Original post: Altair
I was thinking of polytheistic faiths such as my own, Hellenic Paganism, the worship of the Gods of Olympus, and I had a thought -
I know that throughout Greek Mythology we see cities and temples devoted chiefly to particular gods or goddesses, i.e. Athens. Now, my thought is this: Would devotion to one or two of the gods of a pantheon be insulting to the remainder of the pantheon? I'm not talking complete disregard for the other gods, rather construction of an altar or shrine and continued prayer and worship chiefly toward one or two gods or goddesses. I was wondering what the rest of OF thinks of devotional worship to a particular deity among a larger number. Should this be considered an insult in any way to the other gods of a particular pantheon?
A question on devotional worship.
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Ceriel Nosforit
There might exist historical accounts on how this issue used to be addressed, but I know of no source for such info.
There might exist historical accounts on how this issue used to be addressed, but I know of no source for such info.
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Scarlett_156
Just as you have certain types of people you like better than others, the gods have their favorites. There are of course tales of the gods becoming jealous of their various favorite humans and the subsequent spats--and I note that it always seems to be the human who comes out the loser, no matter which two gods are spatting and how it started...
If you don't like taking chances then you should worship all the gods equally and only worship or offer to your patron in your spare time.
I can worship Artemis (for example) as much as I like, as long as I do nothing specifically insulting to any of the other deities. If it was Zeus's feast day and I was out in the woods worshiping Artemis, then it might piss Zeus off a little. Otherwise he wouldn't care.
Also, if I was to achieve some spectacular feat in the eyes of other humans which had something to do with Zeus, but I gave credit to Artemis, then that might also piss Zeus off.
Just think of them as these really big all-powerful children who never die, and then your chances of offending them will decrease. I hope this was helpful! xoxo Scarlett
Just as you have certain types of people you like better than others, the gods have their favorites. There are of course tales of the gods becoming jealous of their various favorite humans and the subsequent spats--and I note that it always seems to be the human who comes out the loser, no matter which two gods are spatting and how it started...
If you don't like taking chances then you should worship all the gods equally and only worship or offer to your patron in your spare time.
I can worship Artemis (for example) as much as I like, as long as I do nothing specifically insulting to any of the other deities. If it was Zeus's feast day and I was out in the woods worshiping Artemis, then it might piss Zeus off a little. Otherwise he wouldn't care.
Also, if I was to achieve some spectacular feat in the eyes of other humans which had something to do with Zeus, but I gave credit to Artemis, then that might also piss Zeus off.
Just think of them as these really big all-powerful children who never die, and then your chances of offending them will decrease. I hope this was helpful! xoxo Scarlett
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Yue
As I understand it, the practice of god favoritism was common place in Greek faith.
Often, there were temples set up entirely devoted to only one god in particular. In fact, many city-states in Greece devoted themselves solely to a single member of the Greek Pantheon, building temples and statues in honor of this lone entity. They became the guardians and representatives of that city.
I'm fairly certain as long as you don't, let's say, go, "Hey, Erebus, Nyx totally rocks your primordial socks, you sad excuse for a darkness entity. Psh, I've seen darker melanomas on my grandmother's forehead!", you should be fine.
As I understand it, the practice of god favoritism was common place in Greek faith.
Often, there were temples set up entirely devoted to only one god in particular. In fact, many city-states in Greece devoted themselves solely to a single member of the Greek Pantheon, building temples and statues in honor of this lone entity. They became the guardians and representatives of that city.
I'm fairly certain as long as you don't, let's say, go, "Hey, Erebus, Nyx totally rocks your primordial socks, you sad excuse for a darkness entity. Psh, I've seen darker melanomas on my grandmother's forehead!", you should be fine.
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Altair
Thanks for the words of advice - And I'll be sure not to bad-mouth Erebus or any other entity/deity for that matter anytime soon..
Thanks for the words of advice - And I'll be sure not to bad-mouth Erebus or any other entity/deity for that matter anytime soon..
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Geimhreadh
It was fairly common in the ancient worlds. Someone would feel closer to a God, or have a need for that God's particular area of expertise - the berserkers were especially devoted to Odin for example, the Icelandic farmers to Thor.
I can't speak for the Gods of course, but they never seemed to mind it... so long as said human didn't get involved in a feud between the Gods, or was fool enough to profane the temple of an entity other than his patron.
It was fairly common in the ancient worlds. Someone would feel closer to a God, or have a need for that God's particular area of expertise - the berserkers were especially devoted to Odin for example, the Icelandic farmers to Thor.
