The Skeppslág contra Kindred
Dr. Casper Odinson Crowell, 1519-CCG

Skeppslag (ON/Old Norse): Ship's Crew
Félag (ON/Old Norse): Fellowship (Pronounced: Fay-lag)

The mission of this composition is to educate, if not enlighten, our Folk to the negative aspects of forming Kindreds, prior to all involved affording due deference and full consideration to the long term consequences, which potentially lurk beyond the scope of what may initially seem to be fully positive in the nature of such Kinships.

While the primary target of this service is the incarcerated Folk, it is equally applicable to Free world Folk as well, wherefore establishing a new Kindred is in regard.

Kindreds, be they Odinist/Wotanist, Ásatrúar, etc., call for Oath Bonds. This is to say, the members of any such Kindred must enter into oaths of Kinship and Troth (fealty/loyalty). These oaths are life long!

“That I advise you secondly,
that you do not swear an oath unless it is truly kept;
terrible fate-bonds attach the oath tearer;
wretched is the pledge-criminal."
- Sigrdrifumál 23

and

“A hall she saw standing far from the sun,
on Nástrond; its doors look north;
drops of poison fall in through the roof vents,
the hall is woven of serpent's spines.
There she saw wading in turbid streams
men who swore false oaths..."
- Voluspa 38 and 39

The negative aspects, in ddition to potential  dangers, associated with forming Kindreds, or accepting new members into already existing Kindreds prior to a very thorough vetting process can have far reaching consequences. I have personally been a party to such consequences in addition to witnessing thus with several others over the past two decades alone.

Where the incarcerated Folk are concerned, one must always consider to the fullest degree, the very environment of prison and the myriad of circumstances in concert with said prison life.

When you forge an oath bond with just one other man, let alone several others, considering the afore written, you are accepting the fallout and consequences associated with that man's/those men’s (or women where our incarcerated sisters are in regard), actions as well, as they pertain to said's vices, politics, already existing Kinships he/she may have, or any future Kin Oaths said may enter into (see Hávamál 43 regarding this). And this barely scratches the surface. Many are the hazards which may arise from such oath bonds which are attached to membership in a Kindred.

The afore posited thus far should not be assumed as any inference upon my part that I am against the fraternal bonds and benefits of sworn oaths and/or oath bonds and Kindreds, for I am very much in favor of such! I am merely seeking to impart some hard gained wisdom for your own consideration regarding the subject.

Conversely, a Skeppslág (ON Ship's Crew) is an ideal alternative wherefore men/women are interested in gathering for spiritual/religious fellowship is at issue. Derived from the Viking Era, the purpose of the Skeppslág was to wax in adventure and wealth. A Chieftain or Jarl whom owned one or several Lángskipps (ON Long Ships/Longboats) would put out the word in the mead and ale halls during the winter, that he was assembling Skeppslágs for the coming raiding season. Men would then pledge to join his ship's crew for that intended purpose. If he was a man of success and renown in previous seasons, he could count upon the most able warriors to seek to secure a place on his crew(s). When the snows thawed and gave way to favorable sailing conditions, the Skeppslágs would set sail and a viking they would go!

The oaths they made to the Cheiftains/Jarls and one another, extended only across the breadth of the Viking season. Once they had returned home, all the oaths, having been fully honored by this time, were now expired.

When it comes to gathering together for spiritual/religious fellowship, the Skeppslág paradigm is ideal by design. It calls for no oaths save for each man (or woman) assembled to honor the virtues of our sacred way. It matters not if two brothers (or sisters) belong to one Kindred and four others belong to a Félag and all others are independent of any outside oaths, etc. for example. In and before the Skeppslág, all are equal. Every man (or woman) has a voice and vote beneath the overturned Long boat.

That is the manner in which a Skeppslág, out a viking, would meet in council. They would make shore and overturn the long boat and gather beneath it, to hold council and call upon the every man vote. This in fact engendered the modern parliament of today's western world and in Denmark, Norway and Sweden some assembly halls and at least one government hall have ceilings which purposely look like over turned Long ships, that council may to this day be held in like fashion with the original ancestral concept.

In this, the Skeppslags fashion, if ever the rapport of any among the assembled is damaged beyond reconciliation, Folks involved may go there own way without the stigma and dishonor of being an oath breaker, which of course is among the North Folk's greatest sins!

The longevity, integrity and power of an oath sworn, should always remain in the forefront of all, not to mention the wording of such oaths when and where they do occur. Be mindful of your words when entering into an accord or oath. Choose your words wisely so as to commit to whatever it may be, with honor
Your end.  And that you will adhere to it no matter what, until the oath/accord is completed/fulfilled or the other(s) involved break or dishonor the oath betwixt you. Leave yourself an out in your word choice so that you do not end up an oath breaker. This does not mean start making oaths lightly, cheaply or with the forethought of getting out of it when it doesn't go your way! It merely means, exercise sound reason, logic and discretion prior to swearing any oath. Think long term...years into the future, whenever you are considering binding yourself to any oath. Remember also, that illfully witnessing oaths sworn, renders you a party to that oath as well.

Regarding the group dynamic wherefore spiritual/religious fellowship is concerned, be it in prison or the free world, the Skeppslág will serve you well.

If after a considerable amount of time elapses with sound fellowship, you are seeking more than just the Skeppslág, perhaps consider progressing to a Félag (ON Formal Fellowship). Long term success enjoyed at this level may pave the way to a formal Kindred. Though if you are incarcerated, I strongly urge against this, as transfers are ever looming realities and turnover rates in concert with said transfers do not negate or void oaths sworn when becoming a member of a Kindred. Wherever you land you may find other# men (women) with whom your bonds are limited with due to previous oaths. Something to seriously consider.

By adhering to the Rede (counsel) herein this service, you have nothing to lose or suffer and everything to gain wherefore spiritual advancement is in regard.
Megi Gothanum blessi thig allar. Heil Gothanum! Ok, Heil Odin!!!
(May the Gods bless you all. Heil the Gods! and, Heil Odin!!!)

I remain yours in service and fraternal solidarity.