Day 1: 30 Day Delphic Maxim Challenge
Here’s the first day of my 30-Day Delphic Maxims Challenge: One thing I’d like to mention before I start is that the higher on the list the Maxim is, the more weight/importance was held on it (number 2 would be more important than say number 14). Now, of course, this doesn’t mean that if one doesn’t work for you, this makes you in the morally wrong (i.e. not following: Respect your parents/elders due to having a complicated/abusive relationship with your parental/guardian figures is completely valid and anyone who says otherwise is wrong--You are NOT forced to believe something if it’s detrimental to you). The only reason I state it is to point out that by knowing this, we can see where Hellenic culture (I say this term lightly) placed importance--which is interesting from both a religious and academic standpoint.
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!
1. Follow the Divine (Επου θεω)
I really love the beauty and simplicity of this one--And that it’s the first Maxim (and thus, the most important). Personally, I see it as: Seek advice and love from the Divine. It’s interesting to note that this comes BEFORE Worship the Gods--Our connection with the Divine is more than just worshipping and honouring Them. Even when we are unable to provide for Them, our Gods still love us and will offer us comfort and advice if only we ask for it. I'd like to stress that I don’t mean that you shouldn’t show your love and dedication to the Gods through ritual, altars, libations, prayer, hymn, festival, etc. (It is the 3rd Maxim and holds a lot of importance)--I simply mean that even when we’re at our lowest point, even if you forget to give an offering or you don’t have time to read a hymn; If you reach out to Them, you will find that They are ever-present and love us.
2. Obey the law (Νομω πειθου)
Now this one sounds like it should be rather obvious, but I believe it’s much more complex than just ‘obeying the law’. Law binds us and creates unity in society--It prevents chaos and panic and allows people to co-exist peacefully and happily. However, (especially as recent weeks have shown us), the law isn’t always just. So personally, I see this as: Respect law but seek to change law which is unjust. If a law is morally incorrect, targets marginalized groups, harms groups/individuals, creates an unfair system, etc. we should seek to change and/or adapt those laws. Justice was a deeply important part of Hellenic culture and is completely applicable today--We as people should always look to ensure everyone is treated equally, fairly and justly.
3. Worship the Gods (Θεους σεβου)
I mentioned earlier that I found it interesting that Follow the Divine was placed at a higher importance as opposed to Worship the Gods. I think this term of ‘worship’ has evolved significantly over time--For the most part, no longer do we have temples and formal ritual and sacrifice (the latter I’m not too upset over). Now ‘worship’ has changed to mean everything from offering some of your morning coffee to making altars in shoeboxes and tin cans (speaking of, I adore travel/pocket altars and I’ll likely write about that at some point in the future). To me, this Maxim is all about love, contract and mutual respect. Worshipping the Gods is all about building and establishing a solid and mutually positive relationship with a deity(ies). It’s about showing your love towards Them; Whether that be through prayer, hymn, offerings or even a simple hello, in exchange for Their presence/energy, advice and support.
4. Respect your parents (elders) (Γονεις αιδου)
Now, as I’ve mentioned, this one has been seen as controversial, mainly with those who don’t have good relationships with their parental/guardian figures. It’s also outdated for quite a few people: It’s less common to revere and/or honour parental/guardian figures. Though I do get along well with my parents, I still use the alternative “Respect your elders”. Not only does it make more sense for me in a modern cultural context, but it’s more diverse. Also, as we all know, ‘elders’ are not always right or deserve respect, so I want to clarify that I take it as: Respect your elders who deserve respect.
5. Be overcome by justice (Ηττω υπο δικαιου)
I always thought the wording for this was a tad peculiar, being ‘overcome’ by justice just seems like a strange way to put it--However, the wording was chosen for a reason, and I like to see it as: Practice justice by becoming just yourself. Okay, bear with me here, this might get a bit complex and confusing! I feel like this (the prior bold statement) has a dual meaning: Become just in terms of be neutral and impartial in situations to the best of your ability, to see it in the fairest light possible. But I also think it has to do with the fact that I find a lot of times we call on justice for others but not for ourselves. This, once again, can be since in a dual manner: Justice for ourselves and justice on ourselves. So either: you should recognize that you are valid and worthy and you should treat yourself fairly and expect others to treat you the same; or, don’t criticize others, criticize yourself. Don’t blind yourself to your faults for the sake of gawking at others’; The only way you can improve yourself and learn is by self-analyzing and self-examining from a neutral, just point of view. (Hopefully that made sense!)
I hope you guys enjoyed this first day of Maxims! I was going to post this yesterday but I wanted to analyze them more in depth (particularly with the first five) so I decided to post today (and thus start the challenge today) instead.
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!
Lots of love and good intentions,
