Delphic Maxims: Worship the Gods (Θεους σεβου)

Last updated on: May 10, 2012 at 2:29 pm by Star Foster

Delphic Maxims: Worship the Gods (Θεους σεβου) 2012-05-10T14:29:20-04:00 Star Foster

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This series has garnered a bit more attention than I expected, with other bloggers joining me on this journey. Since some have asked, here is a full list of the Delphic Maxims. I thought people were familiar with these, but I find this is not the case. As a broad and comprehensive ancient ethical code, they deserve our consideration, even if not our acceptance.

I’d especially like to thank Niki Whiting for pointing out that we all break the law at times. I’ve certainly run a red light in my day, but I think the emphasis should be willing to accept the consequences for that. Drew Campbell was also kind enough to point out that “Obey the Law” also has connotations of maintaining traditions and customs.

Worship the Gods. Worship. Why is it some of the most contentious words in Paganism begin with a “w” anyway? What’s up with that?

This is an easy one for me to accept. My inclination from the first moment I discovered Paganism was to worship the ancient Gods. Being influenced by Erynn Rowan Laurie alongside the Farrar’s in those first few months of exploring Paganism only served to deepen my devotional streak.

This natural tendency towards devotion has always kept me a little at odds with Wicca and religious Witchcraft, even though I did find a tradition I came to love and was initiated into. The archetypal nature of the God and Goddess of Wicca left me frustrated, and private UPG left me very conflicted. But that’s another post.

My problem is outward expressions of faith. I should be more active and disciplined when it comes to making offerings of incense and pouring libations. P. Sufenas Virius Lupus said something during a ritual at PantheaCon that has rattled around in my head a lot. He said something to the effect that our Gods can’t read our minds. They need to hear our words. We need to physically speak to them, even if only in a whisper.

That, combined with the concept of idol worship, or ensouled representations of the Gods, has been on my mind lately. Is having a heart full of love and respect worship? Or is it just thinking pretty thoughts? I don’t know.

If you decide to blog through the Maxims, whether all of them or just a few, let me know and I’ll share your post on FB. I’m delighted that by turning off comments I’m finding a deeper dialogue is being created. Plus the maxims are a great topic if you’re looking for something new to write about for Pagan Values Month in June!

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May 9, 2012

Delphic Maxims: Obey The Law (Νομω πειθου)

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May 11, 2012 Worshiping an Imperfect God

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