The Council
Together, we represent all aspects of life: young, old, straight, gay, transgender, non-binary, Pagan raised; and “reformed” Heathens with extensive Abrahamic backgrounds. We have a wide variety of perspectives from Heathens, Pagans, Druids, Witches, and eclectics! Our diversity is what makes us strong and allows us the opportunity to explore other frames of mind, ideas, and world views.
Goði Beast
President/Allsherjargoði
Goði Beast is the leader of Awaken the North’s Council. He took the reigns back in early 2020 and has worked industriously ever since to create and then to guide AtN into becoming the international success it is today. Along with the rest of the Council, he dedicates most of his free time to the growth of this organization, hoping to one day make it a household name synonymous with learning and acceptance.
He is the author of several books, including our very own “AtN’s Havamal in Everyday English”, and is currently working on both a study Havamal, as well as the next book in the series, “The Voluspa In Everyday English”.
Roland Tyrson
High Drighton
Greetings all, my name is Roland, and I am the High Drighton of Awaken the North. It’s an honour and a privilege to serve Awaken the North and our community.
I’m an avid martial artist and a lover of science and history. My beautiful wife is a practicing witch, and we live a quiet life in a home nestled in the hilly terrains of a forest where we honour the Old Gods and Old Ways. I was called to the path very early on through clear and undeniable UPG’s at the age of 12 and I have been a practicing pagan ever since. While educated in the valuable Lore of Norse paganism, as a primarily solitary practitioner I lean heavily on my own experience rather than reconstructions and understandings or historical standards and studies.
The High Drighten works to help ensure that we provide a welcoming and open community to all our kin. They serve as the “sheriff” of our community, ensuring that all our members are being treated properly and fairly.
Memento Mori
Scribe
The Scribe is the acting secretary. They document the history and lore as well as current events in Awaken the North. They chronicle all the important happenings in our organization and keep the members informed of what’s happening behind the scenes. They help all chancellorships when needed and aid in research for the library and training courses. They are the record keeper for Awaken the North, safely keeping our history for generations.
Daniel Abramshe
Chancellor of Member Affairs
Hey everybody, I’m Daniel! I’m only 22 years old (yes, I know that makes me still just a baby, wet behind the ears), born and raised in Brooklyn, NY. I’ve been a practicing pagan since 16, and I’m the Chancellor of Member Affairs, where I help to work as part of the face of Awaken the North. I spend a lot of my free time in the woods or in the kitchen.
The Chancellor of Member Affairs is here as the voice of the Public. They process member applications and provide a point of contact for the members, no matter the question.
Jay Burnett
Chancellor of Military Services
Hey All, I’m Jay! I am 33 years old, married and have a young son. I have been out since I was about 16 years old, as bi. I just recently came out as Lesbian and Non-Binary. I am relatively new to the pagan path, after a life in the Catholic church. I look forward to being a resource for our military Heathens, or anyone, really. Fun facts about Jay: I am a MASSIVE Harry Potter fan, the art, not the artist. I have played drums for 25 years. I absolutely detest mac and cheese.
Our Chancellor of Military Services works closely with our military members to provide emotional, mental, and procedural support for day-to-day Military life as a heathen. They also assist with documentation and support for religious accommodations and work with local military establishments to help install religious leaders for the branch’s needs.
Gyðja Calista Horvath
Chancellor of Public Affairs
Calista is a heathen and witch hailing from Appalachia who now finds herself in Canada. As well has having the honor of serving Awaken the North as an ordained Gyðja, she also serves as the Chancellor of Public Affairs and Editor-in-chief for the organization’s quarterly newsletter, Odin’s Auga.
She enjoys pondering the mysteries of the universe, sampling craft brews, studying the runes, and playing the fiddle in her free time.
The Chancellor of Public Affairs works as our PR person, advising the Council and members alike on raising awareness of Awaken the North.
Goði Sol Bergelmire
Chancellor of Religious Studies
Hello friends! I’m Goði Sol, Chancellor of Religious Studies here at AtN. Practicing Heathen for over 12 years and Pagan for well over 30. I am the author of Awake the Runes: A bare-bones guide to runic work, and co-author of Awaken the North’s pocket prayer book, with forthcoming works in the future. I’m a husband, father of 3 human and 2 canine children. A film fanatic (mostly horror), gamer, rune reader, amateur blacksmith, metal, punk, and music in general obsessed. I’ve also written a few of the courses on AtN-U and am an instructor as well.
