coming podcast episode. The insight presented are related to some of the topics I have talked about as of late – especially Episode 44. The Lightning and the Sun.

‘A true imperial tradition is not forged through particular interests, through a narrow-minded hegemony, or through “sacred selfishness”; such a tradition is formed only when a heroic vocation awakens as an irresistible force from above and where it is animated by a will to keep on going, overcoming every material or rational obstacle. This, after all, is the secret of every type of conqueror. The great conquerors of the past have always perceived themselves as children of destiny, as the bearers of a force that had to manifest itself and before which everything else (starting from their own selves, preferences, pleasures, and tranquillity) had to be sacrificed.’

Julius Evola – Meditations on the Peaks. Page 84.

Conclusion

Meditations on the Peaks is, in my humble opinion, perhaps the easiest Evola book to read. Moreover, it is only 115 pages long, making it a good book to start with for those who want to get a feel for his style. Even though I do not always agree with all of Evola’s conclusions, I always find his writings invigorating and inspiring.

Mysteries of the Far North by Jacques Privat

Posted on May 14, 2024

I have read Mysteries of the Far North – The Secret History of the Vikings in Greenland and North America by Jacques Privat. The book is a scholarly work that presents various theories and research regarding the Scandinavian settlements of Greenland and Vinland. Despite its somewhat esoteric-sounding title, the book reads more like a history book and the author has done great work in finding source material (archaeological evidence, stories and myths, mediaeval manuscripts, etc.) to support his claims. The author not only discusses the history of the Norse in the region, but also introduces the cultures that lived alongside them (the Dorset culture and the later Thule culture).

The Dorset Culture and the Thule Culture

As mentioned, the author gives plenty of space in the book to the Inuit cultures of the region. The following quote serves as a good overview:

‘The Thule people displayed a perfect mastery of their environment, both on land and sea, which distinguishes them from the members of the Dorset culture. It is the Thule that displays the most traces of contact and influence with the Vikings. The current inhabitants of Greenland are their direct descendants.’

Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 388.

It must be noted that the Norse were in Greenland before the Thule culture, thus making it reasonable that it belongs to Denmark today. Pictured below: An Inuit landmark (Inuksuk).

Arctic Luxury Goods

Gyrfalcons, ivory, leather hides, and furs were among the treasures that could be found in the Far North – making it a lucrative area for settlements. The author notes the following:

‘The falcon held an important place in medieval symbology, and the gyrfalcon was the most popular hunting bird for the nobility’s favorite amusement: falconry. The Hanseatic books tell us that the Lübeckois were taxed twelve Icelandic falcons a year. As early as 1240, the emperor Frederick II exported falcons to Italy thanks to his Lübeck merchants.’

Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 337.

According to some theories, the ivory from walruses became less valuable during the late Middle Ages due to an increase of (elephant) ivory from Africa (some use this as one of the reasons explaining the later disappearance of the Greenland settlements). Pictured below: an aesthetically pleasing gyrfalcon.

Inuit-Viking War and Trade

The author emphasises the peaceful (trade) relations between the two communities. Although he notes that there were incidents of violence between the Inuits and Vikings, he does not subscribe to the theory that postulates an Inuit extermination of the Viking population. I am inclined to agree with this; I find it highly unlikely that the Inuits would be able to overcome the Norse in an all-out war. Moreover, the Inuits probably valued the Norse as trading partners more than they saw them as a threat (this is just my speculation). Instead, he points to the deteriorating relationship between the Catholic Church and the Nordic powers and their Greenland subjects as a potential cause for the disappearance of the Norse presence in Greenland.

Pagan-Christian Syncretism

The author shares the following quote from Adam of Bremen (a German chronicler active during the 11th century) regarding the religious attitudes of the Norse population of Greenland:

‘The folk of this country call themselves partly Christian, although they have no faith, confession, or baptism. They can even be Christians and still invoke Thor and Odin.’

Adam of Bremen – Gesta Hammaburgensis

As I have noted elsewhere (on many occasions), the Middle Ages (especially in the Norse world) could be described as a period of Pagan-Christian Syncretism – where White Christ (Vite Krist) was seen as an additional God in the pantheon.

