The Convergent Paths of Scott Mohnkern: Technologist, Spiritual Leader, and Scholar
Scott Mohnkern stands as a distinctive figure whose life and work navigate the often-separate worlds of ancient spiritual traditions and modern technological innovation. His career encompasses significant contributions as an author and educator in contemporary Heathenry, a dedicated community leader within various Pagan organizations, and a long-serving professional in the demanding field of information technology.1 This biography explores the multifaceted journey of Mohnkern, tracing his evolution from a principled youth questioning established religious norms to a respected voice in both spiritual and secular domains. His path reveals a consistent dedication to service, intellectual exploration, and the practical application of knowledge, whether in deciphering ancient runes or architecting complex cybersecurity solutions. The synergy between his deep engagement with Heathen spirituality and his expertise in cutting-edge technology forms a central narrative, illustrating a modern capacity to integrate diverse passions into a cohesive and impactful life.
I. Formative Years: Education and Early Spiritual Influences
Scott Mohnkern’s early life was marked by a conventional spiritual upbringing within the Methodist church.1 However, this path took a significant turn during his early teens when he separated from the Methodist church. This decision was rooted in a profound disagreement over the church’s stance on gay rights, specifically its refusal to allow gay ministers.3 This early assertion of principle over conformity foreshadowed a lifelong commitment to inclusivity and justice. For nearly two decades following this departure, Mohnkern described himself as largely agnostic, embarking on a prolonged search for a spiritual path that resonated with his evolving worldview.3
Parallel to this spiritual quest, Mohnkern pursued a diverse and rigorous academic education. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Beloit College, with a dual major in International Relations and Music.1 This combination of disciplines, one analytical and global in scope, the other creative and expressive, hinted at a capacity for engaging with varied intellectual frameworks. His academic journey continued at the University of Denver College of Law, where he obtained a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree.1 The analytical rigor and structured thinking honed through legal studies would later prove applicable in various facets of his life, from organizational leadership to the detailed exegesis required in his spiritual writings.
A crucial thread that began early and continued throughout his life was his engagement with technology. Mohnkern commenced his computer training in 1979.1 This timing places him at the vanguard of the personal computing revolution, indicating not merely a career choice but a foundational and enduring interest in the technological sphere. This early adoption and continuous involvement suggest that technology became an intrinsic part of his intellectual toolkit, a resource he would later leverage effectively in his professional career and his efforts to build and educate spiritual communities. The confluence of a principled ethical stance, a broad and varied higher education, and an early immersion in the world of computing established the complex groundwork for Mohnkern’s future endeavors.
II. A Path to Heathenry: Spiritual Awakening and Core Tenets
After nearly two decades of spiritual exploration following his departure from Methodism 4, Scott Mohnkern’s journey toward Heathenry began to crystallize. A significant catalyst was his wife, Raven (also known as Shelly), whose own exploration into Paganism, specifically joining a formal Wiccan coven, prompted Mohnkern to delve into Pagan traditions more broadly.3 His wife is acknowledged as playing a part in his eventual discovery of Heathenry.4 From the outset of this exploration, Mohnkern felt a dual attraction: towards Native American practices of the Southwest and, significantly, towards the deities of Northern Europe.3
His initial encounters with Northern European traditions were, by his own account, through resources that were “terribly documented”.3 This early experience with a lack of quality information likely sowed the seeds for his later dedication to producing well-researched and clearly articulated materials for the Heathen community. After relocating from Colorado to the East Coast in 1994, Mohnkern attended a local Pagan gathering where he encountered members of Raven Kindred South. While their classes resonated deeply with him, the demands of running his own business at the time prevented formal involvement with the kindred. Consequently, he embarked on a period of solitary practice, dedicating himself to independent study until approximately 2000.3 By the mid-1990s, he had formally embraced Heathenry, a path to which he has remained dedicated for over two decades.1
Mohnkern’s understanding and articulation of Heathenry emphasize its communal and lived aspects, often correcting common misconceptions. He asserts that Heathenism is fundamentally about building community and fostering ongoing, personal relationships with the gods, extending far beyond the confines of ritual. In his view, it is “far more about what happens outside of ‘ritual’ than inside”.3 This perspective highlights a focus on applied ethics and interpersonal connections as central to the faith, rather than an overemphasis on dogmatic purity or ritual exactitude. He also directly addresses the erroneous perception of Heathenism as a “sexist” tradition, arguing that women hold significant leadership roles, particularly within the household and family, which he identifies as the core of Heathen practice.3
