Hellenic Polytheism : Household Worship
C**♡
Very Useful
It's wonderfully organized, and this book has helped me with my research and getting to know my religion. I recommend this for anyone that is interested in Hellenic Polytheism. It has a lot of useful information, and covers the basics of this religion as well as informing the readers on the cultural and historical context of traditional practice.
K**R
This is an excellent book about Hellenismos
This is an excellent book about Hellenismos. I have read the comments by some who claim to be disappointed that the book wasn't directed toward modern age worship, but they are wrong. The book clearly states that the views and examples given are what CAN BE USED to establish a form of worship anywhere. Currently these examples are what Hellenic Polytheists may use in different parts of Greece. Each home uses variants of these basic examples to form core tenets in their individual rituals and daily devotions to the Gods.As far as an altar for burning offerings indoors, use any fire proof container with Epsom salt and 91% Rubbing Alcohol and you can burn offerings to all the Gods without setting a smoke detector off. Where there is a will, there is always a way! ALWAYS USE COMMON SENSE WHEN DEALING WITH FIRE.Hellenic polytheism is an orthopraxic religion. There are no hard inscribed in stone rules. Look within your heart and open your eyes to inspiration. Listen to the ideas and suggestions of others, but always formulate rites and devotions that apply to you and your Gods.This book is a great starter book and a superb reminder of the basic practices one can incorporate into their home and community worship. I highly recommend this book to everyone. I found the information contained in it inspirational with loads of ideas to enhance my devotion to the Gods.
R**R
Delightful!
I bought this book because, hey why not since I'm going on an Hellenismos binge. I was delightfully surprised to find out that it was written and translated by Greek reconstructionists who decided to share the heart and soul of their beloved home and history with those of us who don't speak Greek.If you're looking to have or further your Hellenic polytheistic practice, this book should be on your shelf. I only wish there were more like this one out there.Many thanks to Labrys for bring this gem to the world.
S**I
Amazing
This book is perfect, it summarizes all the necessary info about worshipping the Greek gods in an easy to understand way. Amazing!!
P**N
Very Basic Book on Hellenic Paganism
This book is just as described and is a good introduction to Hellenic private household pagan worship as currently practiced in Greece. It covers both ancient and modern practices & concepts.
S**R
Excellent Introduction, or Re-Introduction, to Hellenic Religion
Most beginner books are full of lists and glossaries and lack heart. This book contains real wisdom presented from a coherent and cohesive world view. This isn't some pastiche of mytho-poetic tropes or Wicca-in-drag, but a book about modern polytheism by a robust community of modern polytheists for modern polytheists.Deeply rooted in tradition and faith, this book presents a modern religion that speaks to the eternal human condition. It walks the path of moderation in outlining traditional structure while encouraging innovation and individual expression. Most importantly, as the title suggests, it emphasizes an attainable domestic practice to promote order, harmony, and happiness. Mystery cults and city festivals may be flashy but the foundation of Hellenic faith is the home. And like the faith, the home is eternal.While I wish the book was more inclusive of singles and same-sex marriages, it is still a really lovely book for anyone looking to learn about Hellenic religion, or who might need reassurance that they are not alone in their faith.I look forward to more English language volumes from Labrys.
M**Y
Good first book on Hellenic Polytheism
I had my eye on this book for a while, hoping it would be published in English. It was worth the wait. It is ideal for anyone interested in worshiping the Greek gods. Created by Labrys, a polytheistic community in Greece, the information in this book is derived as much as possible from authentic ancient sources (Homer, Hesiod, etc.), but adapted for modern life.The book centers on household worship, which is appropriate for a world where polytheism is rare; there are no more citywide festivals dedicated to the gods, or public temples with attendant priests. But setting up your own household altar and making offerings for yourself and your family is also a historic practice, and this book provides all of the information you need to begin.One other book I've seen for newcomers to Hellenic polytheism is Sara Kate Istra Winter's " Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored ," which is also good. I would recommend getting both and benefiting from their different cultural perspectives. If you can only afford one, though, make it this one.
E**S
This is really good but it leaves some questions unanswered
I’d definitely recommend this to anyone looking into hellenic polytheism. I’d recommend getting a physical copy as there are certain rites you may want to go back to. I’d give it 5 stars. But I feel like it didn’t answer all of my questions. Maybe I’m nit picky
A**D
Gave as a gift
I gave this as a gift to my sister, she really likes the book but has gotten quite disappointed in it and has not read it further after a certain chapter. The author has apparently been rather opinionated on sexuality in one of the chapters, I think she mentioned that the author expressed disagreement on LGBT which is a rather Christian/Abrahamic belief, and back in the day it wasn't cared much about. After reading that, she wasn't 100% sure about the accuracy of the rest of the information due to the author's opinion being rather present in this book.
D**N
Deserves six stars
If you are an Hellenic pagan, this is the book you've been waiting for. In most pagan religions, family and household worship is the core of practice. For reconstructionists, who have no temples, it becomes the only practice.This book, produced by a society of Hellenes in Greece, sets out a guide to domestic worship (including rites of passage) in a modern context. And contrary to what one US reviewer claims, it doesn't assume you have a hearth! The hymns and prayers used range from Antiquity to the present day, and guidance on offerings is given. The regular monthly ceremonies of Athens are listed, but not the annual ones, which were temple affairs; but they are so well documented on the internet that that's not a problem.The standard of the English translation is generally excellent. It does render modern rather than classical Greek on occasion, though: we get Demetra and Erkeios for Demeter and Herkeios, although thankfully not 'Ermes and 'Estia!
A**R
Very good
If you are looking for a practical guide to the neo-pagan Hellenistic worship and religion this is the book for you.My issues with the book is that (a) the Hymns are given only in English (where's the Greek text?) and (b) there is no theology that explains the deeper meaning of each aspect, rite or hymn of this religion.
D**S
Higlhy recommended and anticipating further publications by the Labrys Group.
This text presents the ritual practices of the contemporary Hellenic polytheist group Labrys. The information and instructions for conducting some of the most fundamental rites of Hellenic polytheism are explained in depth supported by references to ancient Hellenic literary primary sources. The authors also provide a useful religious calendar to designate the time and place of the rites presented in the text. For the novice Hellenic polytheist ritualist I would recommend reading this book alongside Walter Burkert's "Greek Religion: Archaic and Classical" for further in depth discussion of the motives and methods of Hellenic polytheist ritual. On the whole, "Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship" an outstanding text and I anticipate further publications.
5**S
Good
Have only flicked through this book but it looks good. Looking forward to reading it. Every Hellenist should own this book.
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