So I'm going to make this a short blog post. Today marks two years since I return to Hellenism and my blog is also two years old. I would like to thank everyone that has come on here and read my blog entries and taken my ups and downs on this blog. I look forward to another two years blogging and practicing. Next year, I'm hoping, me and my family will be in a different place as this year has just been insane.
Thanks for reading and here's to another year.
Thursday, August 18, 2016
Sunday, August 7, 2016
Honoring Zeus during the Summer Olympics
I'm about two days late but I'm going to be spending the whole of the
Olympics burning incense and giving offerings to Zeus. The Olympics were
created to honor Zeus and I wouldn't be a Hellenist if I didn't do
this. The Olympics got started on the 5th and will continue until the
21st of August. Here's some info about the Olympic games. This is from
Wikipedia.
The Ancient Olympic Games were religious and athletic festivals held every four years at the sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. Competition was among representatives of several city-states and kingdoms of Ancient Greece. These Games featured mainly athletic but also combat sports such as wrestling and the pankration, horse and chariot racing events. It has been widely written that during the Games, all conflicts among the participating city-states were postponed until the Games were finished. This cessation of hostilities was known as the Olympic peace or truce.[3] This idea is a modern myth because the Greeks never suspended their wars. The truce did allow those religious pilgrims who were traveling to Olympia to pass through warring territories unmolested because they were protected by Zeus.[4] The origin of the Olympics is shrouded in mystery and legend;[5] one of the most popular myths identifies Heracles and his father Zeus as the progenitors of the Games.[6][7][8] According to legend, it was Heracles who first called the Games "Olympic" and established the custom of holding them every four years.[9] The myth continues that after Heracles completed his twelve labors, he built the Olympic Stadium as an honor to Zeus. Following its completion, he walked in a straight line for 200 steps and called this distance a "stadion" (Greek: στάδιον, Latin: stadium, "stage"), which later became a unit of distance. The most widely accepted inception date for the Ancient Olympics is 776 BC; this is based on inscriptions, found at Olympia, listing the winners of a footrace held every four years starting in 776 BC.[10] The Ancient Games featured running events, a pentathlon (consisting of a jumping event, discus and javelin throws, a foot race, and wrestling), boxing, wrestling, pankration, and equestrian events.[11][12] Tradition has it that Coroebus, a cook from the city of Elis, was the first Olympic champion.[13]
The Olympics were of fundamental religious importance, featuring sporting events alongside ritual sacrifices honoring both Zeus (whose famous statue by Phidias stood in his temple at Olympia) and Pelops, divine hero and mythical king of Olympia. Pelops was famous for his chariot race with King Oenomaus of Pisatis.[14] The winners of the events were admired and immortalized in poems and statues.[15] The Games were held every four years, and this period, known as an Olympiad, was used by Greeks as one of their units of time measurement. The Games were part of a cycle known as the Panhellenic Games, which included the Pythian Games, the Nemean Games, and the Isthmian Games.[16]
The Olympic Games reached their zenith in the 6th and 5th centuries BC, but then gradually declined in importance as the Romans gained power and influence in Greece. While there is no scholarly consensus as to when the Games officially ended, the most commonly held date is 393 AD, when the emperor Theodosius I decreed that all pagan cults and practices be eliminated.[17] Another date commonly cited is 426 AD, when his successor, Theodosius II, ordered the destruction of all Greek temples.
Note: Some historians believe that only the rituals that were part of the games were abolished. However the site had fallen into disrepair and that seem to be the final nail.Here's another blog about this.