Central to Heathen practice is the rite known as the blot, which Mohnkern describes as a sacrifice to the Gods. Its purpose is multifaceted: to express appreciation for the deities and their influence in practitioners’ lives, and to discuss future challenges where divine assistance might be sought. He clarifies that the gods do not solve problems for individuals but can offer aid along their path. The blot serves to strengthen and affirm the relationship with deities, allowing practitioners to communicate their thoughts and feelings. While the specific structure can vary between groups, Mohnkern outlines a core sequence: opening the ritual space, stating the intent of the rite, conducting a round of toasts, offering a sacrifice (historically animal blood, but in modern practice typically mead, ale, or other suitable offerings), and formally closing the ritual space.3
Mohnkern also articulates a nuanced position on Unverified Personal Gnosis (UPG), stating that it “can be a part of our practice, provided that it is grounded in the lore, and that we are up front about this”.3 His approach to meditation within Heathenry is similarly considered; while acknowledging that formal meditation was not a widespread historical Northern European practice (with the possible exception of altered states associated with concepts like the berserkergang), he sees it as a valuable modern tool for understanding and connecting with the gods, whom Heathens often view as akin to respected family members.3 This pragmatic and evolving approach to ritual and spiritual understanding, rooted in tradition yet adaptable to contemporary needs, characterizes his contributions to modern Heathen thought and practice.
III. Voice of Modern Heathenry: Author and Educator
Scott Mohnkern has made substantial contributions to the understanding and practice of contemporary Heathenry through his extensive work as an author and educator. His literary output was largely catalyzed by direct community demand; attendees of his classes and workshops, impressed by the comprehensive handouts he provided (often exceeding twenty pages), encouraged him to compile his knowledge into book form.3 This grassroots impetus, coupled with his growing reputation, led to a series of influential publications.
His first major work, A Year of Viking Rituals, released in 2009, drew upon over a decade of his dedicated study of blot structures and his experience performing numerous rituals for groups.3 The book was designed to be a practical guide, incorporating ideas for feasts, discussion topics relevant to Heathen life, the integration of runic symbolism, and guided meditations as alternative pathways to connect with the deities.3 Pre-release copies were made available through Lulu.com, indicating an early adoption of direct-to-community publishing models.6
Following this, Hanging from the Tree: Living With the Runes, edited by Emily McDonell, was published in March 2010.5 This book delves into the Norse runes, offering guidance on how to integrate them into Pagan or Heathen spiritual practices.7 Mohnkern’s motivation for this work was twofold: to demonstrate how Unverified Personal Gnosis (UPG) can be a valid part of practice when transparently grounded in lore, and to create a self-study resource for solitary practitioners or groups wishing to explore runic studies.3
Other published works from this period include A Rune Diary (July 2009) and Heathen Lectures for FSG 2009 (May 2009), further showcasing his prolific output aimed at providing practical resources for the Heathen community.5 As of a 2010 interview, Mohnkern had several future projects planned, including More Viking Rituals, a consolidated hardbound edition of his ritual books, a book dedicated to Heathen meditations, and a work on Heathen ethics tentatively titled Ancient Values for a Modern Age.3
Published Works of Scott Mohnkern
Title | Co-author (if any) | Publication Date | Brief Description/Focus |
A Year of Viking Rituals | June 8, 2009 | Rituals, feast ideas, discussion topics, rune integration, and meditations for a year of Heathen practice.3 | |
A Rune Diary | July 24, 2009 | A diary for recording runic studies and experiences.5 | |
Heathen Lectures for FSG 2009 | May 20, 2009 | Collection of lectures presented at the Free Spirit Gathering in 2009.5 | |
Hanging from the Tree: Living With the Runes | March 10, 2010 | Guide to Norse runes and their integration into Pagan/Heathen practices; UPG grounded in lore. Edited by Emily McDonell.3 |
Beyond his books, Mohnkern founded ModernHeathen.com, a significant online platform for his writings and community engagement.1 The website features articles, blog posts, and announcements for his various activities, such as scholarly examinations of historical texts like the Hávamál, and updates on his appearances for storytelling at events like Ravenwood Faire or book signings at Frederick Pagan Pride Day.9