The Chancellor of Religious Studies runs the Goðar Training Program, which equips our future Goðar with the knowledge, tools, and means to lead the community in religious matters.
Djinn Allain
Chancellor of the Treasury
Residing in California with his beloved dog, Russ is our Master of the Monies. His efforts and support are unparalleled and truly appreciated. He is our accountant, and keeps all the books for Awaken the North
Russ has graciously agreed to stay on as Chancellor of the Treasury until such time as a suitable replacement can be found. If you feel you are that replacement, please apply!
The Chancellor of the Treasury is responsible for tracking and managing Awaken The North’s monetary assets. This includes creating public-facing monthly financial reports that promote transparency within the organization, financial planning, and end-of-year tax document preparation.
Ray Horvath
Chancellor of Racial Diversity
Ray is a first generation Canadian. His family hails from the Balkans, so he has a deep insight into the idea of multicultural tensions. Ray has spent many years beekeeping, writing, studying psychology, and the occult. He is an Anamist and an Omnist, and strongly focuses on positive motivation.
Our Chancellor of Racial Diversity works hard to bring an inclusive, welcoming environment for ALL people. Social issues, legal issues, and outreach involving the BIPOC community fall under their office to help Awaken the North support our brethren of all races.
Carla Branam
Chancellor of Regnbue Aett
I am a mother of three beautiful girls. I just remembered I am also married to a wonderful man, who I forgot to mention. I have been in corrections for almost 5 years, and I absolutely love it. I came from a Christian background and have happily left. Once I left, that’s when I figured out that I was actually bi-sexual. Literally everyone I have told me they knew for a long time. I just needed to open my eyes. becoming pagan helped me realize a lot about myself and to become more open minded about myself. Also talking to Anja helped me really cement that I was bi. I feel more myself than I ever have before. I am very excited to start this journey with you all. Please if you ever have any questions, concerns, or just want to talk I am always here and please feel free to contact me.
Damnit, Beast.. THAT’s the picture you chose for me??
The Chancellor of Regnbue Ætt is the point of contact and voice on the Council for all our LGBTQIA2S+ family. They oversee the day-to-day running of Regnbue Ætt, keep the rest of Awaken the North up to date on the happenings within the community, and provide us all with opportunities to show our love and support.
Lukas Montgomery
Chancellor of Information Technology
Father, husband, nerd, military member. Practicing pagan since 2015. Hobbies include gaming, tabletop (MTG, D&D, Warhammer), fitness, and chasing the next certification/trophy/accomplishment. My job is to manage any of the tech our wonderful organization employs. If there is something you would like to see or have any ideas, please let me know. Welcome to AtN!
The Chancellor of I.T. builds and maintains all applications, networks, and operating systems Awaken the North uses. They are responsible for ensuring that all systems function properly and troubleshooting any issues.
Astella Rose
Chancellor of the Emissary Program
Hello, my name is Astella. I live in a small town in North Central Kansas with my husband, 6 dogs, 3 cats, and 2 donkeys. I have a love for cryptozoology and the paranormal. I have been studying different pagan religions, but a few years back found my way to Heathenry. I’m a loyal person and always have an ear if you need to talk.
The Chancellor of the Emissary Program diligently trains emissaries to educate the public on the workings of Awaken the North, coordinating local events such as pagan Pride Fests, Meet’ n’ Greets, informational booths, etc.
Tyler Santy
Chancellor of Distinctive Religious Group Leaders
(DRGLs)
I am an Active-Duty Air Force Heathen serving on Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. I am married, have two daughters, and am extremely outgoing – so never be afraid to send me a message or ask to attend our weekly DRGL service in person if you’re in the local area!
The Chancellor of DRGL certifies and manages all Distinctive Religious Group Leaders endorsed by Awaken the North.
Chairs
An important part of the day to day running of Awaken the North, our Chairs do most of the grunt work!
Amma
Assistant to the President
Greetings! I’m a misplaced Southern Belle who loves music and SEC football. I like my peanuts boiled and my sushi fried, y’all. My role in this fine organization is to help the president get things done. I’ve been on this path for several years, with a primary focus on heathenry within the last few. I look forward to working with you and growing in our faith.
Eelje Oldfield
Chair of Public Affairs
Hello! My name is Eelje, but you can call me Ellee. I was born and raised in Ogden, UT, but moved out to Loveland, Colorado five years ago with my other half and our Pomeranian, Oreo (aka Foof-rir). I have spent the last seven years as a Medical Laboratory Scientist for a local children’s hospital and love every minute of it. Helping and healing are my passion.
