Can your Gods perform miracles? We do not believe in miracles per se, miracles being something that defies Nature. The Gods are not above Natural Law: they are Natural Law.

I would think that the very existence of a God defies natural laws. Quite the contrary. The Gods exist because of evolutionary laws in the natural world. There could be nothing more natural than the Gods.

But I thought that the Gods are above the physical universe? There is nothing which is above or beyond the physical world, not even the Gods. Obviously there are many, even within Hellenismos, which disagree with this. The Orphic tradition teaches the material nature of the entire Cosmos, and, by definition, the Cosmos includes everything.

Don't you think that science is a better way to understand the universe? Hellenismos is a natural philosophy, consequently, it does not have an inherent conflict with science, unlike religions with creeds. Science is the friend of philosophy. Science is actually a branch of philosophy. The word science is a relatively modern term. At one time, if you were doing science at a university and someone asked you what you were studying, you would say "natural philosophy." Because natural philosophy is science. So in a way, we are scientists because we question. However, it is not wise to view science as creedal; the discoveries of science are somewhere on a continuum from ignorance to absolute knowledge; the same could be said of the discoveries of people on a genuine religious journey.

Frankly, I am inclined towards atheism: it seems absurd to believe in God, much less multiple Gods. Far be it for this author, who spent most of his 68 years as an agnostic, to try to convince you otherwise. If this is your conviction, you will not find an argument here. If, however, you are open to an opinion, I would propose that the agnostic position is superior to that of the atheist, and skepticism is far greater than blind belief, by a long shot. Nonetheless, I offer this for your amusement. Recently I heard an interesting story about Joshua Bell, the great classical violinist, documented in the book The Fiddler in the Subway by Gene Weingarten. Mr. Bell went into the subway disguised as a common street musician and proceeded to play a dazzling concert of selections by Bach and other masterpieces. For all practical purposes, he was ignored and viewed as a nuisance. My question: if the average person cannot recognize surpassing human genius in their midst, how could they possibly recognize a God?

The Gods reveal themselves when they wish, and for reasons of their own. If one has closed the door, the Gods never force. They never violate our freedom, for it is said that the Gods love freedom and want freedom for all beings.

For more thoughts on this subject, please visit this page: Experiencing Gods.

I have many doubts concerning Gods; why doesn't a God just appear and convince me? Because it is not expedient. Religions like Christianity are much more concerned with belief than we are in Hellenismos. As stated previously in this FAQ, the Gods generally do not care whether you believe in them, unless, for reasons of their own, it is advantageous that you do so. In this author's experience, logic alone will not convince anyone of the existence of any God; one must be open to their existence and even this is not enough. There must be a purpose for a God to reveal himself to you, but this purpose is not likely to simply convince you of their existence.

Belief, in any case, is inferior to conviction. We don't say, "I believe in rocks." We don't say, "I believe that one plus one equals two." Such things are beyond belief. It is possible to have this type of conviction in the existence of Gods, but such conviction comes at an expedient time, if ever. Therefore, we are not particularly evangelical, because to effect benefit for the world does not require belief in any God. People who come to me already believe in Gods. Once a potential student contacted me who was atheist, but there was no rationale to teach. I did not try to convince him of anything as I know it would be futile, so we parted quite amicably.

In my daily life, I have frequent visitations of Gods and Goddesses. I receive messages from them and they are constantly guiding me. Are you asking my opinion? I have no idea. People confront me with such stories, stories which, by ordinary logic, would push the limits of what is considered reasonable. Do I deny them? No, it would be unkind to deny someone's experience, but I don't confirm them either. I have no idea what to say to such claims. But I will say this. I attempt to practice the true philosophy, consequently, I am skeptical. I do not take things purely on faith. I try not to be naïve. Even concerning experiences of my very own: I am skeptical.

It is easy to interpret an ordinary event in spectacular ways. For example, I enjoy leaving out food for the squirrels in my backyard. One day, I left out some walnuts. In a half hour or so, I took a look outside. To my astonishment, there were, perhaps, thirty or more huge crows somehow cracking the shells and eating the nuts. Frankly, I have never seen so many crows all in one place in my entire life, and here they were gathered in my own backyard. Well now, crows are said to be sacred to Apollo, who I love dearly. So I became very excited. Were the crows some kind of sign from Apollo? It would be charming and appealing if they were, but perhaps they were just many crows eating nuts. Logic tells me that the latter is far more likely than the former.