The Danish King & the Borgia Pope

The author highlights the deteriorating relationship between the Nordic powers (Sweden, Denmark, Norway) and the Papacy during the late Middle Ages. This actually began before the Reformation – in 1481, King Christian I of Denmark stripped power from the Church via various legal reforms – to the great consternation of the Pope. Gustav Vasa of Sweden also cast off the yoke of the Catholic Church (in the early 1500s). In both of these cases it is prudent to point to realpolitikal reasons (i.e. that the Church had plenty of resources and land that the State needed) rather than theological reasons (those came later). On a personal note, I prefer Catholicism to Protestantism since the former is closer to Paganism and more beautiful. However, I fully understand and admire the course of action taken by Gustav of Sweden, Kristian of Denmark, and Henry VIII of England (I will elaborate on this later). The author notes the following:

‘The relationship between the Borgia pope and the Danish crown were certainly not looking rosy.’

Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 383.

He continues by stating that the Pope gave the Catholic Portuguese carte blanche in the Far North – implying that Portuguese raiders may have tormented the Greenlanders. On a personal note, I am unsure if raids by Portuguese were the primary reason for the disappearance of the settlements in Greenland (but perhaps I am biased since I admire the Portuguese of the Age of Exploration and would not want them to be the perpetrators). The author, however, states it thus:

‘The trail of Rome settling a score therefore finds extensive reinforcements with the “Greenland question” forming only a part of the serious liability opposing the Danish crown and Rome. I think it is the most logical and well-founded explanation for the tragic fate of the Nordic colonies of Greenland and America.’

Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 383.

Danish-Portuguese Friendship

In other parts of the book, the author elaborates on the good relations between the Danish and the Portuguese. Joint expeditions between the two nations occurred – a Dane named Lolland partook in the heroic capture of Alcazar, and another Dane (named Vallart) was named commander of an expedition to the African coast in 1448.

How Long Did the Settlements Last?

The author notes the following regarding this question:

‘The length of time Scandinavians were living in Greenland and Canada needs to be revised upward. At the beginning of the century, it was common to consider the first decades of the sixteenth century as the cut-off date (based on Scandinavian source materials). We can see that an additional half century is not unreasonable if we follow the Portuguese source material.’

Jacques Privat – Mysteries of the Far North. Page 379.

There are various theories as to why the settlements were abandoned; pirate raids, climate change (colder weather), fewer commercial opportunities – and, as the author of this book proposes, punitive expeditions promoted by the Papacy. I am inclined to believe that the worsening of the weather was a major contributing factor – but I must meditate more on the matter before saying more.

Conclusion

The book has 390 pages and contains plenty of valuable and interesting insights (many more than shared here). I can definitely recommend it for those interested in the topic!

Germanic Theology: Volume I by Tristan Powers

Posted on May 9, 2024

I have had the pleasure of reading Germanic Theology Volume I: Poetic Edda – The Lays of the Gods by Tristan Powers. The book is, contrary to its title, not about Germanic theology per se, but would be better described as a commentary on the Poetic Edda. Astute Enjoyers of my content will remember that I reviewed the Imperium Press edition of the Poetic Edda (translation by Henry Adams Bellows) a while back. Powers’ commentary is excellent and insightful. So, if you plan on reading the Poetic Edda, Germanic Theology is a good companion!

Sexual Morality

In several places, the author correctly emphasises the strict sexual morality of the Vikings. The faulty notion that the pre-Christian Germanic peoples were anything but virtuous comes from two sources: Christians and modern liberals (I use the term liberal in the broad sense). The Christians had an incentive in portraying the old Gods and their worshippers as immoral, thereby presenting the introduction of a new faith as something that brought with it an increase in societal virtue. The modern liberal perspective is one that seeks to juxtapose the attractive Vikings against the repressive Christians – in the sense that they wish to portray pre-Christian sexual attitudes as “tolerant” and Christian ones as “intolerant”.

‘It must be noted that our ancestors did not permit the open seduction of women and considered such a thing to be illegal and subject to immediate physical violence – up to death – in order to avenge the attempt or intent to do so, such was their concern and care for the chastity of their wives, sisters, and daughters.’

Tristan Powers – Germanic Theology. Page 65.

Moreover, the author notes that Ergi – behaviour unbefitting of a man – was seen as a religious crime. The Vikings were anything by “tolerant” in the modern sense of the word. As I noted in Podcast Episode 45. Viking Worldview, honour was central and paramount for our ancestors.

