About & Doctrine

The Virtuous Path to Elysium

On The Virtuous Path to Elysium

The Virtuous Path to Elysium is designed as a method to lead the best life one can possibly lead in accordance Cultus Deorum, worship of the immortal gods, and with the final goal of entrance into the Elysian Fields, aka Elysium. The Virtuous Path asks that cultors who decide to follow this path lead a life filled with virtue in thoughts, words and deeds, while ensuring prosperity of oneself and family, all while enjoying life's pleasures. If the cultor has lived life in this manner, there is nothing to fear when it is time to cross the bridge and meet the judges.

On living a good life

It is said that there are 4 goals of life: Live virtuously, enjoy life's pleasures, attain prosperity in life, and attain salvation at the end. To live virtuously is easier said than done, as it means to live life by 21 core virtues in thoughts, speech, and actions. Those virtues are

Virtue. The principles which true worshippers will embody in thoughts, speech, and actions are what will ensure that you as a human are a genuinely good person. Failing to exemplify the virtues is what will lead you to be seen as the worst kind of person and in the worst cases: evil.

Some may argue all you need is wisdom and the others would be apparent, but to state such a thing isn't beneficial to the individual who wishes to know how to lead life in tune with the 4 goals.

Pleasure. That is to say actually enjoy life, embrace a desire without compromising virtues or prosperity. Depriving yourself of the pleasure that comes from a great taste or touch or smell is not needed provided you live life virtuously in thoughts, speech, and acts. Only those who cannot live virtuously should consider depriving themselves of pleasure so that it does not lead them into sin. And some sins are not things humans can forgive, as the gods will weigh our sins against us in death. This is different from what the Stoics called pleasure, as today we might call that decadence.

Prosperity. To simply live life in virtue and embracing pleasure will not do alone, as to prosper is to ensure that your family is able to thrive in the world without significant need or want, and that you as a human contribute to society in some regard. As an example, lack of prosperity can cause a virtuous person to lapse into committing a sin. Prosperity ensures the next generation being raised has the best start they can in life to do the same.

Salvation. This is the final goal, one that is always strived for but not always reached. To reach the Elysium fields, to have the salvation of the best and rewarding afterlife. Those who slipped and did not live life so virtuously will have a stay in the Asphodel Meadows, where so many wait for their next opportunity. Tartarus is reserved for those who cast aside virtue significantly in life, where their souls will be punished and purified of their sins.

You may have noticed you have repressed memories of a past life. There is always another chance to achieve the goal of salvation of Elysium, but aspire to be the most righteous you can be so as to ensure your soul does not go through needless torment. How long souls exist in these realms, only the gods know.

On Judgement of the soul

Multiple religious traditions state that 3 deities are involved in the judgement of a soul.

Given such similar stories, why shouldn't you believe that this is going to occur?

To achieve salvation, one must live life accordingly. There is no requirement to accept any specific god or goddess as a savior, and no god can wipe away any sin simply from your belief in them. Should a serial killer be pardoned from Tartarus because he or she accepted faith in some deity? Every single good and bad action your soul will be weighed against, and your next destination is determined by that. For some bad actions, there is no amount of good action that can ever remove the stain on your soul, but all should vigorously try to ensure their souls have their most amount of good, as this will increase the chance you spend less time in Tartarus. Continued evil actions result in significantly more time in Tartarus.

On goals of the Virtuous Path to Elysium

We have concrete goals to support growth of Cultus Deorum as a whole.

On myths

It's important to read the myths of old, but not to accept all acts as stated facts. In fact, much of that is to be rejected, for how can a single human writing any given myth know all the words and actions of any given god, much less multiple? And perspectives of adversaries as well. Some myths state thousands of years a human could live, which is impossible as not a single archeological find has backed this up. But the myths do provide those of us reviving worship with 2 things:

The physical descriptions are important, as they help us design the image that we already imagine in our minds to represent the god we worship at a given moment and the ritual helps us know how to worship.

Ritual of course leads us to sacrifice. Ritual is important as we want to honor the gods in as close a way as the ancients did.

Sacrifice.

In the old days sacrifice was essential to give something to the gods in thanks for what they provided, or to ask for a future reward. This could be a sacrifice of grown foods, or animals, or of liquids.

Rejection of animal sacrifice. There is evidence that many who followed the Platonic, Middle Platonic, Neoplatonic, and Pythagorean views did not partake in animal sacrifice; however, many did participate, as this was a method of obtaining communal meat. The entrails would be granted to the gods. While it appears many priests did their best to make it seem like the animal assented to being sacrificed, that was likely an attempt to pacify the mind of many. It is our belief we should do as little harm as we can in the world, and that means abstaining from eating meat and using products from animals that required their deaths. The Pythagoreans believed human souls could be reincarnated as animals, and while that is impossible to prove, it is evident that all life can feel pain, and who would want to stand before the judges at the afterlife and explain why they continued inflicting pain on animals or humans? See also Book 6 of Aeneid by Vergil and Plato's Republic, platonism, neoplatonism, and middle platonism all trended towards vegetarianism.

