Advhelpol - Blog Posts

Hellenism for the experienced

So, you’re experienced, and all informational posts are for beginners? That’s exactly why I’m making this!

You’ve developed Kharis, learned about the mythology etc,,,now what’s next for your practice?

priesthood

Im gonna start off with something which is REALLY for the experienced, but even if youve practiced for years, keep in mind that this doesn’t equal being quite ready yet either. It’s a serious act of devotion which is to be taken seriously. Once you reach priesthood, you take an oath of devotion to that god for the rest of your life. Keep that in mind.

In our modern age, priesthood may look different than it did in Ancient Greece, for at that time, it was more so a political position, those in this line of work were elected and had a temple to care for. In this age, priesthood looks comparatively very different. It’s a calling, a lifestyle, a way to devote yourself to the gods and your community. Your temple may look different too, perhaps it’s in the form of some sort of discord server, or an altar space where perhaps you gather with close friends or just by yourself.

Most can agree we lack our community and temples in this age, which may mean priesthood is unreachable. That’s not so true, it just looks different than what the title once meant. It’s still entirely reachable a goal, if one is committed.

Keep in mind that this isn’t something you can get into on your own. You need a third party to do a reading, and a mentor to teach is preferable, though I understand how for some such an idea may be unobtainable. I see nothing wrong with teaching oneself with the aid of a god, but alas, the community aspect of priesthood is important that, for me personally, wouldn’t feel right to do solely by oneself.

First step: do tons of research, make sure you’re ready, and that you have someone do a reading for you to see if the god you wish to serve even wishes for you to do so. Make sure you can devote time to this career and the god, and that you’re absolutely committed. It’s not something to take lightly at all. Period.

Myths do not denote the nature of the gods

this may seem like a beginner thing, but, unfortunately, it is a much needed reminder even in those who have been practicing for long. It’s a common misconception that gods are equal to their myths, which is simply not the case.

Myths were written by man, sometimes to excuse their own behaviours by using the gods as examples of conduct. Now, whilst myths can be helpful in understanding the divine natures of the gods, it is not meant to be taken literal, but instead with a grain of salt. They too were used to explain things people did not yet understand, the gods being their best teachers.

Now, it’s a common question among those who do not practice, what’s the point if the gods don’t equal their myths? How do you explain their natures? Well, the gods existed before the myths. Think of it as a sort of fanfiction.

Write your own myths!

Yeah, you can do that. If the ancients did it before, why can we not do the very same? Writing is an act of devotion, and often, I do not see this idea mentioned. This can be for beginners too, of course, but the reason I put this here for the more experienced is because those who have experience may understand the gods they work with better, which will result in a better, authentic piece of writing. Let’s start a renaissance, bring the gods forth in myth.

Dedicate a larger space to them

now, this is not a necessity, but merely an idea for someone who has devoted much time and love to the gods for perhaps years. If you don’t have space, that’s quite alright and you shouldn’t feel bad, but if you DO, perhaps an ultimate act of devotion can be dedicating a much larger space to the gods.

For example, I recently decided it was time to give Eros, my patron, a larger altar that wasn’t in a little porcelain bunny jar. He shares it with Aphrodite, but it still felt so good to dedicate a larger space after all these years. It was simply time.

Tattoos

Now, this isn’t to mean that I think everyone should get a tattoo, but if you’re someone who likes them and can afford it, and are an adult whose thought about it heavily, by all means get a tattoo of the gods in devotion.

This is an act of devotion that requires a lot of thought, and is something I admire heavily. Tattoos are works of art, and to have the gods imprinted on you for life is beautiful. But again, keep in mind that this is only for someone who’s committed, and doesn’t mind the idea of tattoos.

Study the practices of the ancients

This is a beginner thing to say, that much is true, but it’s just as important for an experienced helpol to learn as much as a beginner. To take it a step further, dedicate your life to the study by making it your career.

The pillars of Hellenic polytheism, and the Delphic maxims

Now, this is something a beginner should study, but unfortunately, even those who have experienced lack knowledge on this subject. Perhaps we have pagantok to thank for that, I’m not sure, but often people delve into this religion and start worshipping right away without doing research beforehand, and at times, people can go years into their practice without even knowing about this.

This religion is more than acts of devotion and worship. It’s a LIFESTYLE. The pillars were not like the Ten Commandments that people studied in ancient times, but were instead daily practices that people learned much in the way we know to say “bless you” when someone sneezes.

Practice Xenia, which is hospitality, or Sophia, the pillar which strives for knowledge. Study them, understand them, and put them into practice each and every day.

I feel stuck, like I’ve done everything….

congratulations. You’re truly an experienced helpol. At this point, someone like me on the internet can only tell you so much. Go explore the world, see the gods in every cloud or every season or every smile. Go find out for yourself what more you can do, it’s all part of the journey.

You shouldn’t have to rely on the internet to figure things out, it’s true that it can be helpful, but at times, be aware that it can be a hindrance to your practice. Im glad to be of service, but I should not be relied on at the end of the day.

If you feel stuck, like you’ve done and heard everything, that’s okay. Part of being experienced is doing it all over again, learning and striving to do better.

Extra advice

NEVER STOP LEARNING. Theres no point in this religion where you’ve completed it like a quest. Always strive for knowledge, repeat things, and remember WHY you started practicing in the first place. There’s no end goal, aside from doing your best every day, not just for the gods, but for yourself.

THE JOURNEY NEVER ENDS. Our religion isn’t something that’s meant to be “completed” and there’s no competition to learn everything as fast as you can. Take it slow, and cherish everything no matter how many times you’ve experienced it.

YEARS OF EXPERIENCE DOES NOT EQUAL BEING AN EXPERT. Im bruising some egos with this one, even part of my own, but it’s the absolute truth. Experience doesn’t suddenly mean you’re an expert, as much as we would like to think. In many ways, like me, you might still feel like you’re a beginner even after all this time. That’s okay. Even with that being said, don’t be shy to share your experiences and any advice you may have. The best way to learn is to share with others, just don’t pretend you have a PhD in the subject (unless, of course, you really do have one).