Philosophy of Practice

Hellenic Polytheism as a religion has no centralized holy texts, core doctrines of belief, or figures of authority. The way in which we conceptualize and discuss religion today did not exist in Hellenic Greece, and in this modern worshippers have two main paths to follow.

The first path is Religious Reconstructionism; wherein a practitioner seeks to reconstruct Hellenic Polytheism by adhering to documented traditional practices. Seeking to avoid going against or altering historical precedent.

The second path is Religious Revivalism; wherein a practitioner seeks to to revive the energy or essence of Hellenic Polytheism by taking into account documented historical practices and also leaving room to modernize the faith to adapt to the current age.

Temple Hyacinthus is a Revivalist Temple. We seek to follow the old ways in many aspects of our worship, but also acknowledge that we do not follow historical documents to the letter in our beliefs and practices.

Core Stances

Some religious institutions, groups, and people believe that Personal Belief and Personal Politics do not have to intersect. So many of our fellow Hellenic Polytheists label their faith as ‘non-political’ but we at The Temple believe this does not align with the faith tradition of Hellenic Polytheism. From Zeus Xenios, Zeus of the Foreigner; to Dike, Goddess of Justice; our faith not only intersects with politics - but demands our active participation in the creation of a more just and equitable world.

Along these lines, below are a number of select issues and The Temple’s stances on them.

Preface:

Ableism, the discrimination of and prejudice against people with mental and/or physical disabilities, has no place in The Temple - or in Hellenic Polytheism. Temple Hyacinthus strives to be as accessible as possible to people of all abilities or lack thereof.

Abelism & Ability

Abortion is a deeply personal medical procedure, and the decisions made regarding medical procedures should be up to a patient and their doctor or care team. Temple Hyacinthus believes that access to safe, effective, and affordable medical care is a human right.

Abortion

Lord Apollo and Prince Hyacinthus are a prime example of the beautiful LGBTQ+ representation that is present within the mythology of Hellenic Polytheism. From Divine Hermaphroditos, son of Lady Aphroitê and Lord Hermes - to Cybele-Rhea and her connection to the transgender goddess Ishtar/Inanna. Temple Hyacinthus is, above all else, a space for Queer Pagans to find community and acceptance.

LGBTQ+

The nations that exist in the modern day, and by extension their borders, exist in large part as a result of imperialism - colonialism - and theft. The Temple believes in and supports open borders and accessible immigration policy.

Borders and Immigration

The Temple fully supports and trusts in the scientific method. We accept the reality of climate change and the responsibility that individuals, corporations, and governments have to correct the damage that has been caused.

Climate Change

Gun Violence is the #1 cause of death for school aged children in the United States. This is an abhorrent statistic that highlights the truly abysmal state of gun control in the United States. The Temple fully supports a ban on automatic weapons and stricter gun control laws.

Gun Control

The concepts of Race and Ethnicity are very real and tangible social categories that affect all people of all cultures. Particularly in the United States where institutionalized racism creates layers of marginalization and oppression for those who are not white. We as a Temple, and as a community, reject the racist ideals found in the United States and in the world at large. We believe in unlearning conscious and subconscious biases, providing equity and reparations to impacted communities, and the true equality of all peoples.

Race and Ethnicity

Religious Exclusivism is “Religious exclusivism, or religious exclusivity, is the doctrine or belief that only one particular religion or belief system is true. This is in contrast to religious pluralism.” (source: Wikipedia).

Temple Hyacinthus rejects Religious Exclusivism / Religious Absolutism in favor of Religious Pluralism.

Religious Pluralism is “…an attitude or policy regarding the diversity of religious belief systems co-existing in society.” (source: Wikipedia).

At The Temple, we believe that there is no singular religion or religious sect that is “truth”. We believe in the value of all non-harmful religious and spiritual practices - and reject viewing faith and tradition as “absolutes”.