Hellenismos Code v1.0

©2010, Ruadhán McElroy; a Hellenistai Project
Based on Asatru Code v1.8.1 (Archive) by Ingeborg S. Nordén and The Geek Code by Robert Hayden

The Geek Code has a long tradition on the Internet and has been parodied many times. Now, finally, there is a version for Hellenic polytheists!

How to use this code:

1. start reading the list below and, in NotePad, WordPad, or another word processing program, open a New Document
2. either type in or C&P (Copy & Paste) the letter-and-number of each variable of the code that best describes you or your feelings or beliefs; for variables in the code that use characters unique to the Greek alphabet, you can either C&P or use this thing or HTML; you can also try Unicode or Alt-Codes.
3. start a new line for each section
4. post the code to your blog profile, forum signature, or anywhere else on the web that you like, but I think it would make the most sense in those places. Now other Hellenistai will know your code! :-)
5. if you've thought of something I've left out, or can think of other edits to make to the code, e-mail me — and please remove "NOSPAM" from the address, or it'll bounce, and it won't get to me, and you will cry. :'( If your suggestion is significant enough to warrant an edit, I will credit you in the footnotes. :-)

Here is my code, so you can see about how this will look (of course, yours won't be exactly the same as mine).:

>-----Begin Hellenismos Code Block Here-----<
BB: A1, E3, G5, α4, CBO, c4, IHE/HP, ν3, Ω3/4(Hellenion), P4
P: D3, κPA/FO/CL, HCO/FI/MU/PO(*)/FL, Γ3, M4(d/m), R5, τ3, Δ4
KM: B4, T4, Λ2, N5
>-----End Hellenismos Code Block Here-----<

Variables: Line 1 ~ Beliefs & Background

A — Archetypal vs. literal existence of the gods
A0 — I am [insert your favorite Hellenic god/dess here]. Call me an archetype again and I'll blow you to Tartaros!
A1 — I have personally seen and spoken with the gods, who are real individuals and very involved with human affairs.
A2 — The gods are real, distinct individuals but they seldom interact closely with humans.
A3 — I'm undecided about whether the gods are real or just symbolic.
A4 — I'm open to the idea of the gods being symbolic/part of the Hellenic group mind, but still think that Hellenismos does teach some spiritual truths literally.
A5 — What do you mean, Gaea? Just admit you're worshiping the same Great Mother as everyone else has done for thousands of years!
A6 — All gods are just figments of the human imagination (but I still enjoy the stories and philosophy associated with Hellenism).

E — Eclecticism/mixed pantheons in personal practice
This variable rates only attitudes towards pantheon-mixing among people who claim to follow the Hellenic gods; tolerance towards non-Hellenic religions in other situations is rated separately.
E0 — I don't even believe that other pantheons exist, though I might be too polite to tell my Abrahamic/Wiccan/Heathen neighbors that.
E1 — I refuse to mix deities even from different Hellenic pantheons. / "Foreign" pantheons might exist, but I'd feel like a traitor even if I attended a Druidic circle or a Catholic Mass.
E2 — I accept any Hellenic deity as a valid part of my religion. Other pantheons may well exist, but I'd feel like a traitor if I got involved with them. If a guest at my festival toasts Shiva or Cernunnos, he won't be invited back — hey, xenia means the guests have obligations not to irritate their hosts, right?
E3 — I accept any Hellenic deity as a valid part of my religion. Other pantheons may well exist, but I'm not actively involved with them. If a guest at my festival toasts Shiva or Cernunnos, I feel somewhat uneasy but won't react too strongly — hey, xenia means hosts are obligated to make the guests feel comfortable, right?
E4 — I feel attracted to one or two non-Hellenic deities, but my main focus is still on the Theoi. If a guest at my festival toasts Shiva or Cernunnos, I just might join in —though I try to keep rituals from different cultures separate. (A "multiple-trad" person who considers himself mostly Hellenic probably belongs at this level.)
E5 — I acknowledge the gods of all cultures equally, but still try to keep rituals separate. I'd have no problem holding a Santeria ceremony on Monday, a Shinto one on Tuesday, and a Hellenic one on Wednesday. (A "multiple-trad" person who doesn't consider himself mostly Hellenic probably belongs at this level.)
E6 — Come over to my place for a libation to Cthulhu! (A full-fledged eclectic who sees Hellenic and non-Hellenic practices as interchangeable belongs at this level.)

