Hellenismos in the everyday world |
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And so after a time, when you've read nearly every recommended book there is on Greek religion and even discovering ones which AREN'T on the list (and if so, feel free to email me your findings), you're probably wondering the big question:
Start out simply. Stuck in traffic? Meditate on Hermes and maybe ask the swift god to move the traffic a little more swiftly--minus any accidents along the way, of course. Need to find your soulmate? Pray to Hera for a mate as passionate and devoted as she is to her husband Zeus. The passion of the marriage bed is all in Hera's hands--Aphrodite is a goddess of love and passion, but not necessarily for long-term relationships or one for marriage potential. When in doubt, pray to them both! Also, if you or someone you know is sick, you can pray to Apollo or his son Asclepius for healing. Burn incense every once in a while. Burn a candle. Or just simply meditate on each of the gods and what they mean to you. Morning and evening prayers can be as simple as "Kalimera/Good morning (insert deity name here)" or "Kalinixta/Good night". I can elaborate further on these little ritual practices in the rituals section of this site, but really in the beginning establishing mindfullness about how the gods fit into your every day life is all that is needed. If you're a college student and can't have candles or burn incense, having a simple shrine on a desk with a decorative lamp or a picture of your patron deity or deities will do. For offering prayers and devotions while not at home, there's the option of a travel altar. Recently I made myself one, and got to use it on a trip. Should you be unable to obtain small statues of the gods, get the following items:
The gods appreciate the little things. It doesn't have to be big, elaborate, or expensive. Meditation doesn't have to mean sitting in a cramped lotus position and chanting. It just means simple, quiet reflection from anywhere between a minute and thirty minutes--or even longer or shorter--on any given subject. For those interested in discussing the theology of Hellenismos, particularly in relation to what it means for us in this day and age to be a Hellenist, I recommend VERY highly the Hellenismos_Theology emailing list. Additional links of information: Additional resources elsewhere: |
©2004 by Kyrene Ariadne |