10.1. Glossary⁑

This glossary provides a list of Greek words used for terminological reasons or labeling of objects, events, roles, and other concepts as found throughout the Stoiba and used within the context of the Hermetic Synaxis. All terms are provided by default in their singular form; where reasonable to do so, plural forms are given (e.g. “pl. hormoi”). If appropriate, literal translations of words are also given (e.g. “lit. ‘good spirit’”) are given prior to the definition of a term. The polytonic Greek spelling of all words are also given.

10.1.1. Transliteration of Terms⁑

All Greek terms are provided with classical Greek conventions for grammar and spelling, but provided in Latin script using the following transliteration system:

Uppercase	Lowercase	Name	Transliteration	Notes
Α	α	alpha	a
Β	β	bēta	b
Γ	γ	gamma	g
Δ	δ	delta	d
Ε	ε	epsilon	e
Ζ	ζ	zēta	z
Η	η	ēta	ē
Θ	θ	thēta	th
Ι	ι	iōta	i
Κ	κ	kappa	k
Λ	λ	lambda	l
Μ	μ	mu	m
Ν	ν	nu	n
Ξ	ξ	ksi	ks	only Latin “x” in the formal term “Hermetic Synaxis” or in some proper names
Ο	ο	omikron	o
Π	π	pi	p
Ρ	ρ	rho	r, rh	may take rough breathing mark to be “rh”
Σ	σ/ς	sigma	s	σ at start or in middle of a word, ς at end of a word
Τ	τ	tau	t
Υ	υ	ypsilon	y, u	generally “y” as a single vowel, “u” in a diphthong that is not ου or in some other exceptions as a single vowel
Φ	φ	phi	ph
Χ	χ	khi	kh
Ψ	ψ	psi	ps
Ω	ω	ōmega	ō
ΓΓ, Γγ	γγ		ng
ΓΚ, Γκ	γκ		nk
ΓΞ, Γξ	γξ		nks
ΓΧ, Γχ	γχ		nkh
ΟΥ, Ου	ου		ou, ū, w	generally “ū” as a single long vowel, but sometimes “o”u in a complex vowel string or “w” at the start of a word
◌̔	◌̔		h	only on vowels at start of a word, or on ρ

Notes on transliteration:

If two vowels in sequence that are normally read as a single diphthong are instead to be pronounced separately, a diaeresis is placed above the second vowel (e.g. naïskos).
Proper nouns, e.g. of entities or rituals, are given with their first letter capitalized using English conventions.
In general, the gender of nouns in Greek is not preserved in English usage.
Event names, e.g. “Hermaia” or “Arkhēgesia”, are grammatically plural in Greek, but are generally treated as grammatically singular in English.

