7.1. Group Procedures⁑

Although “the Hermetic Synaxis” can refer to the total current of those who walks along the Way of Hermēs in the way prescribed in these texts, whether operating alone or with others, a group of practitioners who participate in such ceremonies and meetings together is called a hetaireia “association” or “society” (plural hetaireiai), where a member is called a hetaireiōtēs “someone who is a member of a hetaireia” (pl. hetaireiōtai) and thus also “comrade”, “companion”, or “partner”. For simplicity, they are referred to as “groups” and “members” respectively below.

The purpose of a group is to help its members better perform the works and operations of the Hermetic Synaxis in a regular way with mutual support, especially the Synodos but also with all other aspects of practice. Members form or join a group and support it to help the group support the works and practices of themselves and others in the group. Belonging to a group is intended to facilitate the performance of ceremonies and other works of the Hermetic Synaxis rather than to merely belong to and run a group for its own sake: a group of the Hermetic Synaxis does not exist apart from its members, nor does it exist apart from the works of the Hermetic Synaxis. Thus, all procedures of the group must support those aims in a coherent and stable way; anything that unnecessarily complicates or obscures those aims or which introduces instability into a group should be avoided. To that end, the Hermetic Synaxis prescribes a specific approach for a group’s development, functioning, and interaction with its own members as well as with other groups. Where something is left unspecified, a specific implementation is left up to the group.

Although the overall organization of the Hermetic Synaxis may superficially resemble other occult or para-Masonic groups (e.g. covens, groves, or lodges), the Hermetic Synaxis is distinct in that it prescribes a form of decentralized self-governance for individual groups following a model of congregational polity, such that each group is autonomous, independent, and without mandatory oversight from any other body except its own as well as the core texts and teachings of the Hermetic Synaxis itself as an implementation of the Way of Hermēs. Even so, it is strongly encouraged that open communication and good relationships be maintained with other groups, supporting them and being supported by them in turn as needs might arise. It is also encouraged for different groups to join together to assist each other for events, provide advice or guidance from and to each other, allow members of one group to participate in the events of another group, and to periodically meet together by representatives to discuss issues that affect groups of the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole and support its continued development over time. Because each group is autonomous, they each have the right to associate with other groups as well as to disassociate with them as the case may be, with no one group having any sort of authority or coercive power over another except in limited situations that impact the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole.

Groups should not be thought of as some sort of fixed institution that must last for generations. They may be formed or dissolved at any time as judged appropriate by their members, groups may split apart into smaller groups as needed, and members may leave groups to form new ones or to join other existing ones. While the work and participation of people in a group should further the presence and stability of the group as a whole, groups are still fundamentally a temporary and ephemeral entity that does not exist to perpetuate itself outside of supporting the spiritual work and development of the people in it. Because of this, although they may superficially resemble lodges, churches, or other social structures found in other spiritual traditions, there is a limit to how closely they should be considered as such.

7.1.1. Rules⁑

In general, independent practitioners need only concern themselves with the Arkhai and the Hyposkhesis, the Principles and the Confirmation of Conduct of the Hermetic Synaxis. However, when one is involved in a group, both members of a group as well as groups as a whole are bound to two sets of Entolai (sing. Entolē) that govern their conduct when engaged in the work of the Hermetic Synaxis.

7.1.1.1. Rules for Members⁑

To support the Principles of the Hermetic Synaxis, in addition to following the Askēmata training rules as they are able, all members of a group of the Hermetic Synaxis are obliged to honor the following rules of conduct:

To maintain one’s honesty and integrity in the group.
To be respectful towards others in the group and the group as a whole.
To support others in the group and the group as a whole.
To keep the trust, faith, and secrecy of others in the group.
To communicate clearly with the group, especially for coordination and collaboration.
To focus on the work of the group while with the group.
To attend all events of the group as much as possible, but especially the Synodos for fellowship and community as much as spirituality and communion.

The Hyposkhesis, although intended for everyone whether as an independent practitioner or member of a group, is partly composed of the Principles as well as a modified form of the Rules for Members geared towards independent consideration and application. However, when one is a member of a group, these rules are made more specific for a group context.

7.1.1.2. Rules for Groups⁑

Although the affairs within each group of the Hermetic Synaxis are to be handled by the group, each group is obliged to honor the following rules that apply to the group as a whole:

To be welcoming towards all people so long as they come in good faith.
To uphold and encourage the spiritual development of members equally and fairly.
To do everything as a group oriented towards and for the sake of the Way of Hermēs.
To keep to and keep doing the practices prescribed by the Hermetic Synaxis.
To reach out to and maintain good relationships with other groups of the Hermetic Synaxis.
To not endorse or rely on other organizations outside of the Hermetic Synaxis.
To support the broader community with charity and justice as reasonable.

7.1.2. Independence of Support and Operations⁑

Every group must operate on its own by the cumulative support of its individual members. Groups may call upon the help of other groups and may fairly obtain the services of other people and organizations outside of the Hermetic Synaxis in a way that does not bind or indenture the group. However, to preserve the autonomy and independence of groups of the Hermetic Synaxis from outside influence or obligation, no group is permitted to accept, depend on, or rely on any form of contribution or donation by external organizations of any kind, governmental or otherwise.

7.1.3. Against Incorporation and External Recognition⁑

It is not permitted for the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole, nor any individual group of the Hermetic Synaxis, nor any association of its groups, nor any member or members outside of one or more of its groups acting on behalf of the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole or a group of the Hermetic Synaxis to voluntarily incorporate as a legal entity (e.g. nonprofit organization or faith-based organization) under any government at any level or any time, nor to become involved in any political or governmental affair or operation, nor to engage in any activity on behalf of the political will of any government except insofar as is legally required. A private individual may act on their own behalf as their own persons, but may not represent their own group, an association of groups, other members, or the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole.

Should a government recognize of its own action the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole, any individual group of the Hermetic Synaxis, or any association of its groups, the recognition should be denied if at all possible or otherwise only recognized insofar as is legally required or forced, and without taking any advantage of any benefit or contribution that might attend to such recognition and only attending to any obligations at the bare minimum level of engagement. Even still, no group or association of groups may speak or act in a governmentally-recognized manner or for a governmentally-recognized purpose on behalf of the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole, any other group, or any association of groups, nor may any member or members outside of one or more of its groups may speak or act on behalf of the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole, any group, or any association of groups.

7.1.4. Qualifications for Membership⁑

In order to join an existing group or form a new group of the Hermetic Synaxis, one must be:

Willing to walk on the Way of Hermēs to develop themselves and support their fellow siblings of humanity
Applying to join of their own free will and awareness
Not automatically or permanently expelled from any other group of the Hermetic Synaxis
Not currently a member of another group of the Hermetic Synaxis
In good legal standing with the broader community where they live, viz.:
- Not a registered sex offender
- No active arrest warrants
- No history of severe or serious crime that has not been adequately addressed
- No legal entanglements that otherwise preclude them from participating in a group of the Hermetic Synaxis

In addition to the above, all members must be at least the age of majority of the location of the group in order to join or form a group. Groups may decide to institute a minimum age threshold higher than this to join, e.g. if the local age of majority is 18, a group may insist on 25 being the minimum age to join their specific group. However, groups may not deny membership based on old age nor may they institute a maximum age threshold, e.g. people over 60 years old being denied membership.

While a group may consider other factors beyond the above within reason, membership is not to be denied on the bases of:

Sex, sexual orientation, sexual activity, gender, gender presentation, ancestry, color of physical features, ethnicity, national origin, physical disability, genetic information, medical history, pregnancy, marital/family status, or financial situation
Mental disability or disorder—so long as they are applying to join or form a group of their own awareness and are cognizant of their actions in doing so
Religious affiliation, upbringing, or attendance—except in limited and scrutinized cases of belonging to, affiliating with, or supporting socially dangerous high-control organizations
Prior practice, education, skill, participation, or exposure—or the lack thereof—to magic, astrology, alchemy, divination, gnosticism, ritual, esotericism, the occult, Hermeticism generally, or the Hermetic Synaxis specifically

7.1.5. Group Organization⁑

There is to be no hierarchy within groups, nor is there to be a master or masters of a group in whom is concentrated any sort of power of leadership or authority to make decisions or changes to the group. Rather, groups operate on an egalitarian and democratic basis. Although there are time-limited offices that satisfy certain roles for the functioning of a group, a group is to operate without any formal leadership concentrated in a single person.

There is to be no hierarchy of degrees or ranks within a group. All members are to be considered equals within a group, even if some may excel in some aspect of the Hermetic Synaxis and may be consulted for guidance, advice, or expertise in some matters. The only distinction one may make within the Hermetic Synaxis apart from office is seniority, and even that has strict limitations as to its intent and effect.

All members in a group have an equal right and responsibility to attend all meetings, ceremonies, and other group events, assuming they fill any practice-based prerequisites that might exist for particular events or unless the group agrees to waive any such prerequisites. All members are expected and obliged to be informed of all matters of the group as well as involved in them, whether ceremonial or procedural. Voting on a group’s motions and decisions is an integral part of activity in the group, generally requiring either two-thirds majority or unanimous assent in favor to pass; when not specified below, the specifics of voting processes are left up to the group.

7.1.5.1. Seniority⁑

Seniority is reckoned in days according to when someone began to participate with their first group, whether by joining it or forming it. Those with a longer history of participation than others are considered senior to them, even if the more senior member has spent time without a group after having joined or formed one. If two people have equal seniority based on participation date, then seniority is judged between them by physical age, with those with a greater physical age being considered more senior.

Seniority is not conferred by however long one may have been independently engaged in the work of the Hermetic Synaxis prior to joining or forming a group.

As a matter of respect, those with seniority in a group should be heeded by others in the group and, when reasonable, deferred to based on their history of involvement, expertise, and capabilities within the group. Those with more seniority should be offered earlier positions in ceremonial processes by those with less seniority (e.g. the most senior member present being offered the first part of a libation shared amongst all attendees of a ceremony by the ceremony leader), or granted the earlier options in leading prayers or ceremonies (e.g. if multiple people volunteer to lead the same ceremony, the most senior member is picked first). Even then, however, neither seniority nor any other quality obliges obedience from anyone nor grants privilege over anyone. Sensibly reviewing and considering advice and guidance from anyone regardless of seniority should always be done.

The only way to lose seniority is when someone is expelled from a group and either has their expulsion rescinded to rejoin their group anew, or is permitted to join another group even in light of the expulsion. In these cases, the member’s seniority is considered to reset to the date of their being admitted after expulsion.

7.1.5.2. Offices⁑

There are two mandatory offices and one optional office whose roles and responsibilities should be fulfilled by members of a group on a continuous basis to ensure the stability and functionality of the group. None of these offices, however, confer any sort of rank or privilege above any other member, except as a responsibility for fulfilling particular duties relegated to the holder of the office except as they may delegate to others in some circumstances. Although officers are to execute decisions and effect policies and customs of the group, no authority to lead the group or make unilateral decisions is to be concentrated in the offices they hold.

In all cases, an office of a group may only be held by one member at a time. Except in extreme cases, any member should only hold one office at a time.

7.1.5.2.1. Secretary⁑

The grammateus or group secretary keeps track of the general affairs of the group, and is ideally someone with at least some skill in astrology and experience in planning, logistics, and recordkeeping. Their responsibilities include:

Keeping track of contact information for members of the group
Determining astrological times to guide event planning
Establishing and sending out schedules for events
Coordinating leaders for events
Keeping a record of events, participation, decisions, votes, etc.
Establishing and maintaining a forum for discussion, if desired by the group
Answering questions about group management and plans from members

7.1.5.2.2. Treasurer⁑

The tamias or group treasurer keeps track of the communal resources of the group, and is ideally someone with experience in accounting, bookkeeping, logistics, and organization. Their responsibilities include:

Gathering donations from members
Guarding the common funds, supplies, tools, etc. and providing them as necessary
Disbursing funds for meeting space rent, storage space rent, supplies, tools, etc.
Distributing material resources for events to members or other groups
Keeping a record of all acquisitions, transactions, supply/tool usage, etc.
Sending a regular report to all members of the group regarding resource availability and use

7.1.5.2.3. Representative⁑

The presbeutēs or group representative interacts with people outside the group and with other groups, and is ideally someone with seniority in the group, experience in leading group events, skill in performing ceremonies, and understanding of the Way of Hermēs and the works of the Hermetic Synaxis. Their responsibilities include:

Meeting and communicating with representatives from other groups
Coordinating joint events with other groups and their own
Answering questions about the group from non-members

Unlike the offices of secretary and treasurer which must be filled for every group, a group may choose to not have a representative. If a group does not have a representative, responsibilities that would normally fall to the representative are to be taken over by the secretary instead. If a group has more than eight people, it is strongly recommended but not required that the group have a representative.

7.1.5.3. Terms⁑

A term for an office is a period of a solar year spanning from one March equinox to the next March equinox (i.e. when the Sun crosses 0° Aries on the tropical zodiac), approximately twelve Gregorian calendar months. Years are referenced according to the Gregorian Common Era calendar year in effect for when a term starts. Thus, “the term of 2025” refers to the period between late March 2025 and late March 2026.

