#delphicmaxims

[kirkes-handmaiden]

Day 1: 30 Day Delphic Maxim Challenge

Hello lovelies!

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!

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!)

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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,

☀️Aurelia☀️ 

[balladblood-aesthetics]

Delphic Maxims 1/147: Follow God

Follow their teachings, follow their philosophy, follow in their footsteps

[kirkes-handmaiden]

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!

~~

Lots of love and good intentions,

☀️Aurelia☀️

[kirkes-handmaiden]

Day 3: 30-day Delphic Maxim Challenge

Hello lovelies!

It’a now technically day 4 of the challenge but I was busy so I’ll be posting both day 3 AND 4 of my 30-Day Delphic Maxims Challenge (save me now)! For Day 3 I’ll be analyzing six Maxims (it’ll be fun but why did I do this to myself). Hope you all are enjoying and finding the challenge interesting thus far!

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 these 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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11. Think as a mortal (Φρονει θνητα)

This one feels a bit obvious to me, but my personal take is: Don’t waste the time given to us. I personally have a bit of a complicated relationship with the afterlife and such but it doesn’t take away from the fact that we should always attempt to make the most of life. Prioritize what matters to you, don’t waste your time on petty things, do what you love and try to see the positive in everything and everyone, even if it’s hard. I’ve mentioned this before: Everything is a lesson if you’re open to it. Live your life to the fullest and be your best self!

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12. If you are a stranger act like one (Ξepsilon;νος ων ισθι)

Of all of the ‘Pillars of Hellenismos’ (this is kind of complex but this concept (Xenia) is rather universal in hellenic communities), Xenia (guest-friendship or hospitality) is, for me, one of the most important and strictly followed ones I practice. Personally, for me, this Maxim is about respecting the practice of Xenia (specifically from the guest point of view). When entertaining guests (whether that be legitimately in your home/space or on online platforms (see the Xenia Declaration)), both the ‘host’ and the ‘guest’ should strive to have mutual respect, generosity and kindness towards one another. This practice was regarded as fundamental and sacred in Hellenic times (It was a way to provide a safe space for travellers in the name of Zeus Xenios) and I personally believe it’s extremely important now for us as Hellenics to continue assuring a safe, loving, accepting community for all!

For more specifics on what Xenia is, feel free to take a look at the following links--I’ll probably do something going into more depth on the topic at a later date!

Xenia in the Odyssey: https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/odyssey/context/historical/hospitality-in-ancient-greece/

Quite detailed description of both mythological (lots of Homeric references) and cultural mentions of Xenia (both Philoxenia and Theoxenia): https://www.greece-is.com/homers-hospitality-the-ancient-roots-of-greek-philoxenia/

The Xenia Declaration (which I encourage you to sign if you will!): http://www.xeniadeclaration.com

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13. Honour the hearth [or Hestia] (Εστιαν τιμα)

This is very straightforward to me: honour your home. The hearth is a place of warmth and homeliness, but although it refers to your literal home, I personally also think our bodies are our home as well (treat it as such). Respect your home (literal): keep it clean, tidy, nice and aim for a warm and friendly environment (by the way, when I say the hearth, though the actual hearth is ideal, it can apply this to any space in the home that is a place of comfort and warmth). Also, respect one’s body: Be aware of yourself: you should aim to feel as good about yourself as you can, work on yourself mentally/physically/spiritually and treat yourself with respect and kindness.

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14. Control yourself (Αρχε σεαυτου) 

This is a bit of a strange one for me and it kind of has me stumped. However, I’ve narrowed it down to: Don’t let yourself be influenced by others, make the final decisions for yourself. Especially with social media and such, people are constantly trying to influence one another. Don’t let yourself be caught up with other peoples’ issues and ideas, examine all options (including your own ideas) and decide what makes sense for you. Don’t let others make that decision for you. (I know this is a bit short, this was difficult for me and I still don’t know if I’ve nailed it--If anyone has alternative suggestions or additions on this meaning or your own I’d love to hear it!)

