My Plan for the "Mysteries of Hekate-Despoina" Project

As you probably know, I was recently awarded a fellowship grant by the Center for Global Polytheist and Indigenous Traditions of Indic Academy in the field of Reviving Polytheisms. The subject of my proposal was the creation of a modern mystery cult centered on Hekate-Despoina. Specifically, this will take the form of a book for the sake of convenience and accessibility. My approach in realizing this project, evidenced in the title of this post, is two-fold.

On one hand, I will carefully study the pertinent mystery cults of antiquity (the Arcadian Mysteries of Despoina, the Eleusinian Mysteries, the Andanian Mysteries of Messenia and others) with the intent of forming a foundation of factual, historical information upon which the new mystery tradition can be built. I have multiple goals in regards to this:

a) the examination of historical polytheism from the perspective of a contemporary polytheistic theologian (something which can confer new perspectives on the material beyond those of secular and monotheist academics),

b) noting patterns between different mystery cults, their commonalities and differences and utilizing that information for the creation of the modern tradition,

c) and conceptualizing a theological framework influenced by the historical material that allows both a seamless insertion of the new tradition in the diverse corpus of contemporary Hellenic polytheism as well as the cultivation of current and relevant polytheistic theology.

On the other hand, the project also has a practical side. That is the actual creation of a tangible mystery tradition which can be utilizing by practicing polytheists and which can offer much-needed nourishment of the soul and deepening of our relationships with the Gods.

Furthermore, I will strive to design a detailed outline of the ritual processes, including an annotated version with exegetical commentary for every part of the system. In addition, the last part of the project-turned-book will be a step-by-step guide for the actual and immediate application of the new mystery cult, including offering alternatives for accessibility, substitutions, and necessary adjustments.

Satisfying the need in polytheistic traditions (especially and specifically Hellenic polytheism in this instance) for legitimate and fulfilling mystical experience and inspiring others to pursue the same, is of vital importance to me. It is even a duty I have towards Hekate as Her devotee.

My plan and work right now focus on putting together a starting bibliography and examining relevant material. I will also be posting a lot of information and interesting stuff relevant to this project over at my Patreon!