Our Lady Freya

Freya, perhaps more than any Pagan deity (with the possible exception of Odin), has been the target of malicious attacks – both in the past and today. The author perfectly states the following:

‘Secondly we may note that, in a strictly sociological sense, it would be usual or illogical to find that a people such as the Germanic should consider their primary female divinity to be unchaste and representative of all baseness they despised and outlawed amongst their own wives and daughters.’

Tristan Powers – Germanic Theology. Page 281.

The author goes on to note that any notion that the Goddess Freya would be unchaste must be seen as lies and slander. With this, I wholeheartedly agree. It makes perfect sense for rivals and enemies to portray an important Goddess in a negative light, and it makes absolutely zero sense that her worshippers would believe this about her.

Gothic Order

On the same topic of sexual morality, the author shares an insightful quote from the 5th century priest Salvian of Marseilles:

‘Wherever the Goths become masters we see no longer any disorders among the old inhabitants. Our manners are reformed under the dominion of the Vandals. Behold and incredible event! Barbarians have, by the severity of their discipline, rendered chaste the Romans themselves; and the Goths have purified those places which the others have defiled by their debaucheries. A cruel warlike nation, but worthy to be admired for their continence.’

As I have noted elsewhere, the Goths have often been misrepresented as destroyers. In fact, they – and the other Germanic tribes of the Migration Era – created a new Europe out of the greatly degenerated remains of the Roman Empire. Enthusiasts of The Greatest Podcast will recall that I discussed Theodoric the Great and the Ostrogothic Kingdom in Episode 30. The Gothic Heirs of Rome.

Magically Gifted Norse Queens

In the chapter commenting on Hávamál, the author notes that the wives of Norse kings would (stereotypically) be sorceresses or wise in magical foresight and healing – thus bolstering the rule and skills of their lordly husbands. As anyone interested in spiritual matters will know, certain women do indeed possess powers of foresight and intuition. Pre-Christian Europeans had a place for women in their religious practices. In fact, this did not completely end with the introduction of Christianity. During the Catholic period (i.e. the period of Pagan-Christian Syncretism) women could still find ways to express this divine connection – notable examples are Hildegard of Bingen, Joan of Arc, and Bridget of Sweden. It must be noted that this was in spite of the Christianity of the time – after all, Joan of Arc was burnt at the stake!

Pictured below: A Sensitive Poet seeking the mystic insights of Heliga Birgitta (Saint Bridget of Sweden).

Rígsþula, Odin, Heimdall

In the chapter commenting on Rígsþula, the author notes that white linen was considered suitable wear for kings and jarls. I fully endorse this statement! Rígsþula is the myth in which Rig – who is Heimdall according to some sources and Odin according to some – visits three families and creates the three castes (mirrored in Vedic tradition): Thrall (black/dark), Karl (red/ruddy), Jarl (white/fair). The author notes that he is more inclined to agree with the theory that posits Odin as Rig and makes a compelling case for this. On a personal note, I must meditate further upon it to give a conclusive statement, but for now I can say that I, too, view it as reasonable to believe that Rig is Odin.

Pictured below: An Aspiring Enlightened Despot contemplating the nature of Rig whilst wearing the finest linen.

Conclusion

As already noted, I can definitely recommend Germanic Theology for those who have or will read the Poetic Edda. I would recommend it even if you do not intend to read the poems themselves, as the book contains plenty of valuable insights. Good stuff!

Nietzsche’s Coming God by Abir Taha

Posted on February 28, 2024

I have had the pleasure of reading Nietzsche’s Coming God – Or the Redemption of the Divine by Abir Taha. Below are some interesting insights found in the book.

Nietzsche & Nihilism

In the introduction, the author deals with one of the most common misconceptions about Nietzsche. Namely, the false belief that he was a proponent of nihilism. Rather, Nietzsche saw nihilism as but a transitory phase on the way to the creation of the Übermensch (the Overman or Superman).

The Death of God

Another common misconception about Nietzsche is that he was an atheist. The author notes the following:

‘Nietzsche considered that the death of God was not an end but merely the death of a god, the god of “monotono-theism,” as he liked to describe it/…/
I argue that, in the final analysis, Nietzsche’s spiritual atheism was merely a prelude to a spiritual rebirth, to the advent of the Superman as the incarnation of the new mode of divinity.
Thus, the death of God for Nietzsche is only a “moment” in evolution and in history, and not a fatal end, given that it is only the death of a god, not the divine.’

Abir Taha – Nietzsche’s Coming God. Page 9.

