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.

Read the rest of this entry »

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.

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 »

Read the rest of this entry »

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).

Read the rest of this entry »

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 »

When speaking about Hellenismos, it is said that Hellenismos has no absolute or strict doctrine. While our religion is identified by a basic theology and the use of and adherence to specific traditions, sacred texts, and mythology, personal theologies are acceptable. Hellenismos though, at the end of the day, is more a religion of abstract ideas and values, developed through both personal and communal experiences (emphasizing the qualitative value of the practical, emotional, insightful, and ethical), rather than a formal doctrine, dogma, or canon.

Read the rest of this entry »

After reading Mr. Alexander’s first book, Hellenismos Today, and being very impressed, I was very happy to see a second book out so soon. I eagerly snatched it up, as this book was marketed as an intro to actual worship.

Read the rest of this entry »