Whenever possible, it is discouraged to have the same member hold the same office for a group for more than one term in a row, although they may hold the same office multiple times nonconsecutively.

7.1.5.4. Elections⁑

Within two weeks prior to the March equinox, the group should meet to discuss who will be the next holder of an office based on who might volunteer for it.

If there is only one volunteer for an office, so long as the rest of the group assents with at least two-thirds in favor, the volunteer becomes the next holder of the office by default.
If there are multiple volunteers for an office, an election is to be held by group vote. A volunteer is selected when they have two-thirds majority in favor; if no one volunteer gets such a majority in a given vote, the person with the fewest votes is rejected and a new vote is held. If there is a tie in votes between two volunteers, a coin is flipped to determine the winner, with the more senior member assigned heads and the more junior member tails.
If there are no volunteers for an office, the outgoing office holder may pick someone to succeed them. If the nominee agrees, so long as the rest of the group assents with at least two-thirds in favor, the nominee becomes the next holder of the office by default. If the person disagrees or the group does not assent, the outgoing office holder may continue their office for the next term if they are willing and if the rest of the group assents with at least two-thirds in favor; if not, they should pick another person to succeed them, and continue as above until a successor is found.

No later than the calendar day before the equinox, the results of the above process are to be announced to the group as a whole, and the holder for an office along with any rights, access, and goods pertaining to the office must be transferred to the member as the group has decided. Once decided, no earlier than the morning of the equinox but no later than one week after the equinox, the new office holder is to recite a short oath of their office in the presence of their group and officially take on their office. If there is a lapse of time between the end of the old term and the start of the new office holder’s taking on of their office, the previous holder for the office is to continue in their duties as might reasonably be expected.

Once a new office holder is chosen from the group, the previous holder of the office is to act as a mentor and advisor for any matters pertaining to the office, training the new holder to perform the responsibilities of the office, catching them up to speed involving any changes or developments with the group, and acting as an auditor for the first month of the term to ensure that the new office holder can function on their own. They are also to act as a backup in case the new office holder is unable to fulfill the responsibilities of their office on a temporary basis.

7.1.5.5. Vacancy of Offices⁑

If an office holder is abruptly unable to continue fulfilling the responsibilities of their office or if they need to resign or be removed from such responsibilities prior to the end of their term, the group may ask the previous holder of the office to take over for the rest of the term. If they forgo such an option or if the previous holder is unable to do so, a new election should be held to immediately fill the office vacancy for the rest of the current term. In either case, an oath of office should be taken.

7.1.6. Making Decisions and Voting⁑

Besides holding elections for offices at the end of one term for the following term, a group may hold a vote at any time not otherwise given to ceremony for making any decision pertinent to the group, its activities, or its management in a way that does not conflict with the Hermetic Synaxis. Groups may hold discussions and votes for group management and administration during or after the communal meal after ceremonial events, or they may hold non-ceremonial events like administrative meetings outside to hold votes and make decisions. It is ideal to hold votes in person.

Any member may call a vote at any time agreeable to the group, so long as all members of the group are present for the vote. When a member calls for a vote, the member is to announce to the group the decision to be voted on by the group, the importance or relevance of the vote to the group, and what the choices are. The group is then to discuss the vote, the merit of voting on it, and the merit of any given option. Outside of the member who called the vote, the rest of the group may decide to reject the vote as irrelevant to the group if they agree unanimously; otherwise, members are to vote on the decision according to the options given. Depending on the nature of the decision and the choices involved, the group may decide as a sub-vote whether the decision must pass only by two-thirds majority or by unanimous vote; such a sub-vote only requires a majority agreement. Decisions that are accepted by the group, depending on the nature of the decision and its discussion, are to go into effect as discussed and agreed upon by the group.

If a decision needs to be made but not all members of the group are present for a vote yet at least a majority of members are present, then the present members of a group may vote on the decision temporarily for a limited duration (e.g. for the given event that they are holding, for the next month, etc.); whatever the decision to be temporarily made, if the members present agree unanimously, the decision takes effect for the given duration. However, the temporary decision must be remembered and voted on more permanently by the group as a whole at the next available opportunity, even if that occurs before the end of the limited duration.

No decision to be voted on may directly contradict or override any existing policy or practice of the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole unless such a decision is being made as part of a proposed change by an intergroup conference of the Hermetic Synaxis.

No decision may directly contradict or override any existing decision previously voted on by the group, without that group first explicitly discussing the earlier decision, its options, its discussion, and its vote result; only then may the new decision be discussed and voted on. If a decision was erroneously made in direct contradiction or overriding of an earlier decision, the group should review both decisions and vote on deciding which to accept at the next available opportunity.

For every vote called for and every decision made, it is the responsibility of the secretary to make a record of the member who called for the vote, the choices presented, and the result of the vote (whether it was rejected as irrelevant or whether it was accepted to vote on, whether the decision was made or denied, how many voted for each choice and who), along with the date and time of the vote. If the group is in frequent contact with other groups or often allows members of such other groups to participate in their activities, the secretary may let other groups know of such decisions as might impact them upon their future interaction or participation with the group.

7.1.7. Group Dynamics⁑

7.1.7.1. Locality⁑

A group should be thought of as existing with and for a given area rather than merely in an area or in the abstract independent of location; as such, forming and running a group is principally an in-person and localized endeavor. Groups must be formed in person and hold as many of their group-related ceremonies and other events in person as much as possible. Thus, groups should be formed and run in a way that takes into account their locality and accessibility for its members. Because of this, even though online or other remote communication between participants in the work of the Hermetic Synaxis can be a great boon to all involved, groups cannot be formed remotely nor is remote induction acceptable for participation in a group of the Hermetic Synaxis. Even for groups that are formed in person, barring extenuating circumstances, groups should not otherwise operate on a remote-only basis.

Multiple groups may coexist in the same overall area. It is neither necessary nor encouraged for any one group to have a fixed geographical border or defined territories that cannot overlap with any other group. If multiple groups coexist in the same overall area, they are encouraged to reach out to each other and support each other as might be possible.

7.1.7.2. In-Person versus Remote Group Work⁑

Although members of the group may hold discussions, votes, and events remotely (e.g. online) if the need arises (e.g. pandemic, disability, travel), and although online resources may be used to support the work of a group (e.g. forums, chatrooms), holding group-related ceremonies and other events in person is both encouraged and expected. To that end, barring extenuating circumstances, groups should not operate on a remote-only basis, but should rather operate in person in a way that takes into account their locality and accessibility for its members.

For group members who are traveling, ill, or otherwise unable to attend group events, or if societal or public issues arise that make group events a hazard to hold in person, a group may hold permissible events remotely rather than in person, or allow a hybrid approach where some people attend in person and others teleconference into the event. Any non-ceremonial event as well as the Synodos may be held remotely or in a hybrid manner; of ceremonial events, all ceremonial events outside of the Synodos require in-person presence as such ceremonies are considered to be in-person work. For those who are unable to attend non-Synodos ceremonial events, they are encouraged instead to perform them on their own or, if possible, find another group to participate with, with the blessing of both their own group and the other group, if they are traveling away from their own group.

7.1.7.3. Language⁑

Although there is no official language of the Hermetic Synaxis (even if the Stoiba were originally composed and provided in American English), and although the learning of languages (especially those for the study of classical or liturgical texts) is to be encouraged by everyone, each group is encouraged but not required to make explicit for themselves a single common language that all members are fluent in, both spoken and written. Although individual members may use other languages besides the common language in private communication amongst themselves, all members are to use the common language for events or in any form of group communication to openly communicate for the benefit of all members equally. The common language is ideally one that people in the broader community or geographic region can be reasonably expected to be fluent in, especially with other geographically colocated groups of the Hermetic Synaxis. If a common language is decided upon by a group, the group may choose to deny membership if one is not fluent in their common language.

7.1.7.4. Member Minimum⁑

Every group must have at least four people for its own stability. If a group has fewer than four people, they should seek to admit new members or dissolve in order for its members to rejoin with another group to support their work in the Hermetic Synaxis.

Deficient groups with fewer than four people may hold their own events as they can on a reduced basis until such a time as they can find sufficient number of people to join, or they may simply perform ceremonies independently by their members in the interim or participate with other groups that are willing to invite them. Deficient groups cannot hold elections or votes, or engage in other formal procedures or official business.

7.1.7.5. Member Maximum⁑

There is no required upper limit to how many members a group may have, so long as they are able to function cohesively and regularly as a group. However, if a group has so many members such that group administration and organization becomes unwieldy, it becomes difficult to hold events due to size concerns or scheduling conflicts, or the group becomes too geographically widespread to allow for convenient travel and presence by all members at every event, a group may consider splitting by forming a new group from a subset of its members, so that both groups have a more reasonable size or geographic distribution according to what they find feasible and workable, so long as at least four people remain in each group.

As a loose recommendation, a group should consider splitting once they have more than 12 members or if at least four people in the group who are otherwise close together but distant from others are regularly unable to attend events that benefit the majority of the group due to distance.

7.1.7.6. Accepting Members⁑

A group of the Hermetic Synaxis is encouraged to always be open to accepting new members, so long as they satisfy the qualifications for membership and are deemed appropriate for participating in their group.

However, if a group agrees unanimously to do so, they may choose to close themselves to accepting members for their own reasons for a specified duration (e.g. six months) or to maintain an agreed-upon member maximum (e.g. no more than seven members), so long as they continue to engage in the work of the Hermetic Synaxis. If a group votes to close themselves for a specified duration, this duration must be finite and limited to no more than one calendar year; however, at the end of one duration the group may vote to extend it by another specified duration of no more than one calendar year.

7.1.7.7. Mentorship⁑

If it is the custom of the group to do so, new members of a group (whether new to the Hermetic Synaxis in general or already a member of a prior group before joining a new one) may be assigned a hēgētēs “guide”, a personal mentor, at the time of their joining the group to help them learn the prayers, ceremonies, and other works of the Hermetic Synaxis generally as well as the customs of that group specifically. One who is a mentee of a mentor is called a hepetēs “follower”. The responsibility of the mentor is to help their mentee become a fully-functional member of the group, practitioner in the Hermetic Synaxis, and student of the Way of Hermēs, both assisting them in starting or developing their Hermetic practice as well as facilitating their engagement with and development within the group.

A mentor should ideally be someone with the following qualifications:

Been a member of the group for at least one calendar year
Participated in all Styloi events in their group as both a participant and as a leader
Performed all of the non-Styloi rituals and offerings of the Hermetic Synaxis at least once, whether on their own or in their group
Witnessed the admission of a new member to their group

Mentorship is generally to last for one calendar year from the date of the member’s joining. Although it need not continue for longer than a year, mentorship may continue as an ongoing relationship between one member and another for as long as both members agree as a matter of special trust and support within the Hermetic Synaxis. Such a relationship should ideally be preserved even if the mentor or mentee leaves their group to join or form another.

If it is the custom of a group to assign new members mentors, every member should try to have a mentor with more seniority than them in the group, unless they are themselves one of the founding members of the group or unless they have joined the group from another one and have been in the Hermetic Synaxis for longer than the new group has existed.

A mentor may take on as many mentees as they wish, but it is recommended that they have no more than three mentees in their first year of mentorship. A mentor should not be assigned a mentee if the mentor is unwilling to take on any new mentees.

If it is the custom of a group to assign new members mentors, but the mentor relationship between a member and their mentor breaks down beyond repair within the first year, the new member has the option to seek a new mentor within the group or to end their mentorship period early.

Depending on the custom of the group, mentors may be assigned to new members without the new member’s input or request prior to their admission to the group, or the group may permit new members to request a particular member to be their mentor. If mentors are assigned prior to the admission of new members, the new members should be allowed a calendar month to decide whether to continue their mentorship under their current mentor; if they choose to discontinue it, they should seek a new mentor within the group.

In addition to helping to guide and train a new member, a mentor may also act as an intercessor and facilitator between the rest of the group and the member. A mentor may step in to resolve issues on the behalf of their mentee or of other members of the group; others who might have an issue with the member may go to their mentor for them to offer anonymized feedback or concerns, and vice versa.

Even if it is not the custom of a group to assign mentors to new members, it is an encouraged practice for every practitioner to have someone to turn to as a mentor. To that end, even if one belongs to a group where it is not the custom to assign mentors or even if one is beyond their first year of belonging to a group, they may ask another member to be their mentor for the purpose of ongoing support, teaching, and development. The other member may accept or decline accordingly, taking on such a mentee as if they were after their first year of mentorship.

7.1.7.8. Personal Relationships Within or Across Groups⁑

People who are already part of a personal relationship (romantic or sexual involvement, marriage, etc.) are not prohibited from forming, joining, or participating in a group together. Likewise, it is not prohibited for members in the same group or across groups to begin such a relationship. However, the Rules for Members and Rules for Groups still apply between members in such a relationship; should problems of such a relationship spill into the group or between groups, group involvement may be necessary to maintain the well-being and cohesion of the group or its relationship with other groups. Caution and care is thus encouraged for those who would engage in such a relationship while being members of the same group or across groups.