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15. Help your friends (Φιλοις βοηθει)

This, like others I’ve analyzed, has a dual meaning in my eyes: Always be there for your friends (aka be a loyal, kind and supportive friend), however, offer only what you can spare, don’t overexert and bring yourself to harm for others. I tend to be an ‘overexerter’ at times (very often), and I find this is a good reminder to me to: Yes, be a good friend and help the people I care about but also be a friend to myself and take care of my well-being. You can’t help others if you don’t help yourself first.

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16. Control anger (Θυμου κρατει)

This one is rather interesting. I see this Maxim in a similar context as Control Yourself (14): Be angry only when it serves you and let none but yourself control your anger. If you’re going to be angry at something, it should be at something that matters. Try not to get frustrated by petty annoyances/irritations/grievances or because it’s ‘trendy’ (back to that influence thing again); They aren’t worth your time or your energy. Instead, if you’re going to be angry, determine what actually is worth your anger, then don’t take that anger out by complaining or ranting about it; Use it towards something logical and productive that can actually make a change.  

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That concludes day 3 (technically 4) of this challenge! This was a long one and I’m tired now but it is done!

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!

~~

Lots of love and good intentions,

☀️Aurelia☀️

[hellenismosonline]

Basics of Hellenism: The Philosophy of Pythagoras

Pythagoras of Samos was a Pre-Socratic Greek philosopher who lived from 570BCE-495 BCE and founded of the school of Pythagoreanism in philosophy. The teaching that is most securely identified with him is metempsychosis, or the “transmigration of souls,” which states that all souls are immortal and, upon the death of a person, their soul moves into a new body. He is credited with the doctrine of musica universalis, “universal music,” which states that the planets move according to mathematical equations and therefore produce an inaudible symphony of music. There is question about whether or not the mathematical and numerological teachings attributed to him are actually his, or if they are the work of his later followers like Philolaus of Croton. He is said to have influenced Xenophanes, Plato, and Empedocles. 

It is said that Plato was the first man to call himself a philosopher (lit. “lover of wisdom”) and that he developed the concepts of the five regular solids, the theory of proportions, the Pythagorean theorem, the identification of the morning and evening stars as the planet Venus, the sphericity of the Earth, and the five climactic zones. His conception of mathematical perfection further impacted Ancient Greek art. 

Metempsychosis

Metempsychosis is the belief that all souls are immortal. Further, it is the belief that all souls, after death, transfer to new bodies. This concept is referenced by Xenophanes, Ion of Chios, and Herodotus, though there is nothing known about the nature or mechanism by which Pythagoras believed it to occur. He supposedly told people that his soul had lived multiple previous lives, four of which he could remember in detail. He said that his first life was as Aethalides, the son of Hermes, who granted him the ability to remember all of his past incarnations. The second was Euphorbus, a Trojan War hero briefly mentioned in the Iliad. Third was the philosopher Hermotimus, and lastly was as Pyrrhus, a fisherman from Delos. 

Mysticism

Pythagoras developed the “harmony of spheres,” which argued that the planets and the stars move according to mathematical equations, which correspond to musical notes, producing an inaudible symphony. Pythagoras supposedly taught that the seven Muses were actually the seven planets singing together. Aristotle, in his Protrepticus, quotes Pythagoras as saying that the reason that humans exist is “to observe the heavens,” and that he was an observer of nature because of this. 

Pythagoras was also said to practice divination and prophecy, appearing in his visits to different places as a religious man or as a lawgiver. 

Numerology

Aristotle claims that Pythagoreans--those who followed the teachings of Pythagoras--used mathematics for mystical reasons that were devoid of practical applications. 

Pythagoreans believed that all things were made of numbers. 

The number one, the monad, represented the origin of all things. The number two, the dyad, represented matter. The number three was said to be an “ideal” number because it had a beginning, middle, and an end, and it was the smallest number of points that could be used to define a plane triangle, a revered symbol of Apollo among Pythagoreans. The number four signified the four seasons and the four elements. The number five symbolized marriage, because it was the sum of two and three. Odd numbers were considered masculine, and even numbers were considered feminine. The number seven was considered exceptionally sacred because it was the number of planets in the universe, the number of strings on a lyre, and the number of the day of the month that Apollo’s birthday was celebrated. 

