Ways for helpols to incorporate worship in daily life + answering common questions

Instructions

REMEMBER THIS: Effort and intention is what matters, the gods won't be angry as long as you try your best --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Ways to worship any god: - Saying good morning/afternoon/evening to them - Tell them what you're looking forward to - Do self care for them (this can include basic hygiene like brushing teeth!!) - Make art relating to them - Learn more about them and/or their domains - Tell them about your day - Pray - Veil --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What is veiling?" veiling is wearing anything to cover the hair or perfume to show devotion, connection, or protection. When veiling, you must set intention of why, like stating "I'm wearing this for ___"!! Veiling is NOT required in any way shape or form, and if you ever decide to veil it can be only sometimes, such as only veiling during prayer. ------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What is the differences between worshippers, devotees, and priests/priestesses in Hellenic Polytheism?" There are differences between devotees, worshippers, and priests/priestesses, so to clear up confusion I will add their meanings in Hellenic polytheism here!! Worshipper = any age, worships any god Devotee = any age, worships any god, worships a specific god for 8-12 months or longer Priest/Priestess = 18+, takes care of a public place of worship --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What is the difference between Reconstructionist Hellenic Polytheism and Revivalist Hellenic Polytheism? Reconstructionist = Aims to reconstruct the religion as accurately as possible to the ancient worship, this often is more research and academic based Revivalist = Sees the religion as a changing belief and aims to modernize and revive it, making it more accessible Note that majority of helpols are somewhere in the middle, and/or simply do not label their side of it!! I also recommend trying not to go to far onto 1 side as you risk appropriating culture and being to strict with yourself as well as with others!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What are prayer beads?" Prayer beads are beads often made of natural materials that may help concentration when praying!! It can also provide a sense of comfort to someone using them :3 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What is the proper term for Hellenic Polytheism?" Well, the common terms for the religion are Hellenistic, Hellenism/Hellenist, Hellene, and Hellenic Polytheism, while these can apply in some contexts, by definition majority of these do not apply! Hellenistic = period of time between 323 BC & 32 BCE Hellenism/Hellenist = Greek or student of Greek culture (not polytheism!!) Hellene = Greek person Hellenic Polytheism = religion involving and honoring the Greek pantheon!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What are some key terms?" Pillars (these are guidelines, not rules!! always try your best, nbd will get mad!!): Xenia = hospitality, help those in need Sophrosyne = everything in moderation must not be inflicted with Hubris Kharis = give so the gods may give Sophie = never stop learning Hagneia = be clean during worship Eusebia = respect and honor the gods Ethike Arete = live an ethical life Arete = live up to your full potential, do not compare yourself to others More key terms: Theoi = our gods Kharis = the bond you build and strengthen with the gods (this is a 2nd definition, the one in pillars still applies) Altar = where you pray and leave offerings (NOT MANDATORY!!) Lyma = spiritual dirt you accumulate throughout the day, most clean themselves before worship, but some discard it due to lack of access, OCD, etc Miasma = basically the same as Lyma, but more serious as it accumulates via death, illness, childbirth, contact with blood, etc Hubris = thinking you are above the gods --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "What can be an offering?" ANYTHING can be an offering as long as it follows the guidelines, this means unethically sourced remains and bodily fluids are NOT ok!! Okay: - water - dancing - drawing - reading - studying - showering - eating Not Okay: - bodily fluids - unethically sourced fur - unethically sourced meat - human remains --------------------------------------------------------------------------- "But aren't the gods horrible in their myths? Why worship them?" Majority of Hellenic Polytheists believe that most, if not all, of the myths are fictional. I personally believe they all are fictional, but some may be rooted in truth!! --------------------------------------------------------------------------- CONTINUING BELOW I RAN OUT OF SPACE :C