If problems in a personal relationship develop between members of a group or if such a relationship ends and cordiality and peace cannot be maintained between the members because of it, one or all involved members may consider leaving the group to join or form another group or groups so that the rest of the original group may continue its work while also allowing the member or members to continue their own. If problems develop that become notable offenses against one of the members or the group as a whole, the group has the right and obligation to establish its own boundaries and to discipline the offending member or members, including expulsion from the group.

While a member may in general propose to begin a personal relationship with another member, consent and respect must be offered and maintained at all times. To that end, a “one chance allowed” mindset should be adopted for those who would begin such a relationship: if such a proposal is declined, the matter should be dropped and not pursued further by either member again. Such a mindset is not to be considered a strict rule, but as a helpful guideline to ensure order and fairness within the group so that the group as a whole may continue its work. Continuing to press for a relationship after being declined is to be considered disrespectful or harassment and thus subject to discipline by the group.

In general, a member may pursue a personal relationship with any other member, with the exception for mentors and their mentees. Because of the already supportive and potentially sensitive nature of mentorship as its own kind of group relationship, specific restrictions apply to personal relationships involving mentors and their mentees:

A mentor may not take on their own existing partner as a mentee.
A mentor may not begin a relationship with their mentee; however, if the mentee chooses to leave their existing mentor (and, if in their first year of mentoring, pick a new mentor), the ex-mentee and their ex-mentor may enter into a relationship if they so wish.
A mentor may not take on multiple mentees who are themselves already involved in a relationship together.
If multiple mentors are themselves in a relationship together, they may not each take on mentees who are also in a relationship together of their own.

7.1.7.9. Member Titles⁑

In a spirit of egalitarianism and equality, no group nor member of any group may confer any sort of honorific title to any member of the Hermetic Synaxis, nor may any honorific title be used to address others in the group, nor may any member insist on an honorific title being used for them.

Members with seniority are not to be referred to as such as a title (e.g. “Elder Leon”). However, everyone may be referred to as “brother”, “sister”, “sibling”, “friend”, “partner”, “comrade”, or other egalitarian terms.

Offices of a group may be used to address or refer to those who hold the office in ceremonial or formal settings (e.g. “Secretary Cecilia, please record this discussion” or “let the grammateus note the outcome of the vote”), but this may not be done outside of such settings, nor may holders of an office insist on being referred to by their office.

In events where a member has a particular role central to the performance of the event, one may refer to them by their role to recognize their function within the limited context of an event for as long as that event is ongoing (e.g. kosmētēs “director” for the leader or facilitator of events generally), but such a person should not insist on being referred to as such. Words connoting mastery, privilege, or rulership such as arkhos “chief”, basileus “king”, kratōr “ruler”, tyrannos “sovereign”, and the like are to be strictly avoided as a title for any function, role, or office under all circumstances; no member may give such a title nor may any member accept or use such a title within the Hermetic Synaxis.

If it is the custom of a group to assign new members mentors, a member may, if desired, address their mentor as such or with a similar term (e.g. kheiragogos “guide”, pompos “escort”) as a matter of personal respect, but a mentor should not insist upon it.

7.1.7.10. Member Bynames and Name Records⁑

If it is the custom of a group, members may choose to give themselves bynames, by which they may address each other within a group setting, especially in ceremonial or other events, or to be recorded instead of their given name. Even if it is the custom of a group to do so, it should not be considered an obligation to pick a byname if one does not choose to; however, if one does choose to use a byname in a group where it is the custom to do so, it should be something respectful and aspirational in some way related to their Hermetic work. In groups for which it is the custom to give oneself a byname or if one has come from a group where that is the custom, others should refer to them by their byname.

When choosing a byname, one should choose such a byname not already in use within their group. One may choose to change their byname at any time; however, if one already has a byname and visits another group that also uses bynames, they should not change their byname even if it is already in use in the other group. If one already has a byname and leaves their group to join another one that also uses bynames, they do not need to change their old byname unless they so choose as a mark of their joining a new group. Bynames should avoid using compounds or derivatives of words connoting mastery, privilege, or rulership such as arkhos “chief”, basileus “king”, kratōr “ruler”, tyrannos “tyrant”, and the like.

Bynames for members should be recorded for reference by the secretary of their group. If a member changes their byname, the change should also be recorded by the secretary for reference.

In general, names of members are often recorded for various reasons related to the duties of the secretary, treasurer, and representative of a group. However, it is encouraged to only use first names, given names, nicknames, or bynames instead of full or legal names when making such records as a matter of protecting privacy. As a general recommendation for the sake of protecting privacy, including or using any unnecessary personally-identifiable information in group records or communications should be avoided whenever possible.

7.1.7.11. Group Name⁑

A group may give itself a name in a reasonable manner reflecting its Hermetic work. This could be something based on the area, town, city, etc. in which they hold their events, some image from the Hermetic texts or Greco-Egyptian spirituality more generally, or some other aspirational idea rendered into a name. This name should not be shared with any other group of the Hermetic Synaxis, whether active or dissolved; to this end, the names of other groups should be reviewed with all due diligence prior to a group selecting a name for itself. Unlike member bynames, a group name should not change after it is decided except in limited circumstances.

If it is discovered that a group unknowingly takes on a name that was already in use by another group, whether active or dissolved, the group must append some sort of distinction to it based on their area, e.g. if they chose the name “Heavenly Oasis” and are based in southeastern Virginia, then they might instead choose “Heavenly Oasis of Tidewater”.

If a group with a name splits to form a new group composed of only members from the one group, the new group (if they choose to have a name at all) should take on a distinct but related name that reflects an origin from their original group, e.g. if the original group was “Heavenly Oasis of Tidewater”, the new group might be “Celestial Oasis of Tidewater”, “Heavenly Oasis of East Tidewater”, or “Second Heavenly Oasis of Tidewater”. If a new group is formed from members splitting from multiple groups that each have their own names, the new group may take on a name that combines elements of the names of their prior groups, or it may take on a new name entirely.

7.1.8. Group Processes⁑

7.1.8.1. Joining a Group as a Non-Member⁑

7.1.8.1.1. Interview of the Petitioner⁑

If someone would like to join a group, they are to reach out to the group and petition to join, whether by contacting some main contact of the group as a whole or by reaching out to an individual member who passes on such a request to the secretary. If the group is accepting members, then the secretary should arrange for a meeting between the petitioner, themselves as the secretary, and the most senior member of the group available (skipping the secretary if the secretary is most senior) at the earliest convenient time for them; if at all possible, another member of the group should also be present for the meeting. The meeting may be held at the petitioner’s home, a member’s home, or at another place that is mutually agreed-upon with some measure of privacy.

After the members introduce themselves to the petitioner and vice versa, a short interview process should be held, with the most senior member asking questions, the secretary taking notes and recording responses, and the other member (if one is present) acting as a witness and asking any follow-up questions.

There are many questions that could be asked of the petitioner to gauge their interest, background, character, temperament, desire for joining, and the like:

What do you know of Hermeticism or Hermēs Trismegistos?
Do you have any previous experience with Hermeticism, esotericism, magic, or the occult? If so, what kind?
Do you have any previous experience with other esoteric or occult organizations, groups, lodges, etc.? If so, which, and what kind of experience?
What do you know about the Hermetic Synaxis?
How did you hear about the Hermetic Synaxis?
Have you done any work of the Hermetic Synaxis before?
Do you know anyone in a group of the Hermetic Synaxis?
Why do you want to join our group of the Hermetic Synaxis?
Are you dependent on anyone?
Is there anyone close to you in your life who would object to you doing the work of the Hermetic Synaxis or joining a group of Hermetic Synaxis?
Do you have any obstacles, impediments, or prior obligations that would prevent you from doing the work of the Hermetic Synaxis or joining a group of Hermetic Synaxis?
Do you have any preexisting obligations, restrictions, or prohibitions that would preclude you from interacting with others or letting others interact with you as equals for any reason?
Are you fluent in using the common language? (if applicable)

However many other questions might be asked, only a few questions must be asked of any and all petitioners:

How old are you?
Are you seeking to join the Hermetic Synaxis of your own free will and awareness?
Are you willing to walk on the Way of Hermēs to better yourself and the world in which you live, learning how to leave corruption behind and how to be saved, in and with a community of those who do the same?
Are you currently a member of any other group of the Hermetic Synaxis?
Have you ever been a member of any other group of the Hermetic Synaxis?
Are you in good legal standing with your community?

A petitioner is to be rejected without further discussion if:

The person has not yet reached the age of majority or the group’s chosen minimum age threshold, whichever is higher.
The person is being constrained, coerced, or forced to join a group of the Hermetic Synaxis by some person or some outside force, or they are not aware or able to understand what they are doing or why they are doing so.
The person is not willing to walk on the Way of Hermēs with a community.
The person is already a member of another group of the Hermetic Synaxis.
The person has been expelled from another group of the Hermetic Synaxis for a reasonable cause by another group in good standing, and the expulsion was either an automatic expulsion or their second expulsion.
The person is a registered sex offender, has a severe or serious criminal history that has not been adequately addressed, has an active arrest warrant against them, or has legal entanglements that otherwise preclude their participation in a group of the Hermetic Synaxis.

If the petitioner does not arrive on time after a reasonable wait and without advance notice, the interviewing members should reach out to them again to let them know that they already left and to set up another interview. If such a thing happens again, the group should decline their petition.

7.1.8.1.2. Deliberation of Admission⁑

Once all questions have been asked as desired, the secretary and other member(s) bring the information about the petitioner to the group to discuss allowing them to join. If the petitioner stated that they were previously a member of another group of the Hermetic Synaxis or that they know someone in a group of the Hermetic Synaxis, an effort should be made to reach out to them to learn about what they were like, and the like. Other aspects about the petitioner, like their demeanor, character, tolerance, and the like, should be discussed based on their answers and impression given during the interview.

Ideally, the Hermetic Synaxis should be open to all people who qualify for membership. However, each group should judge according to their own members and sense of petitioners to ascertain whether they would be a good fit for the group and whether the group itself and the Hermetic Synaxis generally would be a good fit for them. If the group decides, the petitioner may be invited to attend non-Synodos events or ceremonies as might be appropriate for the petitioner and the group alike for each to know more about the other and to build a sense of trust and familiarity before making a formal decision.

Once the group is ready to decide whether to let the petitioner join, any objections to the petitioner joining must be voiced and discussed. If there are one or more objections voiced to letting the petitioner join, each objection should be discussed until either the members who voiced them withdraw their objections or sustain them. If there are no objections voiced or if all objections voiced are withdrawn, the petitioner is to be invited to join the group by either the secretary or representative, the secretary is to notify them of such, and the secretary is to make a record of the invitation. If at least one objection is sustained, the petitioner is not to be invited to the group, the secretary or representative is to notify them of such, and the secretary is to make a record of the rejection, by whom, when, and why. Depending on the reason for the objection(s) and the availability of other nearby groups, the petitioner may be recommended to petition another group of the Hermetic Synaxis instead if they might be a better fit elsewhere.

If it is the custom of a group to assign mentors to new members prior to their admission, one may be decided by the group at this point. If it is instead the custom of a group to let new members pick their own mentors, all members who are available and willing to be a mentor should be noted.

7.1.8.1.3. Admission to the Group⁑

If a petitioner is invited to join the group, the secretary or representative is to inform the petitioner to be present at the next Katharsis event, informing them when and where it is to be held, and what the the Kanones of hygiene (full bathing required), clothing, and abstinence (both lax and strict abstinence required) are prior to the event so that they may be followed appropriately. Only one new petitioner at a time should be admitted to the group for any given Katharsis.

Prior to the proper start of the event, the secretary should be present as well as the most senior member available (preferably the same one who interviewed the petitioner), with other members present (at least one required) acting as witnesses. If a mentor is not already assigned to the petitioner, the senior member should act as the eisagōgeus “inductor” for the petitioner into the Hermetic Synaxis; if a mentor is already assigned to the new member, they should be present and act as the inductor for the petitioner instead.

The inductor is to announce that the group has reviewed the petition to join the group, and that there were no objections to them doing so. The inductor is then to ask if the petitioner has followed the Kanones as instructed by the secretary. The inductor is then to inform the petitioner of the Principles of the Hermetic Synaxis, the Rules for Members, and the Rules for Groups; the inductor is to ask the petitioner whether they agree to uphold each of them in turn. The petitioner should verbally confirm that they have followed the Kanones and that they agree to the principles and rules; for the Rules for Groups, as the petitioner agrees, so too should all members of the group agree in unison.

If the petitioner has not followed the Kanones as instructed, they are to be sent away and given another chance to prepare themselves accordingly, and the event continues without them. After the event as soon as possible, the secretary or representative is to notify them that they are being given another chance for the next available Katharsis. If the petitioner has followed the Kanones the second time, all else continues as normal; if not, the petitioner is to be sent away again for good, and the event continues without them. After the event as soon as possible, the secretary or representative is to formally inform them that they have declined to join the group and that their petition to join was rejected of their own volition; the secretary is likewise to notify the rest of the group of the same, and to make a record of the rejection, of whom, when, and why.