His role as an educator is equally prominent. Mohnkern teaches courses on Asatru and Heathenism online and provides in-person instruction at numerous Pagan gatherings.1 His reputation for a deep understanding of Northern European traditions grew significantly at the Free Spirit Gathering (FSG), where his teaching commitments expanded rapidly from a single class to a comprehensive schedule including multiple classes, daily public blots, and sumbels.3 This enthusiastic reception led him to form a Heathen working group in Maryland, dedicated to organizing monthly rituals and coordinating teaching schedules, which allowed him to delve into more advanced topics.3 He has also served as an Insights Instructor at Cherry Hill Seminary, a notable institution for Pagan theological education, where he offered courses such as “Effective Web Site Development for Pagan Organizations” in 2010, demonstrating a practical fusion of his technological skills and spiritual community support.1 More recently, in 2023, he added a new class to his repertoire: “The Dark Side of the Runes: Secondary Missives in Rune Divination and Magic”.11
Mohnkern’s journey into authorship was facilitated by a pragmatic approach to publishing. He initially chose self-publishing through platforms like Lulu.com and CreateSpace, citing the lengthy timelines of traditional Pagan publishers and the niche market for Heathen literature as key motivators.3 This route allowed him to bring resources to his community efficiently and with minimal upfront costs. He strongly advises aspiring self-publishers to secure a competent editor and to use hard-copy page proofs for final editing, learning from his own early experiences. The success of his self-published works, which achieved sales considered “outstanding” within the Pagan industry, eventually attracted the attention of a major Pagan publisher, illustrating how strategic self-publishing can validate a market and open doors to wider distribution.3 This journey underscores an entrepreneurial acumen in disseminating specialized knowledge.
IV. Technologist and Innovator: A Career in Information Technology
Scott Mohnkern’s engagement with information technology began in 1979, an early immersion that laid the groundwork for a long and evolving career in the field.1 His professional trajectory demonstrates both breadth and depth, spanning various sectors and roles that reflect the dynamic changes within the IT landscape itself.
His diverse technical background includes working for the University of Denver, a role that likely involved supporting academic and administrative computing needs. Demonstrating entrepreneurial initiative, Mohnkern also owned his own Internet Service Provider (ISP), placing him at the forefront of providing internet access during a period of its rapid expansion.1 This experience would have offered firsthand knowledge of network infrastructure, customer support, and the business aspects of technology services.
Mohnkern’s career also involved significant work in research and development, specifically focusing on video conferencing technologies.1 This indicates an engagement with emerging communication tools and the technical challenges of their implementation. His expertise in systems management was applied in a critical public service role as a System Administrator for the National Weather Service, a position that would demand high reliability and robust technical skills to maintain essential information systems.1 Further broadening his experience, he served as a technology consultant for various companies, applying his knowledge to diverse business contexts and challenges. Within the technology community, Mohnkern also took on leadership responsibilities, notably serving as the former President of the Capital PC User Group, one of the largest and oldest such organizations in the United States.1 He also held a position as a director of education, likely within a technology-focused context given its mention alongside his Capital PC User Group involvement.1
Currently, Scott Mohnkern holds the position of Senior Services Architect II at Tenable.2 Tenable is a prominent company in the cybersecurity sector, known for its vulnerability management solutions, including the widely used Nessus scanner.2 This senior role at a leading cybersecurity firm underscores his continued expertise and relevance in a highly specialized and critical area of modern IT. His career path, from the foundational days of ISPs to the complex challenges of contemporary cybersecurity, illustrates a consistent ability to adapt, learn, and contribute at a high level within the ever-evolving technology sector.
The development of such a substantial IT career occurred in parallel with his deepening immersion and leadership within the Heathen community. Successfully cultivating expertise and a strong reputation in two demanding and often disparate fields concurrently speaks to a significant intellectual capacity, effective time management, and a strong personal drive. Furthermore, the skills honed throughout his decades in IT—such as system administration (requiring problem-solving and meticulous management), research and development (fostering innovation and analytical thinking), consulting (demanding clear communication and needs assessment), and leadership roles (entailing organization and strategic direction)—are eminently transferable. These competencies have undoubtedly contributed to his effectiveness as an author, educator, and community organizer within Heathenry, allowing him to build platforms like ModernHeathen.com, structure educational materials, and lead community initiatives with a well-developed set of practical skills.
V. Building Community: Leadership and Service
Scott Mohnkern’s commitment to Heathenry and the broader Pagan community is evidenced by his extensive involvement in various organizations, often in leadership capacities. A core tenet of his engagement appears to be a profound sense of service, a desire to utilize his skills and connections to assist others on their spiritual paths.
