tropicaldruid

[tropicaldruid]

Delphic Maxim #19

“Do Not Use An Oath”

Seems like a perfect reflection for New Year’s Day, usually associated with resolutions that most of us fail at or at best, forget.

Goodness knows I’m as guilty as most when it comes to such over-optimism and ambition at times, have been even on this blog probably lol. And the inconsistency with which I am actually able to live up to that is exactly why I don’t bind such ambitions with oaths, and why the ancients decided to put it in stone to say “Hey don’t!” It could be seen as hubris from the outset to even make an Oath, and it’s certainly going to piss off someone if it’s broken. Just just skip all of that maybe? Yeah.

[tropicaldruid]

Delphic Maxim #18

“Honor Providence”

This is one I’ve always practiced innately I think. Although I will definitely acknowledge that my definition of providence has broadened and expanded over the years and especially since starting along this path.

[tropicaldruid]

my ancient greek history professor is making us post memes weekly. i swear to god

[tropicaldruid]

[tropicaldruid]

now at an age where i just wanna MAKE shit. bread. candles. baskets. birdhouses. the world isn't my oyster, it's my deluxe lego set.

[tropicaldruid]

This past week was a bummer. Broke my main lyre while playing it on Monday. And got into a minor car accident on . Everyone’s fine but the Honda, poor thing looks like it’s face was punched in

So we are working on repairs and waiting on parts and just doing what we can lately.

Today I worked on replacing my broken lyre, hopefully I can get this sanded and strung after we install the new fans and radiator tomorrow.

[tropicaldruid]

Simple Devotional Acts For The Olympians

Zeus

Listen to or go out in the rain

Share the things you're most proud of with Him

Pick out three things you're proud of yourself for doing that day

Take time to appreciate any fatherly or generally strong male figures in your life

Stop, and look at the sky every once in awhile, if only to appreciate its beauty

Hera

Treat yourself like the queen/king/royalty that you are

Practice self-compassion

Take time to appreciate any motherly or generally strong female figures in your life

Point out your top three favorite things about yourself

Find three positive things about your own self-worth

Demeter

Pick out three things that you love about nature

Take a nature walk or hike, if possible, or post pictures of nature

Make yourself or a loved one an organic meal or just a meal that has more "natural" ingredients, such as fruits and veggies

Connect with the Earth for a moment by sitting outside for a bit or maybe even meditating at a park

Draw attention to cleaning up and caring for the environment, or simply spread some love about what the Earth means to you (besides being the place you live lmao)

Hestia (I consider Her an Olympian)

Cook a meal for yourself or your loved ones

Clean your room or your general living space

Do some chores around the house, such as washing dishes or doing laundry, or sit around a fire, and watch the flames lol

Tell your loved ones that you appreciate them, and spend quality time with them

Spread some random acts of kindness

Poseidon

Drink lots of water, and stay hydrated

Take a shower, and allow the water to cleanse your entire being

Relax and rest for a day

Show appreciation for marine life (watching ocean documentaries, looking a undersea photos, spreading awareness for saving the oceans, etc.)

Watch Nemo, and yes, I really do mean that

Athena

Read a book, an article, or some other form of written media

Nerd out about the things that you love

Work on a simple sketch or other simple creative activities

Meditate or daydream

Spend some time alone with yourself (in a healthy way), and focus on grounding yourself

Apollo

Write a simple poem or even a song

Listen/sing to music you love

Take any needed medications or medical treatments

Point out three positive things about yourself or things that you love about yourself

Spend some time in the sun, even if it's just through a window

Artemis

If you own pets, spend quality time with them

Go star-gazing

Take a moon walk (a walk under the light of the moon, or just generally at night)

Try spending some time in nature, even if you just go to a park or sit outside your home

Take a relaxing, warm shower or bath and add herbs, if you can

Ares

Let out some anger or bottled up emotions, through physical activity, such as boxing, or something passive, like writing

Dance to music like nobody's watching

Take time to appreciate any father figures or veterans in your life

Acknowledge your personal flaws, and remind yourself that it is okay - and normal - to be a flawed human

Find ways that you can protect yourself, such as cutting certain people out of your life or practicing assertiveness

Aphrodite

Focus on self-love and self-care for a day

Treat yourself with things you like

Be kind to yourself, or engage in random acts of kindness

Give yourself or a loved one three compliments

Express how much you care for your loved ones by reminding them, either through actions or words