If the petitioner does not agree to any of the principles or rules, they are to be sent away, and the event continues without them. After the event as soon as possible, the secretary or representative is to formally inform them that they have declined to join the group and that their petition to join was rejected of their own volition; the secretary is likewise to notify the rest of the group of the same, and to make a record of the rejection, of whom, when, and why.

If the petitioner has followed the Kanones as instructed and agrees to all the principles and rules, the inductor declares the person a new member of that group of the Hermetic Synaxis. If it is the custom of the group to give new members a hormos upon admission, one may be presented to them by the inductor now and explained what it is, for what reasons and in what circumstances it is worn, and how to wear it. If the inductor is the mentor of the new member, the mentor is to inform the new member as such.

The event then proceeds as scheduled. After the event, a communal meal should be held. If a mentor was not already assigned to the new member prior to their admission, then at some point during the meal, the inductor should address the new member and all those present that the new member should have a mentor, what that entails, introduce them to any other members who are available and willing to be their member, and invite them to pick one by the next Katharsis. If a mentor was already assigned to the new member prior to their admission, they should discuss with the new member what that entails.

After the event as soon as possible, the secretary is to enroll the new member in the group’s notification listings and forums, grant them access to group resources, and notify them of the next group events for them to attend and participate in. The secretary is to send out a notification to the rest of the group informing them that the petitioner is now a member. The secretary is to make a record of the new member’s admission, including the date, their inductor, all witnesses present to their induction, their answers to the questions posed to them in their interview, whether they received a hormos (if such is the custom of the group), their mentor (if one was assigned or chosen by them), and any comments made during discussion about them.

7.1.8.2. Forming a New Group⁑

A new group of the Hermetic Synaxis may be formed when at least four people come together in person to undertake the work of the Hermetic Synaxis together. A group does not need a charter or permission from any other group or organization to be formed; any person engaged in the work of the Hermetic Synaxis, whether as an independent practitioner or a group practitioner, who otherwise fulfills the qualifications for membership and who has not been expelled from a group has the right to form a new group.

A group may be formed in one of three contexts:

A group of at least four people, none of whom were ever a member of any group, agree to undertake and commit themselves to the work of the Hermetic Synaxis by forming a new group.
A group of at least four people, at least one of whom was a member of another group and has left their old group and at least one of whom was never a member of another group, agree to undertake and commit themselves to the work of the Hermetic Synaxis by forming a new group.
At least four members from an existing group(s) who have left their old group(s) form a new group together to continue the work of the Hermetic Synaxis.

A group may only be formed by people who fulfill all qualifications of membership (being at least the age of majority, in good legal standing, etc.) and so long as they have never been expelled from another group for any reason. Groups formed by those who were all not previously members of the Hermetic Synaxis must investigate and check themselves equally and mutually; for groups formed by at least one previous member, it is the responsibility of those who were previous members to ensure ahead of the group’s formation and induction of new members that they all fulfill all qualifications of membership and that they were not previously expelled from another group for any reason.

When a new group is formed, if at least one of its founding members is not previously a member of any other group of the Hermetic Synaxis, a ceremony of induction must go along with the forming and declaration of a new group. If all founders are not previously members of other groups, then their induction is done as a sort of self-declaration in unison with each other and as witnesses for each other. If all founding members are prior members of other groups, then only a communal reaffirmation of the Principles, Rules for Members, and Rules for Groups are needed before making a communal declaration of the new group.

Being a founding member is to be considered a work of honor and obligation both for that group and for the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole. Because of the important role that the founding members have in the forming and running of a group, it is strongly discouraged for members who form their own group to leave a group they form for another. Except in extreme cases, they should keep up the work with the group they have formed, fostering and developing it until and unless such a time as the group is dissolved.

Once someone becomes a founder of a group, they are considered to principally belong to that group and are strongly discouraged from taking office in another group. For those who were prior members of another group, this includes even the group they originally joined, but such members should always be welcome to engage with and participate in events of their original group so long as they departed on amicable terms. Whatever resources one has contributed to another group before going on to form another group are not to be asked for, taken back, or reallocated to the next group.

Once a group is formed, elections should be held immediately to establish officers, and notification listings and forums are to be established accordingly. Because of this, it is strongly encouraged that a new group not be formed immediately prior to a ceremony e.g. Katharsis so that they may instead dedicate time to establishing their group’s offices, schedule, and the like.

Within the first month of the group’s founding, the secretary or representative of the new group should send a notification to any group(s) of the Hermetic Synaxis they are aware of or can reach out to, especially the original group(s) of any its members that they may have come from or otherwise any other groups local to them, and announce that they have formally come together as a new group.

A group may be formed at any time with the term for that group beginning on that group’s founding whenever it may be; however, to line up with the calendar of office terms, forming a group is most preferably done on the day of the March equinox or in the two weeks leading up to it. If a group is formed partway into a term prior to the December solstice (i.e. with more than three remaining of the term), the term will end on the next March equinox, and so will be shorter than usual (e.g. if a group starts in September, the term is only six months long as opposed to twelve). If a group is formed partway after the December solstice (i.e. with less than three months remaining of the term), then the term will end on the March equinox following the next, and so will be longer than usual (e.g. if a group starts in February, the term starts earlier than normal and is thirteen months long as opposed to twelve). Such an irregular term is only allowed at the start of a group’s existence, and elections should be held appropriately from then on to ensure regular terms that span only from one equinox to the next.

7.1.8.2.1. By Only Non-Members of Any Group⁑

If all non-members are not previously members of a group of the Hermetic Synaxis, then all should recite the Principles of the Hermetic Synaxis, the Rules for Members, and the Rules for Groups together, agreeing as one to uphold them, then committing to the forming of a new group.

7.1.8.2.2. By Only Prior Members of a Group or Groups⁑

Because a member of a group can only belong to one group at a time, someone who is already a member of a group must leave their current group to form a new one. In order for a member of an existing group to form a new one, they should get the blessing of their existing group by making a formal request to the group to leave and form a new group with other members of other groups, stating who they are forming a new group with (and, if from other groups, which groups those are), and why they desire to form a new group. This should be discussed with the group as a whole to see if the desire and reasoning is legitimate, if any problems that might lie at the root of the request can be resolved, and whether the group being split from would be deprived of necessary quorums of members for its own events.

Ideally, one should uphold and support one’s own group on an ongoing basis, but if situations call for a new group being formed (e.g. for events of manageable size, to circumvent otherwise unavoidable issues in a group between members, to move to another area, etc.), it may be a better course for some members to form a new group as their primary focus instead of the one they have joined.

Before seeking the blessing of their group to form a new group, it is recommended that such members have already:

Been a member of the group for at least one term
Served at least one term in each of the available offices in that group
Participated in all core events as both a participant and as a leader
Witnessed the admission of a new member

It is improper for a member of a group to form a new group without first seeking the blessing of their group; it is also improper to form a new group prematurely if there are other avenues to be explored that were raised in the discussion of granting blessing to the new group to alleviate or ameliorate any potential issues that might lie at the root of the request. However, so long as there are no objections raised and the reason and desire is legitimate, it is improper for a group to withhold its blessing. In extreme cases, however, if the member still feels that they must leave regardless of getting their group’s blessing, they should do so if it would avoid further problems.

Once the blessing to leave and form a new group is given or the leaving members decide to leave and form a new group regardless of it, the leaving member notifies their secretary that they are leaving. The secretary is to remove the leaving member from all notification listings and forums, any access to any group resources is to be blocked, and they are no longer permitted to participate in any group activity or benefit from any group resource except by invitation. The secretary is to send out a notification to the rest of their group informing them that the member has left. The secretary is to make a record of the member’s leaving, including date and reason.

Although the members of the new group have no claim to any resources of their old group (or groups), so long as they left on good terms, it may be a courtesy extended by the old group (or groups) to donate some of their resources in a reasonable way and amount to allow the new group to set itself up and establish itself in a timely manner.

7.1.8.2.3. By Both Prior and Non-Prior Members⁑

If at least one non-member is a prior member of a group of the Hermetic Synaxis, then they are to reaffirm the Principles, Rules for Members, and Rules for Groups for themselves before administering the same to the new non-members. If one non-member is a prior member of a group of the Hermetic Synaxis, then that non-member should administer the agreement of the Principles, Rules for Members, and Rules for Groups in an abbreviated admission ceremony; if multiple non-members are prior members of a group, then the most senior among them should do so. Those who were previous members of another group are considered senior to any non-members who are not prior members of other groups.

All considerations for prior members of groups from the above also apply in this context.

7.1.8.3. Leaving a Group to Join or Form Another⁑

Each member of the Hermetic Synaxis can only belong to at most one group at a time. While a member of any group can participate in the events of other groups if invited or otherwise permitted to do so, a member can only vote in their own group or make use of their own group’s resources, and should generally only hold office in their own group. Ideally, a member should uphold and support their own group on an ongoing basis as their primary community, but if situations call for leaving one group to join another (e.g. to circumvent otherwise unavoidable issues in a group between members, to move to another area, etc.), it may be a better course for some members to leave their group and join another as their primary focus. In similar cases, another option would be for the member to leave their group to form a new one.

7.1.8.3.1. Leaving One’s Group⁑

A member should first raise the matter with their current group to explain their situation and to seek the blessing of their group by making a formal request to leave and join another group, stating why they desire to do so. This should be discussed with the group as a whole to see if the desire and reasoning is legitimate, if any problems that might lie at the root of the request can be resolved, and whether the group being left would be deprived of necessary quorums of members for its (or their) own events in an avoidable way.

It is improper for a member of a group to leave to join another group without first seeking the blessing of their first group; it is also improper to leave prematurely if there are other avenues to be explored that were raised in the discussion of granting blessing to a member who desires to leave to alleviate or ameliorate any potential issues that might lie at the root of the request. However, so long as there are no objections raised and the reason and desire is legitimate, it is improper for a group to withhold its blessing. In extreme cases, however, if the member still feels that they must leave regardless of getting their group’s blessing, they should do so if it would avoid further problems.

Once the blessing to leave is given or the leaving member decides to leave regardless of it, the leaving member announces at least to the secretary but preferably to the whole group that they are leaving; if the member announces it to the secretary alone, the secretary should announce it to the group as soon as they are able to. The secretary is to remove the leaving member from all notification listings and forums, any access to any group resources is to be blocked, and they are no longer permitted to participate in any group activity or benefit from any group resource except by invitation. The secretary is to send out a notification to the group informing them that the person in question has left. The secretary is to make a record of the person’s leaving, including date and reason.

7.1.8.3.2. Joining Another Group⁑

To join another group, a now-solitary practitioner makes a request to the secretary of another group, who then raises it for discussion to the members of that group. That group should reach out to the practitioner’s old group to inquire about whether they were previously expelled, but they may also inquire further about their history, standing, terms of leaving, and the like.

If there are no objections, then after a brief induction (Epaneisagagogē “reintroduction”) of the member into a group which may or may not take place immediately before a ceremony, the secretary is to enroll the practitioner as a new member in the group’s notification listings and forums, grant them access to group resources, and notify them of the next group events for them to attend and participate in. The secretary is to send out a notification to the rest of the group informing them of the new member, and make a record of the member’s admission, including the date and noting that they were a previous member of another group.

7.1.8.4. Leaving a Group Without Joining Another⁑

Once someone joins a group of the Hermetic Synaxis, they are ideally considered a member of the Hermetic Synaxis throughout their life; accordingly, it is preferable for them to always belong to and actively participate in a group, whether the one they originally joined, a different group they joined later, or a new group they helped to form. However, in some situations, a member may wish to formally end their involvement in any group of the Hermetic Synaxis, whether to engage in the work on their own for a time or to end an active practice of the work of the Hermetic Synaxis. Although it is discouraged, they may choose to leave a group without joining another one or forming a new one. Doing so follows fundamentally the same processes as leaving one’s group as given above, except by making a formal request to the group to leave that group of the Hermetic Synaxis rather without forming or joining another. Those who leave a group without joining another may join a new group or form one at any time, but should not generally participate in the activities of another group without joining it, even if they are on good terms with members of that group and are invited to do so.

Although without a group to practice with and under no obligation to any member, group, practitioner, or practice of the Hermetic Synaxis, those who leave a group without joining another are still encouraged to continue the work of the Hermetic Synaxis independently.

7.1.8.5. Dissolving a Group⁑

If a group decides to dissolve itself for any reason, they may do so by two consecutive votes for the motion, with the result being unanimously in favor for each vote, with the second time the motion being discussed and voted upon coming at least ten calendar days after the first time. Alternatively, a deficient group may be dissolved immediately by majority vote if the group has three or two people remaining, they do not wish to admit any new members, and they do not wish to continue the work of the Hermetic Synaxis in such a setting; this may be agreed upon by a single majority vote. A group is automatically dissolved if members leave the group on their own and only one member remains.