G--Attitude toward GBLTs (Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgender people) in Hellenismos
G0 — We ought to round them all up ritually banish them, just like they did before the Classical era!
G1 — GBLT people have no legitimate place in Hellenismos, because they cannot grow their oikos through procreation, though I wouldn't go out of my way to punish or attack them.
G2 — GBLT people are acceptable only if they take the "active" role sexually; effeminacy is WRONG.
G3 — "Don't ask, don't tell": GBLT people are acceptable in Hellenismos as long as they are not actively promoting their sexuality.
G4 — I wouldn't mind inviting a GBLT friend to a ritual, even if s/he were out of the closet.
G5 — I actively support pro-GBLT causes, and would not mind blessing a non-heterosexual marriage in public.
G6 — When I was on the cover of Advocate Magazine last month, my polis celebrated.

α — attitudes toward animal sacrifice
α0 — I'm a strict veg*n and think that even "symbolic" animal sacrifice is wrong.
α1 — I'm a veg*n, but wouldn't get upset if a priest sacrificed animal-images made from dough.
α2 — I don't mind others serving meat at sacrificial feasts, as long as there's no killing/blood on site and I don't have to eat it myself.
α3 — I will eat meat at sacrificial feasts, as long as there's no killing/blood on site.
α4 — I wouldn't be bothered if the officiant of a ritual sacrificed a live animal during a ritual, as long as s/he killed it as humanely as possible.
α5 — I raise/hunt food animals myself, and sacrifice some of them to the gods from time to time.
α6 — Why stop at animals? I say we ought to start sacrificing Death Row criminals again!
α@ — I'm a hardcore Pythagorean vegan — I don't even eat beans!

C — Main source of cultural inspiration (3-letter code)
People who know the language/dialect of their "chosen culture" may add an (L) to this section if their vocabulary goes beyond a few religious terms, and could actually follow an old holy text. Example: A mostly Boeotian-inspired Hellenist who has studied Aeolic Greek, understands Hesiod untranslated, etc. might rate himself CBO(L).

• CAT — Attica / Athens
• CSP — SPAR-TAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!*
• CBO — Boeotia (Thebes, Thespiae, etc...)
• CTH — Thessaly
• CLB — Lesbos
• CGR — Graeco-Roman
• CAL — Alexandria (Graeco-Roman-Aegyptian)
• CPH — Pan-Hellenic (mixture of various Hellenic elements, but none from cultures outside that group; users who identify with three or more specific cultures listed above list should probably code themselves as CPH)
• CEC — Eclectic (mixture of Hellenic and non-Hellenic/non-historical syncretic elements)
• COT — Specific Hellenic culture and/or historical era not listed above (may be explained in parentheses after the rating — feel free to e-mail me to add a specific code for it if you know of at least three others practising that tradition)
• CXX — Other (for those who primarily follow a non-Hellenic tradition, but have some interest in Hellenismos)

c — time since conversion to Hellenismos
c0 — I've never actually converted to Hellenismos (and probably won't); still, the religion interests me and I get along reasonably well with Hellenists.
c1 — I'm seriously considering conversion, but haven't formally done so yet.
c2 — I've converted very recently (one year ago or less).
c3 — I've been Hellenic for 2-5 years.
c4 — I've been Hellenic for 6-10 years.
c5 — I've been Hellenic for 11 years or more, but was still raised in another religion (or lack thereof).
c6 — Believe it or not, I was born and raised Hellenic!

I — identity/label for personal beliefs (two-letter code)
Hellenes who use more than one "identifier" (usually based on current circumstances or company), may separate them with slashes, listing them alphabetically.

• IHE — Hellenismos / Hellenistos / Helleniste / Hellene
• IHP — Hellenic polytheist
• IHN — Hellenic pagan
• IOL — Olympianism / Olympianist / Olympian
• IEH — Ethnokoi Hellene / Ethnikos Hellenismos
• IPL — Platonist or NeoPlatonist
• IMT — Multiple traditions (acceptance/practice of Hellenismos in addition to a non-Hellenic religion, but keeping rituals and pantheons separate)
• IHD — Hellenic Druid (ADF affiliate using the Hellenic pantheon)
• IHW — Hellenic Wiccan (Popular Wicca using the Hellenic pantheon and calendar)
• IHC — Hellenic Witchcraft (non-Wicca witchcraft traditions based on Hellenic folk practises and attempts at reconstructing ancient magics)
• IOH — other form of Hellenic-centered religion not listed above (may be explained in parentheses)
• IOT — other religion not including/acknowledging the Hellenic deities, and not practiced in addition to Hellenicmos (may be explained in parentheses)
• IXX — What I call myself is my own business and nobody else's!