10.1.2. Terms⁑

10.1.2.1. A⁑

Adeia⁑: (Ἄδεια, lit. “freedom from fear”) the license and terms of use and distribution of Hermetic Synaxis materials
agalma⁑: (ἄγαλμα, pl. ἀγάλματα agalmata, lit. “glory”) a statue or icon of a spirit used towards their devotion, especially to host their divine presence
Agathē Tykhē⁑: (Ἁγαθή Τύχη, pl. Ἀγαθαί Τύχαι Agathai Tykhai, lit. “good fortune”) one’s cosmic spirit of destiny and incarnation
Agathos Daimōn⁑: (Ἀγαθός Δαίμων, pl. Ἁγαθοί Δαίμονες Agathoi Daimones, lit. “good spirit”) one’s metacosmic spirit of providence and divinity
aiōn⁑: (αἰών, pl. αἰῶνες aiōnes, lit. “eternity”) generally eternity or an age, but specifically the name of a grand demiurgic deity
Aiōneia⁑: (Αἰώνεια) the offering to Aiōn
Anagnōsis⁑: (Ἀνάγνωσις, lit. “reading”) the formal process of reading and studying the Hermetic texts, whether on its own, in the daily Leitūrgia, or in the Synodos
anagrapheus⁑: (ἀναγραφεύς, pl. ἀναγραφῆς anagraphēs, lit. “recorder”) the minute-taker for an Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē
Anapodismeia⁑: (Ἀναποδίσμεια, lit. “going backwards”) a ceremony to mark the station of a planet (especially Mercury) as it turns from direct to retrograde motion
anthodesmē⁑: (ἀνθοδέσμη, pl. ἀνθοδέσμαι anthodesmai, lit. “bouquet”) the bundle of flowers and greens from the Prōtokhronia offering kept as a blessing for the house
Apodeksis⁑: (Ἀπόδεξις, lit. “acceptance”) the Heptasterion result associated with Jupiter
Apophortisis⁑: (Ἀποφόρτισις, lit. “unloading”) the process of sharing one’s trials, tribulations, and triumphs with a group as a means to unburden oneself spiritually during the Synodos
Apōthēsis⁑: (Ἀπώθησις, lit. “rejection”) the Heptasterion result associated with Saturn
Arkhē⁑: (Ἀρχή, pl. Ἁρχαί Arkhai, lit. “beginning”) one of the Principles of the Hermetic Synaxis
Arkhēgesia⁑: (Ἀρχηγέσια) the offering to one of the three mythical founders of Hermeticism: Poimandrēs as the Revealer, Hermēs Trismegistos as the Teacher, and Tat together with Asklēpios and Ammōn as the Students
Arkhēgetēs⁑: (Ἀρχηγέτης, pl. Ἀρχηγέται Arkhēgetai, lit. “leader”) one of the main mythical founders of Hermeticism: Poimandrēs as the Revealer, Hermēs Trismegistos as the Teacher, and Tat together with Asklēpios and Ammōn as the Students
Askēma⁑: (Ἄσκημα, pl. Ἀσκήματα Askēmata, lit. “exercise”) a training rule of avoiding particular behaviors or actions for living a Hermetic lifestyle

10.1.2.2. B⁑

bōmos⁑: (βωμός, pl. βωμοί bōmoi, lit. “altar”) a raised platform used as an altar to perform prayers or ceremonies at

10.1.2.3. D⁑

daimōn⁑: (δαίμων, pl. δαίμονες daimones, lit. “god, spirit”) general term for any spiritual entity

10.1.2.4. E/Ē⁑

eisagōgeus⁑: (εἰσαγωγεύς, pl. εἰσαγωγῆς eisagōgēs, lit. “introducer”) the original inductor of a new member into a group of the Hermetic Synaxis for the first time
Ekklēsia⁑: (Ἐκκλησία, pl. Ἐκκλησίαι Ekklēsiai, lit. “assembly”) the conference of representatives from groups to handle community-wide issues and matters related to the work of the Hermetic Synaxis
Ekklēsias Teleutē⁑: (Ἐκκλησίας Τελευτᾶι, pl. Ἐκκλησῐῶν Τελευτᾶι Ekklēsiōn Teleutai, lit. “conclusion of the assembly”) a follow-up conference of representatives after an Ekklēsia to finalize details or accounts
ekklēsiastēs⁑: (ἐκκλησιαστής, pl. ἐκκλησιασταί ekklēsiastai, lit. “assembly-member”) a representative of a group present for an Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē
elaion⁑: (ἔλαιον, lit. “oil”) oil generally, or oil specifically blended and used for anointing or other ceremonial purposes
em mai⁑: (ἔμ μαὶ, lit. “in truth”) ceremonial phrase used to close a prayer, invocation, or supplication
Enkardeia⁑: (Ἐνκαρδεία) the offering made to a planet (especially Mercury) when cazimi, i.e. tightly conjunct the Sun
Entolē⁑: (Ἐντολή, pl. Ἐντολαί Entolai, lit. “injunction”) one of the Rules for Members, for Groups, for Participants, or for Retreats of the Hermetic Synaxis
epaneisagōgeus⁑: (ἐπανεισαγωγεύς, lit. “reintroducer”) the inductor of an existing member of the Hermetic Synaxis into a different group
ephēmeris⁑: (ἐφημερίς, pl. ἐφημερίδες ephēmerides, lit. “calendar, diary”) an almanac for giving the positions of planets, stars, and other celestial bodies at particular moments (NB: classical Greek uses this term in the same sense as how modern Greek would understand hēmerologion, the Hermetic Synaxis follows the modern Greek sense)
Ephorasia⁑: (Ἐφορασία) the seasonal offering to the solar guardians of the directions
Ephoros⁑: (Ἔφορος, pl. Ἔφοροι Ephoroi, lit. “guardian”) one of the four solar guardians of the directions (Erbēth, Lertheksanaks, Ablanathanalba, Sesengenbarpharangēs) or the two cosmic witnesses (Akrammakhamarei, Damnameneus)
Epignōsis⁑: (Ἐπίγνωσις, lit. “examination”) the process of self-reflection, self-inspection, and self-resolution, especially in the context of the Synodos
epimelēteia⁑: (ἐπιμελητεία, pl. ἐπιμελητείαι epimelēteiai, lit. “office”) an office of a group, Ekklēsia, or Ekklēsias Teleutē
epimelētēs⁑: (ἐπιμελητής, pl. ἐπιμεληταί epimelētai, lit. “officer”) an officer of a group, Ekklēsia, or Ekklēsias Teleutē
epistatēs⁑: (ἐπιστάτης, pl. ἐπιστάται epistatai, lit. “president”) the conference leader for an Ekklēsia or Ekklēsias Teleutē
Epitomē⁑: (Ἐπιτομή, pl. Ἐπιτομαὶ Epitomai, lit. “incision”) one of 21 short contemplations for Hermetic doctrine
epōdē⁑: (ἐπῳδή, pl. ἐπῳδαί epōdai, lit. “enchantment”) a sound or series of sounds intoned for a spiritual effect
eranos⁑: (ἔρανος, pl. ἔρανοι eranoi, lit. “contribution-based meal”) the “pure meal”, generally vegetarian or vegan, following an event, especially a potluck for a group
euktērion⁑: (εὐκτήριον, pl. εὐκτήρια euktēria, lit. “place for prayer, oratory”) a sacred space used for prayers and ceremonies in the Hermetic Synaxis

