Manifesto of Barbarianism

1. Governance Rooted in the People:

A Barbarian believes the only legitimate form of governance is that which originates directly from the people, inspired by ancestral practices of Kinship, Tribal Confederacy, and Thing Assembly.

Collective Empowerment

• • We build structures that empower local communities, ensuring fair representation and collective decision-making.
  • We advocate for decentralized systems such as worker and housing cooperatives and community councils, which promote collective, localized ownership and control.
  • We advocate for decentralized, community-focused systems in both governance and economics.

Read More on Governance: Barbarianism: Towards Indigenous European Resurrection

2. Rejection of Whiteness:

A Barbarian recognizes that whiteness is an artificial construct, not emerging from the land, shared myth, culture, or consensus, but as a tool for creating a false majority within a given society and enacting violence against ‘the other.’

Poison Fruit

1. • We acknowledge that nobody is born white but rather becomes white in life experiences through which individuals come to identify with whiteness via the process of racialization.
   • We recognize that people who are racialized as white are also harmed by whiteness, which enforces cultural, political, and spiritual hegemony.
   • We recognize that the enforcement of whiteness results in a loss of authentic cultural identity, imposing a monolithic identity that suppresses individual and cultural diversity.
   • Those who are racialized as white often face social exclusion and are labeled as race traitors if they resist or reject the construct of whiteness, leading to a perpetuation of the system out of fear and social pressure.
   • These conditions create an enforced inauthenticity and profound alienation in the lives of those who are racialized as white.

Abolition of Whiteness

• • We commit to dismantling the construct of whiteness and redefining identity based on cultures, identities, and practices derived from indigenous peoples of Europe.
  • We are committed to creating inclusive spaces where all individuals, including those racialized as white, are encouraged to explore and embrace authentic identities. These identities are rooted in the open traditions of the indigenous people of Europe, allowing for a genuine connection without the fear of social exclusion or violence. In doing so we aim to transcend the artificial boundaries of whiteness and foster a community where everyone can engage with these traditions freely and authentically.

Read More on whiteness abolition: Keltoi Rising: Reflections on Whiteness

3. Embracing a Holistic Worldview:

A Barbarian upholds the interconnectedness of spiritual, political, cultural, and ecological aspects of life, as exemplified by indigenous European peoples.

Integrating Aspects of Life:

• • Our holistic practice integrates these facets into a cohesive lifestyle that honors our ancestry and adapts to contemporary needs.
  • We reject the notion that focusing solely on one aspect, such as spirituality, in isolation from others is sufficient or desirable.

Critique of Fragmented Practices:

• • It is not enough to merely adopt spiritual practices while ignoring the political and economic systems that commoditize our time and energy, and hinders genuine engagement.
  • The organization of societies like the Celts, through collective ownership and direct democracy, facilitated a balanced approach, allowing more time and energy for holistic practices.

Inclusivity and Accessibility:

• • Emphasizing only one aspect, such as spirituality, historical knowledge, language, living in a specific geographical area, etc., is inherently exclusionary, placing undue burdens on those most marginalized in our society.
  • We strive to create a society that supports all aspects of life, ensuring that our practices are accessible and inclusive to all, regardless of their societal position.
  • We explicitly reject the formation of cults of expertise and systems where hierarchies are established based on an individual’s ability to accumulate and regurgitate historical knowledge. Such systems create barriers to participation and prioritize superficial displays of knowledge over genuine understanding and community engagement.
  • To counteract the elitism of cults of expertise, we advocate for democratizing knowledge within our communities. We commit to creating spaces where learning is collaborative and accessible, questions are encouraged, and no single ‘right’ way exists to understand or engage with our traditions.

Supportive Social Structures:

• • Recognizing roles such as Seers, Bards, Druids, etc. as subsidized societal positions highlights the importance of societal support for spiritual and cultural practices.
  • We advocate for social structures that support and facilitate the holistic engagement of all individuals, not just the privileged few. Failing to do so inevitably leads our project down the path of elitism, exclusion, conservatism, and romantic reaction. Such negligence fosters an environment where discriminatory ideologies can take root and flourish.
  • We vehemently oppose such developments and commit to proactive inclusivity to prevent the infiltration and rise of racist and exclusionary elements within our movement.

4. Gender Egalitarianism:

A Barbarian is committed to gender egalitarianism, reflecting women’s esteemed positions in various indigenous European cultures.

Historical Context and Modern Application:

• • We recognize the historical disruptions in gender equality caused by Roman and Christian influences, which introduced and cemented patriarchal structures. In response, we commit to rekindling the egalitarian principles of our ancestors in contemporary society.
  • In Celtic tribes, women owned property, became druids, and led as queens and warriors. The Brehon Laws of Ireland predated Christian influence and afforded women marriage, divorce, and land ownership rights.
  • Among the Germanic tribes, women influenced decision-making, led warriors into battle, and had equal rights in inheriting and owning property. Women also held positions as spiritual leaders as seers, healers, and keepers of their communities’ spiritual and cultural traditions.
  • Roman legalism and Christian doctrine combined to create a lasting legacy of gender inequality in Europe. By superseding the more egalitarian traditions of indigenous European cultures, they established a normative framework that persisted well into the modern era, profoundly influencing the development of European gender norms and contributing to the systemic marginalization of women.

Beyond Traditional Hierarchies

• • Our movement seeks to transcend the traditional hierarchies that have historically marginalized many based on gender. We advocate for a reimagining of societal roles, valuing contributions across all spheres of life equally and recognizing the inherent worth of every individual, irrespective of their gender or the role they choose or are assigned in society.
  • Our commitment to gender egalitarianism extends unequivocally to transgender, non-binary, and all gender-diverse individuals. We affirm that gender equality must embrace and celebrate this diversity.