ν — attitude towards assumption of religious names
"Religious name" is defined here as a name assumed specifically for religious reasons, or for use in a ritual context. ALSO NOTE: ν probably looks like a lowercase-"v", but it's not, isn't a lowercase-Nu.
ν0 — Hellenes who assume religious names are either living in a fantasy world, or trying to hide some dishonorable motives. Legal name changes are no different--remember David Koresh? If I know a Jason Hanvey who converted to Hellenismos and now calls himself Spiros Mitropoulos, I insist on using the old name no matter what the situation.
ν1 — Any Hellene who assumes a religious name had better have legal documents to prove that the change is official; I don't mind a Jason Hanvey becoming Spiros Mitropoulos, as long as he also uses his new name on his bank account, driver's license and Social Security card.
ν2 — If a Hellene could get in trouble for using his real name in a Hellenic context, and he isn't trying to commit a crime, I see nothing wrong with assuming a religious name unofficially. (Jason Hanvey writing a book as Spiros Mitropoulos is acceptable — if the only job Mr. Hanvey could get is at a Lutheran college, and if being exposed as a Hellene could cost him that job!)
ν3 — The religious-name issue isn't that important to my practise of Hellenismos, or to which Hellenes I trust. If I know that Jason Hanvey converted and calls himself Spiros Mitropoulos at rituals, I won't assume he has something to hide without more substantial evidence. However, I'd feel skittish about addressing him as anything but "Jason Hanvey" in a non-Hellenic context.
ν4 — Hellenes who assume religious names (legally or otherwise) usually have legitimate personal reasons for doing that — breaking away from a Christian past, or expressing closeness to their gods and ancestors. As long as a Hellene is honorable and in touch with the reality of present-day secular life, I'll call him by whatever name he chooses and won't question whether that's his "real" one.
ν5 — Most Hellenes who assume religious names (legally or otherwise) are doing the right thing — depending on how you interpret it, the Theoi each had dozens of names recognised by the ancient Hellenes, after all. I may question the faith of a Hellenic friend who keeps an obvious Biblical or non-Hellenic name; yet I would probably shrug it off if he were an honest, decent human being.
ν6 — Assuming a Hellenic name should be a requirement of Hellenismos, even if that name is never used outside ritual. If some other traditional religions have that rule--why not ours?
ν@ — I generally have no problem with religious names, pseudonyms, or on-line handles, but some, like Pythia and / or the names of the Theoi should be off-limits.

Ω — involvement with organizations
For the ratings below, "organization" is defined as a formally recognized Hellenismos religious organization, the equivalent of a denomination/synod in some Christian churches: an umbrella group with which several smaller groups claim affiliation. The name of a specific group (in parentheses) may follow the numerical rating, if necessary. For example, Ω5 (Hellenion) = "I am a nationally prominent member of Hellenion", etc.
Ω0 — Organized Hellenismos is a terrible idea; I (and my ritual polis if I've joined one) hate the idea of strangers dictating how people should worship the gods.
Ω1 — I (or my polis) will attend gatherings sponsored by larger organizations, but still value independence and privacy too much to actually affiliate with one.
Ω2 — Belonging to an organization might have better fringe benefits than a free magazine — but I'd still bide my time and shop around before I signed up.
Ω3 — I am technically listed as a member of a Hellenismos organization, but don't attend meetings or support them in any other way than paying dues (if they're expected). If there's an affiliated polis in my area, I may attend their meetings; however, I don't necessarily follow the "party line" to the letter.
Ω4 — I am an active member of a Hellenismos organization — voting for board members, coordinating meetings, editing newsletters and so on. Other members can count on me to follow the rules and beliefs of the organization closely.
Ω5 — I lead a regional or national Hellenismos organization (and may have actually founded it). Duties related to my position take up much of my spare time; other members count on me to follow rules and beliefs to the letter.
Ω6 — I lead an international Hellenismos organization (and may have actually founded it). Duties related to my position take up much of my spare time; members worldwide count on me to follow rules and beliefs to the letter.

