Apollonian Beliefs
Apollonianism asserts that there is no greater truth in the Cosmos than what can be observed and discovered, and that science is the key to gaining such knowledge. Just as the philosophers of ancient times were the scientists of their day, so too must we, following in their footsteps, turn to modern science for our answers today. Reason, logic, and creativity must be cultivated if we are to progress as a technologically advanced species--and yet, without some form of spirituality, we are left empty and cold.
Thus, it is our goal to formulate a new kind of spirituality that is not dependent upon supernaturalism or superstition, but rather, on virtues such as science, reason, aesthetics, creativity, harmony, order, and intellectual enlightenment. Far from being atheistic, Apollonianism advances the pantheistic notion, held by many philosophers throughout history, that the Cosmos itself is a truly divine, ever-evolving entity, with all sentient beings comprising the Nous--that is, the Greater Mind of the Universe.
In the interest of spiritual growth, Apollonians also revere three Cosmic Principles personified by Apollo, the embodiment of light, music, order, and reason; Hermes Trismegistus, the embodiment of knowledge and science; and finally, Athena, the embodiment of strength, wisdom, and virtue. However, it is important that one not perceive these Principles as "Gods" that are real or tangible in the classical sense, but rather as symbolic representations of their respective concepts.
Apollonians furthermore honor Master Plato as the Father of Philosophy, as well as his successor, the great philosopher Aristotle, who laid the foundations of science. So to do we honor Master Plotinus, the ancient founder of Neoplatonism, as well as many of the later Neoplatonists such as Porphyry, Iamblichus, and Proclus.
The Seven Tenets
While the individual beliefs of any Apollonian may vary widely, there are a number of essential tenets that underlie the basic Apollonian world-view. However, these tenets should not be considered dogma, and may change given the revelations of science.
The following should be considered a list of those basic tenets.
- We believe no greater truth can be found other than what science and reason provide through study and inquiry.
- We believe the Cosmos began as a point of infinite density outside of time and space, known to ancient philosophers as the Hypercosmic Monad and to modern science as the Singularity.
- We believe the Cosmos is a divine, ever-evolving entity, with all sentient beings comprising the Nous--the Greater Mind of the Universe.
- We believe all sentient beings should act with compassion toward every other being, and strive to uphold the virtues of Temperance, Prudence, Courage, and Justice.
- We believe the only evil that exists is caused by ignorance, that is, the absence of knowledge and reason, and that all the ills we suffer are the result of this ignorance.
- We believe the light of knowledge and reason is the greatest source of good in the universe, and that only through enlightenment can the ills of the world be cured.
- We adhere to the Apothegms of Enlightenment in order to better ourselves and achieve a state of Enlightened Reason.
Charlotte Group
If you live in or near Charlotte, North Carolina, it may interest you to know that an informal Apollonian study group has been established. Our meetings generally take place at a coffee shop, or similar venue, and with the help of the Eidolon Foundation, are gearing up to hold regular classes as well. Please look at our Local Events page to see what's going on.
Online Group
If you are not local to Charlotte, NC, but still wish to participate, don't worry. You can still participate online by joining the Apollonian Spirituality Yahoo Group. This is a new Yahoo Group and will take some time to get going, but we hope that it will become an active discussion forum on the subject of Neoplatonism, Hermetic philosophy, and Apollonian spirituality.
Our Sponsor
On-going study groups and classes supporting Apollonianism are made possible thanks to the generous sponsorship and support of the Eidolon Foundation, a Charlotte based non-profit organization dedicated to promoting greater awareness of alternative spiritual traditions and minority religions.
Our funding derives from the support of the Eidolon Foundation, so anyone who wishes to help support our functions, events, and continue research should do so by contacting them, or by making a direct donation through JustGive.org. Please also specify that the donation is for funding of the Apollonian Fellowship. The Eidolon Foundation is a 501[3][c] tax deductible charity, so any donations you give can be deducted.