Author Topic: Athena and the City (Read 2478 times)

Donal2018 · « **on:** June 07, 2020, 05:57:11 pm »

I consider myself an Urban Pagan and have a long standing affinity for Athena as a Goddess of the Polis and the City. I love the built environment, and in another life I might have been an Architect or a City Planner. I love Museums, Restaurants, Bars, Stores, Libraries, Theatres, Concert Halls, etc.

I also will think about Dionysus when I am out eating, drinking, or going to a concert or play. But mainly I wiĺl meditate on Athena. I also very much appreciate modern conveniences like plumbing and running water, heating, cooling, power, lights, and electricity. Modern transportation and communication like TV, radio, and Internet are also things that I appreciate. I will sometimes dwell on Hephaestus the Smith when thinking about these technologies, or on Hermes as a God of Communication.

Anyway, I do this mindfulness with these Gods and Goddesses in an informal and ad hoc way. I do not know much about Reconstructed Hellenic Religion. So, I figured that I would share this here and ask if anyone has any ideas on how to maybe deepen this practice of mine with some of the Hellenic Deities.

arete · « **Reply #1 on:** June 16, 2020, 01:14:35 pm »

Quote from: Donal2018 on June 07, 2020, 05:57:11 pm

Anyway, I do this mindfulness with these Gods and Goddesses in an informal and ad hoc way. I do not know much about Reconstructed Hellenic Religion. So, I figured that I would share this here and ask if anyone has any ideas on how to maybe deepen this practice of mine with some of the Hellenic Deities.

How do you view the hellenic Deities, if I may ask?
Also, what do you think of the hellenic mythology of the Gods?

Here in Greece, the reconstructionists I talked to (in particular, a reconstruction organization with priests) we view Gods as 100% real entities (theists and hard polytheists). Also, we pay a lot of attention to mythology. For us, the Gods and their mythos are like a compass for everyday life.

Donal2018 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 16, 2020, 01:43:24 pm »

Quote from: arete on June 16, 2020, 01:14:35 pm

How do you view the hellenic Deities, if I may ask?
Also, what do you think of the hellenic mythology of the Gods?

Here in Greece, the reconstructionists I talked to (in particular, a reconstruction organization with priests) we view Gods as 100% real entities (theists and hard polytheists). Also, we pay a lot of attention to mythology. For us, the Gods and their mythos are like a compass for everyday life.

I would say that I view the Gods as symbols and archetypes, and the mythologies as useful and meaningful stories. I subscribe to Rational Paganism. I do respect other people's rights to believe in the Gods as actual entities. That is just Freedom of Religon to me. i just do not share that view, although i view the Gods as poweful symbols and cultural icons. So different views, but respect on my part.