If a group undergoes dissolution:

All scheduled events are to be canceled.
A notification should be sent out to the remaining members of the group notifying them that the group is dissolved, as well as to other Hermetic Synaxis groups.
A backup copy should be made of all notification and forum postings, and a complete copy given to each remaining member.
A complete copy of all records should be given to each remaining member.
Any rental agreements or other contracts any member has made for the purposes of the group are to be canceled as soon as possible.
All group resources, supplies, and money should be either divided up equally between the remaining members (although one may forfeit their share to another member), donated to the nearest group of the Hermetic Synaxis, or (if applicable, e.g. crafting supplies, cleaning supplies, money, food) donated to local charities.

Upon dissolution of a group, all remaining members are no longer part of the group and are thus free to form a new group or to join any other group that would accept them as a member, no longer participating with them as merely a member from another group. To join another group, a member of a dissolved group makes a request to the secretary of another group, who then raises it for discussion to the members of that group. If there are no objections, then the secretary is to enroll the new member in the group’s notification listings and forums, grant them access to group resources, and notify them of the next group events for them to attend and participate in. The secretary is to send out a notification to the rest of the group informing them of the new member, and make a record of the member’s admission, including the date and noting that they were a member of a now-dissolved group.

7.1.8.6. Expulsion⁑

At times, it may be required for the well-being of individual members, a group as a whole, or the broader community of those engaged in the work of the Hermetic Synaxis to expel members whose actions, presence, or reputation cause such harm that cannot be resolved together. In most cases, the matter should be discussed formally as a group, with a vote held by the group to determine whether such a member is to be expelled, excluding the member themselves from the vote; if two-thirds in favor agree, the person is to be expelled from the group. Some cases, however, upon discussion and review, may result in an immediate expulsion without requiring a vote. If it is for a valid and necessary reason, expulsion of a member should still occur even if their expulsion deprives a group of the necessary quorum for their events.

If one joins or forms a group in good legal standing but then falls out of good legal standing, e.g. receiving a felony conviction, they are to inform the group of it as soon as possible. The group must, as soon as possible, discuss the issue and evaluate the member’s history both inside and outside the group; if deemed appropriate, a vote may be held to expel the member for falling out of good legal standing or otherwise being shown to be a danger or legal risk to other members of the group or the group as a whole.

Anyone expelled is to be immediately removed from all notification listings and forums, any access to any group resources is to be blocked, and they are no longer permitted to participate in any group activity or benefit from any group resource. If the person expelled was an office holder, the office must be filled immediately to resolve the vacancy before any further matters are dealt with. The secretary is to send out a notification to the rest of the group informing them that the person in question was expelled, and that they are no longer to be involved in the group in any way. The secretary is to make a record of the person’s expulsion, including date and reason. If the group is in contact with any other groups of the Hermetic Synaxis, especially those geographically close to them, the secretary or representative is to inform other groups about the expulsion, who, when, and why.

Expelled members are prohibited from joining other groups with some limited exceptions, but in all cases are prohibited from forming new groups. If another group accepts someone expelled as a member without them disclosing it to other groups, if another group accepts someone who was automatically or permanently expelled regardless of disclosing it to other groups, or if a new group is found to be started by someone who was expelled, no other group is to associate with them from the moment this fact becomes known after giving them a reasonable chance to expel the person themselves.

7.1.8.6.1. Automatic Expulsions⁑

Although there can be many reasons for expelling a member from a group, there are several causes that are severe enough to weaken the stability of the group specifically or of the Hermetic Synaxis generally to entail automatic expulsion, which are enacted and effective immediately without a vote or discussion by the group once the act has been discovered and confirmed by the group.

7.1.8.6.1.1. Violations of Truth⁑

Should one who is found to have lied in their process of being admitted to a group of the Hermetic Synaxis in a way that fundamentally misrepresents themselves, that makes them seem qualified to be a member of the Hermetic Synaxis when they were actually unqualified, that obscures a past expulsion, or that significantly hinders or harms the stability and safety of the group, they are to be automatically expelled.

7.1.8.6.1.2. Violations of Honesty⁑

If one falls out of good legal standing and does not inform the group as soon as possible or otherwise lies about, omits, obscures, or diminishes such developments, they are to be automatically expelled.

7.1.8.6.1.3. Violations of Trust⁑

While all group events require a measure of trust, faith, and secrecy from all members of the group who attend, this is most especially the case for the Synodos due to its personal and confessional nature. All members are obliged and sworn to keep whatever is shared in the Synodos to themselves, not bringing it up with others after the fact, even others who were present, except the one who shared something of their own volition to begin with, except when that person grants them explicit permission to discuss it with others or otherwise announces it publicly of their own accord outside the Synodos. This trust is the foundation for the Synodos and, by extension, the very existence and well-functioning of a group as a whole, which is why the Synodos requires an oath to be sworn by all who attend to keep the trust, faith, and secrecy of others who attend.

Should one be reported to discuss, share, or reveal something that was shared that was not already made public outside the group by the person who shared it, and should there be a witness to corroborate the report, and should it be confirmed by the person who shared the information that they have neither made such information public nor given permission to the person to discuss the thing shared with others, they are to be automatically expelled.

For similar reasons, because recording or transcribing the Synodos is strictly prohibited, should one be found to have intentionally recorded or transcribed a Synodos or to have shared such a recording or transcription with anyone, they are to be automatically expelled.

7.1.8.6.1.4. Violations of Office⁑

Office holders who violate the goodwill and trust of the group or who abuse their offices or the group resources are subject to group scrutiny upon any official misconduct being discovered or suspected. Should official misconduct (e.g. theft of donations, abuse of resources, changing records surreptitiously for unethical ends, preventing members from accessing information, neglecting to inform a particular member of events out of personal dislike) be discovered or suspected, the matter should be discussed formally as a group, with a vote held by the group to determine whether misconduct was committed; if the majority agrees, the office holder is stripped of their office and made to reasonably and fairly recompense the group for whatever harm they have caused, but not necessarily expelled from the group unless the group also separately votes to do so. However, if the office holder in question is required to recompense the group but declines to do so as required or tries to avoid doing so, they are to be automatically expelled.

7.1.8.6.2. Rescission of Expulsion⁑

No sooner than one calendar year after a non-automatic expulsion, so long as their old group still exists, an expelled member may appeal to the group they were expelled from to have the expulsion rescinded. Only the group that expels a person may accept the appeal and rescind their expulsion; no other group can decide the matter for them. The secretary of the group is to call the group together to formally discuss the matter, with a vote held by the group to determine whether the expulsion is to be rescinded and the member allowed to return to the group, with the date, reason, and evidence for expulsion reviewed. All appeals for rescinding an expulsion must be heard in a spirit of fairness and reasonability according to the original cause of expulsion. Deliberation and voting of rescission of expulsion otherwise takes place in the same way as that of admitting a non-member to the group.

If someone was expelled due to falling out of good legal standing, they must show that any such activities or records are expunged, sealed, deregistered, undone, or otherwise reckoned with in a mature and reasonable way as part of their appeal for the group to consider it.

If the group agrees to rescind the expulsion, then the expulsion is rescinded and the person is to be readmitted to the group. If agreed upon as part of the group discussion, the rescission of expulsion may be contingent on first receiving a formal apology from the expelled person to the group as a whole or any offended member, restitution made for any harm or damage done, or on any input from others outside the group who were affected by the cause of expulsion in the first place. Although the deliberation and voting of rescission of expulsion is to take place without the expelled member present, the announcement and readmission of the expelled member is to be done with them present.

Anyone whose expulsion is rescinded is considered a member of the group once more, allowed to rejoin all notification listings and forums, allowed to access group resources, and may participate in group activities and benefit from group resources like other members, including leading group events. However, while they are permitted to leave and join another group, whether after leaving their current one or after their current group dissolves, they are no longer permitted to hold any office for any group nor are they permitted to start a group of their own. Whatever seniority the member had is reset to the date of the rescission of their expulsion. The secretary is to make a note of the person’s rescission of expulsion, including date and reason from the vote. If the group is in contact with any other groups of the Hermetic Synaxis, especially those geographically close to them, the representative (or secretary if there is no representative) is to inform other groups about the rescission of expulsion, who, when, and why.

Anyone whose expulsion is rescinded may participate with another group, with other groups being made aware of the rescission of expulsion. However, if another group accepts someone expelled and then whose expulsion was rescinded as a member and allows them to be an officer, or if a new group is found to be started by someone who was previously expelled but whose expulsion is rescinded, no other group is to associate with them from the moment this fact becomes known after giving them a reasonable chance to either remove them from office (in the former case only) or expel the person themselves (in either case).

Rescission of expulsion is permitted only for those who have been expelled only once before and for a non-automatic expulsion; rescission is not permitted for those who were expelled for an automatic expulsion which are considered permanent in all cases. Those who have been expelled once before for a non-automatic expulsion, had it rescinded, and were expelled a second time, regardless of the reason of either expulsion, are permanently expelled from any and all groups of the Hermetic Synaxis and no further appeals may be made.

Those who have had their expulsion rescinded should make a new hormos for themselves. They should not wear their old hormos, but instead dispose of it entirely.

It is discouraged for those who have had their expulsion rescinded to leave their group to join another unless circumstances demand it. If they must do so, they should get the blessing of their current group to leave and have the secretary of their group reach out to any group the member petitions to act as a facilitator to preempt an investigation by the new group into their expulsion.

If an appeal is made for rescinding one’s expulsion and the appeal is denied or if the conditions for the rescission are not met by the expelled member, the expulsion is sustained as it is, and no further appeals may be made. However, such a sustained expulsion is not considered a permanent expulsion in the same way as an automatic expulsion or second expulsion is.

Recission is only possible by groups that still exist by the time the appeal is made. If a group dissolves before the appeal is made, recission is no longer possible. However, if a group has an open appeal, they should not dissolve until the appeal is resolved.

7.1.8.6.3. Admission of Members Expelled by Other Groups⁑

Although groups of the Hermetic Synaxis are generally expected to respect the judgment of other groups in their expulsions or rescissions of expulsion of their members, there may be cases where such expulsions or the withholding of rescission of expulsion are made for unreasonable causes or which are otherwise not performed in good faith. To that end, for people petitioning to join a group who were expelled from another group for non-automatic expulsions and not expelled for a second time and otherwise fulfill all qualifications for membership, other groups may admit them under limited circumstances.

In order for an expelled member to join another group, so long as their prior group still exists, they must first make a good-faith effort to their prior group to have their expulsion rescinded. If their expulsion is not rescinded after they have appealed to their prior group or if their prior group no longer exists, only then may they petition to join another group. If someone was expelled due to falling out of good legal standing, they must show that any such activities or records are expunged, sealed, deregistered, undone, or otherwise reckoned with in a mature and reasonable way as part of their appeal for the group to consider it.

In the case of a petitioner expelled by a prior group, the group they are petitioning to join should ask the petitioner further for information about their prior group, about the reason for the expulsion, and whether they appealed for rescission of their expulsion. If at all possible, the group should reach out to the petitioner’s prior group to confirm these details and discuss whether the expulsion was for a reasonable cause that the group would agree to if they were in the same position and whether an appeal for rescission was received and how their deliberation of it ended. If the prior group is in good standing with the Hermetic Synaxis and if the group determines that the expulsion by the prior group was for a reasonable cause that the group would themselves agree to, or if no appeal for rescission of the expulsion was received, then the group should respect the prior group’s judgment and reject the petitioner without further discussion. If, however, the group finds that the prior group is not in good standing with the Hermetic Synaxis or that the expulsion was not done for a reasonable cause or done in good faith, and that the appeal for rescission was received but not granted, they may continue to deliberate allowing the petitioner to join.

If, after all deliberation and investigation, the petitioner is invited to join and is admitted to the group, in addition to enrolling the new member into their listings and forums, if at all possible, the secretary is to notify their prior group to let them know of the admission of their member although being made aware of their earlier unrescinded expulsion. If the group is in contact with any other groups of the Hermetic Synaxis, especially those geographically close to them, the representative (or secretary if there is no representative) is to inform other groups about the admission of the member, who, when, and why.

For all intents and purposes, such members are to be admitted as a prior member of another group but treated as members with their expulsion rescinded: as such, they are not permitted to hold any office for any group nor are they permitted to start a group of their own, and whatever seniority the member had in the Hermetic Synaxis is set to the date of their joining their new group. Such members should make new hormoi for themselves and not wear their old hormoi, instead disposing of it entirely.

It is discouraged for such members to leave their group to join another unless circumstances demand it. If they must do so, they should get the blessing of their current group to leave and have the secretary of their group reach out to the new group to act as a facilitator to avoid an investigation by the new group into their expulsion.

7.1.8.7. Relationships with Other Groups⁑

Although each group of the Hermetic Synaxis is autonomous and independent, all groups are still bound by the core principles and structures of the Hermetic Synaxis laid out in these texts. As such, the core activities and operations of each group will be the same regardless of the group, even if other aspects of non-core events, customs, or the like change from group to group. Although each group should have their own meetings, votes, and processes as laid out and indicated in these texts, the specific implementation or approach to them is left up to them as a group.

