Thyrsos was formed by followers of the Hellenic Religion. They fight for its Restoration, its legal recognition in Hellas, defend the original authentic pre-Christian tradition, and contribute to the spread of the Hellenic Civilization worldwide.

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I think it is important for people to understand the different theological and cosmological opinions out there being called polytheism.  Polytheism, in its basic form, is simply the belief in multiple Gods.^[1][2][3] From this basic definition, modern practitioners, of various religions, seem to fall into several subcategories on a sliding-scale.

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I have to make a public apology to Mano Madytinos. I, as many did who debate what is and is not authentically Hellenismos here in the English speaking world, misinterpreted some of the statement’s Mano made over the last few months.

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For those of you who are too young to get the pop-culture reference, 7•UP was at one time marketed as the “uncola,” and it would seem there are those who are marketing Hellenismos as the unreligion. What does it say when certain individuals and groups will not even say that something as basic and essential as sacrifices and offerings were/are fundamental practices?

We had been talking about the fundamentals of Hellenismos on the Olympianism Yahoo Group, and one person expressed strong criticisms of Reconstructionists and Ethnikoi, stating not only were the definitions we use too narrow, but just flat out wrong. While she had a lot of unsupported opinions about how wrong Reconstructionists and Ethnikoi were, she did not once offer any real alternative. She used a lot of flowery words, but avoided making any statement as to what she considered practicing Hellenismos.

It took some prodding, but she finally stated that the Hellenic religion is “undefined” because it had no “systematic religion”.  She was, to a point, correct in saying there was no “systematic religion”, but she takes that soundbite to an extreme, and represents it to mean there were absolutely no systems in place, there were no traditions and customs, there were no identifiable ethics. She is an example of a certain segment that promote the Hellenic religion as the unreligion.

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If your religious practice was revealed “by the Gods” after an unfortunate (or fortunate) blow to the head…

If you decided to use a list of transformational sayings from Hay House as the new Delphic Maxims…

If you believe Kevin Sorbo really is Hercules/Herakles…

If you think contemplation requires more fiber in your diet…

If you believe Hellenic humanism is a life stance that rejects reason and ethics…

If you think Plato is an animated cartoon character made famous in a series of Disney short cartoons…

If you think reading Tarot cards while smoking reefer or high on some other psychoactive drug makes you a Mantis…

If you think the Maxims are “just suggestions” and not protocols for correct social behavior…

If you identify as Hellenic Kin…

If you think your schizophrenia is really a higher state of consciousness and places you in communion with the Gods…

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In his book A General Theory of Magic, pro-magic author Marcel Mauss dedicates a chapter completely to defining what is and is not magic. In his analysis he looks at the definitions used by various groups including academics, folklorists, the religious and others. He uses a scientific approach to systematically pick through ideas such as magic is any rite or remnants of any ancient cult, magic is anything society as a whole considers magical, magic is any ritual act that causes a “supernatural” outcome, and several other definitions argued by various individuals and groups. He also focuses on ritual, divination, sacrifice, vows, healing and so on to determine whether or not these acts are magic, separating the wheat from the chaff.

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First, before this discussion begins it must be noted that Hellenismos, as a religion, makes no statement to the validity of other religions and their practices. It also does not make a statement as to the validity of the beliefs and practices of the various Celebrants who may worship any or all of the Greek Gods in a non-traditional way. Hellenismos is the reconstruction of the traditional polytheistic religion of Greece. Those who practice this religion, and work for its restoration, are only making statements as they relate to Hellenismos. Therefore, those of you reading this who a Wiccan, Neodruid, Neopagan, or some other religion that may incorporate the worship of Greek Gods into your practice, the religious opinions expressed herein have nothing to do with you. If you want to find offense in them, look inside yourself as to why.

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Why has the term Reconstructionist become, to some, a problematic term that causes dissension and unnecessary criticism? I think the identifying of the problem is easy.

The most common definition found for Polytheistic Reconstructionism is a methodology to restore an ancient pre-Christian cultural religion as completely as possible, but within a modern context. That is easy enough to understand, but while many people can regurgitate this simple description, they argue against it from a position other than what it actually is.

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…sacrifice to the deathless gods purely and cleanly, and burn rich meats also, and at other times propitiate them with libations and incense, both when you go to bed and when the holy light has come back, that they may be gracious to you in heart and spirit…” ~ Hesiod, Works and Days

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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.

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