I have been a practicing Heathen for the last seven years and have had the honor of working with heathens and pagans from around the world. Before coming to Awaken the North, I had worked with a few different pagan organizations and spent a lot of time teaching on Norse mythology and rune work.
Awaken the North has been such an incredible addition to my life and faith, I want nothing more than to share my excitement and passion for this organization with as many people as I can. Please, feel free to reach out with anything I can be of assistance with. I’m here to support you!
Kez James
Chair of Racial Diversity
Just your average queer individual. My hobbies are anime, baking, photography, making people smile, camping, outdoor stuff, astrology, and tarot cards. I was introduced to paganism and heathenism in 2020. I left the church and Christianity at 18.
Flakkandi Heim
Chair of Military Services
Howdy folks! Like many of you, I am a normal family guy: husband, father, son, and brother. I have been a practicing Heathen since 2017, and haven’t looked back since. I have come to really appreciate the community that AtN is working to build. As a result, I jumped at the chance to help as the Chair to CoMS. I too come from a military back ground, so I can understand the struggles of that life. My biggest hobby is making mead, so if you ever want to nerd out on the in’s and out’s of the oldest (intentionally) fermented beverage, feel free to drop me a line!
Rowan Proffitt
Chair of Kaupmaðr Félag
Hello all, my name is Rowan (he/him), and I have been a practicing witch and a pagan for the last 14 years now. I am a tyrsson. I have been running my own business off and on roughly for the last five-six years while also working events surrounded by other vendors and merchants so needless to say I’m used to our neck of the woods, personally speaking I love the chaos of it all but also aiding those who are trying to find their footing within this occasional chaos.
Hávarðr Lee
Chair of the Emissary Program
I live in Eastern North Carolina with my amazing wife and 3 kids. I am a welder and love to work with metal. I am a universalist heathen and have been on this path for around a decade now.
I served in the Marine Corps for 4 years and am on a continuous path of learning and finding those who are looking for a safe place to learn and grow.
I am always willing to listen and help wherever I can.
Fjolnir Mallett
Chair of Religious Studies
Ryan, at 34 years old, is a vibrant member of our community, bringing warmth and enthusiasm wherever he goes. With a diverse range of hobbies, from paintball to carpentry, Ryan embodies a zest for life that is truly infectious. Whether he’s out in nature observing wildlife or cozying up with a good book, his love for learning and adventure shines through.
In addition to his hobbies, Ryan is deeply passionate about combatting negative perceptions and promoting understanding anywhere he goes. He devotes his time to educating others and fostering inclusivity, all while pursuing his studies at American Military University in Intelligence Studies.
Ryan’s love for animals, particularly wolves and bears, reflects his empathy and connection to the natural world. He sees in them a mirror of understanding, a connection that goes beyond words.
Despite his busy schedule balancing work, school, and his commitment to Awaken the North, Ryan always finds time to lend a helping hand and nurture our church family. His dedication to growth and community building is truly inspiring, and we are grateful to have him as a leader in our midst.
Angel Montgomery
Chair of Ungra Ætt
I’m a proud mother, loving wife, and avid dog lover. Being a proud nerd, I find solace in the realms of painting, hitting the gym, and diving into captivating Anime or K-dramas. Since 2012, I have proudly embraced paganism, making each day more spiritually rewarding than the last. Excited to be able to help this community grow!
Blair Frey
Chair of Regnbue Ætt
Greetings, fellow Pagans and seekers of wisdom! I am Bean, a 29-year-old enthusiast of Norse Heathenry, anime, and true crime. For the past two years, I’ve immersed myself in the Pagan path, and now, as the Chair of Regnbue Ætt for Awaken the North, my mission is to illuminate the richness of our Norse heritage while fostering an inclusive haven for the vibrant tapestry of our LGBT community. Together, let us create a space where every individual, regardless of differences, can authentically embrace their unique selves within the warm embrace of Awaken the North.
How can I help support Awaken the North?
Awaken the North is a family and we are dedicated to helping each other grow. The only way we are able to accomplish this is through the generous financial support of our members. Every single one of our Council, Chairs, and support staff are purely VOLUNTEERS. Not a single person benefits financially from any funds within Awaken the North. Even Beast, the Leader, doesn’t get a dime. All funds are directed back into Awaken the North to pay for the website, buy supplies, help support our members, etc.
We are so very, VERY grateful to our members who help support us! If you are looking for ways to help Awaken the North, please see the options below.