Ten was considered the most sacred number, the “perfect number” and as such, the Pythagoreans honored it by never gathering in groups that were larger than ten. Pythagoras is credited with devising the tetractys, a triangular figure of four rows which add up to ten and was regarded as a symbol of utmost mystical importance. According to Iamblichus, tetractys was “so admirable, and so divinised by those who understood [it]” that Pythagoreans would swear oaths by it. 

Image: tetractys triangle that is comprised of four rows of dots: four on the bottom, three on the second row, two on the third row, and one at the top. Each row has a series of triangles that in total add up to 9 triangles on the inside of the larger triangle. 

Communal Lifestyles of Pythagoreanism

Pythagoras was most well-known in ancient times for his foundation of a new way of life in Ancient Greece. Pythagoras founded a school in Croton that, really, was more of a monastery. Those who came to the school were bound by a vow to Pythagoras and to each other that they were there to pursue religious and ascetic observances and study Pythagoras’ religious and philosophical theories. All possessions were shared between members and were devoted to the exclusion of outsiders. Like the Spartans, Pythagoreans ate meals in common. One of the most important Pythagorean maxims was “All things in common among friends.”

Pythagoreanism, in its early stages, was divided into two groups: methematikoi (the learners), and akousmatikoi (the listeners). The akousmatikoi were considered the “old believers” in mysticism, numerology, and religious teachings, whereas the methematikoi were traditionally identified as a more intellectual, modernist faction who were more rationalist and scientific. 

Pythagoreans believed that music was a purification for the soul, just as medicine is a purification for the body. They placed emphasis on the importance of physical exercise, and therapeutic dancing, daily morning walks, and athletics were major components of the lifestyle of Pythagoreans. 

Pythagorean teachings were called “symbola,” or symbols, and members of the Pythagorean school took a vow of silence to not reveal the symbola to non-members of the school. Anyone who was part of the school who did not follow the community laws was expelled and treated by the school as if they were dead. 

Pythagorean Maxims

The Pythagorean maxims were a series of rules, or symbola, that Pythagoreans were required to live by in order to achieve a good and pure life according to Pythagoras and his early followers. While the meanings of many of the maxims have likely been lost to time, there are some which are easily understood even today.

Go not beyond the balance

Sit down not on the bushel

Tear not to pieces the crown

Eat not the heart

Do not poke the fire with a sword

Having arrived at the frontiers, turn not back

Do not go by the popular route

Suffer no swallows around thy house

Wear not the image of deity on thy ring

Do not unload people, but load them up.

Do not easily shake hands with anyone.

Leave not the least imprint of the pot on the ashes.

Sow mallows, but never eat them

Wipe not out the place of the torch

Wear not a tight ring

Feed not the animals with crooked claws

Abstain from voting with beans

Eat not fish whose tails are black

Never eat the Gunard fish

Eat not the womb of animals

Abstain from flesh of animals that die of themselves

Abstain from eating animals

Always place salt on the table

Never parcel off the loaf

Do not spill oil on the seat

Put no food in a foul vessel

Feed the cock, but sacrifice it not, for it is sacred to the sun and the mood

Break not the teeth

Keep far from thyself the vinegar cruet

Spit upon the clippings of thy nails, and on the trimmings of thy hair. 

Do not urinate against the sun

Speak not in the face of the sun

Do not sleep at noon

Make the bed as soon as ye arise, leaving no imprint of thy body

Never sing without harp accompaniment

Always keep thy things packed up

Quit not thy post without thy overseer’s order

Cut not wood on a public road

Roast not what is boiled

Avoid the two-edged sword

Pick not up what has fallen from the table

Abstain even from the cypress chest

To the celestial gods offer an odd number of oblations, but to the infernal an even

