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how tf u canadian and a trump supporter. just kys at this point

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Painted a new journal for my prayers!

Based on my blogs header image!

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Seeing passive aggressive reblogs on your posts always pisses me off. You deserve better than that

I've seen some posts circulating recently that made me want to comment on this topic.

Tolerance is key when approaching practices that differ from your own. In any religious practice, there will always be those who deviate from the norm. This isn't a bad thing. Deviation also doesn't mean that someone isn't allowed to call themselves a Hellenic Polytheist. You don't need to be a scholar to practice this religion. Not every Christian is extremely studied in the history of Christianity. Not every Buddhist is extremely studied in the history of Buddhism. Not every Hindu is extremely studied in Hinduism. Despite HelPol also being an incredibly old religion, people seem to hold other worshippers to a ridiculously high standard (I've been held to this standard myself).

Yes, practicing ancient traditions feels important, but at least some change is inevitable. It has been THOUSANDS of years. THOUSANDS of years of this religion being practiced have gone by - many of those years have been spent in hiding by worshippers, practicing behind closed doors in fear of being persecuted. Practices HAD the change. They HAD to adapt. Practices are still adapting and changing, otherwise no one would be practicing at all.

Beliefs and customs evolve naturally throughout the years, in every religion and culture and practice. This is a natural thing for humans. We change; time changes us. We evolve; life evolves us. Things won't be the stay even just ten years from now, and it's not realistic to expect them to be.

Back in ancient Greece, there were cults and people who practiced WAY different from the norm. Some of those people even led to a change in beliefs later on. Today, we Revere and respect these people. People who were likely shunned and shamed in their own time. Why can't we uplift and respect each other today? What makes it so different?

You don't have to take on these practices that differ from you own. You don't even have to believe in them. What you should at least do is gain a sense of maturity and learn how to approach others with curiosity and not animosity. We worship the same gods, we form relationships with them, and we all already experience judgement from outside people as well. Hatred, judgement, and gossip do nothing to further this community. All it does is further one's own ego. Practice tolerance, understanding, and curiosity. Be willing to hear other perspectives. Don't immediately assume that just because someone isn't doing things the "ancient way" that their practices and beliefs mean nothing at all. They clearly mean something to that person. You don't speak for the gods when you claim that they have poor relationships with the gods that they worship. You don't speak for the gods when you claim that someone is practicing the wrong way. You don't speak for the gods when you judge someone harmfully in private groups of people. You don't speak for the gods when you make passive aggressive posts aimed at someone else. If you feel called to do all of these things, I encourage you to pause and ask yourself why that is. I encourage you to ask why you hold yourself to such unrealistically high standards.

We can respect ancient traditions, but we cannot replicate them to perfection, and that's ok, actually. It's also ok if someone wants to try something that's never been done before. Clinging so tightly onto the past that if fogs your vision with disgust and hatred for new ways of worship IS a harmful practice. That IS harmful, even if you don't outwardly speak on it. It's harmful to yourself.

Take care, everyone, and please be kind to your fellow worshippers. Worship is an incredibly personal thing, and when you attack someone's practice, you often attack something incredibly dear to them. Something incredibly special. Consider that before you go off on a stranger you don't know.

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dionysus redesign cuz i was bored of my old one

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the helpol community genuinely needs to chill the fuck out.

you don’t need money to worship

you don’t always need to be perfect

you can talk to the gods whenever you want

you can believe what you want to believe

you can worship however you want to worship

stop policing the practice of others. it’s not fun, it doesn’t make you smart, it just makes you mean.

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Not really an ask just something I think you'd like

I stock the wine aisles at my work as an act of devotion to Dionysos

This is actually such a good devotional act, and it's so simple!!

