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Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship

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Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship www.Hellenion.org The Immortals 7320 Reseda Blvd. #372111 Reseda, CA 91337 Hellenic Polytheists honor the Olympic deities. The Olympians (frequently referred to as the Immortals or the Deathless Ones) are six gods and six goddesses. Usually they are: • Aphrodite • Hephaistos • Apollo • Hera Hellenic • Ares • Hermes • Artemis • Hestia • Athena • Poseidon Polytheism • Demeter • Zeus . At least once a year, we try to honor each of the Olympians. “First, whenever you come to your house, offer good Often as individuals or on groups sacrifices to the eternal gods.” (demos), we give special attention to one or two “patron” deities and to the deity that protects our communities. Hesiod Other deities are also venerated, such as the Chthonic (under/beneath the Bibliography Earth) deities; we may honor them in Burkert, Walter. Greek Religion. Trans. John times of need. (Example: Hecate when Raffan. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press we are being initiated or to guide a (1985) Apollodoros’ Bibliotheka 3.5.3, and and loved one’s spirit at their death.) For Pausanias’ Hellados Periegesis 2.31.2 very personal needs and protections, Harrison, Jane Ellen. Prolegomena to the study of we sometimes honor the spirits of our Greek Religion. Princeton, NJ: Princeton ancestors, folk heroes, and lesser University Press (1991) deities (daemons). For advice or Nilsson, Martin. Greek Folk Religion. Philadelphia, knowledge, we sometimes pray to PA: Columbia University Press (1940) minor deities such as the Muses. Panopoulos, Christos Pandion, Panagiotis Panagiotropoulos, Erymanthos Armyros, and Lesley Madytinou. Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship. Trans. Rathamanthys Madytinos. Athens, Greece: Labrys (2014) Daily Life more salted water. Begin • Chalkeiais a celebration of Athena, The most basic guiding principles of libations with a libation to Hestia. Hephaestus, arts and handicrafts. Hellenic Polytheism are “Nothing to Excess” The libation includes pouring a little on • Dionysia is a celebration of Dionysus and and “Know Yourself.” The first means finding the the ground or into a receiving vessel and the the performing arts. moderate path between behavioral extremes. remainder may then be shared with the • Thargelia festival of Artemis & Apollo; The later means studying philosophy and ethics, community (wine is the usual liquid libated purification of the evils of last year and learning from our mistakes, developing a and it may be mixed with water). Libations to planning for the next year. realistic understanding of our abilities and one or more honored Olympians follow, along weaknesses, and recognizing that we are mortals with hymns and offerings, followed by a For more information and the official and not gods. We are committed to ethical libation to the Olympians as a group. Hellenion Calendar go to: behavior in our interactions with our http://www.hellenion.org/calendar/ communities. After this, include activities such as athletics, theatre, singing or musical performances. Clergy and Ritual Roles Ritual Worship When all is complete, follow with a final Just as in Hellenic times, we believe that any Daily practice is through home rituals. Our libation to Hestia and a closing benediction. person can offer sacrifices and prayers to the household altars are the place where we honor Then the feast may begin. Set aside a portion Immortals and can lead religious rituals. the Immortals. Most worship of the gods is of all foods and offerings for the gods (for However, any worship group (Demos) may choose a conducted at home. The home is considered the meat sacrifices, this is traditionally the bones, designated ritual leader. The members of the fortress of the household and travel outside of it skin and fat, if available) and either burn this Demos meet regularly to worship and study can be dangerous. The household gods receive portion or, if the location does not allow for religious subjects. Many Demoi (plural of Demos) special honors on the first two days of each lunar burning, deposit it outside where it will not be and Proto-Demoi have already been recreated month, Noumenia and Agathos Daimon. disturbed. If this, too, is not available, dispose and more are forming all the time. of it in any way with respect. Festivals and Hellenion’s monthly libations are Some members of the Demos may responsible for public rituals in the home or a public location. Calendar and Festivals storing and taking care of the religious items of the They include meals and libations (spondes, drink The Hellenic festival calendar is a lunar Demos and may also be the leaders of Demos. offerings) that are shared among the ritual calendar, usually with at least one festival The decision about who will take on these roles participants and the Immortals. Prior to any each lunar month. In ancient times, different is made within the Demos. ritual we perform a ritual cleansing (katharmos), cities had their own schedule of festivals that which may be as simple as washing hands in they observed. Hellenion officially follows the saltwater. A Theoros is the clergy person recognized by Attic calendar, as it is the one we know the Hellenion to represent the national organization in most about. However, as in ancient times, religious and legal matters. These people have Ritual Structure each Demos may create their own festival studied extensively and been examined by Rituals follow a basic structure: purification, calendar. Some common Attic festivals are: Hellenion. They have proven their knowledge of offerings, libations, and hymns. When conducted • Panathenaia is a celebration of Athena’s the rituals and religion of Hellenic Polytheism, but outside, rituals begin with a procession (pompē) birthday and a celebration of the are based in their local Demos. from a gathering place to the location where community. the ritual is to be performed. At home, rituals • Eleusinion is a celebration of Demeter, For our rituals and festivals, the congregation begin at the altar. goddess of agriculture, and Asclepius, takes an active role, such as serving as libation god of health. bearers, carriers of sacred water, co-officiants, At the entrance to the ritual area, or prior to • Apaturia is a celebration of family treasurer, torch bearers and sacred heralds, fire the home ritual, wash hands in salt water to and clan (both natural and marshals or other roles that are needed. purify. Asperge (sprinkle) the circle with adopted). .
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