https://graecomuse.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/the-fall-of-the-ancient-olympics-the-theodosian-code/
The Ancient Olympic Games were religious and athletic festivals held every four years at the sanctuary of Zeus in Olympia, Greece. Competition was among representatives of several city-states and kingdoms of Ancient Greece. These Games featured mainly athletic but also combat sports such as wrestling and the pankration, horse and chariot racing events. It has been widely written that during the Games, all conflicts among the participating city-states were postponed until the Games were finished. This cessation of hostilities was known as the Olympic peace or truce.[3] This idea is a modern myth because the Greeks never suspended their wars. The truce did allow those religious pilgrims who were traveling to Olympia to pass through warring territories unmolested because they were protected by Zeus.[4] The origin of the Olympics is shrouded in mystery and legend;[5] one of the most popular myths identifies Heracles and his father Zeus as the progenitors of the Games.[6][7][8] According to legend, it was Heracles who first called the Games "Olympic" and established the custom of holding them every four years.[9] The myth continues that after Heracles completed his twelve labors, he built the Olympic Stadium as an honor to Zeus. Following its completion, he walked in a straight line for 200 steps and called this distance a "stadion" (Greek: στάδιον, Latin: stadium, "stage"), which later became a unit of distance. The most widely accepted inception date for the Ancient Olympics is 776 BC; this is based on inscriptions, found at Olympia, listing the winners of a footrace held every four years starting in 776 BC.[10] The Ancient Games featured running events, a pentathlon (consisting of a jumping event, discus and javelin throws, a foot race, and wrestling), boxing, wrestling, pankration, and equestrian events.[11][12] Tradition has it that Coroebus, a cook from the city of Elis, was the first Olympic champion.[13]
The Olympics were of fundamental religious importance, featuring sporting events alongside ritual sacrifices honoring both Zeus (whose famous statue by Phidias stood in his temple at Olympia) and Pelops, divine hero and mythical king of Olympia. Pelops was famous for his chariot race with King Oenomaus of Pisatis.[14] The winners of the events were admired and immortalized in poems and statues.[15] The Games were held every four years, and this period, known as an Olympiad, was used by Greeks as one of their units of time measurement. The Games were part of a cycle known as the Panhellenic Games, which included the Pythian Games, the Nemean Games, and the Isthmian Games.[16]
The Olympic Games reached their zenith in the 6th and 5th centuries BC, but then gradually declined in importance as the Romans gained power and influence in Greece. While there is no scholarly consensus as to when the Games officially ended, the most commonly held date is 393 AD, when the emperor Theodosius I decreed that all pagan cults and practices be eliminated.[17] Another date commonly cited is 426 AD, when his successor, Theodosius II, ordered the destruction of all Greek temples.
Note: Some historians believe that only the rituals that were part of the games were abolished. However the site had fallen into disrepair and that seem to be the final nail.Here's another blog about this.
https://graecomuse.wordpress.com/2012/02/17/the-fall-of-the-ancient-olympics-the-theodosian-code/
Hellenic Altar for August
So I'm posting my Hellenic altar for August. Even though the altar is for Hermes I added Zeus because the Olympics are going on and I wanted to give him a place on my altar to honor him during this period.
Late Post: The Athenian Month of Metageitniōn
Sorry about this being a late post. I've just been so busy with things. The second of this month was the beginning of the Athenian month of Metageitnion. Here is the holy days and festivals for those that might not know.
August 3: Nourmia
August 4: Agathos Daemon
August 5: Honoring Athena
August 6: Honoring Aphrodite, Hermes, Heracles, Eros
August 8: Honoring Artemis
August 9: Honoring Apollon
August 10: Honoring Poseidon and Theseus
August 13: (Daylight) Libations to Hermes
August 17-20: Eleusinia: This is a four day celebration of games held every four years on the second year of the Olympiad.
August 18: Full Moon (Honoring Hecate, Selene, and Artemis) and Sacrifices to Kourotrophos, Hecate, and Artemis
August 21: Sacrifices to the Heroines.
August 22: Sacrifices to Hera Thelkhinia
August 27: Sacrifices to Zeus Epoptes.
September 1: Hena Kai Nea
Have a good month.
August 3: Nourmia
August 4: Agathos Daemon
August 5: Honoring Athena
August 6: Honoring Aphrodite, Hermes, Heracles, Eros
August 8: Honoring Artemis
August 9: Honoring Apollon
August 10: Honoring Poseidon and Theseus
August 13: (Daylight) Libations to Hermes
August 17-20: Eleusinia: This is a four day celebration of games held every four years on the second year of the Olympiad.
August 18: Full Moon (Honoring Hecate, Selene, and Artemis) and Sacrifices to Kourotrophos, Hecate, and Artemis
August 21: Sacrifices to the Heroines.
August 22: Sacrifices to Hera Thelkhinia
August 27: Sacrifices to Zeus Epoptes.
September 1: Hena Kai Nea
Have a good month.
Tuesday, July 5, 2016
The Athenian Month of Hekatombaion Begins
At sundown we entered the Athenian month of Hekatombaion. This is the first Hellenic month of the new year and a new start for everyone. So I'm including all the Hellenic holiday's, once again, so that readers can follow. Have a good month and may the gods bless you.