It is strongly encouraged for any one group of the Hermetic Synaxis to reach out to other groups and establish good relationships with them. This can include, but is not limited to, setting up larger group events as a joint effort, sharing information and ceremonial skills between them, inviting members of one group to participate in the events of another, sharing resources when asked, keeping each other informed of new/expelled members or important events, or the like.

7.1.8.7.1. Isolating from Other Groups⁑

If a group decides unanimously to do so, they may choose to isolate themselves from other groups of the Hermetic Synaxis so as to not engage with or respond to other groups in general for their own reasons for a limited and specified duration, so long as they continue to engage in the work of the Hermetic Synaxis and so long as they continue to send a representative to the intergroup conference. Groups are discouraged from isolating themselves from other groups indefinitely; if a group votes to isolate themselves for a specified duration, this duration must be finite and limited to no more than one calendar year, but at the end of one duration the group may vote to extend it by another specified duration.

Every group, even those who are in a state of isolation, is encouraged to maintain a list of other groups that they are aware of, their names, their locations, their status about isolation or disassociation, how to contact them, and the like. Any time a new group is established, a change is made, or some other group-relevant event occurs e.g. expulsion, this information should be propagated and broadcast by any group in the know to all other groups they are in contact with (or at least those which have not yet been informed).

7.1.8.7.2. Interacting with a Group as a Member of Another Group⁑

So long as a member is on good terms with another group and they are invited to do so on a case-by-case or ongoing basis, they may participate in events with other members of that group. Prior to meeting with them, the member of one group should reach out to the secretary or representative to ask whether it is permissible for them to join in, informing them of their own group. It is the right of the other group to check in with the original group of the member to inquire about them and their history in the Hermetic Synaxis to verify that they are who they say they are and that they are in good standing.

It is discouraged for a newer member of a group with less than one calendar year’s experience in the Hermetic Synaxis to participate in other groups, even if invited, unless accompanied by another, more senior member of their own group (preferably their mentor, if they have one), so as to allow the new member to better settle into their own group without confusion of the customs and procedures of other groups. If a group is being asked by a newer member of another group to participate, they should decline until and unless the member in question can have another, more senior member of their own group ask in their stead and go with them.

A member of one group is not allowed to vote in the matters of another group. However, if they are invited to do so, they may participate in the discussions leading up to the vote in an impartial advisory manner.

It is strongly discouraged for a member of one group to be an officer of another group, so that the member can focus and dedicate themselves to their own group as they might require. If, however, another group has a vacant office that needs filling and nobody in their group is able to do so, a member of a nearby group of at least one calendar year who has already had experience filling the same office in their own group may step in on a short-term basis until the office can be properly filled by a member of its own group, no later than the end of the current term.

It is discouraged for a member of one group to lead an event for another group, unless that group has invited them to do so. If so, the member in question should notify their own secretary to let them know. When a group invites a member from another group to lead one of their own events, it is proper to invite the other group as a whole to attend, even if under the aegis of their own group, so the secretary or representative of the one group should reach out to the other group and invite them as a whole once the member in question has agreed to lead an event for them.

If the member of one group wishes to lead an event with their own group and invite members of another group to attend, they are free to do so so long as they ask from their group and no objections are raised.

7.1.8.7.3. Participating in the Synodos with Members of Other Groups⁑

In case a group has three or fewer people available for a Synodos meeting, whether because the group itself does not have at least four people or because at least four members of the group have not replied to the meeting leader that they will attend a Synodos, the meeting leader may reach out to other groups (whether as individuals or to whole groups) to invite them to attend if they are available to do so, or to ask to be invited to their Synodos. Members of one group may always be invited to events of another group, and in the case of a Synodos which requires a quorum of at least four people, this may be considered a way to hold a valid Synodos.

7.1.8.7.4. Disassociating from a Group⁑

While all groups of the Hermetic Synaxis are ideally in good rapport with each other, there may be times when one group may choose to disassociate with another. Such an action should be considered extreme and not pursued lightly; if there are issues between groups, they should be worked out amicably as much as possible, but if this is impossible to do in a way that ensures the safety and stability of the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole, then a group may discuss disassociating with another group. Reasons for this can include (but are not limited to) a group engaging in bigotry or hatred or violence, mistreatment of their own members or members of other groups, prohibiting or burdening membership against what is not allowed or beyond reason or in a way that does not suit the Hermetic Synaxis, or extreme departure from the works and procedures of the Hermetic Synaxis.

If a group votes unanimously in favor of disassociating with another group, the secretary of the group is to send a notification to their own group and the disassociated group that they have disassociated from them along with the reasons why; the secretary should also likewise make a record of the same. The secretary may also, at the decision of their group, notify other groups about the disassociation. No vote is required for disassociating with a group that has admitted someone as a member who was permanently or automatically expelled from another group; the disassociation is automatic once such a thing is known, and cannot be rescinded until the group corrects their own error, but a notification to them must still be made.

When a group disassociates from another group, members from the disassociated group are not to be invited or engaged with by groups that disassociate with them, disassociated groups are not to receive support from groups that disassociate with them, and members from the groups that disassociate from the disassociated group are not to participate in any of their events, discussions, or the like. However, members that leave the group disassociated from may seek to join other groups.

A group that has disassociated with another group may rescind the disassociation in the same way, and the secretary should likewise make a record accordingly and notify the group.

Automatic disassociation or rescission of automatic disassociation occur only as a result of the intergroup conference (more below). Groups automatically disassociate from one group if that group is censured by a conference, and such automatic disassociation is rescinded if the censure is lifted by a conference.

7.1.8.7.5. Intergroup Conference⁑

Once every few years, the whole of the Hermetic Synaxis, including those who isolate themselves as well as those who have been disassociated by other groups, are to hold an Ekklēsia (“assembly”). Each group of the Hermetic Synaxis is to send a representative to meet together, whether in person or remotely. If the group has the office of representative, they should be the one to attend the conference; if not, the group is to choose someone else, preferably someone with seniority and experience in the Way of Hermēs and the Hermetic Synaxis but who is not currently a holder of the other two offices, to act as their representative for the purpose of the conference. Only the representative of a group is required to attend the conference; if they so desire, other members of a group may attend in addition to the representative in an unofficial or advisory capacity.

On the years in which it is held, the conference should be held at some point between the September equinox and December solstice, preferably between them approximately when the Sun crosses 15° Scorpio, around the end of the first week of November. The conference may be held in person, remotely, or in a hybrid manner according to needs of feasibility and accessibility to ensure that representatives from all groups can attend. In the month leading up to the September equinox, the representatives of all groups should confer to set a date, time, and physical location and/or remote platform of meeting, as well as to update any contact information or status updates they might have regarding groups in their awareness. The event is ideally scheduled in a way that avoids overlap with any Synodos, Iasis, or Katharsis. This scheduling information should be propagated and broadcast by any group aware of the conference to all other groups they are in contact with, or at least those which have not yet been informed. Conferences are referenced according to the Gregorian Common Era calendar year of the term that the conference is held in, so “the Ekklēsia of 2028” refers to the conference held between the September equinox and December solstice of 2028.

The conference representatives’ job at the conference is hold a council meeting between all groups of the Hermetic Synaxis to handle three tasks:

Logisma (“account”), for the representatives to note any actions of their groups that could impact other groups, including expulsions and disassociations
Homologia (“agreement”), for the representatives to confirm that their groups maintain the practices and processes established by the Hermetic Synaxis and that they have not deviated from established standards or expectations
Heteroiōsis (“alteration”), for the representatives to consider any additions, deletions, or other changes to be made to the Hermetic Synaxis

The council meeting ensures a regular realignment of all groups towards the Hermetic Synaxis for the integrity and stability of the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole by groups conferring with and crosschecking against each other, both in terms of practice as well as logistics. If called for by the representatives in certain circumstances, a follow-up conference (Ekklēsias Teleutē, “conclusion of the assembly”) may be called for within a short span of time after the conference itself to resolve certain matters that arise in the course of the council meeting, either within individual groups, between selected groups, or for all groups.

Besides this, however, the conference may be used secondarily to allow groups to network amongst themselves and to be made aware of each other’s existence, as well as to present lectures, share information, hold workshops or ceremonies, and the like. While the council meeting is the sole duty of the representatives of the conference to arrange and participate in, anyone in attendance may arrange and participate in other events that the conference may hold so long as it does not interfere or conflict with the council meeting.

Groups that are found during the council meeting to deviate from the standards laid out by the Hermetic Synaxis or otherwise found to be acting in a way that destabilizes the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole are to be encouraged by the representatives of other groups to rectify themselves as best as they are able, or to at least find a way to ground their deviations in a way that falls within the bounds of the Hermetic Synaxis. Groups may choose to not associate with those that persist in their deviation, especially for misguided, bigoted, or hateful reasons, until such a time as they correct it as agreed upon by other groups. For particularly egregious reasons, the conference may call for a particular group to be censured, which entails an automatic disassociation of the group by all other groups.

If, during one of these council meetings, a change is proposed to the core approach of the Hermetic Synaxis (e.g. altering a script, making a widely-adopted custom part of the standard, removing an onerous restriction for a good reason) and if it is unanimously agreed upon by all representatives present after discussion, it is to be carried back for further discussion to every group that sends a representative to the conference within one month of the conference. Every group then discusses the proposed change and votes on it as soon as possible; if at least two-thirds of every group votes to approve the change, the change is accepted for the Hermetic Synaxis as a whole and the change is propagated to every group, including to all relevant group documents. If called for by the representatives, especially for larger changes that require more coordination, such changes may be certified and formalized with a subsequent smaller conference for this purpose, to be held as soon as reasonably possible but no later than when the Sun crosses 15° Aquarius (i.e. early February).

Whatever changes are recommended to any group, whether as a change proposed to the core approach of the Hermetic Synaxis or as a change to restore a group from deviation, they are to be implemented by such groups as impacted no later than the March equinox following the intergroup conference for the start of the next term.

Any of the above processes relevant to the council meeting are to be handled by the representatives of the groups to the conference. If other members of a group attend the intergroup conference in addition to the group’s representative, they may witness such proceedings if they so wish but may not be formally involved in this process except in an advisory capacity to their respective representative or to act as their backup in case of emergency. It is also the responsibility of the representatives in attendance to also cumulatively, cooperatively, and collaboratively write the proceedings of the conference and to share them amongst all groups.

7.1.9. Records⁑

The secretary is in principal charge of all records made for the group, especially to keep track of all decisions made, all membership changes effected, all activities performed or not performed as a group, and other important discussions made as a group. It is the responsibility of the secretary to make a backup/archive of all records, including those made by the treasurer and any letters received by or sent from the group to individuals or other groups, within one week of the equinoxes and solstices. How records are maintained and in what format is up to the group, so long as they are maintained for at least the needs indicated in this document; the group may determine whether other records are to be maintained in addition to these.

Any and all documents or records developed or maintained by office holders of a group should be made available to all members of the group for them to inspect and read over at their request and discretion so that the management of the group can be made an open process for all.

7.1.10. Notifications⁑

It is the responsibility of the secretary to keep track of contact information of all members in the group, at least asking for their email address or mailing address, for the sake of sending notifications and updates regarding event planning, resource availability, and the like, whether as a digital or physical message. To that end, the secretary should, by the end of the first month of their term, reach out to every member of the group and ask them for any updates to their contact information. Whenever a new member joins the group, the secretary should likewise reach out to them and ask them for their contact information.

Whenever a member has a change to their contact information, even though the secretary will still ask it at the start of the next term, it is still best for the member to reach out to the secretary themselves at the first available opportunity to notify them of the update.

7.1.11. Forum⁑

When possible, a group is encouraged but not required to have a private forum of some sort for the sake of group discussion, such as a message board, chatroom, email list, etc.; online systems are ideal for such a forum. In addition to whatever discussions are held at group events, allowing members to discuss things in a forum for quick discussions helps people plan and develop their own works on a continuous basis, especially for those who are remote or unable to attend group events in person. A forum also can fulfill the need for providing contact information for sending notifications to the group.

A group can choose whichever type of forum it so chooses, if any at all. Should a group choose to do so, it is the responsibility of the secretary to set it up and maintain it, including taking backups/archives of discussions that occur on it as a matter of recordkeeping within one week of the equinoxes and solstices. If the secretary is unable to do so for technical reasons, they may delegate this responsibility to a member of the group who is more capable of doing so.

7.1.12. Resources⁑

In order to sustain itself and facilitate its events and activities, every group is permitted and encouraged to collect and store resources of various types, and maintaining such resources is the responsibility of the treasurer. Permitted resources can range from ritual goods like candles and incense to educational materials like extra copies of translations of Hermetic texts, as well as money to purchase goods or obtain services for the good of the group. However, groups should only collect and store such resources for the sole aim of engaging in the work of the Hermetic Synaxis, without hoarding them, misusing them for other ends unrelated to the work of the group, or abusing them for the sake of wealth or personal gain.