P — relationship with one or more patron deities
A patron's name, if needed, may follow the rating in parentheses; Hellenes who feel equally attracted to two or three deities may list them all, with names separated by slashes. Example of a multiple-patron rating: P4 (Hera/Demeter) = "I feel especially close to both Hera and Demeter, but try to honor the rest of the pantheon equally."
P0 — I don't feel particularly close to any Hellenic deity.
P1 — I honor the Hellenic pantheon (or that of a particular Hellenic tribe) as a whole; no one deity has seemed particularly important so far.
P2 — I focus on whichever deity seems to influence my life at the moment, but don't feel attracted to one more than others.
P3 — I feel somewhat attracted to _____, but I don't know if our relationship is that close!
P4 — I feel very close to _____, but otherwise try to honor the Theoi and heroes equally. :-)
P5 — I'll deal with deities other than _____ in emergencies or at major festivals, but rarely do so otherwise.
P6 — You mean there are other deities besides _____?

Variables: Line 2 ~ Practises

D — Ritual dress
D0 — I perform/attend most Hellenic rituals in the nude, even if no sexual activity is involved. / I am a lifestyle nudist and only wear clothes when amd where I am legally required to.
D1 — I perform/attend Hellenic rituals in my everyday street clothes; anything else feels too much like a costume party. (Besides, the gods have seen me in jeans and a T-shirt dozens of times!)
D2 — I perform/attend Hellenic rituals in modern clothes, but make extra-special effort to pick a "good" outfit for the occasion (similar to what many Christians would wear to Sunday church services).
D3 — Whether I dress historically or not depends on my own moods; my ritual garb might not be 100% accurate, but I do wear some occasionally.
D4 — Sometimes I wear historical clothes for a ritual, sometimes not, it depends on what the coordinators expect. (If I'm the one leading the ritual, I might dress differently just to indicate that.)
D5 — I will wear historical clothes for rituals unless specifically forbidden to do so (by the coordinator, or by a written dress code in a public place).
D6 — Gods Below! What do you mean, I can't wear this in here?!?

κ — Crafting related to Hellenismos
Please only mark yourself for things that you have actually done in a religious / spiritual context.

• κPA — painting
• κYA — yarnwork (knitting, crochet, spinning, loom)
• κSC — sculpture
• κFO — foods; Hellenic foods, baking, candy-making
• κPO — pottery
• κIN — incense-making
• κWI — winemaking
• κCL — ancient Hellenic clothing / ritual garb
• κOT — Other crafting hobby not listed here
• κNA — I haven't tried any of these things, though I wouldn't mind trying in the future
• κXX — I think this is all a waste of time, and simply reinforces outsiders' impression that Hellenismos is for people who worship fairy-tales!

H — Hobbies (other than crafts) related to Hellenismos (two-letter code for each category)
Multiple hobbies can be separated by slashes if necessary; a Hellene who collects replica Attic artifacts and also enjoys films with Hellenic themes might rate himself as HRA/FI. People who actually produce Hellenic material in a given category may add a star to the appropriate letters; HMU* indicates someone who performs and/or composes Hellenic music.

• HCO — collecting (but not making) objects related to Hellenismos/ancient Hellenic culture
• HFI — reading Hellenismos-related fiction (comics/graphic novels count); people who also write the stuff may add a star here.
• HHR — historical re-enactment (e.g., the Society for Creative Anachronism) in a non-ritual context; people who have created or directed a re-enactment group may add a star here.
• HMU — listening to Hellenismos-related music, regardless of style (traditional folk, gothic rock, alternative pop, etc.). People who actually perform or compose Hellenic music may add a star here.
• HPO — reading Hellenismos-related poetry by modern authors (not including older holy texts; may be in "traditional" Hellenic meter or other styles). People who actually write such poetry may add a star here.
• HRP — role-playing games (AD&D, MUD/MUSH games online, etc.) which allow or encourage a "period" persona. (Sexual activity in costume is not included in this category!) People who have designed such games, or helped administrate them online, may add a star here.
• HFL — films
• HOT — any other non-craft hobby related to Hellenismos or traditional Hellenic culture (may be explained in parentheses if necessary).
• HNA — I haven't really tried doing any of these things, though I wouldn't mind doing so,
• HXX — I think this category is a waste of time, and reinforces outsiders' impression that Hellenismos is for people who worship fairy-tales!

