"Did they just call themselves a Poptart?"

Epoptai, they may have said poptart, but they mean Epoptai. It is the word that is used to classify someone who is an initiate of the Eleusinian Mysteries. Mystai is the word used to classify those who have not yet been initiated into the Eleusinian Mysteries.

The Mysteries are an initiatory experience, and therefore has it's own language. So as it is, a vocabulary lesson is in order!

The Telesterion is where the mysteries are revealed and the initiation takes place.

The Apollo Theater is the main stage, where much of the story is told.

The Eumolpidae are the High Priesthood of the Mysteries.

The Eleusinian Priesthood is the Priesthood that serves to present the mysteries.

A Vessel is they who are invoking the Deities that year.

A Votary is the head of the temple, who carries the wisdom of that temple from year to year.

A Votive is someone who has previously been a Vessel.

A Devotee is someone who has dedicated to a Temple.

There are opportunities for you to come early and dedicate to a Temple this year. Each Temple has it's own duties in service to the Gods of Eleusis. For example, in addition to caring for the needs of the Gods onsite, and attending to them while they are enshrined, the Devotees of Pan will help with the Saturday after ritual celebration and concert, where the Devotees of Hermes will help with registration and upon arrival purification rituals. Each Temple has it's own spiritual needs that contribute to the culture and society of Eleusis.

Register early to ensure that you get to be a part of the Temple of your choice.

Coming next, a list of temple opportunities, and responsibilities.

You can register today at www.springmysteries.com/register.