NUMINISM
Questions and Answers
Here are some questions and answers to help you understand the beliefs and practices of Numinism.
Can I be gay and follow this path?
Yes! This is an affirming faith. In fact, the Ancients accepted fully homosexuality's place in
society. Even Jupiter the King of the Gods showed homosexual love in the story of Ganymede.
Is this the only true path to God?
No. In truth, most paths lead to God, eventually. Some take a lot longer than others. The
individual must follow his/her path for himself/ herself. God deals with the individual directly and
no one can truly dictate another's path. We can only hope to provide guidance and support to
those who choose this path, and affirm the rights of those who choose other paths.
Why should I follow this path?
Because it FEELS right to you. Because your inner voice leads you to do so. You don't have to
follow this path. You won't be punished eternally if you don't choose this path. But the Mother
and Father will welcome you with open arms if you decide to. This is a path of love and
fellowship which can help you to grow and give life meaning. If that's what you're looking for we
welcome you.
How do I recognize a true path?
A true path to god will teach the ideals common to all religions. Love of god(s), compassionate
dealings with others, trust in the guidance of the inner self (your link to god), detachment from
the desires of the ego self, etc.
Where does Christ fit in?
Christ was a great teacher and displayed a good life. His teachings of compassion and love of
the Divine are to be admired. He can be accepted as a divo (deified man) or a Lare (an ancestral
spirit) and honored as a personal deity. He is not the cornerstone of this faith. He is a sage just
as Buddha and Lao-Tse and Confucius and Socrates and others.
Are there any diet restrictions?
No. Use good judgement and do what's best for your body. Remember to give thanks for what
you eat and to share your meal with the household gods as well as any guests you may have.
Where do I worship?
Anywhere you like. At home you should keep a Larario for the household gods. If you have
space, you can maintain a delubrio for your personal god also. If not, use the larario. But
anywhere you are is fine. It's more important TO do it than where you do it. Acknowledge the
god, make an offering, keep peace.
What types of shrines/ temples should be built?
There are four basic types.
1) the larario- every home should have one. It is to honor the household gods.
2) the delubrio- is a special shrine to the personal god.
3) the aede- is an outdoor shrine to a god.
4) the templo- is a public building to house the public icon of a god and to which sacrifices are
directed.
What should I keep on my altar?
Personal deity icons and images. Incense burners. Candles. Bell or chimes. Sickle. Bowl of salt
and chalice of water. Offering plate. Seasonal decor. Special prayers or texts. List of numina. (optional)
What kind of meeting place should the family have?
A homeplace should fit into its neighborhood and surroundings. There should be some Roman
elements on the home structure. It should have a fenced in yard and a garden. Playground,
picnic area, gazebo are options.
What is a public worship service like?
The basic agenda for the regular meeting is
1) welcoming/ announcement
2) purpose of meeting/ mission
3) invitation to gods.
4) story time/ history
5) praise and concerns
6) silent prayer/ meditation
7) sacrifice
8) theme
9) thanking and release
10) bindings and benediction.
How should I treat the gods?
Like you would a human friend or superior, such as a teacher in school. They're not a lot
different from us, just more advanced and more powerful.
How do I ask for help from the gods?
Make an offering and a prayer request.
-State god's name
-Make offering (please accept this...)
-Legitimize request (do this because we're friends or because I have good thoughts, etc)
-State the sacrifice (may this offering please you, hear request, make it so)
How do I thank them if I have received help?
The same way you do human friends. Say it. Go to your shrine. Give them a token of gratitude
and say thanks. It's far more important TO do it than HOW you do.
How do I honor them?
The same way you do human friends.
With gifts. Dedicate your work to them.
Build temples for them. Donate to their charities. Name things after them.
---How often should I pray/ worship?
That's up to you. I recommend upon waking, at mealtimes, and before bed. But, be sure to
recognize any god you see working in your world during the day. (feel good breeze say hello to
Zephyrus,etc. see lightning hello Jupiter.) And on special days and in times of need.