Offer not to the deities the wine of an unpruned vine

Never sacrifice without cakes

Adore the deities, and sacrifice barefoot

Turn around when ye worship

Sit down when ye worship

Pare not thy nails during the sacrifice

When it thunders, touch the ground

Do not primp by torch light

One, two

Honor symbols of dignity, the throne, and the ternary

When the wind blows, adore echo

Eat not in the chariot

Put on thy right shoe first, and wash the left foot first

Eat not the brain

Plant not the palm tree

Make thy libations to the deities by the ear

Never catch the Cuttlefish

Hesitate not at the threshold

Give way to a flock that goes by

Avoid the weasel

Refuse the weapons a woman offers thee

Kill not the serpent who chances to fall within thy walls

It is a crime to throw stones into fountains

Feed not thyself with thy left hand

It is a horrible crime to wipe off the seat with iron

Stick not iron into footsteps

Sleep not on a grave

Lay not the whole log on the fire

Leap not from a vehicle with thy feet close together

Threaten not the stars

Place not the candle against the wall

Write not in the snow

[hellenismosonline]

Basics of Hellenism: Philosophy Introduction

A significant portion of Hellenism rests on the philosophy of ancient Greek philosophers. Modern Hellenism's core tenants come from the following philosophers:

Thales of Miletus

Anaximander

Xenophanes

Pythagoras

Heraclitus

Parmenides of Elea

Zeno of Elea

Leucippus

Socrates

Plato

Aristotle

Antisthenes

Aristippus of Cyrene

Pyrrho of Elis

Epicurus

Zeno of Citium

Arcesilaus

Antiochus of Ascalon

Plotinus

There are a number of schools of philosophy that modern Hellenism draws from, all of which come from the above philosophers. These schools are:

Milesian School

Xenophanes

Pythagoreanism

Heraclitus School

Eleatic Philosophy

Pluralism and Atomism

Sophism

Cynicism

Cyrenaicism

Pyrrhonism

Epicureanism

Stoicism

Platonism (Academic Skepticism, Middle Platonism, and Neoplatonism)

[hellenismosonline]

Delphic Maxims

The Delphic Maxims are a collection of 147 maxims (truths, rules of conduct) said to have been delivered by Apollo himself to the Oracle at Delphi. The Oracle inspired the Seven Sages to write them down at the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. The Seven Sages were early 6th-century BCE philosophers, mystics, politicians, and law-givers who wrote the maxims down.

The maxims are said to provide a framework for an honest, worthy way of living. They are not absolutes. Rather, they are guidelines and advice. Because the ability to act and think for yourself is such a crucial part of the gifts from the Gods, it is important to remind yourself that you do not have to follow them all exactly as they are written. Some of the Delphic Maxims are also specific to ritual or time period, not to morality, and this should be taken into account as well.

As Hellenismos is an oral tradition first and foremost, these rules are still open to interpretation. Oral tradition has reinterpreted these maxims time and time again throughout history, there is nothing wrong with them continuing to evolve.

There are three maxims that are inscribed on a column in the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. These were:

Know thyself

Nothing in excess

Surety brings ruin

The rest of the Delphic Maxims are traditionally translated as follows:

