Our research is an ongoing process and as such the terms used are subject to change as we add and verify the terms used in the ancient world. One decision we have made, however, is that some modern terms expressing specific celebrations (Pannychi) and titles that changed significantly over time will be substituted such as "The Season of the Tree" for the spring equinox celebrations. You will also note a combination of Latin and Greece terms. Within our own Phrygianum, we tend to use the Latin terms
Current terms recovered and confirmed are:
Gallae (Galla singular)- transsexual and intersexed Cybelines who have had SRS, if born without a vulva. This is the specific usage of the term within our own Phrygianum but because of the widespread use of this term by transsexual women in recent times referring to both pre and post operative as well as the priestesses of the ancient world who had undergone Sanguem ritual no assumptions about the operative status of those calling themselves Gallae should be made.
Mellissae (Mellissa singular)--Cybelines born with vulvas and who's bodies reflect the nature of Mother. We have modified this term to include post operative transsexual women given the difference between the ancient practices and modern sexual reassignment surgery (SRS). Within our own Phrygianum we have decided to use this term in place of the Greek, Thalamepoloi. The term means literally, little bees.
Thalamepoloi (Thalamepolos singular)--Cybelines who have attained through study, invitation and initiation the level commonly known as High Priestess in other pagan groups.
Archireus --A Thalamepolos who is functioning as a ritual leader.
Battakes --The Thalamepolos who leads a group of Cybelines, considered more a "first among equals" with the Thalamepoloi and functioning as a general "housemother" in the contexts of the living arrangements as well as spiritual leader for her particular group.
Ates/Atas --A Thalamepolos who is associated with a particular Phrygianum but lives and functions apart much of the time. Ates may lead and function as Battakes apart from that Phrygianum for smaller groups not yet ready to form their own, separate home. At such time as a new Phrygianum is established by her, she becomes a Battakes in her own right.
Phrygianum --A Cybeline "convent", or group home.
Metroon --A temple dedicated to the Mother Goddess
Maetreum -- Specifically a temple to Mother associated with a Phrygianum. The term can also refer to that temple and the Phrygianum collectively.
Pannychis --A Cybeline ritual or celebration.
Ololugma --The part of Pannychis (ritual) that includes chanting, dance, trilling and ecstatic dance.
Mystai -- initiates