Hephaestus

Finish or continue a project you've been working on, even if it's something small

Make something with your hands

Appreciate the things that make you stand out from others

Take some time to learn about how something works or functions

Celebrate your improvements in a craft, even if they seem insignificant, because all of your progress is worth celebrating

Hermes

Write a fun little short story or poem

Tell cheesy dad jokes

Watch a comedy movie or performance

Cause the downfall of capitalism, or write Him a letter, even if it's short

Pick up any stray coins you find on the ground, or leave stray coins for others to find

Dionysus

Sing and dance to music you love

Spend time with your loved ones, if possible

Watch a movie, shows, or musical that you enjoy

Invite Him to share a good meal or drink with you

Celebrate yourself and how far you've come in life, whatever that may look like for you (even if you just eat ice cream and chill)

MINI BONUS ROUND

Hades

Honor your ancestors or other deceased loved ones (make a food in their honor, leave coins for them, look through photos of them, etc.)

Draw, post, or print a picture of Cerberus (or any dog, if you want)

Make Him a cup of coffee

Spend time alone, and do something like helps you live in the present moment, like drawing, reading, or watching something

Take some time to notice the little things about life that you appreciate, like the warmth of the sun or breeze of the wind

Persephone

Care for plants, or show them some appreciation (like looking at photos of pretty flowers or hugging a tree)

Show yourself some love and appreciation

Wear jewelry that reminds you of Her

Spend some time out in nature, especially during the spring

Hold people accountable for their actions, and cut them out of your life, if needed (this is a form of self-care)

I apologize if these aren't the best devotional acts; I was pretty tired when I wrote this, but please know that I did try my best! I hope you enjoyed these! ^^

[tropicaldruid]

Greek Pagan Basics: How to Write a Prayer

When it comes to prayer, there aren’t a lot of rules. Prayer can be as simple, direct and informal as talking to the gods, off the cuff, in a time of need or just because you feel like it. Prayer can also be something you plan and prepare for, whether by making use of the many existing historical or modern prayers to the gods and reading or memorizing them, or by writing your own modern prayers.

You do not have to write your own prayers–it is not a requirement of worshipping the gods. But if you feel called to do it, it can be a wonderful and meaningful way to connect with deity. And while the act of prayer is not an offering, the work you put into creating it can itself be a gift to the gods.

The idea of writing your own prayers to the gods can be intimidating. You look at the readily available surviving texts, the Homeric Hymns, the Orphic Hymns, and they are so beautiful. If that’s the standard, how can we ever attain it?

But it isn’t the standard. It never was. Not all historical hymns were the Homeric hymns. Not all hymns were high art. (And certainly not all prayers were hymns, although the two terms have a lot of overlap in meaning. I usually use the term “prayer” to refer to my own writings, in part because it feels more like I’m focusing on function.)

The Homeric hymns and similar pieces were often performed at festivals and in competitions. The beauty of these hymns, while not separate from their religious significance, is not solely related to their liturgical function. Many of the hymns actually used in ritual were more to the point–more focused on that function. Few of these works survive, and those that do are of widely varying literary quality. (I personally, as a writer of my own prayers, find this idea quite comforting. :))

The Rhetoric of Prayer

I will admit it, I write a lot of prayers of praise and prayers of thanks. I don’t often pray for something and if I do it’s usually pretty informal. (I suspect that says at least as much about my life as it does about my theology.) But many of the same techniques can be used just as effectively in prayers of supplication.

Reciprocity. Like most Indo-European cultures, the ancient Greeks had a view of relationship that included “a gift for a gift.” This does not mean that you are buying friendship–rather, it emphasizes the give-and-take that is a part of any healthy relationship.

A prayer of supplication might include a reminder of past relationship, which can be either a mention of blessings the god has granted you in the past, or a mention of offerings or other services you have provided the god. It can also mention a gift being given at the same time this prayer is being made. Or it can include a promise of future gifts and services. In all cases, it is a statement of relationship.

Myth. Mythic references can refer in general to the greatness of the god, or can be used to point specifically toward the theme of the prayer. For example, a prayer to Aphrodite to bring love into your life might mention the story of Pygmalion and Galatea as an example of the goddess’ greatness. It goes without saying that these mythic references should be positive ones–you might use stories from the Iliad in a prayer praising Athena, but probably not in one for Ares.