July 5: Nourmia
July 6: Agathos Daemon
July 7: Honoring Athena
July 8: Honoring Aphrodite, Hermes, Heracles, Eros
July 9: (During the day) Libations to Athena
July 10: Honoring Artemis
July 11: Honoring Apollo
July 12: Honoring Poseidon and Theseus
July 16: Kronia
July 19: Full Moon (Honoring Hecate, Selene, and Artemis)
July 20: Sunoikia
July 27-August 3: Panthenaia
August 1: Athena's Birth
August 2: Hena Kai Nea (New Moon, Honoring Hecate)
Have a good month.
July 5: Nourmia
July 6: Agathos Daemon
July 7: Honoring Athena
July 8: Honoring Aphrodite, Hermes, Heracles, Eros
July 9: (During the day) Libations to Athena
July 10: Honoring Artemis
July 11: Honoring Apollo
July 12: Honoring Poseidon and Theseus
July 16: Kronia
July 19: Full Moon (Honoring Hecate, Selene, and Artemis)
July 20: Sunoikia
July 27-August 3: Panthenaia
August 1: Athena's Birth
August 2: Hena Kai Nea (New Moon, Honoring Hecate)
Have a good month.
Monday, July 4, 2016
Celebrating Freedom as an American Hellenist
So, during the day, I will be doing something that I've done many times. And that's celebrating the date that America won it's independence from Great Britain. Even though, today, many people admire the royal family over two hundred years ago this wasn't the case. Great Britain passed a series of taxes against it's colonies and the colonists weren't having any of it. If your were raised in the States then you know all about the American Revolutionary war, the only revolution that was successful, and you know about the Boston Tea Party.
What amazed me was that I use to live in Mass and I went to Salem Mass. On the side of one of the shops there's a sign that states that this is where the 'Sons of the Revolution planned the Boston Tea Party.' To see that history was just amazing. Down here it's mostly the Civil War and historical monuments. So I'm going to be blessing the fire to Hestia today and cooking my food, happy that I have freedom of religion and that I can worship my gods.
I will also be giving an offering to Athena and thanking her for blessing the colonists with victory as well as Ares. I hope that those Hellenists that live here have a good one and lets also pray for the protection of our Hellenist friends in Greece, who don't have the blessing of freedom of religion that we do.
What amazed me was that I use to live in Mass and I went to Salem Mass. On the side of one of the shops there's a sign that states that this is where the 'Sons of the Revolution planned the Boston Tea Party.' To see that history was just amazing. Down here it's mostly the Civil War and historical monuments. So I'm going to be blessing the fire to Hestia today and cooking my food, happy that I have freedom of religion and that I can worship my gods.
I will also be giving an offering to Athena and thanking her for blessing the colonists with victory as well as Ares. I hope that those Hellenists that live here have a good one and lets also pray for the protection of our Hellenist friends in Greece, who don't have the blessing of freedom of religion that we do.
Hena Kai Nea (New Moon, July 2016)
So when the sun comes down the New Moon begins and we honor the goddess Hecate. I'm going to say that I'm really glad that this month is coming to an end. I'm not saying that it was a bad month just filled with too much horror. With what happened in Orlando to all the other nonsense that happened as well. I look forward to doing my ritual and to honor Hecate. May your New Moon be as good for you as it will be for me.
Let's hope that the new month will be better.
Let's hope that the new month will be better.
Friday, July 1, 2016
Hellenic Altar for July
My altar's location has changed and this is my altar for this month. Enjoy! And, yes, my lighting still sucks.
Tuesday, June 21, 2016
Summer Solstice, Full Moon, and Demeter Arriving
So yesterday was the Summer Solstice. I know that Hellenists in Greece honor the Titan Prometheus on the first day of summer. The documentary 'I Still Worship Zeus' showed that. I think that honoring Prometheus is fitting. As for me I didn't celebrate the Summer Solstice yesterday. I got suckered into adopting a kitten that is a pure monster. Lol! I also didn't observe the Full Moon as said monster made me tired.
Yes, she's a nightmare in itself. Lol! However yesterday my Demeter statue arrived from Greece. I really love how there's detail on this statue. At least I think there's detail.
I hope that you all had a good Summer Solstice, Full Moon, and that the gods continue to bless you through the remaining of this month.
Thursday, June 16, 2016
My Apollo Bust Came In
My Apollo bust came in, which I'm so excited about. This was from Greece, as well, and came in one piece. So I'm going to show you all what it looks like and the postcard that was included.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
GreekReporter.com Article
So I saw this article about two days ago and I'm going to say this; 'what the heck did I just read?' The article was about the Greeks coming back to their roots. What the article ended up being is a piece that claims something when it's not what it claims to be. First of all their called temples, not 'churches.' Churches is a Christian term. Another thing is why would Hellenist smear waste products on icons? I don't really get that.
