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).

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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.
 
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The accusation of the YSEE being anti-American, racist, or bigoted is one I have heard too many times, and it needs to be addressed. These inflammatory comments have been circulating for years among American “Hellenic Polytheists” and just needs to end. This is little more than an attempt to disenfranchise the leading edge of our movement, and the one organization representing the Hellenic tradition that commands real numbers.

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I’d like to start this blog post by stating that I am by no means an expert on children, or Hellenismos. What I am is a Mother that is a Hellenic Reconstructionist, and starting my child on the Path.

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There is a virus infecting the Polytheistic Reconstructionist world, and that virus’ name is Pseudo-intellectualism. The goal of any reconstruction of a polytheistic religion is to create a modern but authentic practice with, as its foundation, the accurate and genuine representation of cultural and historical examples of ancient religiosity. Reconstructionism makes use of the work being done in the fields of historical literary research, anthropology, religious history, archeology, forensic anthropology, and many other sciences, while pseudo-intellectualism makes use of rhetorical sleight-of-hand and ambiguities of language in order to deceive and support misleading reasoning. The pseudo-intellectual is not concerned with truth, but instead seeks power.

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For some additional commentary, please read my first post on this subject: Repent of Sin: Sin and Salvation in Hellenismos.

Many Hellenic Polytheists fervently wish to draw a distinction between the word ‘sin’ and Hellenic ethics because it is a term generally associated with Christian belief systems. They argue the concept of ‘sin’ is separate from issues of “right or wrong,” and will unfailingly avoid using the word “sinful” to refer to actions that violate Hellenic ethics, preferring terms such as “missing the mark” or “mistake,” which do not carry a Christian connotation. There are also Hellenic Polytheists who insist moral codes derive from societal mores or human laws, rather than Divinity. This line of thinking seems contrary to the Greek. There are human laws and social norms, all over the globe, that are indelibly linked to oppression, brutality, and prejudice.

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Hellenismos.us provides this Hellenic Polytheism Digest to recognize the various conversations on the Internet regarding Hellenismos and Hellenic Polytheism. This Hellenic Polytheism Digest serves as a monthly digest cataloging blogs and forum conversations we found interesting during June 2008. There is no specific statement for or against any post or conversation listed. We simply feel each will be of interest and needs special attention.

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For some additional commentary, please read my first post on this subject: So Many Words: An Inquiry into the Meaning of Words.

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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.

1. Do recons need to know everyone who ruled (for example) Finland, and when?
2. Is a “true” recon always conservative?
3. Can one still be a recon and not hold a traditional view on that path?

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In recent days, there was posted a public letter addressed to me, which I had responded. This post was titled as “A Public Letter to Tim Alexander.” Therefore, I feel it is my privilege to repost that letter here, verbatim, along with my response.

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