Thus, one could say that Nietzsche heralded the death of Yahweh – i.e. the Christian God – as opposed to the death of what Pagans mean by God. It was, as stated in the quote above, not the death of the divine. The emphasis in the quote is on “a” god. In a later passage the author says that Nietzsche’s refusal to believe in a transcendental God in no way denies that God does exist (God being immanent and accessible to man through inner mystical experience). She concludes that it is reasonable to call Nietzsche a Pagan – not an atheist.

Immanent God of Paganism

The author discusses the Immanent God of Paganism (i.e. the belief that God is here and now and in everything) and the Transcendent Christian God (i.e. God in Heaven, in a realm beyond this life). Reading this reminded me of a passage in Temple of the Cosmos by Jeremy Naydler – as I noted in my review of that book, the Egyptians never worshipped idols and idolatry was not an issue. The reason for this is that the concept of an idol was unconceivable for the Egyptian mind – the physical and metaphysical did not have the clear distinction as they would come to have in later centuries. The concept of an idol was introduced by the Israelites.

On a related note, I made a video titled How Connected to God Are You? on a similar matter a while back.

Christ vs Paul

According to Nietzsche, Jesus taught that God can be found within. The author shares the following insight:

‘Thus, Nietzsche believed that Christianity, which represents the degeneration of the vital values and virtues of Hindus and Greeks, was unworthy of its founder Jesus, whom he perceived as a free spirit preaching the mystical doctrine of the “Kingdom of Heaven in us.” Indeed, Nietzsche saw in Jesus a rebel against the Pharisees, against the Jewish priests’ dogmatic and narrow spirit, those same priests who, through Paul, have deformed Christ’s life-affirming doctrine which was destined for free and higher spirits.”

Abir Taha – Nietzsche’s Coming God. Page 16.

She goes on to note that Nietzsche blames Paul for distorting the original teaching of Jesus into a rigid, ritualistic, superstitious, and transcendental dogma. To summarise, Nietzsche approved of the mystical and life-affirming message of Jesus (i.e. that God can be found within us – here and now) and disapproved of Paul’s transformation of the message (i.e. making God transcendent – not available here and now, but in the after-life).

‘It was the Church’s distortion of Christ’s original message (in order to enslave the masses by imposing the “virtues” of submission and humility on them) which, by transforming this inner state of mind and experience into a “Kingdom of God in Heaven,” heralded the break between Christianity and Christ’s original teaching.’

Abir Taha – Nietzsche’s Coming God. Page 18.

On a personal note, I know too little about Christ and Paul to comment on it. I am sure there are knowledgeable Christians who have a different view of the matter than Nietzsche. I will seek further understanding regarding this.

Pictured below: Nietzsche’s Blond Beast. On a similar note, I made a video titled Nietzsche and the Gym: The Path to the Overman a while back.

My Disagreement With Nietzsche

The author notes that for Nietzsche, good is everything that proceeds from (and increases) power. What is bad, in his view, is what is weak. According to this morality, an action acquires its value by whether or not it increases power (and hence to spiritual progress and the self-overcoming of man) as opposed to whether the action is intrinsically good or evil.

I will return to this topic at a later time, as it deserves and requires greater elaboration. What I can say for now is that I do not necessarily agree with Nietzsche regarding this take on morality. Perhaps the child sacrifice of the Carthaginians lent them power? Thus rendering their action ‘good’ and not evil. I would say that their action was indeed evil – and that the Romans (bearers of the Aryan light and morality) were right in destroying Carthage utterly.

Nietzsche’s Zarathustra & the Historical Zarathustra

Since I recently reviewed Original Magic Magic Stephen Flowers, I thought it would be relevant to note that Nietzsche ‘corrected’ the duality of the historical Zarathustra. The new Zarathustra (i.e. Nietzsche’s Zarathustra) is the prophet of a new religion which transcends morality (as power is beyond morality). So, for the sake of clarity, it can be good to make the distinction between the historical Zarathustra (Zoroaster) and Nietzsche’s prophet.

Conclusion

Nietzsche’s Coming God has 103 pages, but every page is full of valuable knowledge. I thoroughly enjoyed it; I would even say that it is the best book I have read in quite a while. The author explains Nietzsche’s views in a good way. Upon reading her book, I felt an urge to re-read some of the Nietzsche books I have in my library. Great stuff. Onwards!