10.1.2.5. G⁑

grammateus⁑: (γραμματεύς, pl. γραμματής grammatēs, lit. “scribe”) the secretary of a group

10.1.2.6. H⁑

heortē⁑

(ἑορτή, pl. ἑορταί heortai, lit. “feast”) a formal event or ceremony of the Hermetic Synaxis

heortologion⁑

(ἑορτολόγιον, pl. ἑορτολόγια heortologia, lit. “feast-calendar”) a calendar and schedule of formal events of the Hermetic Synaxis

hepetēs⁑

(ἑπέτης, pl. ἕπεται hepetai, lit. “follower”) one’s mentee in a group

Heptasterion⁑

(Ἑπταστέριον) a form of cleromantic divination based on the symbolism of the seven planets used within the Hermetic Synaxis

Hermaia⁑

(Ἕρμαια) an offering to Hermēs in the mythic guise of a particular spiritual tradition

hetaireia⁑

(ἑταιρεία, pl. ἑταιρεῖαι hetaireiai, lit. “group”) a group of the Hermetic Synaxis

Hetaireias Synodos⁑

(Ἑταιρείας Σύνοδος, pl. Ἑταιρείας Σύνοδοι Hetaireias Synodoi, lit. “meeting of a group”) a Synodos held by at least four members of a single group, whether or not members of other groups are present

hetaireiōtēs⁑

(ἑταιρειώτης, pl. ἑταιρειώται hetaireiōtai, lit. “group member”) a member of a group

Heteroiōsis⁑

(Ἑτεροίωσις, lit. “alteration”) the process of adding to, deleting from, or changing the procedures, rites, and prayers of the Hermetic Synaxis as part of the Ekklēsia

hēgētēs⁑

(ἡγητής, pl. ἡγῆται hēgētai, lit. “guide”) one’s mentor in a group

Hēmera⁑

(Ἡμέρα, lit. “day”) the Heptasterion result associated with the Sun

Hēmerasia⁑

(Ἡμερασία) an “offering of the day” made to mark the passage of time by the New Year, the Moon starting a new synodic lunar month or entering a new phase, or the Sun entering a new sign of the Zodiac or a new decan

hēmerologion⁑

(ἡμερολόγιον, pl. ἑορτολόγια hēmerologia, lit. “diary, calendar”) a diary or journal of thoughts, observations, and experiences (NB: classical Greek uses this term in the same sense as how modern Greek would understand ephēmeris, the Hermetic Synaxis follows the modern Greek sense)

hierūrgia⁑

(ἱερουργία, pl. ἱερουργίαι hierūrgiai, lit. “holy service”) a ceremonial event, either a ritual or an offering

hoditēs⁑

(ὁδίτης, pl. ὁδῖται hoditai, lit. “wayfarer”) generally a traveler or wayfarer, but also in reference to the Way of Hermēs Trismegistos, someone who walks the Way and engages in the mysticism of Hermeticism