And, yes, churches were built on sites where the gods had been worshiped. Sometimes those temples were turned into churches. I wish that journalism was getting better but it's only getting worst. And the amount of articles that I've seen, including the one that I mentioned about the Orlando shooting and how anti-LGBT people are somehow cold blooded murderers and all that is another example. Keep things classy, or, at least, accurate, stop posting nonsense, and get your facts straight.
And, yes, churches were built on sites where the gods had been worshiped. Sometimes those temples were turned into churches. I wish that journalism was getting better but it's only getting worst. And the amount of articles that I've seen, including the one that I mentioned about the Orlando shooting and how anti-LGBT people are somehow cold blooded murderers and all that is another example. Keep things classy, or, at least, accurate, stop posting nonsense, and get your facts straight.
Tuesday, June 14, 2016
Offerings
So I checked all the topics that I've covered and this one hasn't been done. So lets talk about offerings to the gods. In the past offerings were based on what kind of god you were honoring, if it was a festival, and where the altar/shrine was located. The most prime example was Zeus at Olympus. His altar was actually the ashes of sacrificed animals and he got a lot of them. Since it's been discovered that Priests of Hecate, or followers of Hecate, didn't eat meat then grains was most likely given or vegetables.
Thankfully we don't have to give animal sacrifice to the gods. Times have changed and we don't feel the need to do it. However what do we give the gods if we can't give animals? Well I give them what I'm having for breakfast and I give any gods that didn't normal get meat offerings grain. Like barley for example.
Note: I got a new thing of Barley and a container to hold it, made of glass. Take that you mouse.
Another thing that I've noticed is that, during the Full Moon, Hecate receives sweets. So I go out and make sure that I buy some candy. I give grape juice to the gods along with water, milk, and different other liquid offerings. But the most important offering that I give is my time. Time to honor the gods and time to spend time with them.
Thankfully we don't have to give animal sacrifice to the gods. Times have changed and we don't feel the need to do it. However what do we give the gods if we can't give animals? Well I give them what I'm having for breakfast and I give any gods that didn't normal get meat offerings grain. Like barley for example.
Note: I got a new thing of Barley and a container to hold it, made of glass. Take that you mouse.
Another thing that I've noticed is that, during the Full Moon, Hecate receives sweets. So I go out and make sure that I buy some candy. I give grape juice to the gods along with water, milk, and different other liquid offerings. But the most important offering that I give is my time. Time to honor the gods and time to spend time with them.
Monday, June 13, 2016
My Hermes Came In
Well time to get back to the Hellenist things and that includes the delivery of my Hermes mini statue. I'll post the video so that you can see. And, yes, my hair doesn't look good.
How One Man can Put Religion in a Bad Light
Yesterday a evil, vile, man walked into a gay nightclub and open fired on those inside, killing 50 and injuring dozens more. The number has most likely gone up as I write this. His retarded father claims that it was due to him seeing two men kissing. I don't believe that for one moment. What I believe is that he was raised to believe something and he followed through with what he believed.
The reason that I've titled this blog 'How One Man can Put Religion in a Bad Light' is because those that follow radical forms of religion can hurt it for those that don't. He was radicalized and he hated those that were different. And, of course, the backlash has now hit the fan. A article came out stating that everyone that doesn't support the LGBT community has blood on their hands. The blood of those that died.
That their murderers and treating them as though they were there, with a gun. All this is going to do is make people hate gays because this writer just had to put the blame on anti-gay supporters and not on the person that actually pulled the trigger. The blame game has got to stop or nothing will be done. Now I will admit that some of the anti-gay supporters make me sick and makes me glad that I'm no longer a Christian. They scream at the top of their lungs while doing all sorts of horrible things and believing that their holy. However the writer ignores the fact that IS and those that support them do target Christians along with gays, bisexuals, transgenders, members of other tribes, and those that can't stand them.
There are mass graves of Christians, and others, that have been discovered. When I told my mother about those out there that support what the shooter did she made it very clear that no one has the right to any form of judgement and that they better be careful. Because there are other lone wolves out there and they will target malls, movie theaters, and many other places. So don't think that what this man did was great. Of course Muslims aren't the only ones that have to put up with this nonsense.
Last year three men, who claimed to be followers of Asatru, tried to shoot up black churches and burn down Jewish houses of worship. Heathens had to put up with another wave of people thinking that just because you wear Thor's hammer that you want to kill black people. We have to fight against evil in all forms and we can't just blame people because they don't support another group of people. In-fact there are people out there that have put aside their personal belief to help those that are affected. And I think that is the greatest thing ever.