A significant area of his service is within The Troth, an international Heathen organization. Mohnkern serves as the Maryland Steward for The Troth.4 Having resided in Germantown, Maryland, for over 29 years, he brings a long-standing local presence to this role.4 He explicitly views his stewardship as an act of service, aiming to “use my skills and connections to help people find their path, wherever it may take them”.4 The Troth Stewards play a vital role in fostering local Heathen communities by helping individuals connect, supporting the formation of kindreds (local groups), and organizing opportunities for local and regional gatherings.4
Additionally, Mohnkern has served as the coordinator for the Free Spirit Gathering (www.freespiritgatheringmd.org) for four years, further demonstrating his commitment to organizing and supporting Pagan community events.
The skills evident in these leadership roles—organizing events, connecting individuals, founding new initiatives, and serving on governing boards—draw from the wide range of competencies Mohnkern developed through his diverse education (which includes a law degree) and his multifaceted career in technology (which includes management and consulting).1 This practical application of a broad skill set enhances his effectiveness as a community leader, enabling him to contribute substantively to the structure and growth of the organizations he serves.
Key Positions and Affiliations of Scott Mohnkern
Organization | Role/Title | Key Responsibilities/Notes | Period (if known) |
The Troth | Maryland Steward | Facilitating local Heathen community, connecting individuals, service-oriented.4 | Current |
Free Spirit Gathering | Coordinator | Festival coordinator (www.freespiritgatheringmd.org) | Four years |
ModernHeathen.com | Founder | Online platform for Heathen articles, blog, and community.1 | Ongoing |
Capital PC User Group | Former President | Leadership of a major technology user group.1 | Past |
Cherry Hill Seminary | Insights Instructor | Taught courses, e.g., “Effective Web Site Development for Pagan Organizations”.1 | Past (e.g., 2010) |
VI. Mohnkern.com and Online Presence
Scott Mohnkern maintains an online presence through several websites. His site ModernHeathen.com serves as a platform for Northern European Pagans and features articles, blog posts, and announcements related to his work in Heathenry.9 Content includes scholarly examinations of historical texts like the Hávamál, updates on his appearances for storytelling or book signings, and information about the classes and rituals he offers, such as Blot, Symbel, and Oracular Seidr.9 The site has also been used to share information about his books, including pre-release details.6
Another online platform is mohnkern.edublogs.org. Edublogs is a web publishing platform designed for teachers and students, offering tools for classroom management, student privacy, and collaborative learning. Specific content details for Mohnkern’s blog on this particular Edublogs site are not available in the provided information.
His personal website, Mohnkern.com, acts as a central hub for his various activities and interests 15 and also features other content, including a page dedicated to “The Four Elements,” a song he orchestrated.16
VII. Personal Life and Values
Scott Mohnkern currently resides in Germantown, Maryland, and has considered Maryland his home for over 29 years.1 This long-term residency has provided a stable base for his extensive community involvement in the region, including his role as the Maryland Steward for The Troth, and likely for a significant portion of his East Coast-based technology career.
His family life includes his wife, Raven, who is also known as Shelly.4 Raven is acknowledged as having played a role in his journey toward discovering Heathenry.4 A biographical note from Cherry Hill Seminary mentions that he “currently resides with his wife and her partner, in Germantown, MD”.1 This phrasing suggests a polyamorous or otherwise non-traditional family structure. Such a personal life choice would align with the strong stance on inclusivity and acceptance that Mohnkern demonstrated early in life, particularly his departure from the Methodist church over its policies regarding gay rights. It implies a consistent commitment to living authentically and openly, in accordance with his values, both in his public advocacy and private life.
An interesting aspect of Mohnkern’s family background is his lineage. He is the grandson of the Reverend Lloyd V. Mohnkern, a dedicated United Methodist pastor who served for 62 years and passed away in 1999.17 Scott Mohnkern and his wife Shelly are listed among the surviving family in Rev. Mohnkern’s obituary.17 This connection presents a notable intergenerational narrative of spiritual paths diverging significantly, from a long-serving Christian minister to a prominent modern Heathen leader. While their chosen spiritual traditions differ markedly, one might observe a shared thread of dedication to service—Rev. Mohnkern through decades in the ministry, and Scott Mohnkern through his explicitly stated commitment to service within his Heathen community roles.4
Several core values are consistently evident throughout Scott Mohnkern’s life and work. His early and unwavering support for LGBTQ+ rights, which precipitated his break from his childhood religion, underscores a deep-seated commitment to inclusivity and justice.3 The principle of service to the community is explicitly articulated in his approach to his leadership roles and is implicitly demonstrated through his extensive volunteer efforts and dedication to educating others.4 Furthermore, his diverse educational background, varied and evolving career, prolific authorship, and pursuit of academic scholarship all point to a profound intellectual curiosity and a commitment to lifelong learning.1 Finally, a pattern of principled action—a willingness to take a stand based on his beliefs and to address challenging issues, whether in established religious institutions or within his chosen spiritual path—is a recurring theme in his biography.