Community and Solidarity

• • In pursuit of gender equality, we emphasize the importance of community and solidarity. Our approach is rooted in the belief that true equality is achieved not by competing for power within flawed systems but by collectively creating new systems that inherently respect and honor all.

5. Spiritual and Ecological Symbiosis:

A Barbarian values the deep connection between spiritual beliefs and ecological stewardship, understanding that we are an integral part of nature, not separate or above it.

Interconnectedness with Nature:

• • We recognize that our actions and existence are intertwined with the natural world; this interconnectedness is a fundamental aspect of our humanity.
  • Our practices and rituals reflect respect for nature, acknowledging that we are one part of a larger ecological system.

Sustainable and Reverent Practices:

• • We support and implement practices such as permaculture, rewilding, and regenerative agriculture. We strive to live in a way that mimics ecological cycles operating for billions of years.
  • Our spiritual observances are aligned with the natural cycles of the Earth. We celebrate these rhythms as sacred and integral to our faith.

Symbiosis:

• • We actively engage in ecological practices that promote the well-being of all life forms, recognizing that our spiritual health is deeply connected to the health of our environment.
  • Our communities aim to be models of sustainable living, demonstrating how spirituality and ecological responsibility can coexist in harmony.
  • We commit to continuous learning and adaptation, ensuring our practices are respectful and beneficial to the Earth and all its inhabitants.

Read more on Ecological Symbiosis: Mystical Ecology: A New Story For A New People

6. Polytheism and Ancestral Veneration: Reshaping Myths and Rituals

A Barbarian understands the power of myth and ritual in shaping society and individual consciousness.

The Legacy of Whiteness:

• • We acknowledge that the modern concept of whiteness is a legacy of the Roman Empire. To define ourselves merely as ‘Celtic, Germanic, etc.’ without deeper engagement would be to blatantly misrepresent their legacies.
  • We understand that the societal status often associated with being racialized as white more closely resembles that of fully-fledged Roman citizens, not the indigenous peoples of Europe.
  • We acknowledge a duty to educate ourselves thoroughly about the histories and struggles of these peoples. We must strive to overcome the dominant narratives, often tinged with racial or progressivist biases, that have been so pervasive in our education and cultural upbringing. It is our responsibility to seek out and understand the true history of these ancient cultures, which are frequently obscured or misrepresented by mainstream historical accounts.
  • This recognition compels us to engage actively in practices that bring us closer to understanding and embodying the values and lifestyles of these indigenous peoples.

Commitment to Cultural Action:

• • Being a Barbarian means committing to actions that build a society and foster experiences aligning with those of the indigenous peoples of Europe.
  • We strive to create a living culture, not just about labels but embodied practices, community engagement, and a deep connection to ancestral ways of life.
  • We engage in polytheistic worship and ancestral veneration, recognizing these as central elements of indigenous European cultures.

Cultural Evolution:

• • As we engage with these ancient traditions, we also acknowledge the need for their evolution to be relevant in the contemporary world. Our goal is to foster a dynamic culture that honors its roots while growing and adapting to the needs and realities of the present.
  • Our practices are living expressions of culture rooted in action and experience, not merely in self-identification.

Read More on Ancestor Worship: Barbarian Ancestor Worship: An Introduction

7. Solidarity and Inclusivity in Practice:

A Barbarian stands in solidarity with all oppressed peoples, recognizing our shared struggle against systems of domination.

• • Our movement is inclusive and open to all who respect and seek to engage with these traditions genuinely.
  • We recognize the prison industry as slavery, perpetuating systemic racial and socioeconomic inequalities under the guise of law. This system, along with the slave catchers and entities that support it is fundamentally opposed to the values of liberation that we uphold.

Rejecting White Saviorism:

• • We recognize that white saviorism is an extension of whiteness and rejects it in its entirety.
  • We understand that white saviorism imposes white-defined solutions and terms of ‘salvation’ onto marginalized communities, which is contrary to solidarity and respect.
  • Our approach is to support and empower without imposing, allowing marginalized communities to define their paths to liberation and healing.

Solidarity:

• • We, in no uncertain terms, do not seek to insert ourselves into the struggles of marginalized groups we are not a part of. Instead, we actively create and maintain inclusive spaces sensitive to the needs and boundaries of marginalized communities from which they are free to withdraw at any time.
  • Our actions are guided by listening to and learning from those we stand in solidarity with, ensuring that our support is respectful, responsive, and free from paternalistic attitudes.
  • We commit to ongoing self-reflection and education to better understand and dismantle the dynamics of whiteness and oppression in our behaviors and practices.

8. Commitment to Action Across Our Principles:

A Barbarian is not merely a passive observer but a proactive force in the world, actively engaging in material actions that embody our manifesto’s principles.

Beyond Advocacy:

• • This final section reaffirms our dedication to transforming these ideals into tangible practices that benefit both society and the environment.
  • Through this manifesto, we not only advocate for change but also act to manifest this change in tangible and impactful ways. Our actions are guided by indigenous wisdom adapted to the realities of the modern world, ensuring that our journey is rooted in tradition and relevant to contemporary challenges.

Manifesto of Barbarianism: Closing Statement

This manifesto is a living document, evolving as we grow in our understanding and practice.

We affirm that by upholding and acting upon these values, we will transcend the false and oppressive identity of whiteness. We will once again become a people of the land.

All power to the people. All glory to the gods and ancestors.