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How many people will unfollow me when I admit I'm training for priesthood? I think at least a few

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ngl every time I see you with a "hot take" it's almost always some normal shit. Acceptable views to have. Literally nothing that extreme at all. But then I also see assholes flock to your blog and I see why they're considered hot takes 😭 I'm so sorry that people are so quick to hate on you despite you being exceedingly normal about things (imo). May Dionysus' blessings keep you as sane as you can be

The Internet really has a way of taking someone with a different opinion and going "no you're WRONG, YOU'RE BAD AND WRONG AND DESERVE TO DIE" and I said something normal like "you can use titles for your gods, but you don't have to, they have bigger shit to worry about, just live and let live"

You'd think I was cruella deville slaughtering puppies for my spotted coat 😭

But truthfully, I just cut off someone who I considered a friend, and I realized just how badly the threat of their judgement was holding me back from being my truest self. Like an animal in a bear trap, I gnawed off my leg and ran, and it was the best choice ever.

May Dionysus extend many blessings to you!

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Why's there so much arrogance in Hellenic polytheists nowadays 💀 guys you do realise arrogance is a stepping stone to hubris right?

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Hello all! I am happy to announce that I am finished with finals, and now have a little bit more free time. While that free time may be dedicated elsewhere, I do plan on dedicating some of it to more posts like this one. I apologize in advance if this post reads as a ramble -- it was inspired by my own thoughts and introspection into my practice and personal perceptions.

Today's topic is the exclusionary culture surrounding Modern Priesthood.

Throughout my training and work under King Zeus, I was introduced to the belief that the Hellenic Priesthood was an exclusive concept. The Gods selected who they wanted to be their servants. It was not something anyone could claim as theirs. And while this was true in ancient times, it was not as strict as it was made out to be.

But before discussing this, what exactly is a Priest of Antiquity?

Defining Priesthood

Hellenic Priesthood can be described as follows:

...there is no priestly caste as a closed group with fixed tradition, education, initiation, and hierarchy, and even in the permanently established cults there is no discipline, but only usage, nomos. The god in principle admits anyone, as long as he respects the nomos, that is, as long as he is willing to fit into the local community;... Burket W. (1991) Greek Religion: Archaic and Classical

Essentially, this excerpt is saying that the Priesthood was not an exclusive practice. Anyone could fulfill the role, "as long as he respects the nomos, that is, as long as he is willing to fit into the local community." In some cults, the Priesthood was a temporary title. One held it for one month, one year, whatever fixed amount of time, and then a new Priest was selected. Sometimes, this was done by drawing lots, elections, or through purchase of the title.

Additionally, during Antiquity, the main role of a Priest, although varied between cult practice and community worship, was simply to lead rituals. If there was no Priest present, they could very easily be replaced or have a stand-in to do their job for them. While the Priest was important, it was a job that could be, and was frequently, handed off.

Oracles are an exception to this. The Oracle at Delphi and the Oracle of Dodona were often lifetime titles one would hold.

Not to mention the fact that one individual could wear multiple hats, so to speak. From the same source quoted from above, "Several priesthoods can, of course, be united in one person." If you were a Priestess of Lady Athena, you would serve her on her holidays and festivals. At the same time, you could serve Lady Artemis on her holidays and festivals due to the individual nature of these festivities and rituals. This debunks the idea that floats around (one that I have personally subscribed to in the past) that you can only be a Priest for one God. You can be a Priest for many, though the title would only be relevant on respective holidays. Priesthood is not a year-round title. It is only relevant on select days, unless, of course, one was a Priest for a cult with requirements (i.e., the Priest must be in the temple x number of days in a month, minimum).

But with this definition in mind, let's move into my main point.

Modern Priesthood

Now, to clarify, when I say "Modern Priesthood," I am not referring to Priests who may live in Greece and practice Hellenic Polytheism, as there is a group of them who do. I am mainly referring to the online practice of Modern Hellenic Priesthood and how people treat not only the title, but the affiliated responsibilities.

When someone comes online and announces themself as a Priest, people are quick to look to them as a symbol of knowledge, a speaker for the people, and someone whom they can go to with absolutely anything. And while it is important to have people like this, it is also important to note that just because someone has a fancy title like Oath Keeper or Priest, it does not mean that they are going to know anything or be entirely infallible. Priests, historically, were just members of the community.