I was taught that the visitation of a God is an extremely rare event; even the greatest of men have never experienced such a thing. The actual appearance of a God, if one has been fated to experience such a manifestation, may occur once in a lifetime, perhaps a couple times or maybe a handful, but not daily. Such is the traditional teaching. Further, it must be understood that if a God appears to a person, such an individual is not necessarily any more advanced or special than others. Indeed, there are cases from ancient literature when the exact opposite would appear to be true, as in the dreams of Xerxes and Artabanus in Herodotus.

How do we interpret our world? Truly, the world is divine. As such, all that occurs is an experience of the divine. But you must understand that this means everything. If you interpret the world in this fashion, how can you discriminate? But an actual appearance of a personal God who has chosen you to communicate with? There are many issues with such an idea. Are you so special, so much better than others who make no such claim, that an Olympian God, or any God for that matter, has chosen to reveal himself to you? Well, maybe he has and maybe he hasn't. I have no idea. But when people expect me to believe something completely fantastic, do not be surprised if I am skeptical. I would expect the same from you concerning my fantastic stories.

If a God did appear, how would this happen? It is said that when Gods appear to us it is usually in a dream or in the state between wakefulness and sleep. When you have experiences like this, you can never be sure if it was real or not. Therefore, the ego is not expanded, yet such dreams seem to have their effect.

Oh, I see. Apparently you are saying that the Gods are remote, unlikely to ever effect one's life. Actually, no, I am not saying that. What I am saying is that a God coming to visit you personally is a rare event. On the other hand, the presence of deity is constant, everywhere. We are actually of the same substance as the Gods, for they are material beings; there is no such thing as "spiritual," something other than, or above nature, because, by definition, nature is Pan: everything. Therefore, there is the great possibility of interaction with Gods. You can feel the Gods through your senses if you drop the artificial barrier of ego. This is not an easy thing to do. We are very guarded beings. But if you succeed in doing so, your life will change dramatically. I am not saying that you are going to see a God in your bedroom, but you can learn to feel the Gods if you are a sensitive person and give them permission to touch your soul.

Who is your creator-God? This is a somewhat complicated subject requiring study. Ultimately there is no creator-God in our religion because the theogony describes the universe as self-emerging. Yet from another perspective, you can say that Phanes or Zeus is the Creator. Zeus is, therefore, called the father of Gods and men.

I would like to examine your Bible. Hellenismos has nothing quite equivalent to the Christian Bible, although the theogony has some similarity to Genesis. But unlike the Bible, there is no single book which contains all the truth of our path. Furthermore, our approach to sacred texts is different: the words found in books are hints, like a finger pointing at something; the pointing finger is a signpost, a direction, not the actual thing itself.

I would like to read your Creed. Although there are many common, fundamental beliefs in Hellenismos, there is no exclusionary creed or regula fidei which people are required to adhere to. There is theology. There are explanations. There are exegetic stories. It may seem strange to someone who grew up in the Christian tradition, to have a religion which does not insist that you believe in a list of doctrines, but in reality it is a very natural situation of being presented with ideas that have potential to transform you. And this is done without coercion.

I have a patron deity and I do not worship all your Gods. While respecting your relationship with any one God, we would encourage you to extend your devotion. All the deities, in particular the Olympians, work together and participate in the providence of Zeus, which has important significance for every person. So we actually need them all.

Isn't Hellenismos a variety of Wicca? No, Wicca is a different religion. Many people discover Hellenismos through involvement with Wicca but the two are entirely different.

I've been told that the transition from Wicca to Hellenismos is smooth and seamless. It is recommended that when you approach this tradition, that you come fresh, with no preconceptions, and try to learn what is presented. Often when people come from Wicca and other Neo-pagan traditions, there is so much unlearning necessary that the transition for some is impossible.

I'm afraid that this makes me rather uncomfortable. We are not here to make people feel comfortable.

Well, all religions are really the same, don't you agree? No, not necessarily.

The ancient Greeks practiced syncretism; surely you have discovered that? Yes, certainly there is syncretism in the writings of Herodotus and many others. The position of this website is not to confirm or refute syncretism between religions and pantheons. The author of this website prefers to present simply the tradition which has been taught to him and to leave speculation about syncretism to those who are interested in it.

You seem to have a problem with eclecticism. What is wrong with it? Nothing, depending on what you mean by the term. Generally, eclecticism is appropriate for those who have not found their path; commitment is appropriate for those who have.

