Based on his forthcoming book, Dr. Dominic Alessio examines extremist Heathenry and occultism in the United Kingdom and how anti-racist Heathens act to counter this discourse.
This forthcoming book (to be published by Manchester University Press in 2024) offers the first examination of extremist Heathenry and occultism in the United Kingdom and how anti-racist Heathens act to counter this discourse. It sets out the spectrum of Heathen thought and practice today and explores the historical origins of such extremism in nineteenth century Germanic romanticism and twentieth century folkish nationalism. Treating each of the three main extremist Heathen organizations, the book extends the analysis to the neo-Nazi occult organization the Order of the Nine Angles, and the wider racist Heathen cultural scene in Black Metal and Dark Folk music. The authors balance this with discussion of how inclusivist Heathens are countering this discourse, from visible protests at far-right rallies to inter-faith forums and an active presence on social media platforms. The book makes an important contribution to the intersecting fields of new religious movements, nationalist history and racist politics.