real_magick1970's Xanga

Elaphebolion: March 8/9 - April 5/6 2008

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:04:38 GMT

(List of events to the upcoming festival month of Elaphebolion)

So Many Words: An Inquiry into the Meaning of Words

Mon, 18 Feb 2008 15:51:06 GMT

Communication is a very important skill. Unfortunately, communication is at the root of many issues within the Hellenic religious community, when we attempt to discuss our religion with those from the greater Pagan community, and even when the greater Pagan community has discussions with itself. Words have meaning, and knowing the meaning of words is important to being able to discuss issues in a civilized manner, and being able to make your point. Of course, this is not a universal problem, but it is a big enough problem that it should be discussed. Therefore, I want to run down a few commonly used terms and phrases, used by Hellenics and Pagans alike, as examples of where communication starts to break down.

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Beyond Opinion: Orthopraxy and Personal Theologies

Fri, 08 Feb 2008 11:18:51 GMT

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.

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Trust, but Verify: Schemes, Swindles, & Other Scams

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 11:16:22 GMT

“Trust, but verify” was the United States’ mantra during the 1980s concerning the old Soviet Union and arms control. The principle is simple. Trust people are going to do what they say, but do not be so gullible to not verify that they are keeping their promise. This post issues a warning to those involved with so-called religious organizations to apply this standard. Any organization that asks you to donate money, time, or talent must be held accountable. We must trust, but we must also have the peace of mind that our money, time, and talents are being put to good use, and for the benefit of the organization.

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The Sacrifice: Ideology & Practice

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 10:54:32 GMT

The performing of ritual sacrifice seems to be the most worrisome religious act for many who are new to Hellenismos. There is some fear involved in burning items as offerings to the Gods. Some misconceptions exist that the process is complicated or difficult. Among others, there is even an idea that the act of sacrifice is an out dated, antiquated method of worship that has no place in modern society or religions. In this post, I want to address the different forms of sacrifice, the different types, a proper method for performing them, and (in the process) dispel a few myths on the subject. While there is some crossover with the acts of libation and votive offerings, I am going to leave them as a separate issue, and discuss those at another time.

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Defining Movements: Moral Judgements and Religious Obligations

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 11:34:00 GMT

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.

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Hellenismos.us: A Month in Review

Fri, 25 Jan 2008 14:12:05 GMT

It has been one month since Hellenismos.us went online, and what a month it has been. Hellenismos.us exists because we feel that there is an urgent need for networking, communication, and unity within our religious community. If this first month is any indication of our future success, then this website will have no problem accomplishing its mission. I want to thank all those who have taken time to visit, to join, to participate in our forum, and those who created blogs. We plan to share with you the incredible statistics from our first month, and share with you the positive direction we are going.

Read more on Hellenismos.us »

Awaiting Kharis II

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 01:14:39 GMT

I am sure we are all aware that Sarah Kate Istra Winter is planning to publish a second, revised, and expanded edition of her Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored book in early 2008. While the original was only published a few short years ago, it was the only work on modern Hellenic Polytheism in print for a very long time, and probably warrants this second edition. It will be interesting to compare and contrast these two versions, and I encourage anyone who has yet to get it, to purchase the original while it is still available. It can be found through cafepress.com.

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Portrait of a Hellenic Reconstructionist

Mon, 14 Jan 2008 11:56:24 GMT

I had a very good friend of mine tell me that I needed to share more about myself with people. I have pretty much abstained from providing a lot of personal information for a number of reasons. First, I tend to be a very private person. Second, I would rather things that I write about be judged on the quality and truthfulness of what is written, rather than a perception of who I may be. All that being said, I guess there is nothing wrong with providing some information and background so that people will be better able to relate to me.

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The Conservative Hellenist & the US Elections

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 13:12:20 GMT

Up until November (and maybe after depending on Florida) we are going to be bombarded with politics. This is a Presidential election year, and each of the candidates will be jockeying for your vote. They are going to tell you why they are better than the other person, how their plan will set America back on track, and how the opposing political party represents the end of civilization as we know it. Do I sound a little cynical? Good, I am.

There is one great problem facing America that no one will address. Some may dance around it, some may offers solutions that turn out to be nothing more than band-aids but, in the end, no politician has the courage and fortitude to address it. This may seem like I am going a bit off topic. My blogs are mostly associated with Hellenismos. Well, this one is too. The topic I want to discuss today I closely associate with Hellenic ethics and virtue. At the end of it though, quoting texts will only close ears. I would rather the truth of my words stand on their own.

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