These individuals are regarded as Priests all of the time. They are referred to as a Priest all of the time, even when it is not applicable. There is a difference between informing others of the role and flaunting it all of the time. I mention it where applicable. Perhaps I am discussing Oaths in Ancient Greece, and to contextualize the lens of which I look at them from, I will bring up my status as an Oath Keeper and Priest of King Zeus Horkios. However, I wouldn't bring it up if I were simply discussing Hellenic Polytheism with friends. The role is only really applicable in situations regarding rituals and Temples. And as it stands currently, we do not have temples that require Priests to tend to.

There is also an air of superiority whenever someone steps into the role of a Priest. Does it take a lot of work to get to this point? Yes, absolutely. But carrying a title should not put someone in an automatic position of power. It is a title that should be associated with humility, not waved about like it is a status symbol. Modern Priests in the online age tend to think that, by having a title as a Priest, Oracle, Melissa, whatever the status may be, that they are automatically a symbol of morality and an icon for what the religion should look like. But there are corrupt Priests, individuals who have little regard for the actual duties of the title, people who think that they are immune simply because they have been given the honor of being a servant to a God in such a way.

Modern Priesthood is treated as though it is a hierarchical status symbol when, in Antiquity, it was emphasized that this is not the case. Individuals who were regarded as Priests were just members of the community. Infrequently were they separated from the rest of society due to their status. There are rare, famous cases of this, like the Oracle at Delphi or the Oracle of Dodona. But these are rare cases that could be classified as outliers due to how rigorous the title of Oracle could be.

Exclusionary Culture

With these titles comes the idea that only a certain group of people can become a Priest. I used to maintain this mindset because it is what I was taught. I have taken the time to unlearn this mentality through research and historical texts. There are ways for anyone to reach the title of Priest, whether "formally" through a Mystery School, or "informally" through personal training with the God of choice.

Priesthood has been treated like it is something that can only be achieved by a select group of people who have been specifically plucked out by a God and asked to be their Priest. I was approached by King Zeus to be a Priest of His, but I have quickly learned that this title is only truly applicable when I am doing my "job," which is mostly overseeing others in their paths and being here if they need help, doing rituals when applicable, and celebrating His holidays.

Through my training, I was told that I should be honored because I am going to be a Priest of King Zeus, and only a specific kind of person could do it, not just anyone. This, in retrospect, is simply not true. And I would encourage individuals with this mindset to do some research on the selection process of Priests. It was not as exclusive as we make it out to be. It was not as special as we make it now. Do things change with time? Most certainly. But some things do not need to change. We do not need to make the Priesthood an exclusive club that only few can join. Anyone is capable of stepping into the shoes of a Priest or Oathsworn title. I would highly advise that those seeking it do the necessary research and ask questions, but I would never turn someone away from the path simply because they "don't have it in them."

The exclusivity of Priesthood seems to be a very new-age concept, as well. I don't personally have any theories as to why this may be, not yet, but I have definitely noticed it from individuals in the community who claim that Priesthood is something that has to be strenuous and flaunted. I have seen the rhetoric that Priesthood should be exclusive to "weed out" those who falsely claim the title. I have heard that making it exclusive makes those who are not serious about being a Priest second-guess seeking the title. All of these mentalities are, in my opinion, inaccurate and damaging to adopt. It just creates a divide in the community when Priests are meant to serve the people.

