AboutDawn Blake Expertise I am able to answer most questions about Pagan religions and magic. I am particularly experienced in the areas of Hearth Magic and Kitchen Witchery, including magical cooking and gardening and Hellenismos including liturgy and mythology. I specialize in matters relating to Pagan children and family. I am also well-versed in Western European spirituality including Wicca and Druidry.
I am unable to answer specific theological, historical or liturgical questions related to African Synchretic Spirituality (Santeria, Voodun, Umbanda, etc.) or Heathenry (Asatru, Odinism, etc.)
Experience I have been a Pagan for nearly 20 years and a Hellenic Pagan for 10. I am currently the organizer for an all-path Pagan children's group, the founder and one of several organizers of the local Pagan meetup group and I maintain a regional website and newsletter for local Pagans as well as a website and newsletter for Hearth Witches. I have over 5 years experience planning and executing public Pagan events, particularly public rituals and family events. I have two teenage children of my own whom I have raised in the Hellenic tradition.
Organizations The Sacred Hearth Circle
Motor City Pagans
The Detroit Metro Area Meetup Group
Wild Ones
Michigan Pagan Chamber of Commerce
Expert: Dawn Blake Date: 6/19/2008 Subject: Virtues
Question Do Hellenic neo-pagans value compassion, mercy, and religious tolerance? Because I read one website that advocated the destruction of non-Hellenic religions.
Answer I am not aware of any such website and it somewhat surprises me. Let's not forget though that Greek Orthodox Christianity is also a Hellenic religion and it's quite different from NeoHellenic Paganism so saying all Non-Hellenic religions should be destroyed casts a pretty wide net. My own path is synchretic and includes elements from Eastern, New Age and other religions as well. Indeed, what we know now as the religion of the ancient Greeks is really a combination of many different religions. The ancient Greeks and the Romans after them had a habit of absorbing or adapting local religions when they conquered an area rather than destroying it.
Hellenic NeoPagans and reconstructionists are focused most on acheiving arete, or greatness. That is, being all you can be, searching for knowledge, keeping the body in top condition and doing things that are noteworthy. In addition to that, the Code of Hospitality is very important, we are mandated to be kind to strangers and guests. In fact, there are many stories in our mythology that teach that lesson. In addition to these very important core values, many Hellenic NeoPagans and reconstructionists try to follow the Delphic Maxims which can be found here http://www.flyallnight.com/khaire/DelphicMaxims/maxims.htm