Γ — involvement with Hellenic ritual / religious groups / religious poleis (sing. "polis")
Γ0 — I don't need anyone else with me, ever, to worship our gods...leave me alone!
Γ1 — I enjoy the freedom and privacy of being a solitary Hellene, most of the time. I'll attend group rituals if a close friend invites me, but I won't affiliate with the group formally.
Γ2 — I prefer worshiping alone, but will attend group rituals if a close friend invites me. I might even consider joining their group, if they still feel OK to me after a few meetings.
Γ3 — I am equally comfortable worshiping alone or in a group; I'll attend meetings open to the public even without a friend's referral, but let common sense decide whether I join their group or not.
Γ4 — I am an active member of a Hellenic ritual group (or seriously considering membership). I attend most meetings, pay dues if they're expected, and am willing to help arrange local events. Although I don't mind worshiping alone, I seldom do so.
Γ5 — I am the leader of a local religious group; other Hellenes expect me to arrange meetings, weddings, holiday celebrations and the like. (Be honest — a roommate with a passing interest in Hellenismos and a dog named "Zeus" doesn't count as an actual off-line group here!) As much as I'd like time to worship alone, it's hard to come by.
Γ6 — I lead a "flagship" group for a major Hellenic organization (regional or international) generally recognized by the public. I would love to worship alone if my fans and/or detractors would just stop pestering me for an hour or two!
!Γ — There are no other Hellenes in my area, or none that I know of, so I am solitary by necessity only.

M — attitude towards/experience with magic
"Magic" is defined here as ostensibly "occult" metaphysical work, (spells, divination, etc; so not prayer or devotional rit) done in a serious context — not the "magic" associated with stage performance or fantasy role-playing games. People with high experience with a technique are free to denote this with a plus sign (+).
Like the handicrafts rating, this one allows different scores in different sub-categories.

• d — divination (scrying, tasseomancy, etc...), as was known in Classical Antiquity
• f — Hellenic folk magic
• a — astrology
• c — channeling/trancework
• e — eclectic magic (combining several methods/cultural sources in one spell)
• h — Hermetic/High Ceremonial magic (as practiced by the Golden Dawn et al.)
• m — meditation
• s — spirit work
• t — tarot (for divination, pathworking, etc.)
• w — Wiccan-style ceremonial magic
• o — other technique not listed here (may be clarified in parentheses)

• Specialist with good knowledge in other areas--M4(d*$, s) = "I use divination techniques fairly often and even get paid to do so; I am very familiar with spiritwork but rarely do it for others."
• Different strengths in different categories--M4(s)/3(f) = "I'm more skilled with spiritwork than an average Hellene, and use it fairly often. I may have read a few things about Hellenic folk magic, and respect those who swear by it, but don't really do any myself."

R — participation in formal rituals
For the ratings below, a "formal Hellenismos ritual" is defined as any activity arranged with intentions obviously related to the Hellenic religion. Hellenion daily devotional rit is a "formal ritual"; so is a wedding or funeral led by a Hellenic priest. Prayers and magic workings (as defined above) might count, if they're more involved than a quick "Hail Zeus" over a beer.
R0 — Religious rituals aren't that important to me, even though I still believe the gods exist.
R1 — I perform/attend rituals for major holidays (Dionysia or Panathenia, for example), weddings, and funerals. I might also do it in a serious personal emergency, but not otherwise.
R2 — I perform/attend one formal Hellenismos ritual per month, on average; I'll do so even without an obvious special occasion or emergency.
R3 — I perform/attend two formal Hellenismos rituals per month, on average (as defined above).
R4 — I perform/attend one formal Hellenismos ritual per week, on average (as defined above).
R5 — I perform/attend one formal Hellenismos ritual per day, on average (as defined above).
R6 — I arrange routine office work, medical appointments, and major family events around my daily religious schedule.

