So, I thought to introduce myself. I am Gaius Florius Aetius from Berlin, Germania Superior. I was born 1971 CE in Swabia, Germania Inferior (so I rose up, haha), lived at the scenic Swabian Alps as a kid in a wonderful rural area just a stone throw from the Roman Limes, btw.
I have read and studied philosophers since I was about 14 or 15, coming from a very politically active family, I read newspaper and follow political topics since was a teen. So when I studied Social Science and History (making Magister Artium degrees in each), it was just a natural development for me. I must admit my main foci of philosophy were Chinese (Confucius!) and modern Western (Nietzsche), I have a bit neglected the Greek ones. Never got really along with them, no clue why. ^^ To this day I greatly value the Confucian ideals of family as core of society, humanitarism and education.
I became an Asatru Pagan (later became Priest for some time) with 15 and a Thelemite around the same time, ascended in the Order of the Golden Dawn, but about 10 years ago, I felt burned out, and stopped practicing anything. Only about 2 years ago I learned of the Cultus Deorum. I never thought about it, and tbh I always kinda lumped it with Hellenistic religion. I must be blunt: I never could take that capricious version of the Gods the Greeks tell about serious. But then I learned the Romans had a very dignified view on their Gods and on religion, and a rather pragmatic one, which I like. Having Roman Republic as one of my major topics in the University, it was always fascinating me, so when I heard about this group, I was of course hooked.
In the past among the Asatru (and my Wicca friends) I got a bit burned from joining groups. So much personal hassle, so for a long time I wasn't ready to join groups anymore at all. But, here I am more than willing to try it again, heh. I kinda don't want to be so isolated anymore. I am not entirely sure what I am expecting here, or what is expected of me. But forming bonds is always a worthwhile endeavor.
Hm, what else? I am a self trained artist, drawing paintings for 18 years or so. I play modestly German Zither. I have written a few books (fiction and non-fiction), have cartography and gaming as hobbies, I hate cooking and I love flowers. Not sure if relevant, but I am gay dude. Just thinking I add that.
As the oldest man now in my family (since my Dad passed away last August) I chose Mars as the Patron of my family and myself. I have "personal history" with Apollo and I am a devotee of Sol Invictus. Having been an Asatru Priest (including holding a few marriages, one child naming and two funerals) I have some experience in that, and found doing that attractive. Though I am not sure if this Roman Republic has any form of Priests or what the requirements are, I am basically interested in some day when you know me well enough to possibly aspire to that, because working as a Priest has always been something that felt fulfilling to me, serving both Gods and men alike.
Other than that, ask me anything. ^^
Vale,
G.F. Aetius
(aka Elikal Ialborcales)