History. Since we lack a large and thriving worship community, for concrete examples I sometimes refer back to the power and prestige a god enjoyed in the distant past. If you are asking Apollo for divinatory help, a mention of his oracular prowess at Delphi would be appropriate; if you are asking his help in health matters, the role he took at ancient healing temples would be more to the point.

Style. Historically, some sorts of prayer were believed particularly appropriate to certain gods. The dignified paean was Apollo’s, while the livelier dithyramb was for Dionysos. For a modern writer, you may want to keep in mind the rhythm of the words and metre when writing.

Voice. While a hymn or prayer of praise may be written in the third person, all the better to tell a good story, a prayer that asks for something is most often written in the second person, thus providing a direct, personal message from the writer/speaker to the god.

The Elements of Prayer

Although there is no precise and standard form that all historic prayers followed, there are a few guidelines, things that a number of prayers tended to have in common. Generally Greek prayers included three parts, each providing a different function.

Invocation. First of all, you need to get the god’s attention, and to get the interaction off on the right foot. Call to the god by name, including words of praise (pro tip, all the gods are beautiful, all the gods are mighty :)) and by the use of descriptive words and phrases. Referring to Asklepios as “son of Apollo” underlines the sort of healing power he comes from. Referring to Apollo as “swift-shooting” has a different meaning than referring to him as “sweet-singing,” although both emphasize his power and skill.

Note that there is nothing wrong with using an epithet you’ve seen in historical texts, “ox-eyed Hera” and “thundering Zeus” were common phrases and had all the more meaning because they were known and understood by all.

Argument. Here you give reasons why the god should look favorably on your request. (See Reciprocityabove.) You can also include reasons based on something other than personal relationship–for example, asking for help in matters of love from Aphrodite, or in matters of justice from Zeus, because those are among their respective realms. This is where you make your case.

Request. Finally you ask the god to look kindly on your request, to grant you their blessings and gifts.

Example: Invocation: Grey-eyed Athena, daughter of thundering Zeus, Argument: if ever I have poured out sweet wine for you, Request: look kindly on me and grant me your wisdom.

The Act of Prayer

It was traditional to stand while praying, with arms raised toward the heavens.

If praying to a chthonic deity, it would be appropriate to kneel (placing yourself symbolically closer to their realm), or to focus your attention toward the earth in some other way.

(It is more than appropriate, by the way, to sing hymns, as was often done historically, if this is something you feel drawn to do. A performance, again, is work that is a gift to the gods.)

[tropicaldruid]

khaîre, Hermes

I sing, muse, of Hermes; Ἑρμῆς, the guide, messenger, trickster, contriver, giver of joy, comrade of the feast, heart-delighting, guileless, gracious, watchful, ready-helper, splendid, strong and mighty. χαῖρε, glorious Ἑρμῆ, hail to you, giver of grace and good things!

[tropicaldruid]

Delphic Maxim #17

“Exercise Prudence”

Sound advice. Can’t really think of anything to comment of this one except that it makes me think of Dana Carvey’s George Bush impression.

[tropicaldruid]

Delphic Maxim #16

“Control Anger”

This is one I struggle with to a degree. As a kid I really wasn’t taught any kind of anger management skills. So I didn’t begin learning how to communicate or control my anger to any effect until my twenties. I’ve gotten a lot better about it and more importantly me I seem to have helped my kids learn better anger control than I had at their ages. So I’m happy to see them on better footing in that department.

[tropicaldruid]

John Mulaney, a true ADHD icon

[tropicaldruid]

Blessed Mwfydnfud!

Today is the ancient Celtic holiday Mwfydnfud!* To celebrate, here’s a special edition of the C.O.R.D. Biquarterly newsletter!

In this issue:

Silly poetry

Contacting the Fae

Carleton Arboretum Bulldozed

RDNA’s 100th Anniversary

other shenanigans

*Mwfydnfud is an RDNA acronym for "Mess With Forces You Do Not Fully Understand Day" and is not actually ancient.

[tropicaldruid]

Delphic Maxim #15

“Help your friends”

This one seems like a preschool concept but as I’ve grown it has really struck me how little a lot of people actually value friendship. I understand things like executive dysfunction and other aspects of neurodivergent life that make socializing difficult. I get that, and I’m not talking about that. Most of my friends can’t actually keep plans to save our lives. The irony of of trying to get a DnD game going with my friends.

