> Initiates and devotee's have to donate 30% and 60% respectively of
> their time and energy to their cult duties.
>
> They can do this as,
>
> A) If they are a farmer and they worship a farming deity then doing
> their work is like an act of worship actively "emulating" their deity.
>
> B) Their time commitment is to be sent in contemplation and prayer
> (which is why communities have to support devotee's, as they cannot
> support themselves)
>
> Which is correct, and if none of the above, can you elucidate!?
Both are correct.
First of all, these percentages are a game abstraction.
Second, of all, I have always considered the term "worship" in a
"pagan" manner that is probably different from most people's
experience. It's not explained in any detail because it would as
likely detract from understanding as add to it.
Nonetheless, this being a list for this, I shall, in the hopes that it
will be illuminating.
First, take note of the number of holy days "required" for worship
every year (I am using the Heortling examples as they are best
documented.)
_Thunder Rebels_ page 105: The "28 days" are the required days for
community worship. This = the 10% of the year required by the common
worshiper. Everyone attends those days or they aren't really a
Heortling, because they aren't doing their (minimal) part to maintain
the cosmos by honoring the gods.
What do the Initiates then do for their other 20%?
Part of it is spent in daily reverence--daily prayers, minor or
household sacrifices, being aware of the god's presence (studying the
clouds for signs, seeing which plants are active, asking the stream
for permission, etc. etc.), doing work for the temple (fixing the
roof, planting crops, doing duty for the ongoing/never-ending chant,
etc) or doing temple work (like tending the ill, standing guard,
etc.), and preparing objects, food and so on for the big ceremonies.
And the devotee--are you familiar with _bhakti_? That is, Hindu
"devotion." It is basically dedicating your everyday life and
activities to your god. this might be by spending your days chanting,
but it might also be in dedicating the meal your are making for your
family to the god, and washing the dishes to the god, and making love
or filling out tax forms to the god. It requires keeping the deity in
mind and heart, not just saying "this is for you" (though that is a
start.)
So devotees (yes, dedicated to devotion) do that. So do Initiates, but
they are not expected to be so good at it, or so vigorous.
Furthermore, acting in accordance to your god's principles counts, and
so does "doing what your god does."
Of course, if your career path/occupation is in harmony with your
worship, then this is easier. It is not appropriate to dedicate
killing time to Ernalda, nor plowing time to Odayla. If you are going
to do an effective job you can't have your concentration on something
else. But hunting, and living in harmony with the hunting power, is
easier.
Eventually, should you be fortunate enough, there comes to be little
difference in your consciousness between the divine work and the
individual work. You become one with the god. You are aware that you
ARE the god. But this is rare, difficult and removes your
individuality/personal identity.
THAT is what people do to dedicate time and energy, and HP, to their deity.
Issaries, Inc.
c/o Greg Stafford
1942 Channing Ave, #204
Berkeley, CA 94704 USA
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