I will also urge those who do not hold a title to deconstruct these beliefs that a title holds such weight. Respect those who bear titles, but do not bow to their feet and bend to their every beck and call. Be critical of their actions; they are not infallible because they have a title. And yes, these words apply to me. A lot of this came from me being critical of myself and my own actions, and feeling the need to write something that all can benefit from. Be respectful, of course, but be skeptical as well. Approach individuals with titles with an air of caution. Some people let the title get to their heads, and they act out of turn and hide behind their title as though it were a shield. Be mindful of what they may say and how they may say it. If anyone tries to act as though they are an authority, I would be wary. I am not an authority. For anything. I may supervise Oaths and give advice, but I am not the final say or the deciding factor. I can act as a witness on Oaths, Vows, and Promises, but I am not the person who makes them sacred or consecrates them. I do not speak your words for you. I advise, I can make suggestions, but everyone reading this has free will. Never forget that.

That being said, I do hope that people may look at title-bearers with a bit of a skeptical eye. And if Priesthood is something you wish to pursue, do the necessary research, and step with caution. Do not be afraid to trip and fall. That is the only way you will learn where to dig your heels in.

Xaire, Altis.

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ya gotta stop caring what people think and start being extremely weird. but never cruel. i think that might save you

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Expressing confusion over his seeming inability to garner much sexual interest, the god Zeus, mightiest of all who dwell on Mount Olympus, confided to reporters Friday that despite having taken the form of a beautiful swan, he was finding it very difficult to seduce women. “I kind of just assumed that when I descended from the clouds with this long, graceful neck and these beautiful feathers, mortal women would start throwing themselves at me, but that didn’t happen at all,” said the thunderbolt-wielding lord of the sky, explaining that while he had fluttered and flapped his plumage in an attractive display, dozens of human females had nonetheless passed him by without a second glance, never once removing their clothes or begging to have sex with him.

Full Story

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Hypnos of the chronically fatigued, unable to walk for long

Hypnos of the chronic pain sufferers, stuck in bed for days

Hypnos of the recovering, having to rest for long periods

Hypnos of the comatose, protecting them in their fragile state

Hypnos of those with endometriosis, unable to get out of bed from the cramping pain

Hypnos of the narcoleptic, unable to control their sleep-wake cycle

Hypnos of the hypersomniacs, unable to stay awake very long

Hypnos of the insomniacs, unable to fall asleep at all

Hypnos of the sleep walkers, keeping them from running into something in their sleep

Hypnos of the sleep paralysis, fighting the visions off when you can’t move

Hypnos of those who faint and black out, making sure they don’t hit the ground too hard

Hypnos of the dizzy and lightheaded, who have to lie down more often

Hypnos of the sick, disabled and chronically tired.

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As someone who spends my whole workday answering repeat questions from kids, I HAVE to laugh when I see people aggressively complaining about beginner helpols asking the same questions. You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum that pays for my health insurance.

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When you are manic, Dionysos is with you

When you are depressed, Dionysos is with you

When you are delusional, Dionysos is with you

When you are euphoric, Dionysos is with you

When you are splitting, Dionysos is with you

When you are in a rage, Dionysos is with you

When you are struggling with your mental health in any way, Dionysos is right there with you. He will never be angry about your mental illness.

**I know all the gods are with you but as the god of madness, Dionysos feels most fitting.**

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Thank God for that block button bro, the helpol community has a way of making me need it

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Do you have any tips of getting closer with Ariadne? I’d consider myself a Devotee of Dionysus, but I want to properly honor Ariadne and Semele/Thyone as well

Honestly I wish I had more tips but I only have a few. Getting close to her is a work in progress for me because it's relatively new to me

Things like weaving, sewing, working with string are good things you can do for/with her. I personally (upg) view her as a goddess of magic because of this weaving aspect. Weaving ones fate.

She's been very vocal to me about standing up for myself, and not taking shit. She knows what being abandoned by those you trust feels like, and she knows what betrayal feels like.

I would say to get closer, be respectful, obviously, be confident, and be yourself. She absolutely adores authenticity (upg)

I hope this is slightly helpful, haha. She's really lovely, and she's very soft and gentle when she needs to be, but let us not forget that the god of wine and madness is her husband, and he wouldn't have chosen her if she wasn't also deeply wild at heart (upg). Be wild. Be unapologetically exactly who you are, and never apologize for it.