Advice for the baby Hellenic Polytheists

delphicsacrifice:

I’ve got just about a year under my belt now, so I’m very much still a baby myself. But here’s a few things I wish I’d known, or think might be helpful.

• Just make khernips with a match. No really. It’s the extinguishing of a flame in the water that makes it lustral. Don’t worry about the rest unless you really want to and have the time.
• You don’t have to introduce yourself to any gods. They all want to be worshiped; just get to it.
• We’re not as intimidating as you think we are. We just…read a lot. You can read a lot too. You’re welcome here. We’ll even help.
• Books are expensive. Theoi.com’s library is free.
• Statuary is nice. It is also wicked pricey. Here’s what you need on an altar: A bowl for offerings, a vessel for khernips (can be near the altar rather than on it)
• Wine, olive oil, honey, water are pretty universal libations. You’re welcome.
• Dispose of offerings however works for you. Just do it with respect, and you’re fine. Oh but don’t consume offerings to cthonic (underground) deities, alright? That’s bad times.
• The gods demand Arete. That is your personal best, not the best of the person next to you, or your mother, or somebody you idolize on tumblr. Do your best.
• This is a religion of Kharis. When you ask the gods for something, give them something. Then, do not forget the thank you. Offer again if you are granted what you asked for.
• Our tumblr community is pretty great, but we also are sometimes wrong. Find sources, and for gods’ sake do not try to replace your studies with Tumblr. Read for yourself, learn for yourself, build your religion such that it best honors the gods and works for you.
• If you’re like me, you’re constantly moaning “How do you pronounce THAT?”. I know, friend, I know. Try a couple of these lessons on the ancient Greek alphabet. It is NOT fool proof. It is an incredibly complex language, and pronouncing it ain’t easy. But boy it will help with those particularly tricky epithets.
• Oaths are serious business. Gods are easy to fall in love with. Be careful. Be patient. 
• Real life pagans are way, way nicer than the ones on the internet. Go find them.
• There are exceptions to most rules. Most of those exceptions are Dionysos.
• “I don’t know what to say” “I don’t know how to write a hymn” We basically have a hymnal. 
• No, ___ will not get jealous if you also worship ____. It’s a fear of us recovering monotheists, but I promise it does not apply to this religion. It’s kind of what POLYtheist means, and plus, most of our gods are related. Show the whole family some love.
• “What is [god name] like?” They’re pretty fucking cool. Go find out for yourself, and bring gifts.
• The gods know we are mortals, and that mortals make mistakes. Apologize. Bring gifts.