When you see lines of people wanting to donate blood and that includes Christians and Muslims then maybe, just maybe, there's hope in this world.
The reason that I've titled this blog 'How One Man can Put Religion in a Bad Light' is because those that follow radical forms of religion can hurt it for those that don't. He was radicalized and he hated those that were different. And, of course, the backlash has now hit the fan. A article came out stating that everyone that doesn't support the LGBT community has blood on their hands. The blood of those that died.
That their murderers and treating them as though they were there, with a gun. All this is going to do is make people hate gays because this writer just had to put the blame on anti-gay supporters and not on the person that actually pulled the trigger. The blame game has got to stop or nothing will be done. Now I will admit that some of the anti-gay supporters make me sick and makes me glad that I'm no longer a Christian. They scream at the top of their lungs while doing all sorts of horrible things and believing that their holy. However the writer ignores the fact that IS and those that support them do target Christians along with gays, bisexuals, transgenders, members of other tribes, and those that can't stand them.
There are mass graves of Christians, and others, that have been discovered. When I told my mother about those out there that support what the shooter did she made it very clear that no one has the right to any form of judgement and that they better be careful. Because there are other lone wolves out there and they will target malls, movie theaters, and many other places. So don't think that what this man did was great. Of course Muslims aren't the only ones that have to put up with this nonsense.
Last year three men, who claimed to be followers of Asatru, tried to shoot up black churches and burn down Jewish houses of worship. Heathens had to put up with another wave of people thinking that just because you wear Thor's hammer that you want to kill black people. We have to fight against evil in all forms and we can't just blame people because they don't support another group of people. In-fact there are people out there that have put aside their personal belief to help those that are affected. And I think that is the greatest thing ever.
When you see lines of people wanting to donate blood and that includes Christians and Muslims then maybe, just maybe, there's hope in this world.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
Sacrifices to Kourotrophus, Athena Polias, Aglaurus, Zeus Polieus, Poseidon
So I checked all the posts that I made in the nearly three years that I've had this blog and I noticed that I didn't do a blog post for these festivals. So tonight we will be honoring the Kourotrophus, which I've covered before. It's Hecate and the other two goddess that you see in the triple headed statues that are usually on Wiccan altars. We also honor Poseidon, Aglaurus, who jumped off a cliff, this is the daughter of the mother that had the same name, for not heading the warning of the goddess Athena. Athena Polias, who's temple is known as the Erechtheion. and Zeus Polieus, who was the protector of the city.
Of course his temple hasn't been found.
So we honor them, along with our general offering to Athena, and we pour libation, burn incense, and give offerings. I hope that you all have a good one and may the gods bless you.
Of course his temple hasn't been found.
So we honor them, along with our general offering to Athena, and we pour libation, burn incense, and give offerings. I hope that you all have a good one and may the gods bless you.
Sunday, June 5, 2016
The Athenian month of Skirophorion Begins (2016)
Tonight, at sundown, starts the last month of the Athenian year, Skirophorion. This has been a very interesting year and I'm glad that it's ending. So here are the holidays and festivals.
June 5: Nourmia
June 6: Agathos Daemon
June 7: Honoring Athena and Sacrifices to Kourotrophus, Athena Polias, Aglaurus, Zeus Polieus, and Poseidon.
June 8: Honoring Eros, Heracles, Hermes, Aphrodite
June 10: Honoring Artemis
June 11: Honoring Apollo/Libations to Zeus.
June 12: Honoring Poseidon and Theseus
June 16: Skira
June 18: Bouphonia
June 20: Full Moon (Honoring Hecate, Selene, and Artemis)
July 4: New Moon: Hena Kai Nea (Honoring Hecate)
Have a good month.
June 5: Nourmia
June 6: Agathos Daemon
June 7: Honoring Athena and Sacrifices to Kourotrophus, Athena Polias, Aglaurus, Zeus Polieus, and Poseidon.
June 8: Honoring Eros, Heracles, Hermes, Aphrodite
June 10: Honoring Artemis
June 11: Honoring Apollo/Libations to Zeus.
June 12: Honoring Poseidon and Theseus
June 16: Skira
June 18: Bouphonia
June 20: Full Moon (Honoring Hecate, Selene, and Artemis)
July 4: New Moon: Hena Kai Nea (Honoring Hecate)
Have a good month.
Saturday, June 4, 2016
Hena Kai Nea (June 2016)
Once again the New Moon is upon us and it's time to honor Hecate and clean our homes up. Since I'm still recovering from shopping I will be making my ritual a short one. And this blog as well. I hope that you all will have a good New Moon and may Hecate bless all of you.