If by being eclectic you mean that you have an open mind, are tolerant, and have seen truth in many traditions, this would certainly be a good thing. But it is beyond the scope of this website to demonstrate how different religions and philosophies may agree. We are presenting the Greek tradition. At the same time, however, we are not denying that there is much common ground between various traditions and religions.

But there is a type of eclecticism that presents a serious problem for those who practice religion. Eclecticism can be a type of Protagorean view, with all its inherent contradictions. Protagoras, the famous sophist and philosopher, made the notorious statement, "Man is the measure of all things." This idea was refuted most famously in Plato's Theaetetus. The most general interpretation of Protagoras' statement is that there really is no actual truth, but that everything is in the eye of the beholder. In popular terminology, this is called "I'm okay; you're okay" or the "anything-goes philosophy" or "this is just your view," as if there is no possibility of an accurate, objective view. This relativism, when applied to religions or philosophical systems, becomes an absurdity and an insult when views within them are not compatible, but such incompatibility is glossed over for convenience sake. Genuine philosophy is not so open that it just accepts anything as true. Such thinking is a type of deliberate intellectual laziness that commends others for their ideas so that oneself can also feel comfortable. But actual reality is what it is, despite our feelings about it. As a gross example, in mathematics, 1+1 = 2, regardless of our feelings concerning the equation.

Eclecticism can reduce religion to entertainment, like switching the channels on a television set. It is a little like an "open relationship," and the problem with open relationships is that there is, ultimately, a dubious commitment, a frail fidelity. Eclecticism can be very exciting, just as it is exciting to have numerous sexual encounters, but it is impossible to become satisfied.

Eclecticism can also be very convenient; if a religion is critical of something you are doing, you just may be able to find another religion which may condone your view, one which might be a little easier to follow.

What is the connection between Hellenismos and some of the television programs like Hercules or Xena: Warrior Princess? None. They are a source of much misinformation about Hellenismos, things which must be unlearned before you can even begin.

You see, I am attracted to the Hellenic Gods because I love fantasy movies and stories. I believe in magic and many other things. The Hellenic tradition is the hard path of absolute reality...no fantasy here. Before you are able to get even so much as a glimpse of understanding, you must face your landlord, your boss, feed your children, face your parents, pay your bills. All these things, the dirt all around you, the wrinkled faces you pass on the street, cleaning a mess in your kitchen, politics, going to work every day...all these seemingly ordinary things....this is what our religion is about. If you are not interested in being in the real world, move on and find something else.

Please don't get me wrong: this author loves fantastic stories and great works of imagination. Perhaps some of the creators of such works have some genuine insight. But it is critical not to blur the line between exciting lands of imagination and the real world. I promise you: the real world, the world of Hellenismos, is, in the end, far more fascinating, colorful, magical and vast than anything you will ever see on the silver screen or in books of the imagination.

This is hypocritical. Hellenic mythology is filled with fantastic stories that even a child would not believe. I view them as no different from our fantasy movies. Not by a long shot. To begin, the mythology describes divinity. Divinity is an expression of the natural world, but at the divine level, the level of beings who are free of the circle of births, not the mortal level. So, from our perspective, it is fantastic. The myths were created by mortals who were inspired by Gods, and they told these stories in the imagery of their time. The knowledge of the Gods is intimate and private. It is not meant for the mundane. Therefore, the meaning is hidden in mystic language which cannot be understood if you do not know the keys to its interpretation, or approach these myths with a closed mind.

Even in antiquity, the myths were subject to gross misinterpretation. For this reason, Socrates (as told by Plato) disliked the myths. In his Utopian vision, as described in the Republic, Socrates insisted that myths depict the Gods accurately, without such poetic language. Many of the Platonic philosophers who followed also held this position. And his view proved to have merit when Christian critics used the myths as an easy target, interpreting them literally in order to desecrate the older religion.

Nonetheless, on your very website, you have mentioned mysteries. This is what I want. I want all the magic and divination and occult things. The Mysteries have nothing to do with magic, divination, clairvoyance, tarot, etc. The Mysteries are the means to liberate the soul. The connotations that the word mystery has picked up through the centuries are flat-out incorrect and the source of much useless and even damaging mischief.

I am a witch and I would like to join one of your covens. We are not witches and we do not practice any kind of witchcraft, something which is forbidden to us.

You seem to be going out of your way to discourage someone who is interesting in "occult" things. Indeed, you will find nothing here.

But there is ample evidence of magic and divination from antiquity. Indeed there is. There is ample evidence from ancient times of almost every type of activity you can imagine, but just because any particular activity happened in antiquity does not necessarily mean that such things were part of the religion.

