#e-temples

[hyakinthou-naos]

Temples, Clergy, and Hellenic Faith

Khaire Temple Patrons and Visitors,

Over the past couple of weeks we have seen a massive influx of Tumblr Temples being created. What was originally just The Temple of Hyacinthus and The Temple of Hypnos has now grown into over 7 Tumblr Temples (as least at the time this is being written).

This is exciting! It has been wonderful to see our community grow and see the creation of new spaces for worship, community, and education.

However, there are some things that we would like to say to the current and potential future Tumblr Temples that are being created.

When we created The Temple of Hyacinthus, we did so with the full knowledge and understanding of what it takes to be a community educator and person of influence.

Hytheria Aön has a degree in Social Work, as well as minors in Psychology and Gender Studies. He is an experienced spiritualist who has been practicing witchcraft and paganism through the entirety of his teen years and adult life. He is also an experienced community educator, having worked as a professional public speaker and community organizer for several years.

To claim any title of influence - be that High Priest/High Priestess, Priest/Priestess, or even Cleric - is not something to be taken lightly. And we would like to express concern over the way these titles (and by extension these Temples) are being used.

We say the following not to offend or upset any member of our community, but to express a reality of spiritual and religious practice: You cannot be a clergy member of any faith if you have not studied that faith in depth - and you cannot be a clergy member of any faith if you are a minor.

To expand upon the second point, if you cannot legally consent to adult activities (physical, recreational, etc.,) then you cannot consent to be a clergy member.

Our Temple was not created in haste - we have a Code of Conduct and Community Rules, and have been working slowly and carefully to expand our Temple within this community.

We love being able to see our community grow, but we are concerned that others are "jumping on the trend" (for lack of a better phrase) of E-Temples/Tumblr Temples.

Please, take time to reflect on the choices you are making and the language you are using - are you really a Priest/Priestess or are you just a Devotee or Steward? Is the space your creating actually going to function as a Temple or is it more of a Shrine* - or is it just a blog?

*Information about what makes a Shrine different from a Temple can be found here

The reason we created the term 'Hytheria' is because Aön is not yet educated or learned enough to claim the title of Priest/Clergy. The reason Aön only claims the title of Devotee in reference to Lord Apollo (and not the other Theoi he worships) is because becoming a Devotee is a serious - often lifelong commitment.

The reason we are making this post is not to shame or call out any individual or Temple - but to express our concerns and remind others that these commitments should be taken seriously.

Wishing all in the community peace and joy,

- The Temple of Hyacinthus

[eternalprintemps]

[oldschoolfrp]

Stone altars and painted statues surround a pentagram within a magic circle on the floor, from which rises a writhing column of smoke (Jon Glentoran, "The Temple of Testing" by A E Arkle, Warlock, The Fighting Fantasy Magazine #7, December 1985/January 1986)

[beifongkendo]

Chuzenji Temple at Utagahama Beach, by Kawase Hasui (1931).

[heirscrchd]

can we talk about how strong Azula has to be to physically be able to do this while on a moving platform?

[fawnave]

abbott elementary - dad fight

[e-hima]

A Guardian Turned

"To be a Temple Guard is not a specialty or a profession. It is a sacred duty, to which any Jedi Knight, or Master, may be summoned."

[Commission] [x]

[beautyofaphrodite]

Why I’ve Switched this blog from a Temple to a Shrine

This post is important for context

Temples are a really big responsibility. They require religious leadership and knowledge, and often imply priesthood or other titles that imply leadership.

I am a minor and fairly new at this- first started worshipping 5 years ago but really started offering and regularly worshipping the Gods 2 years ago. I truly don’t want people to think I am an authority on anything. Being thought of as a “religious leader” (I have never said that I am a leader in any way but running a temple implies leadership and knowledge) feels weird and feels like much more of a mature role than I can take.

Also, looking back on it, a minor running a temple or calling themself a “priest” (personally did not) or similar feels kind of icky to me. That’s just me though, I know there’s at least one e-temple on here run by a minor and that’s their decision. I made that decision too, just looking back that’s what I think.

I don’t think it was a mistake to make this blog an E-Temple at first, rather it was a learning experience brought on by Lady Aphrodite Herself. She asked me to “do more” with my worship and so I made this temple with Her permission. Earlier this week I asked if changing the temple to a shrine would be better and it was a very big yes. She wanted me to know how to take small steps and to do things I’m ready for, rather than blindly following instructions. It was a great lesson in boundaries.

What will be different now that this is a shrine rather than a temple?

Things will mostly be the same, this is a shrine for all Aphrodite worshippers, a communal shrine of sorts. My weekly Friday posts and monthly 4th posts will continue, and events and/or festivals will still be held, mostly the label is changing.

Thank you all for understanding 🫶

May Aphrodite bless you with love for yourself and others.

[temple-of-perunika]

Not slavic paganism related. But i have seen so many Tumblr's digital temples on the edge of becoming cult-ish , so i just want to kindly remind everyone, that while it's okay to have a set of rules in your temple, its beliefs, and concepts. PLEASEEE look into educating yourself on cults, how they come to be, and how they impact society and brainwash people.

Please! Look a bit into your impact on people that follow your pages. You may be just a small Tumblr page , but the impact you make and the position you form yourself, they can absolutely influence people! Make sure to remind people you are not the authority figure. Even if you are a self proclaimed priest of your temple!

I mean this with the depth of my heart. And with all due respect.

Educate yourself on how easily a pagan community can become a cult. Set boundaries on how people perceive you and your temple.

Thanks for reading!

Ps. Please don't name names in the comments!!

[seraphica]

YOSHIDA HIROSHI (1876 - 1950) | TEMPLE IN THE WOODS

Woodblock print, designed 1940 [via]

[i-give-u--art]

Idk I just decided I might post this here as well :3

[hyakinthou-naos]

Hello there , I hope I'm not bothering you , but I was wondering if you could give me some advice <3

I've been a devotee of Lady Selene for a while ( and while I'm also devoted to other deities, I'd say I have the strongest connection to her ) , and ever since I've seen these wonderful e-temples to honor the theoi , I've been thinking about making an e-temple to Lady Selene, but at the moment I'm a little overwhelmed and not sure where to begin. And I'm a bit worried that I , as a devotee , am not fit for running an e-temple since I'm not an experienced priestess . Maybe you could give me some tips or suggestions, but you of course don't need to ! Either way, I hope you have an amazing day, khaire <3

Khaire Louisa,

Thank you for your question! I am honored that you came to us seeking advice regarding starting your own temple.

I gave a quick glance to your blog and noticed that you are a minor.

At this time, The Temple is currently deliberating on the ethical nature of those under the age of 18 creating and stewarding temples within the community.

We are unable to give any advice at this time, as we are not sure where this deliberation will end up.

I think it is wonderful that you feel called to religious practice and temple stewardship, but at this time it may be more worthwhile to create an e-shrine or devotional blog. (Information regarding the difference between a Temple and a Shrine can be found here).

My apologies that this is probably not the answer you are looking for, but it is the best answer I am able to give at this time.

Eirene, peace and farewell.

- Aön

[fortunaegloria]

Shirtless Indiana Jones 🥵😍🤤❤️

[oldschoolfrp]

Zombies! (Jon Glentoran, "The Temple of Testing" by A E Arkle, Warlock, The Fighting Fantasy Magazine #7, December 1985/January 1986)

[beifongkendo]

Temple and Starry Night, by Takahashi Hiroaki (ca. 1935).

[pineapple-frenzy]

He's tiny