Post by Mari Opal on Mar 24, 2015 18:42:17 GMT -6
Ask a Hellenic polytheist how to become one, and the answer will probably involve "do lots of research!" And it should -- we have a wealth of information regarding Ancient Greece and its religion compared to many other ancient cultures, and it's important to know as much of that information as possible to build a foundation for your own practice of the religion.
But sometimes we want more of a how-to guide, a practical answer to "What do I do first?" I'm hoping this thread can hold suggestions of where to begin, as a resource to those who come looking. And speaking of resources, check out BayOread's resources on tumblr!
Hellenic polytheism's core moral/ethic might be described as "piety", that is, the proper respect for the gods. This respect is not just a mindset or a feeling; it is the sum of your actions: having respect for the gods means acting in a respectful manner toward them and giving them their due. Another core tenet is the idea of "kharis", the grace we establish with the gods via offerings, prayers, and sacrifices/gifts.
So, how do you get started in Hellenic polytheism? Here's my suggestions -- others' might differ:
1. Khernips! Khernips is lustral water, water made sacred and used for cleansing. To make khernips, put water (tap is fine, or filtered or spring or what-have-you) in a vessel (probably a bowl or something similar - you're going to wash your hands in it) and drop a lit match into it. You can say "Xerniptosai!" (zer-nip-TO-sah-ee, iirc) or "Be cleansed!" (its English translation). You can also use a burning bay leaf or other purifying item, and you can add salt. The point is that you are cleansing this water so that it can cleanse you. Wash your hands and face with it. This is the first step to an offering or other engagement with the gods.
2. At an altar or shrine if you have one, or on your porch or in your backyard or at your kitchen counter or wherever else appropriate for you, offer a libation. Choose a god (Hestia or Zeus/Hera are good starting out ideas, as is "To all the Theoi!") and tell that god you are offering this beverage in thanks and welcome. Maybe introduce yourself and state your intention of pursuing the worship of this god/these gods. After an amount of time that feels right to you, dispose of the beverage by pouring it outside (or, if you must, down the drain). Congrats, that's your first offering!
The steps past this kinda depend on your research -- how recon do you want to be, do you want to celebrate holidays, which ones, which gods do you plan to actively worship, and plenty other questions besides. Basically, Hellenic polytheism is about how we relate to the gods -- so if you want to start being a Hellenic polytheist, you should start relating to the gods, and we do that via offerings and prayers, no matter how simple ^^
Everybody else, feel free to add your own suggestions or perspectives! This is just mine~
But sometimes we want more of a how-to guide, a practical answer to "What do I do first?" I'm hoping this thread can hold suggestions of where to begin, as a resource to those who come looking. And speaking of resources, check out BayOread's resources on tumblr!
Hellenic polytheism's core moral/ethic might be described as "piety", that is, the proper respect for the gods. This respect is not just a mindset or a feeling; it is the sum of your actions: having respect for the gods means acting in a respectful manner toward them and giving them their due. Another core tenet is the idea of "kharis", the grace we establish with the gods via offerings, prayers, and sacrifices/gifts.
So, how do you get started in Hellenic polytheism? Here's my suggestions -- others' might differ:
1. Khernips! Khernips is lustral water, water made sacred and used for cleansing. To make khernips, put water (tap is fine, or filtered or spring or what-have-you) in a vessel (probably a bowl or something similar - you're going to wash your hands in it) and drop a lit match into it. You can say "Xerniptosai!" (zer-nip-TO-sah-ee, iirc) or "Be cleansed!" (its English translation). You can also use a burning bay leaf or other purifying item, and you can add salt. The point is that you are cleansing this water so that it can cleanse you. Wash your hands and face with it. This is the first step to an offering or other engagement with the gods.
2. At an altar or shrine if you have one, or on your porch or in your backyard or at your kitchen counter or wherever else appropriate for you, offer a libation. Choose a god (Hestia or Zeus/Hera are good starting out ideas, as is "To all the Theoi!") and tell that god you are offering this beverage in thanks and welcome. Maybe introduce yourself and state your intention of pursuing the worship of this god/these gods. After an amount of time that feels right to you, dispose of the beverage by pouring it outside (or, if you must, down the drain). Congrats, that's your first offering!
The steps past this kinda depend on your research -- how recon do you want to be, do you want to celebrate holidays, which ones, which gods do you plan to actively worship, and plenty other questions besides. Basically, Hellenic polytheism is about how we relate to the gods -- so if you want to start being a Hellenic polytheist, you should start relating to the gods, and we do that via offerings and prayers, no matter how simple ^^
Everybody else, feel free to add your own suggestions or perspectives! This is just mine~