VIII. Diverse Accomplishments and Life Experiences
Beyond the professional, spiritual, and academic roles detailed, Scott Mohnkern’s life is marked by a wide array of personal accomplishments and experiences that further illustrate his multifaceted nature. These include:
- Served as primary organizer for an online pagan festival.
- Developed a series of technologies for online festivals.
- Led webinars with more than 400 attendees.
- Possesses basic coding skills in 10+ computer languages.
- Performed several handfastings.
- Been in a stage production of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
- Been in four US states at once.
- Been in a helicopter flying around Mount Rushmore.
- Visited Mesa Verde.
- Travelled to Melbourne and Sydney, Australia.
- Seen the Penguins come in from the sea at Phillip Island.
- Visited Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
- Climbed the 272 stairs to the Batu Cave.
- Been to Brunei (airport) and Japan (airport).
- Flown first class across the Pacific Ocean several times.
- Attended East Coast Thing in the United States.
- Sat in the high seat at more than one Oracular Seidr ritual.
- Taught over 50 board games in a year.
- Attended the City Lights festival in Melbourne.
- Walked the Treasury and Fitzroy gardens of Melbourne and seen the Fairy tree.
- Served as a mentor for Coursera.
- Developed instructional videos.
- Attended two musicals in London’s West End.
- Visited Windsor castle.
- Climbed the Parthenon at night.
- Seen Folies Bergere and the Moulin Rouge.
- Been up in the Eiffel tower.
- Selected his parents’ retirement house for them, without them ever seeing it.
- Conducted polling for a political party.
- Managed a political campaign.
- Worked for an election commission.
- Served as an election officer and conducted an election.
- Been a concert pianist.
- Been a dancer.
- Done land surveying.
- Taught mathematics.
- Ran a business before he was 18.
- Been in several musicals.
- Been an acolyte.
- Lived in Mexico (twice).
- Travelled to Europe and Asia.
- Been to Hawaii.
- Visited the majority of the states in the United States.
- Climbed all of the 14,000-foot peaks in Colorado.
- Attended a fabulous college.
- Worked for a television production company.
- Been the Tenor soloist for Mozart’s requiem for a symphony orchestra.
- Worked in Yellowstone National Park.
- Been chased by a bear.
- Graduated from Law School.
- Worked for one of the largest law firms in the United States.
- Ran his own business for over a decade.
- Did research and development on Internet video conferencing a decade before it became “commonplace.”
- Been president of the largest computer user group in the United States.
- Taught basic computer skills.
- Been treasurer of several non-profit organizations and events.
- Can write in several computer languages.
- Organized and has run a heathen study group for over a decade.
- Taught on a variety of pagan topics for over a decade.
- Offered his house as a sanctuary on several occasions to those in need.
- Has a job doing what he truly loves (teaching) at a salary that doesn’t leave him a “poor teacher.”
- Written three books.
- Given spiritual counseling to those who need it and asked for it.
- Studied Seidr.
- Served as a Guardian for a ritual officiated by an internationally famous pagan.
- Taught environmental education.
- Been a significant revenue stream for a major corporation.
- Received the highest award offered to Webelos.
- Been a keynote speaker at a national conference.
- Been paid for spiritual counseling.
- Served as a leader and manager for incredibly work-intensive teams.
- Spoken on leadership.
- Been on the faculty of a seminary.
- Has a certificate in education.
- Managed a local political campaign.
- Worked in several national election campaigns.
- Worked on an election committee.
- Helped develop an early interactive cable TV system.
- Been on cruise ships on three oceans and a sea.
- Was in a stage production of the Phantom Tollbooth.
- Eaten fondue at the base of the Matterhorn.
- Climbed to the base of Katoomba falls during a heavy storm.
- Climbed to the base of the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, alone.
- Climbed the back face of mount Washburn.
- Kayaked in Hawaii.