I am a reconstructionist and I have seen several instances on your site where you point out that one thing or other is misunderstood in modern times and often in ancient times as well. Shouldn't we follow the ancient way scrupulously? Many of the instances pointed out on the site concern differences between the popular religion and the deeper understanding of the Mysteries. Beyond that idea, some people get confused between genuine religion and all the various activities that happened in the ancient world. To give a gross example, just because there was murder in the ancient world does not mean that murder was part of the religion. Even when we are unquestionably talking about religion, the ancient people did not all agree, and some people were outright wrong about things. A good example of this is the dialogue Euthyphro by Plato where Euthyphro has very distorted ideas about religion.

In what ways is your tradition different from other groups out there? We are practicing a living tradition based on the teachings of Orpheus. Our ritual has a particular form; our altar is set up a particular way; we have many conventions. We not creating something new, so we are not Neo-Pagans, nor are we reconstructing something old. Our religion is purely Greek, so we are not eclectic. Unlike those in other traditions who have patron deities, we are taught to love and honor all the Gods. While our religion is centered on worship, there is also considerable emphasis on the development of character and the human conscience, as we believe that a religion that does not make a difference is insignificant. These are some of the ways in which our tradition differs from other groups.

I thought that the Orphics are a small sub-sect of the religion? Some scholars have said that, but it is not true. Orpheus is the great reformer of the ancient religion. His reforms are the inheritance of all and recognized as such. It is the lineage of the Mysteries, the deepest meaning of Hellenismos. In ancient times, even those who were not deeply studied, who practiced a more simple and popular type of religion, were aware that there was something much deeper. This deeper religion is the province of Orpheus. Mousaios, his son or closest student, is said to have written the liturgy for the Eleusinian Mysteries, to which even emperors were initiated. Unlike Hellenismos in the west, which for the most part ignores the Orphic teaching, the situation is different in Greece, where Orpheus is embraced as the great theologian who holds the keys to liberation.

I've been told that you possess the initiations of the ancient Eleusinian Mysteries. No, you have been misinformed. The initiations of the Eleusínia have been lost. Perhaps some family-line has saved them, but they are unknown to this author.

Well then, what could be the purpose of your practice if this has been lost? What has been lost cannot possibly now be needed, otherwise we would already have it, for the Gods give us what we need. We possess echoes of the Mysteries; we know its purpose and we know enough. And there are some individuals in our community who possess knowledge greater than what is generally known. We know what we need to know, and that which has been lost from antiquity will be returned to us if and when we need it, for we are looked after by Gods who care for us.

If your Orphic teaching does not include miracles and magic, as you stated earlier, what could anyone find appealing about it? Orphism is a path of tremendous promise and hope, for it engenders the very providence of Zeus, the highest of all Gods; it is his promise and plan for mankind, indeed, for all creation. The teachings of Orpheus are the Mysteries of Dionysus, the son of Zeus, and they provide great purpose to those who practice them, with a possibility of liberation and metamorphosis.

I have read that the Greeks condemn homosexuality. Of course some Greeks condemn homosexuality, just as there are many Americans who condemn homosexuality. Like everywhere, the Greek people have many different opinions. This author is acquainted with many Greeks who are entirely tolerant of homosexuality. Concerning our religion, Hellenismos does not either promote or condemn homosexuality or, for that matter, heterosexuality: we are tolerant and we recognize and celebrate Nature, which manifests in many diverse forms, both heterosexual and the various expressions of the LGBTQ community and beyond. Hellenismos is a natural religion and we all are included in the natural expressions of the universe.

How can you say you are tolerant when you quote Plato abundantly, a philosopher who condemned homosexuality? Did he? It would appear so in Laws (Book I, 636a-d) and again in Republic (Book III 403a-c), but if you read Symposium and Phaedrus (and others) you may arrive at another conclusion. Plato seems to generally discourage sexual gratification of any kind unless it is necessary for producing children.

There are some scholars who believe that Plato himself was homosexual; whether he acted on his personal desires or not is a matter of conjecture, but particularly in Symposium, one can see that his objection was gentle and more aimed at transforming the erotic love between men (or a man and a woman) into something more sublime than the merely mundane physical act of sex, which is not a bad thing after all. In Symposium, in the speech given at the end of the dialogue by the drunken Alcibiades, we discover a romantic relationship which Socrates had with Alcibiades, but it was without sex (Platonic, as they say). Also in First Alcibiades it is obvious that their relationship is romantic and erotic. So, Plato acknowledges a legitimate erotic relationship between men, but he discourages sexual gratification beyond what happens naturally in procreation, a view not promoted by this author or this website.