Sacrifice of liquids, honey, oils, or vegetation will suffice for the gods, as they do not need anything from us, but we are giving a gift in the hope that they see fit to hear our prayers.

On Worship of the gods

The gods have many names. As there are millions of names of gods documented in history, some resonate more strongly than others. With this path, a revival of the gods of Rome, Greece, and Anatolia, these deities resonate strongly with so many that still to this year of 2026 CE we imagine them with founders of new nations and build their religious temples for our government buildings. This goes beyond trying to divide the gods into some number to make them manageable.

Rome and Greece would occasionally accept foreign gods into their lands and some even made it to the upper echelon. Apollo, Diana, Venus, Bacchus, Mithras, Isis, Cybele. Many deities such as Minerva were Etruscan in origin. Jupiter himself is a mystery as he is attested to in the Rig Veda, although there his son takes on the lightning aspect. Some deities were identified with those Rome already adopted, such as Sulis from the Celts with Minerva, though she was distinct enough to become an aspect of one or a combination of the goddesses as Sulis-Minerva. This practice is common across many religions as it is a logical attempt to make sense of the unknown divine. Theoretically, if the ancient Greek and Roman religions continued today without pause from classical times, they likely would have adopted or interpreted more deities from other religions they didn't have as much contact with but existed in close proximity such as Hinduism, Irish religion, Baltic religion, and Slavic religions.

On interpolation

Venus was an interpretation of Inanna/Ishtar, and Anahita/Anahit was often conflated with Ishtar. Wodan was assumed to be Mercury. Thor to be Hercules. Mithras and Sol Invictus. Let's not forget the Romans adopted the Greek religious mythology by applying the names of the gods the Romans knew but kept Greek style and imagery.

List - not all inclusive

Minor Deities

On monotheism

It is our opinion that monotheism should be rejected, for it is a definitive statement that there is only 1 god, which has not been proven, yet evidence of millions of images of various deities exists. And while some may be real and some may not, it is important to allow such worship to flourish so long as the people behind it are virtuous. As an example, see the numerous religious paths within Hinduism, Shinto, Chinese Folk religion, Celtic or Slavic revival religions. Monotheistic or monistic religions such as Zoroastrianism, Hetanism, and Sikhism are to be highly respected, as they have clear paths to living a righteous life without compromise of virtue.

Some paths that have caused so much suffering were Abrahamic-based, which was and still is today undeniable in the 3 major branches. Specific to the fall of Rome is the rise of Christianity and ultimate forced conversion of the Roman empire by Constantine. Such an action was quickly followed by the fall of the Western empire as Constantine helped destroy the very foundations on which Rome was built. And how many Celts, Germanic, Baltic, Slavic, Indigenous American, and others were killed for the sake of Christian gain? The archeological and written evidence supports this. That said, the majority of Christians in today's world do not cause harm, but many do actively seek to convert and spread the statements that lack of belief in Jesus results in an eternity in hell. A rational person understands this is not true. Some radical Muslims take this a step further and seek to actively eradicate all that isn't Islam in today's world, and they accomplish this by burning temples and churches. They continue to permit slavery of non-Muslims when the rest of the world has outlawed it.

That said, the majority will not attempt this. But keep the virtues close if any attempt to cause suffering is perpetuated.

On Human Deification - Apotheoisis

More importantly, the rejection of such. The Imperial Cult gave rise to worshipping humans as if they ascended godhood, making a mockery of the gods as if becoming a god were determined by a human governmental body. A modern example of this is the Church of Latter-day Saints, which teaches its followers to believe that they become gods. Godhood is not something so trivial.

We see an issue with humans making belief that a human is a god a requirement for salvation, on pain of hell — that is, Tartarus — as in Christianity. Islam takes this a step further with Muhammad, who, while not treated like a god, is treated as a holy prophet no matter how abhorrent his accepted historical crimes in life. Some Hindu priests try to deify themselves by gathering a large following and claiming they are some reincarnation or avatar of a god and this leads to outsiders not taking seriously the righteous Hindus who never accepted the claims of that priest.

Humans are not gods. Define a god. An otherworldly supremely powerful being that helps shape the universe. No humans have done this. It is our belief that human ancestors join the ranks of the Manes, the afterlife ancestor spirits; those who lived virtuously should be honored but never worshipped.

On duty

Duty is an abstract concept; sometimes the principle of diligence is what is generally meant. Other times integrity or generosity. It can be as abstract as Dharma at times. Generally it can be translated as doing the right thing with the right effort at the right time that is best suited for you to do. Generally, when following the principles while accomplishing the other tasks as part of a good life, one will perform their duty.

On priests

Historically, there were these:

Roman

Greek

Today nothing so rigid exists, and while there is hope for the future, it's no easy task to just start all orders back up. Any individual who owns land may consecrate a temple there, with its construction following the recommendations of "On Architecture" where the temple should face west so the worshipper faces east during worship, unless the environment makes a different orientation sensible. Those temples created should be bona fide temples, open for worship, of the proper size, and held to the standard one would expect in a place of worship.

