{"product":{"product_id":"1503121887","title":"Hellenic Polytheism : Household Worship","price":"14.0","image_url":"https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41NzEthHNUL._SL500_.jpg","url":"https://www.amazon.com/dp/1503121887"},"comments":[{"body":"It's a book titled \"Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship\" written by LABRYS (a Hellenic Polytheist community based in Greece). I got my copy through Amazon - here's a link:\r\n\r\nhttps://www.amazon.co.uk/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887/ref=asc_df_1503121887?tag=bingshoppinga-21\u0026amp;linkCode=df0\u0026amp;hvadid=79989527880082\u0026amp;hvnetw=o\u0026amp;hvqmt=e\u0026amp;hvbmt=be\u0026amp;hvdev=m\u0026amp;hvlocint=\u0026amp;hvlocphy=\u0026amp;hvtargid=pla-4583589105709351\u0026amp;psc=1","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"boycalledmullins"},{"body":"There are books for how to perform proper practice in your home (https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887/) and of course you should be doing a lot of reading on things like the mythology (which are not literal events that happened but still have divine meanings for you to uncover) and perhaps the philosophers if you want to go down that path.\r\n\r\nBut as u/NoBlueberryPie put it, there is no gospel or \"book\" for Hellenism. It's not that kind of religion. There are multiple different creation stories depending on which school of thought or religious sect you belong to, different cosmogonies, different relationships between the Gods that contradict, etc.","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"JD_the_Aqua_Doggo"},{"body":"There is a collection of rituals for certain occasions (really just a series of Orphic/Homeric hymns in an order and a suggestion of offerings) in LABRYS' [Household Worship](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887) book. It starts with a ritual to welcome the Theoi into one's home. \r\n\r\nAs others have said though, something specific like this is absolutely not a requirement though - you can simply begin worshipping them in a way that feels natural to you. \r\n\r\nWith time, you will begin to learn more about Hellenic myths, rituals and ideals and can then incorporate those into your practice.","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"boycalledmullins"},{"body":"This is the book for you!\r\n\r\n[Hellenic polytheism: household worship](https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A6SEX7VASGBC\u0026amp;dchild=1\u0026amp;keywords=hellenic+polytheism\u0026amp;qid=1610129899\u0026amp;sprefix=hellenic+polytheism%2Caps%2C286\u0026amp;sr=8-1)","subreddit_name":"pagan","author":"DavidJohnMcCann"},{"body":"There is a practice where you see yourself as the god in order to get closer to them, but it’s not in Hellenism it’s in Buddhism I believe. \r\n\r\n\r\nI also agree to not go with Cunningham in this. There is a really good book about Hellenism called [Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship ](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1503121887/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_TqSkFb61PZ4AF) that is basically what the title says. There is also another book called Hellenismos, which isn’t bad but he suggests the use of sulfur as a fumigation, and aside from lighting a match, this really isn’t a good idea since it turns into hydrogen sulfide.\r\n\r\n\r\nWhen I do my visualizations, they can take on characteristics of what other people look like. This is normal since our minds usually use faces we’ve seen or parts from them. So if this helps you then great, but don’t let the visualization of them keep you from immersing yourself. I would instead try to pull characteristics from them so you can make a face that is unique to you. It might take a few days of sitting down and working on this but it will happen.","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"HonestTangerine2"},{"body":"*\"Books that I've found a 'majority' of followers recommending are: Drew Campbell's Old Stones, New Temples,\"*\r\n\r\nThose persons need to update their resource lists, OSNT hasn't been required reading in at least 10 years. It was the first book on modern Hellenic practices, published circa 2000. However, it was in dire need of a rewrite and corrections which Drew Campbell was to do but he left polytheism entirely and converted to Christianity. He gave the rights to Hellenion but they never managed to get a revised second edition off. \r\n\r\nAt this point, its value is as a legacy item but ONLY if found in a bargain bin and NOT expensive copies that sometimes surface on Amazon and eBay. Hellenion was simply giving copies to new members, I don't know if they still do. And likely, if you search the name with \"pdf\", you'll still find copies floating around.\r\n\r\nRight now, the best book on the subject of modern worship is [Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship](https://www.amazon.com/dp/1503121887/ref=cm_sw_su_dp), published by Labrys.","subreddit_name":"Wicca","author":"Kalomoira"},{"body":"Certainly, some books on the topic are [Hellenic Polytheism, Household Worship](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887), [Smoke Signals for the Gods](https://www.pdfdrive.com/smoke-signals-for-the-gods-ancient-greek-sacrifice-from-the-archaic-through-roman-periods-e188355924.html), [Cults \u0026amp; Rites in Ancient Greece](https://www.pdfdrive.com/cults-and-rites-in-ancient-greece-essays-on-religion-and-society-e157757769.html) (chapter 10) and [The World of Odysseus](https://www.pdfdrive.com/the-world-of-odysseus-d43539517.html) There are a lot of other books which deal with it more or less tangentially. Gatheing a decent amount of information can require a bit of digging around - vase paintings however are extremely useful as visual indicator of the process.