Although I greatly admire Plato and admire with many things he said, I am not a Platonist. I do not agree with some of the fundamental Platonic ideas. There are many things in Platonic dialogues which raise objections to the modern mind, many of them found in Republic, such as the prohibition of poets, selective breeding of humans, euthanasia, and more. But such dialogues are, generally, thought experiments, not biblical edicts. I disagree with many of these ideas, but the point of the dialogues is not to agree or disagree, but, rather, to see the way dialectic functions and how various ideas could potentially play out. So, like everything in our religion, we must weigh things for ourselves.

I have read that the Greeks believe that the ancient religion is only for Greeks. Of course you will find Greeks who have this view, but this is not the way of the great Greek teachers of the past, nor is it the way of the best of the Greek teachers of our time, who accept people, not because of their blood, but because of the beauty of their soul. The Gods of Hellenismos are the supreme Gods of the entire universe, not just the Gods one country, or of only our planet; therefore, how could the Gods be only for those of Greek blood? Hellenismos should not be confused with nationalistic trends, trends which have surfaced in many countries, as well as Greece. Of course the Greeks have every right to love their religion and their country and to be proud of their heritage, and they, simply by who they are, will always have a special relationship with this religion, for its traditions were fostered by their ancestors and continue to be preserved by the Greek people today. But on the other hand, Hellenismos reflects the very reality of the Cosmos itself and is, therefore, by its very nature, universal and for all people.

I have read that the ancient Greek religion in contemporary Greece is connected with fascist causes. Unfortunately, there are extreme right-wing groups in Greece who hold fascist views, as currently exist in many countries (including the USA, my own country). Such groups tend to make a lot of noise and draw a great deal of attention, particularly since there is such an economic problem in Greece causing great misery for the people. Furthermore, it must be understood that there are widely divergent political views in Greece, and those who practice the old religion do not all agree in their politics. The community of this author avoids any communication with fascist groups and we do not agree or identify with them. But yes and very unfortunately, there are some in Greece who hold fascist views, even of those who practice the ancient religion, but we abhor such views and struggle against them as being contrary to the religion.

What is the view concerning racism? We do not discriminate based on things which are beyond a person's control. In other words, we do not discriminate based on age, race, color of skin, ethnic origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. - all the usual things thought of in regard to discrimination.

What is the best preparation to follow Hellenismos? Perhaps the best preparation to practice Hellenismos is to study history, from ancient times to the present. If those who educated you left this area wanting, you must educate yourself. The understanding of history will greatly illuminate your mind and expand your understanding of everything, such that when the teachings of Hellenismos are presented, they will make sense. Once this is grasped, you will begin to find Hellenismos in everything.

Who are you looking for? In reality, we are not looking for anyone, but we are available to diligent individuals who feel a connection with what is being presented here, and who are willing to start fresh, work hard, and learn our tradition.

How can I get involved with this? There is a course of study available. The classes are one-on-one via Skype or face to face; the course is not taught by means of email. You will also need a lap-top or a desk-top computer as you will need to access the website frequently during lessons; using a cell-phone only is not adequate.

1. You must be at least 18 years of age.

2. There is no charge for the classes, but you must be serious, of sincere heart, and willing to study diligently.

3. This course of study is for people who are considering making a commitment to this tradition...to make this your religion; it is not designed to accommodate people who are casual and simply looking to add to their collection of religious knowledge (you can acquire that from simply reading the website). If you are already committed to another tradition, please devote all your energies to that tradition and do not ask us to teach you.

4. You must have a firm belief in personal Gods, not simply the idea that Gods are archetypes or merely powerful ideas or natural forces.

5. If you practice witchcraft, magic, tarot cards, casting astrological horoscopes, or divination of any kind, we cannot teach you. All these things are completely contrary to true religion, and are forbidden. Absolutely no exceptions.

6. You must not practice any form of racism or indulge in prejudice of any kind.

7. You must keep the content of our conversations private, other than what is already on the website.

If after reading all this material you are still interested, send an email and explain your interest to: inquire.hellenicgods@gmail.com.

The deepest secrets of this religion are not shared with strangers, but, rather, between friends. We are greatly looking forward to making your acquaintance.