Hodos⁑

(Ὁδός, lit. “way”) generally a road whether literal or metaphorical, but also in reference to the Way of Hermēs Trismegistos, aka Hermeticism, a form of classical Greco-Egyptian mystic spirituality

Homologia⁑

(Ὁμολογία, lit. “agreement”) the process of reviewing and concordance of the procedures, rites, and prayers of the Hermetic Synaxis as part of the Ekklēsia

hormos⁑

(ὅρμος, pl. ὅρμοι hormoi, lit. “cord, collar, anchorage”)

the necklace to be worn as part of ceremonies and other formal events
the gathering that holds a retreat together (see Synormisis)

Hyposkhesis⁑

(Ὑπόσχεσις, lit. “promise”) the confirmation of conduct to be recited when putting on the hormos

Hypsōmeia⁑

(Ὑψώμεια) an offering to Hermēs Trismegistos as an alternative to performing the Hypsōsis

Hypsōsis⁑

(Ὕψωσις) (lit. “elevation”) the yearly ritual of exaltation and elevation

10.1.2.7. I⁑

iama⁑: (ἴαμα, lit. “remedy”) the sacred drink produced in the Iasis ritual
Iasis⁑: (Ἴασις, lit. “remediation”) the monthly ritual of remedy and praise
idioditēs⁑: (ἰδιοδίτης, pl. ἰδιοδίται idioditai, lit. “self-wayfarer”) an independent practitioner of Hermeticism or of the work of the Hermetic Synaxis

10.1.2.8. K/Kh/Ks⁑

Kalamos⁑: (Κάλαμος, lit. “reed”) the Reed-Pen of Hermēs, a symbol reflecting the Way of Hermēs generally and the Hermetic Synaxis specifically
Kanōn⁑: (Κανών, pl. Κανόνες Kanones, lit. “rule”) general rules and protocols for ceremonial practice and behavior
katharma⁑: (κάθαρμα, lit. “offscourings”) the soiled liquid produced in the Katharsis ritual
Katharsis⁑: (Κάθαρσις, lit. “purgation”) the monthly ritual of purgation and blessing
Kausis⁑: (Καῦσις, lit. “burning”) the Heptasterion result associated with Mars
kerma⁑: (κέρμα, pl. κέρματα kermata, lit. “fragment”) a coin used for lot-based divination, specifically with the Heptasterion
khairetismos⁑: (χαιρετισμός, pl. χαιρετισμοί khairetismoi, lit. “salutation”) a salutation and invocation addressed to a god
Koinōnia⁑: (Κοινωνία, pl. Κοινωνίαι Koinōniai, lit. “communion”) the ritual of offering, conjuration, and communion with a daimōn, specifically one of the seven planets
kosmētēs⁑: (κοσμητής, pl. κοσμηταί kosmētai, lit. “director”) the leader of an event when done with other people
Ksenōn Synodos⁑: (Ξενῶν Σύνοδος, pl. Ξενῶν Σύνοδοι Ksenōn Synodoi, lit. “meeting of strangers”) a Synodos held by at least four independent practitioners, or by a mixture of three or fewer group practitioners together with at least one independent practitioner
ktistēs⁑: (κτίστης, pl. κτίσται ktistai, lit. “founder”) an original founding member of a group
kyphi⁑: (κῦφι, lit. “compounded Egyptian incense”) blended incense specifically compounded and used for ceremonial purposes