- Climbed Longs Peak in the overnight hours just to see the sun rise on the Rockies.
- Eaten fresh mutton on the top of the Continental Divide.
- Been a Disc Jockey for a Radio Station.
- Been a sports announcer.
- Been on TV.
- Learned basic tarot.
- Been in a movie.
- Made beer, wine, and mead.
- Served on the staff of a pagan festival.
- Created a set of online videos to teach algebra.
- Been married 30+ years.
- Taught at UVA.
- Taught at UMASS.
- Designed tattoos.
- Designed bind runes.
- Survived a near-death experience more than once.
- Had surgery twice in two days.
- Has multiple masters certificates in industrial security.
- Practiced and taught Run Valdr.
- Been the president of a charitable nonprofit.
- Can make home made brautwurst and sausage.
- Is an accomplished cook.
- Won a marketing award.
- Been paid to present at multiple pagan events.
- Developed web sites for non-profits.
- Knows Python.
- Taught Python.
- Participated as a book in the Human Library Project.
- Speaks some Russian, Ukrainian, German, Japanese and old Norse.
- Speaks a fair amount of Spanish.
- Has a certificate in Project Management.
- His music has been performed in Europe.
- Knows how to do Resin Casting.
- Co-taught a class at a Unitarian church.
- Has a tattoo.
- Been camping in an adventure trailer.
- Studied marketing.
- Founded an online community that has grown to more than 800 members in a year.
- Written several LARPS.
- Done video editing.
- Done audio editing.
- Had a blog.
- Had a vlog.
- Created rune sets.
- Created bind runes.
- Knows the basics of hand sewing.
- Taught calculus.
- Learned the art of painting miniatures.
- Taught Seidr.
- Won a photography competition.
- Is learning how to play the Mandolin.
- Owns a rescue greyhound.
- Worked for the National weather service.
- Gamed several RPGs, including 4 campaigns in three genres and two systems at once.
- Faceted gemstones.
- Been fly fishing.
- Flown a plane.
- Rode a motorcycle.
- Was a rock hound.
- Knows how to tie flies for fishing.
- Published articles about Gming.
- Been interviewed on a podcast about running a festival.
- Done a Video Log review of RPGs.
- Published online reviews of Board Games.
- Founded an email list for his college for alumni to talk, and it later transitioned to a facebook group.
- Founded a Facebook Group with over 2000 members for an RV owners group.
IX. Conclusion: Legacy and Ongoing Endeavors
Scott Mohnkern’s life and career are characterized by a remarkable integration of seemingly disparate worlds: the ancient traditions of Heathenry and the fast-paced innovation of information technology. His contributions have forged a significant legacy in both domains. As an author, educator, and community leader, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the understanding and practice of Modern Heathenry, providing invaluable resources and fostering a sense of community for practitioners. His books, online presence through ModernHeathen.com, and countless workshops and classes represent a substantial body of work that continues to support and guide those exploring Northern European spiritual paths.1
Simultaneously, Mohnkern has maintained a successful and evolving career in information technology, from owning an ISP to his current role as a Senior Services Architect at Tenable.1 This sustained professional achievement, alongside his deep spiritual commitments, offers a compelling example of how individuals can navigate and excel in both secular and spiritual spheres.
The themes of dedicated service, profound intellectual curiosity, principled action, and a commitment to inclusivity are woven throughout his biography. These values have not only shaped his personal journey but have also informed his contributions to the communities and fields he engages with.
Mohnkern’s work remains dynamic. As of 2010, he had plans for several further books, including More Viking Rituals, a combined hardbound ritual book, a collection of Heathen meditations, and a work on Heathen ethics titled Ancient Values for a Modern Age.3 While the status of these specific projects years later is not detailed in the provided materials, his continued activity is evident. For instance, he developed a new class in 2023, “The Dark Side of the Runes,” and maintains an active presence through blog posts and participation in Pagan events.9 This ongoing engagement demonstrates an adaptability and a commitment to remaining relevant to the evolving needs of his community and his areas of expertise.
Ultimately, Scott Mohnkern’s life offers a model of engaged spirituality in a complex, modern world. He demonstrates that a profound connection to an ancient faith can coexist with, and perhaps even be enriched by, a deep involvement in contemporary professional and intellectual life. His efforts have not only provided tangible resources for the Heathen community but have also contributed to a broader understanding of how individuals construct meaning and community in diverse and innovative ways. His legacy is one of building bridges—between past and present, spirit and technology, individual seeking and communal belonging.