Groups are never to require dues or membership fees of any kind, whether monetary or otherwise, from their members at any time. Groups are likewise not to prevent any member from participating in their events or processes due to lack of contribution of resources to the group.

7.1.12.1. Donations⁑

All groups are to be open to accepting donations from its members, whether as money or as other material resources. All members are highly encouraged to make donations as they might reasonably and regularly be able to support the group and its events and activities. In general, any donations made should be given to the treasurer directly. It is the duty of the treasurer to make a record of every donation’s type and amount; the source or name of the donating member is, however, not to be recorded so as to help maintain anonymity and equality in the group. All donations are considered to be owned collectively by the group; once a member donates something to the group, they relinquish any personal or individual stake in the donation and may not claim a reservation over its use in the future.

Donations are to be routinely and formally asked for at the end of Synodos meetings. If the treasurer is present for the Synodos, they should collect donations at the end of the meeting. If the treasurer is not present, the meeting leader should collect the donations at the end of the meeting and give them to the treasurer as soon as possible. Donations may be asked for at the end of other types of events in a similar manner, although it is not required to do so.

In order to ensure a group’s autonomy and independence, donations are not to be accepted from any non-member of the Hermetic Synaxis nor from any organization outside the Hermetic Synaxis. However, if a group agrees to permit it, donations may be accepted from other groups or their members of the Hermetic Synaxis.

7.1.12.2. Requesting and Using Resources⁑

Group resources should only be used for events and activities that support the Hermetic Synaxis, whether those held by the group as a whole or by individual members of the group. Group resources should not be put towards other ends or purposes, especially purely private ones that fall outside the scope of the Hermetic Synaxis. In general, with the exception of money, any group resource may be requested for use at any time by any member.

Any group member who plans to lead a group event may inform the treasurer of the appropriate resources as might be available from the treasurer as part of their event preparation and planning and to have those resources ready in advance of the event. While anyone who leads an event is free to use their own resources as they so choose, leading a group event entitles them to using group resources to support the event as a group activity.

Any group member who plans to perform a ceremonial event independently may request the appropriate resources from their group treasurer but without an entitlement to them, especially if an equivalent event is already planned as a group; the treasurer may approve or deny such a request based on resource availability and the reasonability of the request. However, members in hardship or who are unable to procure the necessary resources for performing ceremonies independently, especially if they are otherwise unable to attend group events, should not be denied the use of group resources to support their work if there are resources available for doing so after accounting for usage of resources by the group as a whole. While members should ideally never be denied access to group resources for legitimate purposes, those who misuse or abuse group resources should be held to account by the group and may be scrutinized accordingly by the treasurer or other members of their group to ensure that no further misuse or abuse occurs.

7.1.12.3. Material Resources⁑

Although no group requires material resources to be acquired or shared in common so long as individual members (and especially event leaders) are able to commit whatever supplies are required for group activities from their own personal resources (and thus may be considered an impromptu donation), it may be helpful for groups to hold a store of material resources in common as a communal resource to draw on. Such resources may include but are not limited to:

A group hormos for meeting/ceremonial leaders
Collars to be given to new members as a gift or loaned to members who do not have their own
Devotional items or ceremonial implements
Offering dishes, lighters, censers, tablecloths
Folding chairs, folding tables, and other portable furniture
Candles, incense, charcoal, oil, wine, grain, and other offering goods
Crafting supplies
Cleaning supplies
Decorations for observing or celebrating ceremonies, (e.g. bōmos cloths, wall hangings)
Shelf-stable food, drink, and other refreshments for events
Simple over-the-counter medicines and first aid supplies
Utensils, plates, cups, napkins, chafing dishes, serving utensils, and other necessities for holding meals
Pots, pans, cooking tools, fuel, and other necessities for cooking meals
Hardcopy books (e.g. translations of Hermetic texts), CDs, DVDs, tapes, and other relevant media or sources for study

Precious goods (e.g. coins or ingots made of precious metals, fine gems or non-ritual jewelry, luxury clothing) which have an excessive financial value and which are not suitable for use in any ritual, crafting, or educational context of the Hermetic Synaxis may not be accepted or held as resources by a group.

All material resources are to be managed by the treasurer. For any group event, the treasurer should ensure that any material resources reasonably required for the event are provided for from the group resources and delivered to the event, either by delivering it themselves or allowing the event leader to pick them up. Material resources may be kept personally by the treasurer or they may be kept in a common space like a storage locker or other secure location, depending on group preferences and agreement. With the exception of money, there is no limit to the amount or duration that a group may hold material resources in reserve.

The treasurer is to keep a strict account of all donations received of whatever type and their amount, any financial expenses made, what non-consumable supplies (e.g. dishes or ceremonial implements) are used when and in what condition they are returned, and what consumable supplies (e.g. candles or incense) are used and how much, but is not to record any mention of who provided the donation. The treasurer should make a regular quarter-term report four times in their term (within a week before the June solstice, the September equinox, the December solstice, and the March solstice ending their term) recording all material resource availability, condition, and usage, both financial and non-financial, to all members.

When the office of treasurer passes to a new member, any material resources should be transferred to the new holder of the office upon them taking it; this includes transferring any keys, access codes, or any personally-held resources to them. The new holder of the office is to confirm the report of the old holder of all material resource availability, condition, and usage by the end of the first month of their term.

If a group is in need of material resources, it may appeal to other nearby groups for support of sharing resources. In such a case, the treasurer of one group should reach out to the treasurer of another group and ask for what may be necessary for the operation of their group along with stating the purpose of their use. Although all such resources shared between groups should be considered voluntary gifts, it is recommended for the group relying on the support of another group to make a return own gift to the supporting group in kind.

7.1.12.4. Money⁑

All money held by a group is only to be kept as physical cash in a secure location. Money is not to be held in any sort of account managed by a third party, e.g. bank account or digital payment account. Money may be raised as donations by group members of the Hermetic Synaxis, and solicited once at the end of a group event. If any monetary donation is made digitally or by check, it must be converted to physical cash as soon as possible by the treasurer before depositing with other funds. All money held by the group must only be received through donations from its own members; no money shall be accepted by the group as the result of a loan or borrowing, nor shall any material resource of the group be sold, nor shall any ceremony done by the group be done in exchange for any sort of fee.

Unlike other material resources, no group is to ask for money nor provide money to any other group under any circumstances, even as a donation. However, a group may use its own money towards purchasing goods and resources which may be themselves donated to or shared with other groups.

7.1.12.4.1. Raising and Spending Money⁑

As resources dwindle or need to be procured or replaced, the treasurer may raise the need to purchase new such resources to the group. If the group agrees to purchase them, the treasurer is to use the money of the group to purchase things as necessary, with a receipt of purchase kept as proof of purchase. Only the treasurer can purchase resources on behalf of the group with its money; while event leaders may ask for non-monetary resources, they may not ask for monetary resources to procure non-monetary resources ahead of an event nor may they use their own money before the event and ask for reimbursement afterwards. If an event leader asks for non-monetary resources that the group lacks, the event leader or treasurer may raise the lack to the group for seek permission for the treasurer to procure more of it or to at least ask for donations of that specific non-monetary resource.

If a group plans to make a particular expense for a resource or event in excess of how much money it has, the treasurer may put out a call for extra donations to fund it. If the group still lacks the funds by the time that payment is due or the purchase is to be made, the expense should be delayed until the group has such funds available, reconsider what they need, reconsider the nature of the expense, or cancel the expense.

Any purchases made by the treasurer should retain a receipt kept as proof of the expense whenever possible for recordkeeping.

7.1.12.4.2. Donation of Excess Money⁑

Unlike other material resources, a group is limited as to how much money it may hold as a resource from one quarter-term to the next (i.e. equinox to solstice or solstice to equinox). As part of their resource reporting, the treasurer is to calculate the maximum allowable money a group may hold, equal to the number of individuals in the group, multiplied by the daily cost of living for their area for a single adult for their region, divided by two, and then rounded down to the nearest currency unit (e.g. to the nearest dollar or euro), using whatever reliable and recent statistics are available to them; in the case where only annual cost of living figures are available, this number is to be divided by 365, and by 30 for monthly cost of living figures. In the case where cost of living information is not available for a given area, average yearly income information divided by 365 may be used instead as a proxy. This limit will change if the number of members in the group changes or if the cost of living for the group’s area changes.

The treasurer is to inform the group of this limit as part of their quarter-term report and, if there is any money held in excess of the limit, how much money is in excess. Any money in excess of the limit is to be donated by the treasurer to a local charity (e.g. food bank, homeless shelter, crisis center) to be decided by the group as a whole no later than a week after the report is made, with a receipt of donation kept as proof if possible.

7.1.12.4.3. Examples of Calculating Monetary Limits⁑

Say that a group has seven people in it, and for their region the most-recently published monthly cost of living in their region for a single adult is $3200. The maximum allowable money for the group to hold onto across quarter-terms is thus (7 × (3200 ÷ 30)) ÷ 2 = 373.333…, which rounded down to the nearest dollar yields a limit of $373.

Say that, for the same group of seven people, cost of living information for the group’s area is not available, but the most-recently published average yearly income in their region for a single adult is $39000. The maximum allowable money for the group to hold onto across quarter-terms is thus (7 × (39000 ÷ 365)) ÷ 2 = 373.973…, which rounded down to the nearest dollar yields a limit of $373.

7.1.12.5. Real Estate and Permanent Property⁑

Due to the legal issues involved and the prohibition of legal incorporation or recognition as well as the difficulties in managing and procuring it, it is not permitted for a group of the Hermetic Synaxis, whether incorporated or otherwise considered as a single entity apart from its members, to hold real estate as a matter of permanent property or to purchase real estate with group resources. An individual member or members may hold or purchase such real estate in their own names and with their own funds as private persons and allow one or more groups to make use of such real estate for group events at their discretion. Should any real estate be donated towards the use of any group or groups of the Hermetic Synaxis, the real estate must be held by an individual member or members and not by any group or groups.

7.1.12.6. Educational Resources and Tracking Idiosyncrasies⁑

Unlike other resources like supplies or money, managing and disseminating general educational resources is the responsibility of the secretary. Providing digital or hard copies of texts or ceremonial scripts, sending digital archives of Hermetic Synaxis guide documents, providing links to important educational resources, and the like is to be handled by the secretary for those who ask for them within reason.

As one of the records to be kept by the group, the secretary is in charge for noting any of the customs or deviations that arise in the practice of the group. Throughout the various scripts of the Hermetic Synaxis, there can be different ways to implement or adapt particular ceremonial processes, some of which are already indicated by the scripts themselves; additionally, a group may choose to reasonably deviate from or innovate upon the scripts for their own needs so long as they do not depart from the purpose of the ceremonies and do not try to make their version of such ceremonies a default for teaching or sharing except for the purposes of their own group. All such idiosyncrasies a given group has should be tracked and recorded by the secretary of a group, including when and why such idiosyncrasies have arisen.

7.1.13. Event Coordination⁑

The occurrence of every event held by the group should be recorded by the secretary according to its type, location, date, and time.

If the group agrees to do so, attendance of all members (either by name or by number of people attending) should be recorded for every event. If the secretary is present for the event, they should note the event information and attendance themselves. If the secretary is not present, the event leader should note the event information and attendance, and pass the information onto the secretary as soon as possible.

7.1.13.1. Types of Events⁑

Group events may be classified into two primary types: hierūrgiai (sing. hierurgia) “holy service” i.e. ceremonial events and oikūrgiai (sing. oikūrgia) “home service” i.e. non-ceremonial events. Ceremonial events include any gathering of the group to hold a Katharsis, Iasis, Synodos, Hypsōsis, Thysia, or similar event where the focus of the event is on holding a ceremony of the Hermetic Synaxis. Non-ceremonial events can be gatherings for any other purpose besides holding a ceremony, e.g. meetings to hold votes on decisions or elections, meetings to deal with administrative needs (e.g. resource management or records review), lectures, presentations, crafting sessions, or other social activities. Regardless of the type of event, all group events should facilitate the goals, purposes, and cohesion of the group.

It is not required that groups of the Hermetic Synaxis limit themselves to the ceremonies and other events of the Hermetic Synaxis; depending on the group, incorporation of other spiritual works may be permitted, so long as they align with the Way of Hermēs generally. However, such works should not be prioritized over those of the Hermetic Synaxis or be done to the deficit or detriment of those who are engaged in the works of the Hermetic Synaxis.

7.1.13.2. Event Participation⁑

When a group event is announced, all members of the group are entitled and encouraged to participate. To avoid conflicts in the group and to ensure group cohesion, there should only be one group event of each type held at a time, e.g. there should only be one group Katharsis ritual per lunar month, two group Synodos meetings per month, etc. Although individual members may choose to do their own independent ceremonies at their discretion as opposed to joining group ceremonial events, no member should lead a group ceremony with other members of their group if another is already doing so and has already announced it to the group. Thus, only one member should host an event for the group at a time. Those who do their own independent ceremony when a group ceremonial event is scheduled should, if at all possible, perform them at the same time as the group event.

