GOALS OF THE JULIAN SOCIETY
I. To present the Emperor Julian's life and efforts to the modern world (both Pagan and otherwise) as a historical example of Pagan piety, dignity, respectability and social responsibility.
Major world faiths often promote religious ideals by presenting historical figures as positive examples. Legends of the faith and spirituality of personages such as Mohammed, Buddha, and Joan of Arc have become sources of inspiration for millions. It is often easier for people to relate to the experiences of ancient heroes, even semi-divine ones, than to assimilate religious codes, tenets and beliefs in abstract form.
It is odd that Pagan religion, with the longest and most far-reaching history of any faith on the planet, has failed almost completely to renew its inspiration through the positive legends of its ancient adherents. The stories of our ancient sages, champions, and holy men and women are almost universally ignored and forgotten.
The Emperor Julian, himself a paragon of Pagan learning, virtue and piety, was constantly inspired by the stories of those Philosophers, teachers and people of virtue that had preceded him. His extant writings contain many references to the works and stories of illustrious Pagans. Julian understood well that the essence of spirituality is often most easily grasped when one understands how it has been used to great benefit by others.
The Julian Society is one of the few Pagan resources that has been founded on historical example. We feel that it is important for Pagans to know the history of their faith, and crucial for Paganism itself to be able to communicate its worldly importance and benefit by ancient example, just as it often presents its deities through ancient myths.
At present, perhaps 95 % of the modern Pagan population has never even heard of the Emperor Julian, or most of the other greatest Pagan champions. Julian, Hypatia of Alexandria, Appolonius of Tyana, Maxentius (who fought at the Milvian Bridge), Eugenius, (the last Roman Caesar to raise a Pagan banner) and a vast number of other heroes are completely unknown unless one has quietly taken up Classical reading for as assigned class reading or (gasp!) for personal enrichment.
THE EMPEROR JULIAN'S LIFE AS PAGAN HISTORY
The Emperor Julian's life is one of the most significant stories of ancient Paganism. Many who have learned Julian's story and read his writings find great inspiration in his legacy, yet have not thought to communicate this enthusiasm for the betterment of Pagan religion itself.
One of the positive aspects of promoting factual history as opposed to myth, is that one's goal is to inform rather than "evangelize." In appropriate situations the details about historical Pagans can be presented without any pressure to convince anyone to believe in a certain way. If someone doesn't find history useful they won't - but at least they are no longer ignorant of facts. If they are intrigued with the history of Paganism, a new door to learning and understanding has been opened for them.
There is much more to the Emperor Julian's legacy than the overall ideal of someone who's Pagan faith and education allowed him to overcame incredible odds to become one of the most powerful rulers in the world. It is the details of the learning and philosophy that inspired Julian himself, and the unfinished plans that he left behind which have the most power to instill new direction into modern Paganism.
Here are just some of the facts about Julian's life that can raise interest in Pagan learning:
Julian was the grandson and last legitimate heir of the Emperor Constantine, yet as such he knowingly rejected the Christian faith - in essence canceling his family's short legacy as Christian champions.
Julian's early isolation allowed him years of religious study, making his conversion one of the most learned in history.
More is known about Julian than about any other ancient leader. His three books are still extant, as are the writings of some of his closest friends and advisors.
Vastly more is known about the Emperor Julian than is known about Jesus the Galilean. More teachings, personal accounts, more contemporary physical relics and monuments, what he actually looked like, etc.
The works of those who inspired Julian are also still extant, including those by Iamblichus, Porphyry, and the philosopher Libanius. This means that much of what he knew is still available to us.
Many of Julian's efforts worked to unite different Pagan traditions, and even Paganism and other religions. While a Roman, he sought to rebuild the Oracle of Delphi. While a Pagan, he sought to rebuild the Jewish Temple. While head of the Roman state religion he also participated in the Mystery religions. While a Caesar of Rome, he saved and rebuilt many Celtic cities. While a Hellenist, he corresponded with those of the Egyptian and other Near Eastern faiths to mutual benefit.
As the last true Pontifex Maximus of Pagan Rome, Julian issued religious orders and instructions to the Pagan Priesthood that in a legal sense still remain in place.
The more one studies Julian's works the more facts that are still important for modern Paganism come to light. The Julian Society and it's members are dedicated to keeping this legacy alive in groups and public forums, so that this great example of Pagan piety is not lost to our faith.
Here are some ways in which individuals can help to keep Julian's legacy vital:
I. Continue the ancient tradition of Panegyrics (works of praise) by writing articles and poems and even stories about aspects of the Emperor Julian's life and works.
II. By creating artwork, or even objects or sacred places, which have a theme revolving around the Emperor Julian. Drawings, paintings, jewelry, music, dedicatory objects and inscriptions can help keep the spirit of an ideal alive more than many other kinds of effort.
III. By keeping the Emperor Julian's life and legacy alive through introducing them in discussions, gatherings, etc. where it is appropriate and not disruptive to do so. (Internet forums and "bardic circles" at Pagan gatherings are just two places where such historical topics can be introduced on a welcomed basis.
IV. By working to continue Julian's religious goals.
V. By remembering the Emperor Julian (and other ancient Pagan Heroes) in rites and rituals as a champion of the ancient faiths.
VII. By reading the writings of the ancient Pagans that inspired and educated Julian himself in the ways of the Gods.
VIII. By working to live by the Pagan Ideals that Julian himself held to be vital, so that you may share a measure of his personal reputation for positive Virtue and respectable action.
IX. By personal or group meditation on themes related to Julian's works and the times in which he lived. Topics such as the Pagan Virtues, or items from his written works and letters can make fascinating topics for spiritual reflection.
X. By adopting the modern concept of looking to historical example for personal guidance in certain situations. The phrase "WWJD" taken to mean "What would Julian Do?" can become useful in daily life, most especially since enough is known about Julian for one to have a good idea about what he actually would do in many situations!