τ — attitudes toward tradition vs. innovation
τ0 — Of course Ares is real--but the mythos describe him all wrong!
τ1 — Tradition is much less important than doing what feels right; I improvise rituals off-the-cuff, and tend to visualize the gods in modern settings/garb. (For example: Ares in military fatugues and riding a tank.)
τ2 — I include a few traditional elements for the sake of keeping a Hellenic feel in my religion, but see no reason for enslaving myself to history. People and cultures change; the Hellenes didn't pretend to be cave-dwelling hunter/gatherers to honor their ancestors! As long as modern practices continue the basic idea behind older ones, my religion is legitimately Hellenismos.
τ3 — I include traditional elements when they seem workable, yet I see nothing wrong with common innovations (a gas range as an eternal hearth for Hestia). Even if those practices didn't exist in ancient Hellas, they have still become part of Hellenismos today.
τ4 — I try hard to keep my tools, words and actions historically accurate, though I don't mind a few innovations that appear consistent with ancient practise. I will speak my native language in ritual, but use as many Hellenic terms as possible (and compose poetry in a classical metre if I can).
τ5 — I perform all rituals entirely in a single dialect of ancient Hellenic, with period tools and garb. I refuse to include any words, objects or actions which aren't exactly as the ancient did it. However, I still live my secular life in the 21st century C.E.
τ6 — I have joined/formed an intentional community of Hellenes, who live as close to my chosen culture's lifestyle as our location and resources allow: no electricity, period garb even outside ritual, making our own tools, growing or hunting our own food. I follow the ancient ways in all aspects of my life, as long as it doesn't violate modern laws in my country. Obviously, a less-traditional friend showed me a printout of this code and invited me to rate myself.

Δ — involvement with daimones / "lesser" spirits
For this rating, the term "daimone" is defined as a supernatural being (such as personal ancestors, house-guardians and nature-spirits) whose power and status rank below those of the gods.
Δ0 — I don't like the idea of a hundred minor beings distracting me from the gods. There may be writings about the existence of nymphai and such, and such exist--but they aren't really an active part of my religion.
Δ1 — I acknowledge the ancestors and household daimones at a few major festivals, and might honor the nymphai if I visited an extremely important holy site. Otherwise, daimones seldom hear from me.
Δ2 — I have left offerings for the spirit of a close relative or a house-guardian occasionally, even when the place and time weren't that special, but it hasn't really become a habit.
Δ3 — I know a few distant ancestral spirits and/or local nymphai extremely well, and acknowledge them regularly (once a week or so). The gods still come first for me, though...
Δ4 — I have a shrine set up (complete with appropriate images) for my ancestors and/or the household daimones, and make offerings there daily. I usually bring a gift for the nymphai when I visit wild places outdoors, and try to leave their "homes" neat and clean afterwards.
Δ5 — My ancestors and the local spirits actually feel more real, closer to my daily life, than the gods themselves. I honor several of them daily, and keep multiple shrines at home (ancestors in the house, nymphai in the garden, etc.)
Δ6 — Not only do the daimones feel closer to me than the gods, dozens of them seem to inhabit my house and neighborhood, and I treat most of them as good friends (except the pesky one who steals socks from the dryer!).

Variables: Line 3 ~ Knowledge & Misc.

B — Exposure to modern books (not historical holy texts) about Hellenism
B0 — You mean people are still writing serious books about the gods —not just comics or role-playing supplements?
B1 — I've read some books on general NeoPaganism, does that count?
B2 — I've read at least one of the following authors: Drew Campbell, Sarah Kate Istra Winter, H. Jeremiah Lewis, or Tim Alexander. I'm pretty sure that any of those other books aren't worth my time.
B3 — I've read most books by the authors listed above, but have little access to scholarly works about Hellenic religion.
B4 — I've read a few modern scholarly books about the ancient Hellenic religion, and can generally tell when a modern pagan book on the subjects is inaccurate. At least three of these names sound familiar to me: Walter Burkert, Apostolos Athanassakis, Edith Hamilton, Thomas Taylor.
B5 — All of the names above are familiar to me; I can debate various authors' theories intelligently.
B6 — Here, let me show you the dissertation for my Classical Studies doctorate!

T — familiarity with ancient texts
For these ratings, the "ancient texts" is defined as historical texts significant to the Hellenic religion ("mythology" and period accounts of Hellenic religious practices).
T0 — Ummm, Thor? He was a Greek god, right?
T1 — Most of what I know about ancient Hellenic religion comes from comic books and blockbuster films; I'm not sure whether or not that information is accurate.
T2 — I've heard of more gods than just Zeus, Hades, and Aphrodite; I know that the "pop-culture" version of a myth is often wrong, but haven't even cracked the spine on a Penguin Classics translation of Hesiod yet.
T3 — I've read the best-known passages in The Iliad and The Oddessey and maybe some Hesiod, but not much more than that.
T4 — I've read most of the major ancient Hellenic texts only in translation, but I know them fairly well.
T5 — I've read all of the major Hellenic texts and most of the obscurer ones!
T6 — I have an advanced degree in Classical studies, and have published my own translation of The Iliad & The Oddessey which keeps the poetry intact.

