Paganism an overview introduction - South African Pagan Council

Modern theology is synthesided from a variety of ancient texts, including but not
limited to Sallust’s On the Gods and the Cosmos and Hesiod’s Works and Days.
Plato, Aristotle, and other ancient philosophers also contribute to the modern
movement’s theological base, in addition to scholarship on mystery schools such as
the Orphics and Pythagoreans.
Hellenic polytheists worship the ancient Greek Gods, including the Olympians, nature
divinities, underworld deities (Chthonic Gods) and heroes. Both physical and spiritual
ancestors are honoured. It is primarily a devotional or votive religion, based on the
exchange of gifts (offerings) for the gods’ blessings. The ethical convictions of
modern Hellenic polytheists are often inspired by ancient Greek virtues such as
reciprocity, hospitality, self-control and moderation. The Delphic Maxims, Tenets of
Solon, the Golden Verses of Pythagoras, or even Aristotle’s Ethics each function as
complete moral codes that a Hellenic Polytheist may observe. Key to most ethical
systems is the idea of kharis (or "charis", grace), or the reciprocity between humanity
and the Gods, between individuals, and among community members.
Another key value in Hellenic Polytheism is eusebeia, often translated as piety. This
implies a commitment to the worship of the Hellenic Gods and action to back this up.
There is no central “ecclesia” (church/assembly) or hierarchal clergy, though some
groups (Hellenion) do offer training in that capacity. Individual worshipers are
generally expected to perform their own rituals and learn about the religion and the
gods by reference to primary and secondary sources on ancient Greek religion and
through personal experience of the Gods. Information gained from such personal
experiences is often referred to in Hellenic groups as "UPG" (Unverified Personal
Gnosis), a term borrowed from Ásatrú.
Worship of the Greek Gods is frequently incorporated into the practice of other Pagan
paths but it is not termed “reconstructionist” as it does not intend to specifically revive
ancient practice.
While there are some Pagan groups and practitioners that make associations with
Greek deities, many forms of Paganism do not require practitioners to dedicate
themselves to a specific pantheon, ethical code, or worldview. Many Pagans see the
deities of diverse cultures as being different expressions of one goddess and one god,
or even, ultimately, a single godhead (see Pagan concepts of the divine and Wiccan
views of divinity), this is different to the view of many Hellenic polytheists,
especially reconstructionsts.
Magick is a source of much controversy within Hellenic circles. Some find the
practice of any magick irreligious. Magick is not often used within a reconstructionist
framework as there is little academic material to suggest that it was used widely in
ancient religion. Reconstructionists are often also critical of people who promote
historically inaccurate portrayals of the Hellenic religion and claim they are authentic,
or generalise and stereotype modern Paganism as Wicca-ish or only within the New
Age movement.
In contrast to the eclectic traditions, Reconstructionists are very culturally oriented
and attempt to reconstruct historical forms of religion and spirituality, in a modern
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