What has astounded me is the number of times over the years a hardship in my life has caused or coincided with a complete reset of my social circle. It’s really made me appreciate the few people I still know after these years but dang.

I try to be as helpful as I can to everyone, my friends especially. I also have an awkward way of being bad at that, and sort of end up doting more than being any real help. One of many things I’m working on.

[tropicaldruid]

The Survivor's Guide to Leaving Your Birth Religion Part 5: Laying a New Foundation

If you've been following along and doing the suggested work so far you've been allowing yourself to challenge some of the ideas and stories you've believed for a long time. If you've been diligent about it you might be feeling a bit burnt out. Maybe you're unsure about this or scared of stepping so far into the unfamiliar. That's ok. Be patient with yourself, and if you need to go back to the basics for a while go for it. This process is going to be like the stages of grief, you won't necessarily go through it in a linear, evenly paced way. Don't push yourself to a point of strain, remember that HEALING your mind and spirit are the goal, not adding to the stress.

In the meantime, let's do a couple exercises that will be a bit different.   First, a reading assignment. 

https://samharris.org/the-myth-of-secular-moral-chaos/

Here’s a really good piece refuting the idea that one cannot be moral outside of religion. It’s geared toward a particular religion, but the points it makes apply in any case I can think of so I thought it would be a good time to offer some reassurance. 

Right now it’s time to start thinking about your new foundation. You’re tearing down the old structures, getting rid of outdated ideas and obsolete beliefs. But what will go in their place? Apart from the values of your birth religion, who are you? What do you believe, really, organically? What/Who do you want to be when you grow up, now? Have you allowed yourself to entertain these questions without fear of judgement? What are things you have wanted to do or to learn but have been held back from? 

Let’s make a list. This list should be four columns. In the first column, list any topic or activity you have wanted to explore but that you have been told was against your religious beliefs. In the second column, specify why that particular thing is forbidden. In the third, write down whether or not there is a secular reason to refrain from whatever is in column 1. In the fourth, write whether or not you feel comfortable and ready to look into the matter right now.

Your list might look like: Wearing a bikini sinful-immodest no yes

Lil Nas X album sinful-heresy yes-can’t afford it no

Buddhism sinful-heresy no not ready

Or it may look completely different. But you get the idea. If you’re coming out of a colonizing religion, I highly recommend looking into the beliefs of your ancestors. I’m not saying you will definitely find your truth in their culture, but it can be extremely eye opening to compare your family’s current beliefs to the heathen shenanigans your ancestors were up to just a few centuries ago. 

And keep in mind that the goal of this list is self awareness. The only correct information for this is what you decide, not anyone else’s expectations, real or imagined. This is about getting to know yourself and your own values confidently enough to make them your lived reality. So just like the last list, fearless honesty is going to be important for this to be effective. 

As you begin to build upon this new foundation, support is going to be essential. Take an assessment of your support system now. Do you have friends or relatives that are not in your birth religion? Do you have a secular therapist or counselor you can talk to? Have you visited an ACoA group? 

If you absolutely cannot reach out to someone at this time, that’s ok. You CAN do this alone. I did. But I didn’t actually have to. I chose to keep everything I was going through to myself out of a hundred different fears. And it sucked and it was so unnecessary. If I could do one thing differently, I would have reached out to the people I knew were safe. I would tell myself that I’m not being a burden to them. That it’s good to let your friends be there, to let them know how to care. Because in hindsight, they knew something was up but had no idea what or how to help. 

That about wraps up this installment, and we’re entering the home stretch I think. 

Blessin’s Y’all

[tropicaldruid]

Delphic Maxims #14

“Control Yourself”

Ha. Of all the ones I’ve read so far I can honestly say I feel the least connected to this one. Not that I don’t aspire to it.

But between ADHD and multiple anxiety disorders, I rarely feel in control of much.

I’m working on that though.

[tropicaldruid]

hey quick question why did no one ever tell me how fucking insane M*A*S*H is?? their commanding officer is a horse girl. the secretary has psychic powers. this guy walks around a 1950s military outpost in drag and everyone’s just like hey nice dress. the protagonist who is supposed to be the best surgeon in the entire korean war spends every episode strutting around drunk in a hawaiian shirt making homoerotic wisecracks and asking the nurses to step on him like some sort of unhinged bisexual jimmy buffet. guys what the hell is going on in this army doctor show