Λ — study of languages relevant to Hellenic scholarship
Note: "Relevant to Hellenic scholarship" does not necessarily mean "Greek" here. Any modern language which has been used to write academic texts on Hellenic history (such as Burkert using German) qualifies. So does one with many native speakers in the Hellenic community (according to Google Analytics, the Hellenistai forum gets significant hits from Brazil and The Netherlands). The ratings below are meant to describe only overall fluency and breadth of study, not name specific languages learned. Users who want to give that detail may add the ISO code for their languages after the numerical rating. If they speak three or more languages, they may mark the strongest ones with an asterisk.

Λ0 — My native language is good enough for the gods, and it's good enough for me! (Obviously, if I grew up speaking something other than English, a friend translated this code and invited me to rate myself.)
Λ1 — I've had to take a year of one foreign language in school, but that was so long ago I've forgotten all but a few words.
Λ2 — I can order a meal and read signs in one or two foreign languages, but that's about all.
Λ3 — I did fairly well in foreign-language classes at school but still can't read anything useful.
Λ4 — I can follow most written materials in one to three foreign languages.
Λ5 — I am bilingual in English and modern Hellenic. I can read five or six more languages easily, and (could) use them actively in online forums.
Λ6 — I am fluent in multiple modern Hellenic dialects, and have lectured or taught in more than one. I (could) use most languages I know actively in online forums.

N — effect of the Internet on Hellenic practice
People who have created websites may add (w) to this rating, (wh) if the site actually relates to Hellenismos.
N0 — I don't even have reliable access to a computer; a friend showed me a printout of this code and invited me to rate myself.
N1 — I've used the Internet once or twice, but not in a Hellenic context.
N2 — I use the Internet occasionally, but rarely in a Hellenic context; I might have the e-mail addresses of a few Hellenic friends, if that counts.
N3 — I use the Internet fairly often —sometimes in a Hellenic context, sometimes not. I've lurked in a few Hellenismos-related fora online (mailing lists, chat rooms, message boards, etc...)
N4 — I use the Internet fairly often, and usually in a Hellenic context. I am a regular in at least one Hellenismos-related forum online, but only as an ordinary member (not a moderator/owner).
N5 — I use the Internet daily, and usually in a Hellenic context. I moderate/own at least one Hellenic-related forum online, and may participate regularly in a few others. If I participate in a local religious polis, I have probably created their web site, discussion fora, etc.
N6 — I spend most of my waking hours net-surfing, creating, and/or moderating Hellenic material online.

Code Modifiers
Like the original Geek Code, the Hellene Code uses symbols to give more accurate information about someone's rating in a category. The following modifier symbols may appear in the Asatru Code:
X1(3) I usually fit the description for an X1 rating, but my opinions/practices can vary as far as X3. (Example: R1(3) = "I may do rituals as often as twice a month, if I have the time and money; otherwise I seldom do them.")
Note: This interpretation applies only to numbers in parentheses with no other words nearby; if a set of parentheses contains letters or a word, it usually means "more specific information here". For instance, the "P5(Freyr)" rating in my own code specifies which deity is my patron.
X1>3 I fit the description for an X1 rating, but want to qualify for X3. (Example: L1>3 = "Just give me a decent translation of the mythos, and I'm willing to study my butt off!")
X1<3 I used to qualify for an X3 rating, but now qualify for an X1. (Example: R1<3 = "I've almost given up participating in formal Asatru rituals, even though I used to do them about twice a month.")
X@ My opinions/practices related to X vary so much, I can't even give a definite range of ratings.
XA/B More than one interest applies to me in this category; used with those that offer multiple sub-categories.
X? I never even heard of X, so how can I have an opinion about it?
!X X really isn't an issue in my life or my religious practices; why should I have an opinion about it?!? (Example: !Γ = "There are no other Hellenes near my area; I'm a solitary Hellenistos because I have no other choice. ")
X$ I'm getting paid because of my involvement with X. (Example: B4$ = "I write/review scholarly books on Hellenic religion and collect royalties for doing it.")
X+ All of the available subcategories in X apply to me, and have roughly the same rating. (Example: Mn3+ = "I've dabbled in every magical technique listed here, but wouldn't do it on a regular basis now.") This could be combined with the
XA/B modifier, if only one or two exceptions have a different rating.

Footnotes: *AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!