Day 2: 30-Day Delphic Maxims Challenge
Hello lovelies!
Welcome to the second day of my 30-Day Delphic Maxims Challenge! Today's Maxims are going to be really interesting and diverse: three of them are ones I particularly love, one is the most commonly known Maxim and one is very controversial.
IMPORTANT NOTE: These are parts of entries from my personal Archives of the Sun (my equivalent of a grimoire/BoS/magical records/etc) so though you may absolutely take from this interpretations or copy them down into your own records: please do NOT claim them as your own and give me credit if you reblog/repost/etc.
But now, onto today’s Maxims!
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6. Know what you have learned (Γνωθι μαθων)
As an individual who is extremely academic, this Maxim is something I repeat to myself often. Very often we seek out knowledge and wisdom simply for the fact of learning it. That in itself is wonderful, but we must also examine why it is that we learn it: In order for knowledge to be worth anything, we must use it. For me, this Maxim reminds us that while we should always seek to know more, we must be aware of the knowledge we already possess and learn to apply it in a way that betters ourselves and the world around us. Take the time to pause. Remind yourself what you’ve already learned and appreciate and value it.
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7. Perceive what you have heard (Ακουσας νοει)
This is another one of my favourites! Too often do we dismiss what others have to say because it either clashes with our worldview or we’re too invested in looking at ourselves that we cannot acknowledge other perspectives. But in all honesty, the best thing is to truly listen to others and to be open to new perspectives and ways of looking at things. Because if what someone says makes you question yourself or your morals or your beliefs etc., then maybe your perspective is worth questioning. But whether it’s worth questioning or not, the experience of looking at others are entirely beneficial and helps you develop critically and logically. Not only does being open to others expand your views and forces you to regard yourself critically, but hey, if you don’t end up agreeing with someone, that is further proof to yourself that your view is right to you (this doesn’t mean the other person is wrong, but simply that your view makes sense for you).
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8. Be (or Know) Yourself (Σαυτον ισθι)
This is by far the most commonly known Maxim, you’ve probably heard it even if you didn’t know it was a Delphic Maxim, or even that the Maxims exist. People tend to wear masks, to put on labels that society gives them and leave it at that superficial level. So personally, I see this is seek your signature. I personally believe (this sort of has historical connotations and has been expressed in various different ways in culture but this is very much my interpretation) that energy has layers: Your outermost layers are influenced more or less by energies, circumstances, people, places, etc. around you. They’re ever adapting and ever-changing. As you go closer to the innermost circles, it gets more specific and more difficult to alter. But I feel like everyone has an energy signature. I’m sure a lot of people who work with energy (where are my fellow clairsentients and empaths at?) will get what I’m saying when I express that people, places, objects, deities, spirits, etc. all have a very distinct signature energy that allows you to identify them. I think this Maxim is all about peeling back the layers of masks and labels you and society put on you to try and find that energy signature, because that’s what defines you.
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9. Intend to get married (Γαμειν μελλε)
We’re back to yet another controversial Maxim, one that is arguably even more controversial than Respect your parents/elders. However, it’s actually one of my favourites. Once again, I want to reiterate that this is advice, mere suggestion, not law. Also (I’m doing to do the thing again where I get into language specifics and twist it, so prepare!) What do we mean by marriage? Marriage refers to many things! Merriam-Webster Dictionary describes it as: the state of being united as spouses in a consensual and contractual relationship recognized by law (VERY loosely). In my mind, marriage doesn’t even have to be recognized by law or be spousal (is that a word?). It could be legitimate marriage between two or more people (totally fabulous my loves!), a soul connection with someone(s) (not necessarily romantic but it can be, it’s wonderful either way!), a relationship with a deity(ies) (whichever way you want to put that, fantastic! It could also be with spirits/good neighbours/daimons/etc. (though I’m not entirely sure how one would be romantically involved with a daimon but you do you!)), it could be a coven or spiritual group (or any close-knit group really), and an enormous variety of other ‘marriages’ that are entirely valid! The thing they all have in common is connection. This maxim, to me, is all about seeking a soulful connection with others, finding those who, for lack of a better term, vibe with you. Humans are naturally social creatures and it’s important to look for connections with others!
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10. Know your opportunity (Καιρον γνωθι)
This one I also particularly love! What this really boils down to is that we should be open and aware of opportunity and always try to make the most of it. Oftentimes, we look so hard trying to seek out opportunity that when it does show up it passes us by before we even have the chance to look. This Maxim reminds us that opportunity is everywhere, even when you can’t see it. Even hardship is an opportunity. Opportunity comes in many forms, but often it’s in the form of a lesson. Look and appreciate those lessons: They help us grow and develop and better ourselves. Of course, we’re not going to see or pursue all, or even many, opportunities, but still: It reminds us to observe that which is already around us and to be open to see opportunities and take advantage of them.
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I hope you enjoyed day two of this challenge; I had a lot of fun with this one and I hope you did too!
As always, please feel free to DM or comment your thoughts on my interpretations or give your own, or if you simply want clarification or have questions! Also, if you reblog/repost, please do so with the tag #30daymaximchallenge so I can see your interpretations!
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Lots of love and good intentions,
☀️Aurelia☀️