I can't speak for the Gods of course, but they never seemed to mind it... so long as said human didn't get involved in a feud between the Gods, or was fool enough to profane the temple of an entity other than his patron.
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Harmonic_Order
As the Olympians are in rebirth, and as yet still relatively faint (no offense, Maitres) ghosts of what they were, I don't think anyone will have hard feelings. Their worship once comprised the machinery of Rome, after all!
I think They are currently more interested in keeping the spark of Their religion alive than in any former rivalry.
A local household had a nice mask of Pan up on a tree. I used to stop and pray before it whenever I passed by.
Pan: Pangenitor, Panphage. He ruined my life, He re-created me. I ought to stay well away, but He is evrything my family has always loved.
The household is on the side of a bike path in a park in my city. Recently the house must have changed hands because Pan is gone, and the Virgin Mary is the only personage in their garden now.
As the Olympians are in rebirth, and as yet still relatively faint (no offense, Maitres) ghosts of what they were, I don't think anyone will have hard feelings. Their worship once comprised the machinery of Rome, after all!
I think They are currently more interested in keeping the spark of Their religion alive than in any former rivalry.
A local household had a nice mask of Pan up on a tree. I used to stop and pray before it whenever I passed by.
Pan: Pangenitor, Panphage. He ruined my life, He re-created me. I ought to stay well away, but He is evrything my family has always loved.
The household is on the side of a bike path in a park in my city. Recently the house must have changed hands because Pan is gone, and the Virgin Mary is the only personage in their garden now.
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Sapiens Vir
I would point out that as gods go the Olympians were very much like you and I. They fought, felt jealousy and were prone to childish fits of rage. They were very human for gods and that isn't necessarily a bad thing but I think it is possible to offend them by playing favorites , but at the same time one would think that your favorite would stick up for you.
I would point out that as gods go the Olympians were very much like you and I. They fought, felt jealousy and were prone to childish fits of rage. They were very human for gods and that isn't necessarily a bad thing but I think it is possible to offend them by playing favorites , but at the same time one would think that your favorite would stick up for you.
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: lioncastle
I've struggled with a tension between Aphrodite and Artemis for a long time. These two have been prominent aspects of my personality - although for over 20 years, Aphrodite prevailed (see one of Her shrines below). What ultimately happened to me was that I got older, burned out on romatic passion, and have entered a full-on Artemisian point. I think this is all ok. It's hard when one identifies strongly. I pay my respects to all of them, but felt conflicted between two very different deities. I'm much calmer now all the uproar seems to have settled down! And Aphrodite is like an old friend. I know I can call on her anytime. My emphasis shifted, but my love fo the Golden One remains. She knows that; She's a goddess, after all.
lc
I've struggled with a tension between Aphrodite and Artemis for a long time. These two have been prominent aspects of my personality - although for over 20 years, Aphrodite prevailed (see one of Her shrines below). What ultimately happened to me was that I got older, burned out on romatic passion, and have entered a full-on Artemisian point. I think this is all ok. It's hard when one identifies strongly. I pay my respects to all of them, but felt conflicted between two very different deities. I'm much calmer now all the uproar seems to have settled down! And Aphrodite is like an old friend. I know I can call on her anytime. My emphasis shifted, but my love fo the Golden One remains. She knows that; She's a goddess, after all.
lc
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Spartra16
Forget the Hellenis Pantheon, worship Bacon.
HAIL BACON!
Forget the Hellenis Pantheon, worship Bacon.
HAIL BACON!
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A question on devotional worship.
Original post: Lust
Of course not, there were priests and priestesses devoted to one God or Goddess. You can feel more connected with one of them and devote yourself to him/her but bear in mind that by accepting one of them means that you accept ALL of them as a pantheon (and they are many , many more than the famous 12). Bottom line, i agree with Scarlet's opinion, just keep it 'tidy'.For example If you decide that you want to praise Zeus don't do it on August 13th because that day is Hecate's Festival, hell won't break loose but it is disrespectful.
Of course not, there were priests and priestesses devoted to one God or Goddess. You can feel more connected with one of them and devote yourself to him/her but bear in mind that by accepting one of them means that you accept ALL of them as a pantheon (and they are many , many more than the famous 12). Bottom line, i agree with Scarlet's opinion, just keep it 'tidy'.For example If you decide that you want to praise Zeus don't do it on August 13th because that day is Hecate's Festival, hell won't break loose but it is disrespectful.