Wednesday, June 1, 2016
My Hellenic Altar for June
So I'm getting this out for the month of June. My completed June altar. The only thing that's changing is the Athena mini statue that I have on there. I was doing my ritual to her last night.
Attack of Mice
So this is going to be a short blog post as I have a busy day and don't have much time to really do anything that's not what has to be done today. I use to have barley, use to use it for offerings. Well, guess what? A little thing called a mouse discovered that I had barley and decided to eat through the bag and get into it. I'm going to get a tiny metal box on the third, along with two Greek mini statues, and I'm going to buy a new bag of barley and keep it in there.
And, yes, I've seen the little replica of Steward Little. And guess what, he isn't cute! And the freaky part, he looks right at me with those greedy little eyes and that twitchy little nose, saying, "I'm coming for your barley." I had to throw the whole bag out and I haven't even attempted to buy another bag. He's going to get his someday, I swear he will.
And, yes, I've seen the little replica of Steward Little. And guess what, he isn't cute! And the freaky part, he looks right at me with those greedy little eyes and that twitchy little nose, saying, "I'm coming for your barley." I had to throw the whole bag out and I haven't even attempted to buy another bag. He's going to get his someday, I swear he will.
Tuesday, May 31, 2016
Heat and Hellenic Practices
I'm going to make this a short post as I'm dead tired and I don't really have time. So a couple of years ago I asked about LED candles during the hot months when all you want to do is get next to a AC and not leave. The people on the blog made it clear that LED candles weren't Hellenic and that they weren't allowed in Hellenic practices. Burning candles were the only acceptable thing for the gods. Can you imagine someone burning candles in 90 degree heat with no AC on, sweat dripping from your face.
And sometimes that sweat going right into the food that your offering, which you will most likely eat. My stomach just rolls at that thought. So what have I learned from that one mention of LED candles? The thing is that we don't live in a country where there's such a thing as mild weather. We live in a country, and world, that's going through Climate Change and rising temps. So should you have an LED candle on. Yes, you should.
I've seen photo's of people's altars with LED candles on. They seem very happy with the idea of having these little miracles of modern invention, something that is under the domain of Hephaestus, twinkling merrily away. And while we are reconstructionist, I don't believe that we should do everything 'like the Greeks did.' I believe there is room for change. The heat is something that always leaves me with a heat headache. Or worst, a migraine!
Do I need to put myself in that position of getting one, and later on getting sick, just so that I can do things 'like the Greeks did?' LED candles is a great way to have a candle burning without burning up yourself. On the topic of offerings during the hot months. If you don't want to burn incense, because it just makes your room hotter, then just go outside and pour a liquid libation to the gods. They will understand and I believe have no problem with it.
And sometimes that sweat going right into the food that your offering, which you will most likely eat. My stomach just rolls at that thought. So what have I learned from that one mention of LED candles? The thing is that we don't live in a country where there's such a thing as mild weather. We live in a country, and world, that's going through Climate Change and rising temps. So should you have an LED candle on. Yes, you should.
I've seen photo's of people's altars with LED candles on. They seem very happy with the idea of having these little miracles of modern invention, something that is under the domain of Hephaestus, twinkling merrily away. And while we are reconstructionist, I don't believe that we should do everything 'like the Greeks did.' I believe there is room for change. The heat is something that always leaves me with a heat headache. Or worst, a migraine!
Do I need to put myself in that position of getting one, and later on getting sick, just so that I can do things 'like the Greeks did?' LED candles is a great way to have a candle burning without burning up yourself. On the topic of offerings during the hot months. If you don't want to burn incense, because it just makes your room hotter, then just go outside and pour a liquid libation to the gods. They will understand and I believe have no problem with it.
Monday, May 30, 2016
Happy Memorial Day
So today is Memorial Day, a day that we honor those that have died for our country. This is also the perfect holiday to honor both Athena and Ares, who are both connected to war. I will be doing a Hellenic ritual, during the day, to honor both gods and give an offering to those that have died for our freedoms. I will post a small photo of my Memorial Day ritual set-up later on today. Do have good Memorial Day and may Ares and Athena bless all that wear the uniform.
Sunday, May 29, 2016
Another Greek Book by Rick Riordan
Well once again Rick Riordan is back with another book that has the Greek gods in it. It's going to be part of a five book series that suppose to put a cap on Percy Jackson's world. Apparently you can anger Zeus to the point that you get punished by being made mortal. We know that Zeus punished Apollo for trying to get him removed from his throne. He joined other gods when Hera wanted to kick Zeus off his throne for, I can't remember the reason.
