I believe I mentioned there was recently talk about Miasma on the The Reconstructionist Interfaith List, and since Lisa brought this up on another thread, I thought we should discuss it separate from the “A few FAQ on Miasma in daily & household practice” thread.
Hellenismos.us
The Hellenic Polytheist Website
The spark of inspiration for this short essay came from a conversation on our forum, and a misunderstanding regarding the concept of kharis that is currently spreading through some “Hellenic polytheist” online groups. Subsequently, I provided a list of quotes (here) from several scholarly sources explaining this concept, and now would like to meld those thoughts into a coherent statement regarding this essential concept.
I present this copy of Sallustius’ On the Gods and the Cosmos, an authoritative statement of Hellenic doctrine, as an archival version. While not going into great detail, within this work, Sallustius supplies us with an elementary summary of principles (catechism) for Hellenismos, each which can be sourced back to earlier thinkers such as Pythagoras, Plato, Aristotle, Epicurus and others. Sallustius provides with clarity and simplicity the obligations, priorities, and mindset of ancient Hellenic religiosity. It is from this work, as well as the works or other ancient philosophers and sages, that we have identified the Seven Pillars of Hellenismos: Ethike Arete (habitual excellence), Eusebia (piety), Hagneia (purity), Nomos Arkhaios (ancient tradition), Sophia (wisdom), Sophrosune (soundness of mind/control of self), Xenia (hospitality/reciprocity).
One of the first terms someone new to Hellenismos will encounter is the word orthopraxy. What is orthopraxy? An orthopraxy is a religion that places emphasis on what one does rather then what one believes, while orthodoxy places weight on correct belief over lifestyle. Many eagerly embrace this new terminology, coming from very dogmatic religions such as Christianity, but then become confused or even upset when religious discussions turn to topics of ideals, ethics, reason, or authentic traditional practices. They incorrectly assume these things fall under orthodoxy and belief, rather than practice.
Read the rest of this entry »
I am creating this post to show examples of authentic Hellenic rituals, as demonstrated by the Supreme Council of Ethnikoi Hellenes (YSEE). When reviewing these video clips, you should note the various aspects of Hellenic ritual we have discussed in other blogs, and within my books: processions, prays, hymns, offerings, and so on, even down to ritual clothing. Read the rest of this entry »
So….I haven’t been inspired to write much lately…conflict, insults and general nastiness all around can make one rather introspective. This would include me….there is no fingerpointing going on here today.
This main question, “What constitutes a recon?” was spawned on the Mind-N-Magick forum in response to a thread debating Norse Mythology and Ragnarok. The timing seemed very appropriate, as this is one of the main questions being discussed across a number of venues in association with Hellenismos and Hellenic Reconstruction. The questioner asked three queries within her post to help her understand what a Reconstructionist is.
- Do recons need to know everyone who ruled (for example) Finland, and when?
- Is a “true” recon always conservative?
- Can one still be a recon and not hold a traditional view on that path?
Today, early in the morning, I said a prayer to Aphrodite, which is next to Eros in my shrines. (See them HERE). Then I went to the elevator to leave and, in the hall window, I saw a dove. I had never seen a dove in my building or street, maybe not even in this city. And for sure never like this one. It was white with golden details. I was so surprised, that I said “wow!”. The dove not even flinched at my presence. I tried to take a picture of it with my cell phone, but when I saw through the little screen, it was not in its place, there was only light where the dove should be. Then I didn’t take the picture.
I had a wonderful dream last night!
Before going to sleep, I said a prayer I almost always say to Hermes Psychopompos and Hypnos*, and by the morning I was gifted with a truly time travel.
Translator
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