The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Rhapsodic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

Introduction to the Thæí (the Gods): The Nature of the Gods.

How do we know there are Gods? Experiencing Gods.

Wherefore my counsel is that we hold fast ever to the heavenly way and follow after justice and virtue always, considering that the soul is immortal and able to endure every sort of good and every sort of evil. Thus shall we live dear to one another and the Gods, both while remaining here and when, like conquerors in the games who go round to gather gifts, we receive our reward. And it shall be well with us both in this life and in the pilgrimage of a thousand years... (Plato's Republic 621, the closing statement, trans. Benjamin Jowett, 1892.)

I say again that daily to discourse about virtue, and of those other things about which you hear me examining myself and others, is the greatest good of man, and that the unexamined life is not worth living... (Plato Apologia 38, trans. Benjamin Jowett.)

Opinion is called the queen of the world; it is so; for when reason opposes it, it is condemned to death. It must rise twenty times from its ashes to drive away the usurper. Voltaire

We cannot repeat too frequently that dogmas differ, but that morality is the same among all men who make use of their reason. Morality proceeds from God, like light; our superstitions are only darkness. Reflect, reader; pursue the truth, and draw the consequences. Voltaire

Remember the dreams of the child. Anonymous

Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité! French Revolution

Every man is guilty of all the good he did not do. Voltaire

Why is the great number of hard-working innocent men, who till the land every day of the year that you may eat all its fruits, scorned, vilified, oppressed, robbed; and why is it that the man who lives by their work and is rich through their poverty is courted , respected, considered? ...

Why does so much evil exist seeing that everything is formed by a God whom all theists call good? ... Why, as we are so miserable, have we imagined that not to be is a great ill; when it is clear that it was not an ill not to be before we were born?

Why do the stars move from west to east rather from east to west?

Why do we exist?

Why is anything? Voltaire

All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent. Thomas Jefferson

Do those things which you judge to be beautiful, though in doing them you should be without renown; for the rabble is a bad judge of a good thing. Pythagorean saying of Demophilus

To sum up, no path is left open for thought by a philosophy that makes everything come to but one conclusion, the monosyllable "No." To "No," there is but one reply: "Yes." Nihilism has no scope. There is no nothing. Zero does not exist. Everything is something. Nothing is nothing. (Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, Cosette, Book Seventh, Chapter VI. Trans. Charles E. Wilbour, 1862.)

First problem:

To produce wealth.

Second problem:

To distribute it.

........

Solve the first only of the two problems, you will be Venice, you will be England. You will have like Venice an artificial power, or like England a material power; you will be the evil rich man, you will perish by violence, as Venice died, or by bankruptcy, as England will fall, and the world will let you die and fall, because the world lets everything fall and die which is nothing but selfishness, everything which does not represent a virtue or an idea for the human race. (Victor Hugo's musings on the role of government from Les Misérables, Saint Denis, Book First, Chapter IV. Trans. Charles E. Wilbour, 1862.)

I have seen crowns worn instead of a fool's cap ---

I have seen a Congress doing all that's mean ---

I have seen some nations like o'erloaded asses

Kick off their burthens, meaning the high classes. (Lord Byron Don Juan Canto the Eleventh LXXXIII)

If we should err, let it be on the side of caution, but better still, rather on the side of good than that of evil. In other words, do others a good turn assuming the best in them, even though your judgment of their character may be incorrectly favorable. (Anonymous)

Love one another. Be foolish about it. Love is the foolishness of men, and the wisdom of God. Adore each other. (Advice from M. Gillenormand to Marius and Cosette from Victor Hugo's Les Misérables, Jean Valjean, Book Fifth, Chapter IV. Trans. Charles E. Wilbour, 1862.)

"First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Socialist.

Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Trade Unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—

Because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me."

Martin Niemöller (1892–1984), Protestant pastor and outspoken public foe of Adolf Hitler who spent the last seven years of WWII under Nazi rule in concentration camps.

MAKE A DIFFERENCE WITH YOUR LIFE!

PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the pages of this Glossary, you will find fascinating stories. These narratives are known as mythology, the traditional stories of the Gods and Heroes. While these tales are great mystical vehicles containing transcendent truth, they are symbolic and should not be taken literally; a literal reading will frequently yield an erroneous result. The meaning of the myths is often concealed in code. To understand them requires a key. For instance, when a God kills someone, this usually means a transformation of the soul to a higher level. Similarly, sexual union with a God is a transformation.

The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Rhapsodic Theogony.

We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology.

Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology.

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