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| Home > Reconstructionism > Greek/Hellenic > Kerux Index > Kerux #9 | Search |
| The Kerux #9 1 Elaphebolion 4/694 (24 February 2001) edited by Drew Campbell |
|
THE KERUX #9
1 Elaphebolion 4/694
24 February 2001
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
* Book Reviews: Two Books on Craft as Spiritual
Practice
* A Prayer to Hestia
* Khaire Marina!
* Announcement: Archaic Hellenic Cultural Centre
* Poll Results: Alcohol at the Anthesteria
* New Poll: Where do you worship the gods?
* Upcoming Events
* How to Contribute to the Kerux
***
BOOK REVIEWS
Often we read in our history books that in the ancient world religion was not a separate category of experience, but an integral part of daily life. Although we may be fervently opposed to the mixing of "church and state" in our modern nations, still the image of a pervasive spirituality awakens in us a certain romantic longing. Who would not wish for a truly integrated existence, rooted in a continual awareness of the gods and their actions in our lives?
One way to begin to honor the gods in our daily lives is to take up a craft or hobby dear to a deity to whom we are especially devoted. Over a year ago now, I took up knitting as a devotion to Athena--our apartment being far too small for a loom! So imagine my delight when I discovered that two books have recently appeared that deal with knitting as devotion: _The Knitting Sutra: Craft as Spiritual Practice_ by Susan Gordon Lydon and _The Knitting Goddess_ by Deborah Bergman.
The first of these was, in all truth, a disappointment to me. The author is clearly on some sort of "spiritual journey" and she does indeed knit, but the thread that binds the two together is stretched very thin indeed. Reconstructionists in particular may note that the author's journey, which involves much time spent at New Age seminars and hanging around Native reservations, more closely resembles spiritual tourism than anything else. But Ms. Lydon is both aware of this and unperturbed by it: it "works for her." Sadly, the book does not "work for me" as a manual for integrating craft and devotion. At best, it is the record of the obsessive American drive to consume; enlightenment is just another commodity to stave off the emptiness brought on by a rootless culture.
Deborah Bergman's _The Knitting Goddess_, on the other hand, links readers to an ancient tradition: the myths of spinning, weaving, and knitting goddesses. Each chapter introduces a goddess or literary character--many of them drawn from the Hellenic world--by retelling her myth in new and sometimes surprising ways. (The Fates in a coffee shop? Somehow, it fits.) Bergman explores the myths in a personal way, while avoiding the relentless self-absorption that so mars Lydon's _Knitting Sutra_. Best of all, the book is a manual for new (and not-so-new) knitters. Along with the stories, readers are treated to simple but engaging knitting projects inspired by the myths. There is an "Ariadne" ribbed scarf, inspired by the colorful ornaments of the Cretan palaces; a striped pullover for the Moirai; a shrug with bright blocks of color for Arachne; and, of course, a project for the Hellenic patroness of fiber arts herself, Athena--a modern aegis in the form of what's known to knitters as a "smoke ring," a tube of knitted material worn around the neck that can be pulled over the head to make an instant hood.
Even if you are not interested in fiber arts in particular, the principle holds: let the works of your hands become an offering to the gods and an occasion to dwell on their stories. Place your efforts on their altars for a blessing, or give them away to those in need with a note saying, "Gift of the Gods." Or use them yourself as a reminder to make use of creative inspirations that the gods give us every day.
Related Link: http://www.knittinggoddess.com/
***
A PRAYER TO HESTIA
(To be used when making offerings at dinner or at other times.)
Hear me, firm-seated virgin, keeper of the hearth, Hestia of the bright flame! Through your light we receive warmth and nourishment. Accept our offerings, and protect this home and all who dwell in it. Remind us of the bonds of hospitality, sacred to Zeus, and help us to fulfill them, kindling in our hearts compassion for our fellow mortals and reverence for the gods.
***
KHAIRE MARINA!
Congratulations to Aurora and her family on the birth of Marina! Marina was born on February 23rd and was 7 lbs. 13 oz. and 20 inches long. May the gods bless her now and always!
***
ANNOUNCEMENT
The Archaic Hellenic Cultural Centre (currently in development) is a private organization, located in British Columbia, dedicated to the revival of traditional Hellenic ideologies. The Centres' objective is to apply the principles and successes achieved by the Ancient Greeks towards our modern individual lifestyles. The organization will be offering activities to its members regularly, dealing with Hellenic art forms, Hellenic philosophy (Pytheogorean, pre-Socratic, Platonic, Stoic, neo-Platonic etc), and Mythology, as well as scientific lectures, symposia, public discourses, social and athletic activities.
For inquiries please contact us at: hellenic_centre@hotmail.com
***
POLL RESULTS
QUESTION: The traditional Anthesteria ritual calls for giving children between the ages of three and four a serving of mixed (i.e., watered- down) wine. What are your thoughts about this practice as part of modern worship?
CHOICES AND RESULTS
- I have no problem with it at all., 10 votes,
28.57%
- I have concerns about possible health risks., 0 votes, 0.00%
- I have concerns about possible public relations risks for
our religion., 3 votes, 8.57%
- I would substitute grape juice for the wine., 6 votes, 17.14%
- I would water down the wine to make it very weak., 7 votes,
20.00%
- I would offer the child a small sip of wine instead of a whole
serving., 5 votes, 14.29%
- I would not serve alcohol to a child., 3 votes, 8.57%
- I do not celebrate the Anthesteria., 1 votes, 2.86%
***
NEW POLL
Where do you worship the gods?
To vote, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/polls/kerux
Note: This poll will be closing earlier that usual; please vote soon!
***
UPCOMING EVENTS
=Northern California=
On Saturday, 17 March 2001 Thiasos Olympikos will celebrate the Greater Dionysia, in honor of the God Dionysos. For more information, visit http://home.pon.net/rhinoceroslodge/ or contact Pyrokanthos at rhinoceroslodge@pon.net.
=New England=
The Greater Boston Pagan Network hosts a series of open rituals by different local Pagan groups. For transportation and parking details, send a blank message to sabbats-faq@numachi.com or contact Maureen at MaureenRW@excite.com or 781-388-3773.
***
CONTRIBUTE TO THE KERUX
The Kerux is always looking for articles, reviews, and announcements of interest to the Hellenic Reconstructionist community. We're particularly interested in items that support home-based religious practice and eusebeia (piety). Paste your contribution into an email and send to kerux-owner@yahoogroups.com.
***
The Kerux is a project of Nomos Arkhaios, an educational resource center promoting the study and practice of traditional Hellenic religion. For more information, visit the website at http://www.nomos-arkhaios.org . Individual authors appearing in the Kerux retain all rights to their work. If you'd like to reprint something you see here, please write directly to the author of the piece for permission.
This article originally appeared on Andrew Campbell's Nomos Arkhaios site which is currently on hiatus.
This article is copyright © 2000-2003 by Andrew Campbell and is reprinted here with permission.