10.1.2.9. L⁑

Leitūrgia⁑: (Λειτουργία, lit. “liturgy”) the daily prayer routine
limenophylakeia⁑: (λιμενοφυλακεία, lit. “harbor-watching”) the role of facilitator for a retreat
limenophylaks⁑: (λιμενοφύλαξ, pl. λιμενοφύλακες limenophylakes, lit. “harbor-watcher”) the participant in a retreat who acts as facilitator for a retreat
limēn⁑: (λιμήν, pl. λιμένες limenes, lit. “harbor”) the place where a retreat is held, or any permanent establishment used for extended practices of the Hermetic Synaxis generally beyond just a euktērion
Logisma⁑: (Λόγισμα, lit. “account”) the process of accounting for actions taken with regard to individual groups or group members Hermetic Synaxis as part of the Ekklēsia
loibeion⁑: (λοιβεῖον, pl. λοιβεῖα loibeia, lit. “libation-cup”) the lidded cup used to hold clean water on the bōmos from which one can make or share libations
lykhnon⁑: (λύχνον, pl. λύχνα lykhna, lit. “lamp”) the sacred lamp of a bōmos or otherwise in a euktērion

10.1.2.10. M⁑

manteia⁑: (μαντεία, pl. μαντεῖαι manteiai, lit. “divination”) an art and practice of divination, or a performance of divination
melikraton⁑: (μελίκρατον, lit. “honey mixture”) a sacred drink of honey diluted in water and other ingredients used for the Hypsōsis ritual
monimos bōmos⁑: (μόνιμος βωμός, pl. μόνιμοι βωμοί monimoi bōmoi, lit. “permanent altar”) an altar which serves as one’s primary location and focus of daily and routine work of the Hermetic Synaxis (see bōmos)

10.1.2.11. N⁑

Nekysia⁑: (Νεκύσια) an offering to the spirits of the dead
nēsteia⁑: (νηστεία, lit. “fasting”) a fast consisting of specific restrictions on food, drink, and consumption habits for a specified duration
Nyks⁑: (Νύξ, lit. “night”) the Heptasterion result associated with the Moon

10.1.2.12. O/Ō⁑

oikūrgia⁑: (ὀικουργία, pl. ὀικουργίαι oikūrgiai, lit. “home service”) a non-ceremonial event, e.g. administrative meeting or informational lecture
Orkhēsis⁑: (Ὄρχησις, lit. “dancing”) a specific routine of gestures, intonations, and invocations used to regulate and develop one’s subtle faculties, as well as to protect and empower oneself in the cosmos

10.1.2.13. P/Ph⁑

Panthysia⁑: (Πανθυσία) an offering made to all spirits
paredros⁑: (πάρεδρος, pl. πάρεδροι paredroi, lit. “one who sits beside”) a term for the Agathos Daimōn or other spirit in their function of assisting one in spiritual matters to perfect or aid in ceremonial matters
Philōn Synodos⁑: (Φιλῶν Σύνοδος, pl. Φιλῶν Σύνοδοι Philōn Synodoi, lit. “meeting of friends”) a Synodos held by at least four members from different groups where there are not enough people from any one group to hold a Hetaireias Synodos
presbeutēs⁑: (πρεσβευτής, pl. πρεσβευταί presbeutai, lit. “ambassador”) the representative of a group
Propodismeia⁑: (Προποδίσμεια) a ceremony to mark the station of a planet (especially Mercury) as it turns from retrograde to direct motion
proskairos bōmos⁑: (πρόσκαιρος βωμός, pl. πρόσκαιροι βωμοί proskhairoi bōmoi lit. “temporary altar”) an altar that is set up for particular needs or a short while or for a single ceremony before being broken down (see bōmos)
proskynēmatos bōmos⁑: (προσκυνήνατος βωμός, pl. προσκυνήματοι βωμοί proskynēmatoi bōmoi lit. “votary altar”) an altar that is set up for the worship and sacrifice of a particular deity as its focus and primary purpose (see bōmos)
Protropē⁑: (Προτροπή, pl, Προτροπαί Protropai, lit. “encouragement) one of the fundamental guidelines of conduct of the Hermetic Synaxis
Prōtokhronia⁑: (Πρωτοχρονιά) the New Year, or the Hēmerasia offering made for the New Year
psēphos⁑: (ψῆφος, pl. ψῆφοι psēphoi, lit. “pebble”) a token used for lot-based divination, specifically with the Heptasterion
psiathos⁑: (ψίαθος, pl. ψίαθοι psiathoi, lit. “mat”) a mat or rug used for prostrations and other ceremonial purposes
Psyksis⁑: (Ψῦξισ, lit. “Cooling”) the Heptasterion result associated with Venus

