We are a Temple of the Thessalian Strix Witchcraft faith dedicated to Hekate and the Olympian pantheon. Essentially, this means that we are a mystery tradition of Witchcraft, rooted in the surviving lore of Hellas (Greece). We are an evolutionary Temple in that we update the ancient mythos and apply the teachings to today’s world.  We are living in a new era of heroes, heroines, and the resurgence of magick, and the Witch in the world. We do not seek to reconstruct the past nor live in it.  We work in today’s world and lay a new layer of foundation on ancient ways for the future.

 

We are a faith-based people therefore to us; Witchcraft is a fundamental and natural part of other religious work as well as belief.  We are theurgists in that we believe in the divine interacting with us.  Our lives are rituals and offerings to the Immortal Gods.  We do not have a Rede of harming none - rather we emphasize personal responsibility, knowledge, honor, loyalty to family (both of blood and of spirit), the concepts of chivalry, and respect.

 

Our teachings encompass a series of nine "points" (after the nine pointed star - which is a very important sigil in our lore). We learn and teach through both experiential and academic processes. Our curriculum includes seasonal festivals, path working/trance journeys, Pythagorean number theory, the Western mysteries, the Chaldean oracles, aspecting (possession by Deity), group dynamics, holistic healing, divination, and the four elements. Apart from tradition specific teachings, we also discuss and learn about other Pagan traditions and those considered more "mainstream" religions.

 

We mark the changes of the moon in 9-phases and honor the days both from lunar and solar calendars.  We do not necessarily follow the popular Pagan calendar with 8 ‘Sabbats’.  We have additional feast days in honor of Hekate and other Immortals.  Each day for us is ascribed to a deity for whom we pour libations and offer prayers on behalf or ourselves and the world. 

 

We believe in the use of magick and that a Witch can both bless and curse for balance.  We do not perform magick idly and believe magick is a natural state; not supernatural.  On the simplest level, magick is life.  As a mystery religion, we protect and keep the mysteries, while revealing them constantly through our actions and words. 

 

The Temple supports a tiered membership with priesthood, congregation and dedicant levels.  We conduct mostly open rituals and any may attend as long as they will stand in ritual with the proper respect and openness to other’s ways.  Our Lyceum is our governing body which is comprised of the aforementioned members.  Decisions are most commonly made by majority vote. 

 

The priesthood is available to those in need.  We offer the usual ritualistic services such as marriages, presentations of a child to the Gods (our form of baptism), coming of age ceremonies, transition through the western gates, and memorials, as well as divinatory and religious consultation. 

 

In practicing what we preach, we reach out an open hand to other Pagan traditions and solitaires for real networking and community.  We recognize and acknowledge there are numerous ways to celebrate the divine, and as polytheists, we respect all forms of Deity. 

 

For those called by the Greek Gods and/or to Hekate in particular, we offer an online outreach yahoo email group and discussions as well as a site for Dedicant training and discussions from afar.  We do not offer initiatory teachings or conferment beyond Dedicant.  Initiations are performed at our mother Temple site in Roswell, NM.  For consideration to either group, please email a letter describing your beliefs, your expectations, and any personal revelations to Olympiasbc@aol.com. 

 

The Temple also hosts other events throughout the year such as: Kitchen Witchery, guest speakers from other Pagan traditions, an annual camping retreat in the mountains of Cloudcroft, NM in June.  These events are open to anyone interested with an RSVP.  Please see our Calendar section for scheduled events.

 

We are acutely aware of the need to be watchful of Pagan rights both on a individual and community levels.  Many of our members are therefore members of Pagan rights alliances and network with other Pagan individuals and groups.  Many members also attend gatherings, conventions and fairs for the purpose of networking with others.

 

It is our goal to establish other working Temples of our order around the US as well as establish excellent relations with other Pagan traditions and individuals for purpose of advancing Pagan ideals, beliefs, teachings and our collective agenda. 

 

We are the torches of Hekate and illuminate the darkness.