I bought the book in e-book format on Friday and I'm just starting to read it. I do intend to do a book review once I'm done. Here's the photo. It should be a ton of fun.
I bought the book in e-book format on Friday and I'm just starting to read it. I do intend to do a book review once I'm done. Here's the photo. It should be a ton of fun.
Saturday, May 28, 2016
You Don't Have to Offer Wine
One of the things that I noticed, going back to the Hellenic book that I bought last year, was the use of wine to most of the gods. Wine this and wine that! What if your a Hellenist that is under the age of 21 or even someone that is against drinking wine or even touching it? These people do exist and I think that it's only fair that they shouldn't be force to give wine just because a group in Greece says that wine must be given.
Wine was given to most Greek deities. Especially Dionysus! When you read a book from other there, and see that wine is to be offered, it's important to understand that they are telling you what was given to the gods back then. And I will admit that they do follow what was given, minus offerings that can't be obtained. Over here we have people that are recovering from abusing wine, beer, and other 'spirits.' We can't expect them to give wine when they have had problems with it in the past.
I think that water, milk, even grape juice would be a good substitute for wine. I don't believe that the gods are expecting you to give them wine just because it was given way back when. It's what you can give them that's more important. Personally this argument can be said about animal sacrifice. Even though it was done back then doesn't mean that the gods expect you to buy a large bull and sacrifice it to Zeus.
We live in the here and now. And not in the past!
Wine was given to most Greek deities. Especially Dionysus! When you read a book from other there, and see that wine is to be offered, it's important to understand that they are telling you what was given to the gods back then. And I will admit that they do follow what was given, minus offerings that can't be obtained. Over here we have people that are recovering from abusing wine, beer, and other 'spirits.' We can't expect them to give wine when they have had problems with it in the past.
I think that water, milk, even grape juice would be a good substitute for wine. I don't believe that the gods are expecting you to give them wine just because it was given way back when. It's what you can give them that's more important. Personally this argument can be said about animal sacrifice. Even though it was done back then doesn't mean that the gods expect you to buy a large bull and sacrifice it to Zeus.
We live in the here and now. And not in the past!
Friday, May 27, 2016
My Hellenic Altar for May
So I"m going to show you my Hellenic altar for this month. It will change with each month.
Thursday, May 26, 2016
My Artemis and Hephaestus Arrived
I was going to post this two months ago, but things happened that caused that not to happen. I ordered my mini Artemis and Hephaestus from Greece and it took a month for me to get it. So I got it in March. I'm going to include a photo of what they both look like since my camera sucks on taking photo's. And anything else for that matter.
Wednesday, May 25, 2016
Yes, Let's Think About the Children
So this seems to be something that's going around the blog world and so I decided that I would add my own to this discussion. There was an article that was done on Polytheist Pride. I do hope that I have gotten the title of the post correct. I really hate not doing it right. Anyway, the most controversial Heathen, and she is, talked about a woman that is a Hellenist that doesn't have a Polytheistic home and will not be raising her child in the religion.
So without turning this into a thirty-five hundred word blog post I want to talk about a few things that came up on the post. First of all, I agree that she should have shame. If you don't teach your child our ways then what's the point in what your doing? The big problem is that this comes from a neo-pagan misunderstanding of teaching your child your ways and forcing your child to follow your ways. Of course what they view as forced is most likely not even close to forced.
What Jeffs did is forced!
Another thing that they say is that they want their child to have a choice and so they don't raise them in their religion. They want them to have freedom to choose for themselves. I really find this a hard thing to even understand. What if your child wants to pray with you, get to know the gods? Are you really going to deny them that right? Are you going to wait until that child is an adult before you allow them to take part. By that time, they want nothing to do with your religion and are on a different path.
Of course you'll say 'this is what the god/goddess wanted them to do.' Instead of owning up to the fact that it was your fault that they don't follow your religion. You can go off and feel good that you didn't 'force' your religion on them. I hope you enjoy your false, feel good, feeling that you get at that. Though I will tell you that the gods won't be impressed.
I also agree that if we don't teach our children, our ways, that our religion will wither on the vine and die. This is how Christianity won. They denied parents the right to teach their children the ways of the gods, to do ritual, and they were all forced to go to church. This caused a break in tradition and the end of pagan belief. Having your child pray with you, burn incense, and learn about the gods isn't forcing religion on your child. Your continuing how the ancients did things.