Normally, one should not join an event of another group if one’s own group is holding the same type of event (e.g. Katharsis, Synodos) so as to ensure group cohesion. However, if one is unable to join their own group’s event due to distance, travel, or another similar concern but is both able and willing to participate in a different group’s event rather than performing it independently (especially for the Synodos), they may ask to participate in the other group’s event.

In general, one should not perform or participate in multiple of the same ceremonial event (e.g. Katharsis) for a given time period or astrological event. A group may not hold multiple of the same ceremonial event (e.g. two Katharsis rituals for the same conjunction of the Sun and Moon), nor may any member perform multiple of the same ceremony independently. If one has led or participated in a group ceremonial event for a particular ceremony, they should not then do their own independent ceremony for it afterwards. However, if one performs their own independent ceremony early anticipating not being able to participate in the group ceremony and then becomes able to participate in the group ceremony, they may participate as a non-leader in the group ceremony; they should not lead it unless there is no one else available to do so. If one has led or participated in their own group’s ceremony event for a particular ceremony, they should not then participate in another group’s ceremony for it unless they are to lead it (following the appropriate procedures of invitation, permission, and notification) due to members of the other group not being able to do so and also not being able to perform it independently.

7.1.13.3. Quorums⁑

In general, the only ceremonial event for which a quorum is required is the Synodos, which requires at least four people to be held. When a group has fewer than four people available in advance for a Synodos meeting, the meeting leader may reach out to other groups to invite them to attend or to ask to be invited to their Synodos instead. If fewer than four people show up for a Synodos even if at least four were available in advance for it, the Synodos should not be fully held, but those present may pray and confer with each other instead informally; if there is only one person present, they should recite the prayers and readings on their own and engage in silent contemplation instead of group sharing or discussion, reading a text of their own choosing.

Outside of the Synodos, no other ceremonial event may require a quorum, but may be held on one’s own or with as few as two people.

Any non-ceremonial event that involves a vote by the group should have everyone present, or at least a majority of group members for a temporary decision. Otherwise, non-ceremonial events may or may not need a quorum depending on the preferences and customs of the group. Whether they require a quorum should be decided on ahead of time as a general choice or on an as-needed basis for individual events; if so, the group should also vote how many qualify for a quorum (e.g. whole group, majority, at least two members, at least two members plus the event leader, etc.).

7.1.13.4. Timing of Events⁑

It is the responsibility of the secretary, by the end of the first month of their term, to ascertain all relevant notable dates and times for the group for the current term and the next term (a period of 24 months total) and to send a notice to all members of the group of such times as a group ephēmeris, the almanac to be consulted by the group. These must include at minimum:

Conjunctions of the Moon with the Sun (for Katharsis rituals)
Oppositions of the Moon with the Sun (for Iasis rituals)
Waxing Quarter Moons and Waning Quarter Moons (for Synodos meetings)
Mercury in 14° Virgo (for Hypsōsis rituals)
Sun in 0° Aries, 0° Cancer, 0° Libra, and 0° Capricorn (for elections and quarter-term treasury reports)

In addition to the above, other times may be ascertained as well, including but not limited to:

First Sightings, Last Sightings, and other phases of the Moon
Sun ingress signs of the Zodiac
Sun ingress decans
Sun at midpoints of fixed signs, e.g. 15° Taurus
Moon in 0° Aries
Mercury direct conjunct Sun
Mercury station retrograde, Mercury retrograde duration, and Mercury station direct
Planetary conjunctions
Planetary exaltation degree windows
Heliacal risings and settings of fixed stars
Solar and lunar eclipses
Planetary ritual windows or other astrological elections
Other events for ceremonies as the group has customs for

Such times should be judged according to an agreed-upon common place for the group as a whole, e.g. the most frequently-used place for their ceremonies, a geographic average of members, or a local town landmark common to them all.

For the purpose of reckoning the start of a lunar month, the group should vote to agree on the phase to be used (e.g. First Sighting, Conjunction, Last Sighting, etc.), with the First Sighting of the Moon being recommended or used as a default. If this is to be timed according to a precalculated lunisolar calendar (e.g. Hebrew, Hijri, Chinese, etc.), then the date of the first day of the lunisolar calendar month as a proxy for its associated phase.

Because the secretary of one term ascertains the dates and times for ceremonies for the next term in addition to their current term, technically it is redundant for a secretary to ascertain the times for their current term, since they would already have been ascertained by the last secretary. However, this is still encouraged as a matter of confirming the work of the last secretary and to facilitate the speedy scheduling of events for their current term, as well as to include any new dates for events that have been decided by the group since the last term.

If the secretary is unable to ascertain such times for technical reasons, they may delegate this responsibility to a member of the group who is more capable of doing so.

7.1.13.5. Scheduling of Events⁑

It is the responsibility of the secretary, by the end of the first month of their term, to obtain scheduling availability information from the members of the group and to set a schedule for the group to meet for events through the end of the current term and into the first month of the next term to produce the group heortologion, the calendar and schedule of the formal events of the Hermetic Synaxis to be held by the group. These must include at minimum:

Katharsis
Iasis
Synodos
Hypsōsis
Office elections

Other group events of any type may also be scheduled according to other astrological considerations, calendrical dates, or at the discretion and agreement of the group according to group custom and member availability.

A group should strive to hold at least one Katharsis and one Iasis as a group for every quarter-term of the year (i.e. from each equinox to solstice or solstice to equinox). However, regardless of other prior scheduling, the Katharsis must be held as a group event whenever an induction needs to take place; the next Iasis that takes place is highly encouraged to be a group event as well to allow the new member to experience both in a group setting before attempting it themselves.

The secretary of one term sets the schedule for the last eleven months of their term as well as the first month of the next term. This allows the group to continue meeting early in the next term without undue stress on the next secretary to schedule things immediately upon accepting their office. As such, every secretary still needs to produce an event schedule for twelve months, but these twelve months are delayed one month from the secretary’s term start.

7.1.13.6. Leading Events⁑

Every group event should have an event leader to direct the event. Scripts are provided for all core Hermetic Synaxis activities to facilitate this so that anyone can lead them as necessary.

Being an event leader is not a distinct office with a term, but a per-event role. It is best if all members have the experience of acting as a leader of all types of events at one point or another, volunteering if they so choose or rotating leader responsibilities among them. However, newer members of a group should not lead events until they have attended at least three of the same event as led by others in the group, ideally within the first three months of their participation in the group.

All events, regardless of type, require an event leader, even if only to chair and coordinate the event if not to lead any particular activity of the event. It is the responsibility of the secretary to find and coordinate volunteers for leading group events by reaching out to the group as a whole and asking for volunteers for leading events. If there are no volunteers for leading a given event, the secretary may reach out and ask individual members to lead the event. If an event still cannot find a leader, the secretary should be the leader if at all possible, or there may be an impromptu election at the start of the event among those present to decide on an event leader for that event, or a leader may be drawn by lottery from those present at the start of an event. If, however, there are multiple volunteers for leading a given event, the volunteers may agree between themselves as to who will lead it, or they may default to seniority where the more senior member gets precedence in holding the event.

For Synodos meetings, if one meeting has a leader but the next does not, the meeting leader for the former meeting should continue to be the meeting leader for the next in order to ensure a continuous hosting of Synodos meetings. Members who wish to do the reading or reciting for a Synodos may reach out to the meeting leader and the secretary; otherwise, if there are no members volunteering for doing the reading or reciting, the meeting leader should reach out and ask individual members to do it. If a Synodos still cannot find a reader or reciter, the meeting leader is to do it.

7.1.13.6.1. Leader Responsibilities⁑

Once a member has agreed to be an event leader, it is their responsibility to handle the preparation for the event, including arranging space for the event, procuring resources required for the event (including reaching out to the treasurer for any resources that may be available to the group), and communicating any relevant information to the secretary within one week of agreeing to lead the event. The event leader must notify the group about the specific location, date, and time of event no later than two days before the event to allow people sufficient time to plan, in addition to notice being given at the Synodos preceding the event. If an event leader requires resources that the group does not already have, they may ask the treasurer to purchase them with group funds and have the treasurer provide it in advance of the event; alternatively, they may procure it another way including buying it or otherwise providing it themselves; if they themselves buy it, they may then decide to donate it to the group or keep it for their own private use after the event.

If the secretary is present for an event, they should make a record of the event, its date, and location; optionally, they may also record the names of those who attended it. If the secretary is not present, the event leader is to make a record instead and pass it on to the secretary as soon as possible for group recordkeeping.

For any event that requires a bōmos or for the Synodos, it is the responsibility of the event leader to light the lykhnon as part of the event setup before the event begins, and ideally before people enter the space. It is likewise their responsibility to extinguish the lykhnon at the very end, after all other procedures, eating, and other clean-up and break-down is done before people leave the space. The event leader ideally should be the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring that others arrive and leave safely.

7.1.13.6.2. Leader Cancellation and Replacement Leaders⁑

If an event leader must cancel an event they have already agreed to, they are to notify the group as soon as possible. If they have already arranged for a replacement event leader, this should be communicated to the group; otherwise, the secretary should attempt to find a replacement event leader as noted above.

For Synodos meetings, if a reciter or reader for the meeting is already decided, they should be the replacement meeting leader. If there is no reciter or reader decided for the meeting, and if no meeting leader can be arranged on short notice, the seniormost available member present should be leader, and if not them, the secretary should be the meeting leader if at all possible. If not, the secretary should notify all members of the group of the lack of a leader and to ask once more for a volunteer, as the Synodos must routinely be held as an ongoing group event for the cohesion and stability of the group.

For other events, if the event leader is late or absent for it, the seniormost member or the group secretary should lead the event instead.

7.1.13.6.3. Leading the Leitūrgia⁑

If the Leitūrgia is held in a group, a prayer leader should be present to direct the pace and announcing of individual prayers, offerings, and the like. If the Leitūrgia is held at someone’s home in front of their permanent bōmos, that person should be the prayer leader, or they may delegate or offer it to another member. If the Leitūrgia is held at a bōmos in preparation for another event, the event leader should be the prayer leader, or they may delegate or offer it to another member. Otherwise, the member with the most seniority should be the prayer leader, or they may delegate or offer it to another member.

7.1.13.7. Event Locations⁑

In-person events should be held in places that are agreeable and accessible to the group as a whole, whether someone’s home (e.g. the event leader’s euktērion room or basement), a rented or borrowed private space (e.g. a lodge), or in a rented or borrowed public space with a measure of privacy (e.g. a conference room rented from a church or library, field in a forest on private property). Public spaces that are wholly open (e.g. sports field, beach) are discouraged for group events unless adequate seclusion and privacy can be reasonably ensured.

Members are responsible for their own transportation to the event. However, if a member does not have transportation to an event, other members should help so that all members can attend it, whether by offering rides of their own or arranging to use places for events that are reasonably reachable to the group as a whole.

Although it is ideal to hold in-person events in a place with a permanent bōmos (e.g. the event leader’s euktērion room), this is not strictly necessary, so long as there is space for a bōmos to be set up for events that require one, along with enough space for people to comfortably stand, sit, move around, and perform other activities as necessary for the event. It is best for such a place to allow small open flames (e.g. candles), incense smoke, and open containers of alcohol (e.g. wine).

Places not owned or under the direct control of a member of the group may be used for holding events, either borrowed for free or rented for a fee. If an event place is to be borrowed, it must be with the explicit permission of the owner of the property, and must also be approved by the group through voting in advance of the event. If an event place is to be rented, it must be approved by the group through voting in advance of the event, and only after checking with the treasurer to see whether it is feasible to do so. If it is feasible for the group and if the group approves the use of a rented space, whether as a one-time event or on a recurring basis, the treasurer should request the room to be rented and pay for it with group funds.

It is the responsibility of the event leader to set up the event place for others to attend and to break it down again afterwards. This includes obtaining all necessary furniture (e.g. folding tables, chairs), implements of the event (e.g. offering dishes, projectors), and the like, requesting such from the treasurer in advance of the meeting if necessary and reasonable. If others arrive before the event begins but after the event leader, they should help the meeting leader set things up; if others arrive before the event leader, they should wait for the event leader to begin setting things up before helping. After the event, members who attend the event should remain to help break everything down and clean up under the supervision of the event leader until everything is at least as clean and organized as it was prior to the event. Members who assist the event leader in setting up or breaking down an event place should follow the instructions of the event leader in how to do so.

7.1.13.8. Non-Members Attending Group Events⁑

In general but especially for ceremonial events, group events are recommended to be restricted to members of the group. However, depending on the custom of the group and direction of the event leader, events may permit the attendance and (at times limited) participation of people who are non-members, whether members of other groups or people not in a group of the Hermetic Synaxis. Even if a group or the event leader of a group permits non-members to attend other events, the Synodos when held by a group is the only event where people who are not members of any group are explicitly barred from participating in all cases.

For ceremonial events where non-members are permitted to attend and participate, non-members are to participate as last in ceremony line-ups after all members are engaged, and amongst themselves in order of the non-members’ physical ages from oldest to youngest.