For this week of pagan blog project, I have decided to talk about one of the pillars of Hellenismos, Eusebeia. What is Eusebia? It in short means piety and being pious. Though it also means showing reverence to the Theoi and other divinities. This means providing offerings and libations to the gods and goddesses.
The Discourse of Epictetus translated by George Long says "...he who takes care to desire as he ought and to avoid as he ought, at the same time also cares after piety. But to make libations and to sacrifice and to offer first-fruits according to the custom of our fathers, purely and not meanly nor carelessly nor scantily nor above our ability, is a thing which belongs to all to do." thus one can see it means following custom, reverence, and providing with offerings.
Reverence for the gods
One of the aspects of Eusebia is reverence for the gods. "Worship the Gods (Θεους σεβου)" and "Follow the Gods(Έπου ϴεωι του)". The second maxim, Follow the Gods, is the first maxim on the list. These are to help make sure that keep the thought of honoring the gods in every aspect of our life.
The Discourse above mentions about keeping to the rituals. This is one thing I work on doing. Each morning and night providing the offerings, same when it is days dedicated to other divinities. It may not be grand, but I keep them within my heart. The Delphic maxim that says "Give what you have (Εχων χαριζου)" is one that I keep in my mind.
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