Heck Heathens do the same thing and the reason that they do this is that they don't want their child to become a Christian or a atheist. Or worse, a anti-theist that has no respect for his, or her, parents. Another argument that was made was that I don't want my child marginalized. Oh I'm not sorry that you feel that way. Your job is to raise your child to be the best person that they can be. Including, and not limited to, religion.
Having your child raised as a Polytheist makes them stronger. Polytheism doesn't deny science and reasoning. In-fact the ancients created science. It was this science, and learning, that was deemed demonic to the church and outlawed. It was only when the church discovered that 'hay, people need to know things' that learning was allowed. But it was only the rich that could afford to learn and not the poor.
I'm also going to agree that other groups are marginalized in the world. But they still teach their children their religion. So why shouldn't we?
So without turning this into a thirty-five hundred word blog post I want to talk about a few things that came up on the post. First of all, I agree that she should have shame. If you don't teach your child our ways then what's the point in what your doing? The big problem is that this comes from a neo-pagan misunderstanding of teaching your child your ways and forcing your child to follow your ways. Of course what they view as forced is most likely not even close to forced.
What Jeffs did is forced!
Another thing that they say is that they want their child to have a choice and so they don't raise them in their religion. They want them to have freedom to choose for themselves. I really find this a hard thing to even understand. What if your child wants to pray with you, get to know the gods? Are you really going to deny them that right? Are you going to wait until that child is an adult before you allow them to take part. By that time, they want nothing to do with your religion and are on a different path.
Of course you'll say 'this is what the god/goddess wanted them to do.' Instead of owning up to the fact that it was your fault that they don't follow your religion. You can go off and feel good that you didn't 'force' your religion on them. I hope you enjoy your false, feel good, feeling that you get at that. Though I will tell you that the gods won't be impressed.
I also agree that if we don't teach our children, our ways, that our religion will wither on the vine and die. This is how Christianity won. They denied parents the right to teach their children the ways of the gods, to do ritual, and they were all forced to go to church. This caused a break in tradition and the end of pagan belief. Having your child pray with you, burn incense, and learn about the gods isn't forcing religion on your child. Your continuing how the ancients did things.
Heck Heathens do the same thing and the reason that they do this is that they don't want their child to become a Christian or a atheist. Or worse, a anti-theist that has no respect for his, or her, parents. Another argument that was made was that I don't want my child marginalized. Oh I'm not sorry that you feel that way. Your job is to raise your child to be the best person that they can be. Including, and not limited to, religion.
Having your child raised as a Polytheist makes them stronger. Polytheism doesn't deny science and reasoning. In-fact the ancients created science. It was this science, and learning, that was deemed demonic to the church and outlawed. It was only when the church discovered that 'hay, people need to know things' that learning was allowed. But it was only the rich that could afford to learn and not the poor.
I'm also going to agree that other groups are marginalized in the world. But they still teach their children their religion. So why shouldn't we?
Got Around to Getting a Hecate Statue
So two months ago I decided to buy a Hecate statue. I wanted a statue that stood up and didn't require me to put anything behind it. So I found one that had Greek clothes and looked better than the other ones that were out there. Trust me, some of the statues that I've seen are good but one is just beyond horrible. Trust me, you don't want this version of Hecate on your altar.
I still don't understand the need to have some horrible Neo-pagan representation of Hecate on your altar that will make fellow Hellenists wonder what the heck were you thinking. I also bought her (no, not the one that is above) because Hecate is a household goddess and I wanted to have a household goddess on my Hellenic altar. So I chose this one.
I will say that this has to be the best representation of Hecate that I've ever found. I'm glad that I bought this statue and I just love everything about her. From her dress to the hounds.
I still don't understand the need to have some horrible Neo-pagan representation of Hecate on your altar that will make fellow Hellenists wonder what the heck were you thinking. I also bought her (no, not the one that is above) because Hecate is a household goddess and I wanted to have a household goddess on my Hellenic altar. So I chose this one.
I will say that this has to be the best representation of Hecate that I've ever found. I'm glad that I bought this statue and I just love everything about her. From her dress to the hounds.
I'm Back!
I know that it's been several months since I blogged and I'm very sorry. Things just happened and I really didn't have time to do much of anything. Yes, I know, it's a lame excuse but what can you say. I will be trying to blog more on here and hopefully have more interesting articles. I will be coming back onto my Youtube channel and doing more video's. Though I will tell you that they have to be important for me to do video's on.
Thanks for sticking around.
Thanks for sticking around.
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