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| Home > Reconstructionism > Greek/Hellenic > Kerux Index > Kerux #11 | Search |
| The Kerux #11 Thargelion 4/694 (24 April 2001) edited by Drew Campbell |
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THE KERUX #11
Thargelion 4/694
24 April 2001
CONTENTS OF THIS ISSUE
* _Hermetic Magic_ Reviewed by Dennis Dutton
* Ritual Items: Tamata and Statuary
* From the Hearth: Altar Bread
* Announcement: New Mailing Lists
* Poll Results: Priestly roles in modern Hellenism
* New Poll: The Greek language
* Upcoming Events
* How to Contribute to the Kerux
***
[Many thanks to Dennis for this review. Although magic has become a somewhat contested topic among reconstructionists, we have plenty of evidence for magical practices in the ancient world, some of which are addressed in this book. Please drop me a note if you are interested in reading more about Hellenic forms of magic in the Kerux.]
BOOK REVIEW
Hermetic Magic: the postmodern magical papyrus
of Abaris
by Stephen Eldred Flowers, Ph.D.
Samuel Weiser, York Beach, ME (1995)
ISBN 0-87728-828-3
Reviewed by Dennis Dutton
INTRODUCTION
Hermetic Magic describes the concepts that have developed into modern Hermetic magic as practiced in such societies as the Golden Dawn, the Knights Templar, the Masons and the Rosicrucians. The material is presented in a form that can be used by anyone wanting to follow the Hermetic tradition of magic.
INFLUENCE ON THE PAGAN COMMUNITY
Hermetic Magic is an excellent starting point for any pagan following the Hellenic or Egyptian paths as it provides a firm foundation for those paths. With a little interpretation, it can also be a guide to those following other paths. Using the techniques in Hermetic Magic will provide remarkable results even though they will be unique to each person's path.
PART 1: A HISTORY OF HERMETIC MAGIC
Summary: The first part of Hermetic Magic discusses how the beliefs came from the mixing of the Hellenic and Egyptian cultures in the time of Alexander the Great. The development of the Hermetic tradition is described from the time of the ancients all the way to current Hermetic societies. Next, the variations in Hermetic traditions are explained including Egyptian, Hellenic, Iranian, Gnostic, Semitic and Christian.
Commentary: When one wants to understand a system of beliefs, it is very important to understand the culture surrounding those beliefs. By knowing why the early people believed something, we can better choose what we will retain and what will be discarded as no longer useful. The most important idea in this part is that of the nine principles of Hermeticism: eclecticism, diversity, pragmatism, worldliness, individualism, natural dualism, immanence of the divine, successive revelation and emotional fervor.
PART II: THEORY
Summary: Next is an explanation of the various theories that form the foundation of Hermetic beliefs: Cosmology (how the universe works), Anthropology (how individual psyche's work), Theology (the nature of deities), and Daimonology (the nature of lesser spiritual beings such as demons and angels). The section concludes with a description of the types of magic and how magic works.
Commentary: Since most pagans believe that magic is powered by belief, the foundation work here is very important. How can we believe that magic works when we have no idea how it works? How can we believe our prayers are answered when we have only a vague idea who is answering those prayers? The examples given are very good for illustrating the ideas and as a strong starting point for forming unique beliefs. However, if they are to be used "as is", there needs to be a more in- depth study.
PART III: PRAXIS
Summary: This section describes the tools and ritual structures that are common to most Hermetic magic. The example rituals given include frame rituals (opening and closing) and an example self-initiation ritual.
Commentary: The example rituals only give the form of the common rituals. The student is encouraged to use this form to create a ritual that is unique to their chosen path.
PART IV: POST MODERN MAGICAL PAPYRUS OF ABARIS
Summary: The second half of Hermetic Magic consists of modern interpretations of the magical rituals on the magical papyrus of Abaris. Rituals are given for protection, picking herbs, divination, visions and many more.
Commentary: The rituals in this section can be used "as is" but the whole idea of the book is to understand the basic structure and concepts of the rituals so you can create your own to fit your own path.
***
RITUAL ITEMS
Tamata
Those familiar with the temples of Asklepios will know that supplicants often thanked the god for healing by leaving an image of the healed body part in his temple. This practice has persisted among Orthodox Christians in the form of "tamata." Images of various body parts as well as children can be purchased at: http://www.religiousnet.com/products/products.php3?subcategory=Tamata
(FYI, this is a Christian-owned company. If anyone knows of artists in our own religion who are creating similiar items, please let me know, and I will be glad to include their contact information in an upcoming issue.)
Statue of the Julian the Faithkeeper
The Julian Society is now offering for sale statues of the Emperor Julian. Some modern Hellenes honor Julian as a hero. For more information, visit the Julian Society web site at: http://www.juliansociety.org/ .
***
FROM THE HEARTH
In an earlier edition of the Kerux, we presented a simple recipe for offering cakes. Here is a slightly more elaborate, yeast-raised loaf. Despite the simplicity of the ingredients, the result is light and tastes almost buttery.
Altar Bread
Dissolve 2 tsp. of dry yeast in 1/2 c. of warm (100 degrees F.) water. Add 3 Tbsp. of flour, mix well, and let stand for 10 minutes or until doubled in bulk. Sift 6 c. bread flour with 1 tsp. salt. Pour yeast mixture into the middle along with 2 c. warm water. Mix until moistened and then knead into a smooth and elastic dough. Cover and set in a warm place to rise until doubled in bulk, around 2 hours. Knead for 5 minutes, then separate into two balls. Flatten each ball into a round loaf and place on a baking sheet. Cover and let rise again until doubled in bulk. Prick the tops of the loaves with a toothpick. Bake for 15-20 minutes in a 400-degree oven.
***
ANNOUNCEMENT: Four New Mailing Lists
Dennis Dutton has created a new mailing list for the discussion of the different schools or "denominations" within Hellenic reconstructionist polytheism. For more information and to subscribe, visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hellenion-Groups
The Julian Society now also has a mailing list. Visit their web page at http://www.juliansociety.org/ or subscribe directly at YahooGroups:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/JulianSociety
There is also a new Hellenion mailing list: Hellenion_Spirituality. This list was started by Isxios for the discussion of personal spiritual practices among members of Hellenion. For more information, visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hellenion_Spirituality
Finally, ReconstructionistInterfaith is a discussion list for members of all reconstructionist religions, including Hellenism. Visit:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ReconstructionistInterfaith
***
POLL RESULTS
POLL QUESTION: In the ancient world, Hellenic priests did not officiate at weddings or funerals; these rituals were in the hands of families. However, clergy in most of the dominant religions today do perform such rituals. Should Hellenic Reconstructionists innovate by expecting our priests to lead these life cycle rituals?
CHOICES AND RESULTS
- Yes, definitely., 7 votes, 18.42%
- Only if the individual priest wants to., 8 votes, 21.05%
- Only if the local community wants it., 12 votes, 31.58%
- Only weddings, but not funerals., 0 votes, 0.00%
- Only funerals, but not weddings., 0 votes, 0.00%
- Priests should teach families to perform the rituals., 10
votes, 26.32%
- We should not innovate at all in this matter., 1 votes, 2.63%
***
NEW POLL
Do you speak or read Greek?
To vote, go to:
http://groups.yahoo.com/polls/kerux
***
UPCOMING EVENTS
=Northern California=
On Saturday, 12 May 2001 Thiasos Olympikos will celebrate the Thargelia, in honor of the God Apollon's Birthday. 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.