On prayer

Pray at the beginning of the day, at the end of the day, at each meal, and when great events occur. However, if you must miss a prayer because the time is needed to expedite the good of many, or of one who is vulnerable, then you should miss it and return to it when you get the chance. If time has taken you to the next prayer, then pray at the next opportunity. The gods need nothing from us, but we desire the peace they bring, so we must give them the utmost attention.

On Augury

It is our belief that magic, as in sorcery, as some would wish to be true, does not exist. Followers of this path will not make an attempt to deceive other followers in magic trickery as this violates a core virtue. However, the will of the gods can be interpreted by signs from the universe. This is outside the scope of general worship as only a trained Sacerdos can interpret the signs.

On conversion

We shall not hinder the masses by going door to door. It puts believers at risk. What a believer should do instead is demonstrate the faith through public service. It is permissible to outreach where there is no hindrance to the population, such as on university campuses, and efforts like these should be focused on sharing simple literature. Keeping in mind temperance, none should be screaming or using obnoxious methods to get conversion or, worse, actively dispatching others for not following the Virtuous Path.

On identifying fellow followers

Christians have a cross. Jews have their star, and Muslims the moon. We have the iconic Greco-Roman temples. These are iconic and can be identified by all without difficulty. Some of the new age Greek and Roman followers of other branches may use Laurel Wreath or Labrys. While these are recognizable by those who already are aware of the religion, they aren't instantly recognizable by non-followers. Almost all who went through schooling know of Greco-Roman style temples, as many government offices are now built in a similar manner, so this is the best symbol to use.

Also, we should wear garb close in nature to that of the ancients when able. These should be made with materials they would have likely used, cotton, linen, and wool; however, it is important to be flexible. The white tunic and pants (if wearing) are best as linen or a linen cotton blend. The toga is best made of wool of some kind, in one of the colors below, and uses 12–16 square meters of material.

On weddings

Weddings of ancient Rome and Greece did not take place inside temples or even on temple grounds. They largely would take place in home estates or be very private affairs. For the Virtuous Path to Elysium:

On divorce

It is every partner's responsibility to make every attempt at ensuring the bond is not severed, but it is understandable that sometimes it is best for both parties to part, even if one is reluctant.

On death

The fate of every human lies in the hands of the gods. When the human soul departs the body to approach the bridge and be led to his or her next destination, there is a duty upon the family and friends of the deceased to provide a proper send-off. In line with the ways of the classical era before Christianity, the Virtuous Path to Elysium recognizes cremation as the proper method of send-off. At that point the family can choose to scatter ashes back into nature, keep the ashes near the lararium, bury the ashes in a family site so as to reduce land usage, or inter them in a columbarium, which should exist in larger sanctuaries. Followers who have no friends or family left can will the temple to undertake this on behalf of the deceased. The final viewing should not be done with a body but with the body already in ashes, and photographs of the life led should be displayed. The closest family and friends or simply the priests will escort the remains to the final destination, and provide a final prayer. This moment is an inescapable moment that we all share, and we celebrate the life led. In the event the follower clearly did not lead a Virtuous life, priests will still do their duty, as the ultimate fate is now in the hands of the immortal gods, so the priests will take no such action to disparage the dead.

On Pilgrimage

There are 2 kinds of pilgrimage a cultor can undertake. A historic one, where the cultor visits historic sites still standing or sites listed in classical texts such as "A Description of Greece", and a modern temple pilgrimage, where the cultor visits modern temples and temple recreations created by organizations such as the Virtuous Path to Elysium, YSEE, Templvm, Labrys, Nova Roma, and others.

Historic pilgrimage

Coming soon

On visitation to temple

It is proper to visit a temple during festivals of the gods. In the absence of a temple, or of the ability to go to one, it is important on festival days to perform similar worship at the home lararium when appropriate. Given there are very few proper temples at this time, inviting fellow believers to your home to celebrate is a great way to start.

On building of sanctuaries and temples

All members with excess resources should consider taking it upon themselves to build this new generation of temples to revitalize the religion. In the United States at this time we have no proper temples but many temple-like buildings and some, like the Parthenon reconstruction, that looks exactly like a proper temple but does not generally permit worship. So we must build what we can on the land we are able to acquire. This is similarly true for all nations of the Americas and of Australia and New Zealand. In Italy, Greece, and Ukraine temples have been reconstructed in both the Roman and Greek traditions. The Virtuous Path to Elysium also has no temples as of yet though the goals are set to aqcuire land in 2033-2034 for the purpose of building a sanctuary in North Carolina or Virginia, United States.

On Rituals

See ritus.html

Mithras

Mithras. Mithra. Mitra. Mihr, Shamash. And many other names. Whatever name is chosen, Roman soldiers saw the danger coming, so they kept rituals and texts secret. And the relationship between Sol, Mithras, and Apollo goes deeper. Perhaps they saw them as one and the same — invincible, radiant light itself — or perhaps there is more to the story. The cultors who follow the Virtuous Path to Elysium are open to future archeological discoveries to provide the answers.