r/Hellenismus

This might come from a lack of education and knowledge on the topic, but I don’t really understand eclecticism. At least when it comes to orthopraxy. To me, I don’t quite grasp how you could thoroughly honor these orthopraxies if you use more eclectic practices. In theory, it could work. Say, someone who worships the Greek and Norse pantheon, but still uses khernips or avoids goetia. To me, that makes enough sense. But in practice, I almost never see this sort of thing. It’s not common. Somebody did say once somewhere that ‘just because we have eclectic beliefs doesn’t mean we can ignore the practices or things that are necessary’ which I find quite reasonable.

Often times, I see contradictions in things others will say. Like using Aphrodite for love magic on another person, or not cleansing before prayer at all. Typically, or as I’ve seen it, people who call themselves strictly a Hellenic polytheist don’t exhibit these sorts of contradictions, because it is an orthodoxy. If they do, it’s just because of a lack of knowledge. But with people who either get all of their information from TikTok, or people who consider themselves eclectic pagans, it’s a lot more common.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m in no way discrediting their beliefs or judging. It’s certainly not something I understand or would practice myself, but everyone is entitled to what they believe. I just get extremely confused, is all. From what I’ve learned and been taught, things like performing goetia or praying while miasmic bring us away from the Gods and Their teachings. That’s why it doesn’t make sense to me. I don’t know how one can worship the Gods while directly doing things that is considered offensive to Them.
ESPECIALLY when it comes to miasmic offerings. Don’t even get me started on miasmic offerings……

Anyways, It’s just something I’ve thought about, but never really get to talk about. Especially since there is a lot of people in other subreddits that are eclectic. I just never know how to respond to people who do happen to be eclectic but mention doing or avoiding necessities. Not because I think they’re wrong, I just don’t understand it.

EDIT: I don’t think it’s eclectic paganism that is the reason for this, I’ve just noticed a correlation between those who call themselves eclectic pagans and those that don’t do ample research.

I’m posting on this subreddit with a question on a subject that is very close to my heart. I should point out that I’m here precisely because this is a strictly reconstructionist forum, and I know I won’t be given answers based on various forms of eclecticism. However, we are well aware that in Greece, as in Rome and throughout the ancient world in general, there were numerous amulets worn by practitioners, as well as apotropaic objects for the protection of the home, newborns and so on. Do you make use of them? If so, which ones? Why?

I’ve only been visiting these sites for a very short time, but I’ve already come across a whole series of posts along these lines: I saw a dead pigeon – Aphrodite’s out to get me! I think we can all agree that this constant hunt for omens is as pointless as it is harmful. We also know that signs and omens are important in our faith and, in certain cases, ancient sources show us that even a sneeze can be one. Personally, I assess the timing and manner in which the probable sign presents itself before jumping to conclusions. What’s your take on this?