Follow the Gods

Obey the law

Respect the Gods/Worship the Gods

Respect your parents/Obey the virtuous 

Be ruled by justice/Be overcome by justice

Know by learning/Know what you have learned

Listen and understand/Perceive what you have heard

Know yourself/Be yourself

Set out to be married/Intend to get married

Know your opportunity

Think mortal thoughts/Think as a mortal/Live without sorrow

Know when you are an outsider/If you are a stranger, act like one

Honor the hearth/Honor Hestia/Avoid that which is unjust

Be in control of yourself/Control yourself/Testify what is right

Help your friends/Control pleasure

Control your temper/Control anger

Exercise prudence

Honor forethought/Honor providence

Do not use an oath

Embrace friendship/Love friendship

Cling to education/Cling to discipline

Pursue honor/Praise virtue

Be eager for wisdom/Long for wisdom

Praise the good

Find fault with no one

Praise virtue

Practice what is just/Train your relatives

Show favor to your friends/Be kind to friends

Ward off your enemies/Watch out for your enemies

Exercise nobility of character

Shun evil

Be impartial

Guard what is yours

Shun what belongs to others

Listen to all/Listen to everyone

Be fair of speech/Be religiously silent

Look after your own/Do a favor for a friend

Nothing in excess

Save time/Use time sparingly

Look to the future/Foresee the future

Despise insolence

Have respect for suppliants

Be accommodating to all/Be accommodating in everything

Educate your sons

If you have, give/Give what you have

Fear deceit

Speak well of everyone

Be a seeker of wisdom

Choose what is holy/Choose what is divine

Act from knowledge/Act when you know

Shun murder

Pray for what is possible

Consult the wise

Test your character/Test the character

If you have received, give back/Give back what you have received/Believe in time

Look down on none/Down-look no one/Receive for the pleasure

Make use of expertise/Use your skill/Prostrate before the divine

Give what you aim to give/Do what you mean to do

Honor generosity/Honor a benefaction

Envy no one/Be jealous of no one/Do not boast in might

Be on your guard

Praise hope/Use the one who has the same interests as you

Despise slander/Despise a slanderer

Gain possessions justly/Be embarrassed to lie

Honor good people

Know who is the judge/Know the judge/If you believe in something do not be scared to act for it

Control your marriages/Master wedding-feasts

Recognize fortune/Be firm on what has been agreed

Don’t make risky promises/Flee a pledge

Speak plainly

Associate with likeminded people/Associate with your peers

Control your expenditure/Govern your expenses

Be happy with what you have

Revere a sense of shame

Repay favors/Fulfill a favor

Pray for success/Pray for happiness

Embrace your fate/Be fond of fortune

Listen and observe/Observe what you have heard

Work for what you can own

Despise strife

Detest disgrace

Restrain your tongue

Shun violence/Keep yourself from insolence

Make just judgements

Use what you have

Judge incorruptibly

Make accusations face to face/Accuse one who is present

Speak from knowledge/Tell when you know

Have no truck with violence/Do not depend on violence

Live free of sorrow/Live without sorrow

Have kindly interactions/Live together meekly

Complete the race and don’t chicken out/Finish the race without shrinking back

Deal kindly with everyone

Do not curse your sons

Control your wife/Rule your wife

Benefit yourself

Be courteous

Respond in a timely manner/Give a timely response

Struggle for glory/Struggle with glory

Act decisively/Act without repenting

Repent your errors/Repent of sins

Control your eye

Give timely counsel

Act without hesitation/Act quickly

Guard friendship

Be grateful

Pursue harmony

Keep secret what should be secret/Keep deeply the top secret

Fear what rules/Fear ruling

Pursue what is profitable

Accept due measure

Dissolve enmities/Do away with enmities

Accept old age

Do not boast about power/Do not boast in might

Exercise religious silence

Shun hatred/Flee enmity

Acquire wealth justly

Do not abandon honor

Despise evil

Take sensible risks/Venture into danger prudently

Never tire of learning/Do not tire of learning

Never cease being thrifty/Do not stop to be thrifty

Admire oracles

Love those whom you rear

Do not fight an absent foe/Do not oppose someone absent

Respect the old/Respect the elder

Instruct the young

Do not put your trust in wealth/Do not trust wealth

Respect yourself

Do not initiate violence/Do not begin to be insolent

Crown your ancestors

Die for your country

Do not live your life in discontent/Do not be discontented by life

Do not make fun of the dead

Share the load of the unfortunate

Gratify without harming

Have no grief/Grieve for no one

Beget good from good/Beget from noble routes

Make promises to none

Do not wrong the dead

Do as well as your mortal status permits/Be well off as a mortal

Do not put your trust in chance/Do not trust fortune

As a child, be well-behaved

As a youth, be self-disciplined

As a middle-aged person, be honest

As an old man, be sensible

At your end, be without sorrow

[piratessa]

Maxim Monday: Make just judgements (Κρινε δικαια)

Maxim Monday: Make just judgements (Κρινε δικαια)

I don’t expect Heathens to apologize for the actions of their racist minority, Southern Baptists to apologize for the actions of the Westboro Baptist Church, or Catholics to apologize for pedo priests.  It should then follow that I don’t except Muslims to apologize for the actions of their tiny radicalized minority that does violence either. Terrorism that uses religion as its excuse is not the…

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