Modern Collyridianism

Reawakening an ancient -- and very dead -- spiritual path is both daunting and difficult, considering there are virtually no resources on the subject.

The rebuilding of the Collyridian faith was constructed based on what Bishop Epiphanius wrote in Panarion and also what is mentioned in the Book of Jeremiah. Based on those two sources, it has been determined that five key points are what create the basic foundation of Modern Collyridianism:

� Mary is the central godhead, with limited mentioning of male idols
� Annual Marian, as well as Pagan feast days are celebrated
� An altar adorned with a linen cloth is used
� Communal bread is offered as a sacrifice
� Incense and wine are offered as endowments

Because the women of the ancient Collyridian sect were Pagan, it can only be theorized that their practices were that of the ancient Goddess Worship sect, which was a very flourishing practice during the time. As the New Religion entered Arabia, it's understandable that the adoption of Mary, the only divine female in the New Religion, as the new Goddess took place. Prosecution and sentencing of death were threatening the Arabian women, and to save themselves they adopted and disguised their ancient Mother Goddess as Mary.

That being said, standard Pagan traditions and festivals are things that are easily adopted into Modern Collyridianism. Taking care of and respecting nature and the environment and all living creatures, living a good and ethical life, honouring the changing seasons and the phases of the moon, performing intuitive rites (tarot readings, palmistry, dowsing), and saying specific incantations (prayers, spell workings) are all things that can be adopted into Modern Collyridianism.

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