10.1.2.14. S⁑

sigōdia⁑: (σιγῳδία, lit. “silent-singing”) the practice of hymning the Godhead in divine silence
Skepsis⁑: (Σκέψις, lit. “viewing”) the process of checking-in and self-assessment with a group for discussion and review during the Synodos
Stilbōneia⁑: (Στιλβώνεια) a general term to refer to the ceremonies for the motions of the planet Mercury (see Anapodismeia, Propodismeia, and Enkardeia)
Stoiba⁑: (Στοίβα, lit. “pile”) the collection of texts and documents that provide the foundation of practices and routines of the Hermetic Synaxis, whether done as part of an independent practice or a group practice
Stoikheion⁑: (Στοιχεῖον, pl. Στοιχεία Stoikheia, lit. “rudiment”) the collective term to refer to the Principles of the Hermetic Synaxis, Rules for Members, and Rules for Groups
Stylos⁑: (Στῦλος, pl. Στῦλοι Styloi, lit. “pillar”) the main monthly events of the Hermetic Synaxis of the Katharsis, Iasis, and Synodos
synagiasmos⁑: (συναγιασμός, lit. “sharing in holiness”) the focus and mode of theurgy of Hermeticism, aiming for mystic union with the Godhead through joining reverence with knowledge and co-creating with the cosmos, “to be as holy as God is holy”
Synaksis⁑: (Σύναξις, lit. “gathering”) short for the “Hermetic Synaxis”, the “Gathering of Those on the Way of Hermēs”, referring to its overall body of ceremonies, works, teachings, and practices as well as the combined body of groups, group members, and independent practitioners engaged in such work
synktistēs⁑: (συνκτίστης, pl. συνκτίσται synktistai, lit. “cofounder”) one’s co-founding member for a founder of a group
synnoia⁑: (σύννοια, lit. “meditation”) the practice of meditation and contemplation
synoditēs⁑: (συνοδίτης, pl. συνοδῖται synoditai, lit. “together-wayfarer”) a practitioner of Hermeticism who works with others or a another practitioner of the Hermetic Synaxis with whom one works, whether in or out of a group context or who belongs to a different group than oneself
Synodos⁑: (Σύνοδος, pl. Σύνοδοι Synodoi, lit. “meeting”) the twice-monthly group meeting for support and teaching
Synormiseōs Synodos⁑: (Συνόρμισεως Σύνοδος, pl. Συνόρμισεως Σύνοδοι Synormiseōs Synodoi, lit. “meeting of an anchoring-together”) a Synodos held at a Synormisis
Synormisis⁑: (Συνόρμισις, pl. Συνόρμισεις Synormiseis, lit. “anchoring together”) a spiritual retreat held by practitioners of the Hermetic Synaxis to communally live and work together (see hormos, synormistēs, and limēn)
synormistēs⁑: (συνορμιστής, pl. συνορμισταί synormistai, lit. “co-anchorer”) someone who participates in a Synormisis
systasis⁑: (σύστασις, lit. “bringing-together”) the process and result of coming into communion with one’s Agathē Tykhē and Agathos Daimōn

10.1.2.15. T/Th⁑

tamias⁑: (τάμιας, pl. ταμίαι tamiai, lit. “treasurer”) the treasurer of a group
telesma⁑: (τέλεσμα, pl. τελέσματα telesmata, lit. “consecrated object”) a talisman, i.e. an object consecrated to bear the effective energy of a daimōn
Tetraodos⁑: (Τετράοδος, lit. “crossroads”) the Heptasterion result associated with Mercury
thysia⁑: (θυσία, pl. θυσίαι thysiai, lit. “offering”) a ceremony of offering made to a god or spirit
Tykheia⁑: (Τύχεια) the offering to the Agathē Tykhē, especially a communal one made to the Agathai Tykhai of all members of a group as one