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…

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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?

Read the rest of this entry »

I would like to share a summary of a conversation I recently had with a friend, and fellow Hellenist. He is finding himself out of favor within certain circles of Hellenics, Religio Romana, and “progressive” Kemetics. These circles would prefer practicing an open-ended, complex mixture of beliefs, rather than a reconstruction of the culturally specific religions they claim to adhere.

Read the rest of this entry »