Do I have to worship Pomona and Vertumnus?
You should to honor them as the Spirit of Family. And participate in the family practices in their
honor. But, this should never interfer with your personal relationship to your god/dess. The purpose of the CORE Statement is to create a basis for COMMON worship not to force you to worship solely Pomona and Vertumnus.
What is the funeral like?
What ceremony is there for new babies?
Here is a sample.
What ceremony is used for new members joining?
What is a bulla?
A protective talismin, made of leather or gold, worn by a child until its coming of age rites.
What ceremony is used for coming of age?
The age of responsibility for the Roman youth was 13. So, at the Liberalia ceremony in the year of the youths 13th birthday, he or she comes before the
hearth with the family present with their earthly parents and the family Custodes and complete the ceremony. The
ceremony includes removing the bulla and leaving behind the favorite toys of childhood.
What is the wedding like?
Here is a sample.
What if I feel drawn to a deity other than Pomona and Vertumnus?
That is perfectly natural and acceptable. Pomona and Vertumnus and the gods of hearth and land should be
honored by all people, because everyone needs a happy home and fruitful property. This is
basic. The Mother and Father and family help the individual to honor all gods and goddesses
and all of life. In addition to the basics, you are free to and have the responsibility to explore the
other facets of the ONE. Chances are one of these facets (gods) has been communicating to
you internally already. Learn about that god or goddess. Read their myths. Find their favorite
things. Find their special days. I, metaphorically, equate the relationship with ones personal
deity to the relationship one shares with their earthly spouse or best friend (whichever applies).
Befriend your personal deity and honor that friendship. Pomona and Vertumnus will remain in
the background and as long as you do your best, honor all of life, and are happy they will remain
your proud spiritual Parents.
What is a sodalicio?
A sodalicio is a group within the family which together explores the worship of an individual deity.
The sodalicio will perform whatever private rites it deems necessary for the honor of the deity
and the spiritual growth of its members and will share public rites and celebrations with the family
in general. The organization of the sodalicio is controlled by the group itself. The leader of the
sodalicio is called the Flamine (followed by the adjective for the deity), e.g. Flamine Pomonal,
Flamine Mercurial, Flamine Jovial.
What are the symbols of the faith?
A flaming altar (It looks like a small Roman column with flame on the top.)
A tripod flaming brazier.
The horn and plate of the Lares.
The sickle is Pomona's symbol.
The eight pointed helm is Vertumnus' symbol.
Others are Apple = eternal life,
grapes= this life, cornucopia, hearth with fire, flaming tripod bowl (cauldron).
Are there any sacred texts?
There are no word of god scriptures. Truth and guidance can be found in many texts as well as
personal experience. Each family will maintain a Book of Traditions and a Guide to Civil
Behavior. We will create and maintain a certification course for Custodians
and Sodalicios will certify flamines. This is an individual faith and is between you and your gods.
What should I read?
Ovid's Metamorpheses.
Books about or by Romans.
Marcus Aurelius'Mediations
The Writings of Seneca
Jung To Live By, Pascal.
Creative Visualization, Shakti Gawain.
The Tao Te Ching
What holidays does the family celebrate?
We celebrate the changing seasons of the year. We celebrate the solstices, equinoxes, and the points in between. There are eight days total. Each is named for an ancient Roman festival which occured in the same month. Beginning at the winter solstice the days are, Brumalia (@Dec 21), Februa (Feb. 2),Liberalia (@Mar 21), Floralia (May 1), Vestalia (@Jun 21), Vertumnalia (Aug 2), Bacchanalia (@Sept 20), and Pomonalia (Oct 31).
Do I have to learn Latin?
No. But it is a good gesture to the Roman gods to speak a Roman language. Since Latin is so
difficult, we recommend Interlingua, a simplified version of Latin.
These questions and answers have hopefully given you a good idea of the beliefs and practices of this system.