\r\n\r\nThe most common sacrificial victims for a private household would have been pigs and poultry, since even in cities a small household could accommodate either (pigs could survive of household and garden waste, supplemented with barely). Sheep and goats were less common in the urban setting, and since goats produce milk and sheep wool they were more useful alive, probably only being sacrificed at the end of their fertility. The sacrifice of a bull, was usually only conducted by the state, since these were expensive animals to keep and rear. Horses were also sacrificed but usually only by the state and notably to Poseidon, by being thrown into the sea (Alexander the Great is said to have made this kind of sacrifice). \r\n\r\nSmaller animal such as mice, voles, pigeons and fish were not seen as worthy to be sacrificed - so although they were more common as food in ancient Greece than today there was no particular ceremony for dispatching them.\r\n\r\nThe formula for the sacrifice is largely the same through Greece with some local variations. The animal would be taken to the altar, this could be short walk from the pen or perhaps further a field from the market or a farm, it was symbolically important that the animal go willingly without resistance (which was a bad omen). The participants and the animal would be purified, usually with water (a mix of sea and fresh water being common). Following this a hymn or prayer would be said invoking the God or Gods to receive the sacrifice. During this time, the sacrificial knife was kept hidden, usually in a grain basket to avoid frightening the animal. The head of the household would then slaughter the animal, by cutting the neck in such away that blood covered the altar. Once the animal was dead it would be butchered on the spot, with the portion allotted to the gods burnt on the altar, a final hymn and prayer would be made to the gods at that point, followed by the remainder of the sacrifice being distributed among the household. \r\n\r\nThe entrails such as the liver could also be inspected although this is usually done by a priest, I am not particularly sure how widespread a detailed knowledge of this form of divination was; but so long as the animal was healthy internally and externally then the omen was good and the sacrifice accepted. \r\n\r\nBeyond this it is difficult to know exactly what the prayers were but since Greek prayer is largely formulaic, and with some written evidence the general form is inferred by different scholars.\r\n\r\nThe particulars of ritual animal slaughter and butchering are not mysterious, various indigenous cultures and some Jewish and Islamic groups still perform ritualised animal sacrifice in a largely comparable manner.\r\n\r\nThere is a decent article on Hellenicfaith, [All meat comes from Sacrifice](https://hellenicfaith.com/2021/07/31/all-meat-is-sacrificed-hellenic-dietary-laws-on-meat-consumption/), the author is however in favour of modern hellenic polytheists using animal sacrifice but.\r\n\r\nIt should also be noted that some groups such as the Orphics and Pythagoreans advocated for a vegetarian lifestyle and the later Greek Platonist, Porphyry wrote *On Abstinence from Animal Food* \\- so while it may seem like the ethic of animal sacrifice and consuming meat were not huge topics for the ancient Greeks they were nonetheless considered and several famous Greeks were clearly against it.","subreddit_name":"GreekMythology","author":"willdam20"},{"body":"There are subreddits dedicated to the study of most versions of historical paganism/polytheism, for the norse you may consider r/heathenry or r/NorsePaganism and for the celtic r/Paganacht or r/CelticPaganism.\r\n\r\nThe problem both Norse and Celtic paganism faces compared to the Greek, Roman and Egyptian paganism is the amount of historical written materials is much smaller, very little was written by the norse or celts in the form of books - so the majority of the information we have today comes via Roman \u0026amp; later Christian accounts, or in the form of short inscriptions with most useful information being found in academic books on the subject based on archeaology.\r\n\r\nIn the case of the Greeks and Romans we have literally dozens (if not hundreds) of sources from the periods in question (\\~500bc to 500ad), written by the pagans themselves as well as modern commentaryies. \r\n\r\nA small selection of source on Greek/Roman and Egyptian religion I recommend are;\r\r\n\r\n* [Iamblichus, On the Mysteries](http://www.platonic-philosophy.org/files/Iamblichus%20-%20On%20the%20Mysteries.pdf)\r\n* [Living Theurgy: A Course in Iamblichus’ Philosophy, Theology and Theurgy](https://www.pdfdrive.com/living-theurgy-a-course-in-iamblichus-philosophy-theology-and-theurgy-e194593673.html)\r\r\n* [Theurgy and the Soul: The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus](https://www.pdfdrive.com/theurgy-and-the-soul-the-neoplatonism-of-iamblichus-e194593463.html)\r\r\n* [Salustius, On the Gods and the World](https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/Sallust_On_the_Gods_and_the_World/Sallust_on_the_Gods_and_the_World)\r\r\n* [Hellenic Polytheism, Household Worship](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887)\r\r\n* [Hellenismos Practicing Greek Polytheism Today](https://www.scribd.com/read/385211115/Hellenismos-Practicing-Greek-Polytheism-Today)\r\r\n* [Beginners Guide to Hellenismos](https://www.amazon.co.uk/Beginner-s-Guide-Hellenismos/dp/1430324562/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1\u0026amp;keywords=hellenismos+beginners+guide\u0026amp;qid=1613659020\u0026amp;sr=8-1)\r\r\n* [Eternal Egypt](https://www.scribd.com/read/384076276/Eternal-Egypt-Ancient-Rituals-for-the-Modern-World), by R.J. Reidy \r\n* [Coping with the Gods: Wayward Readings in Greek Theology](https://www.pdfdrive.com/inconsistencies-in-greek-and-roman-religion-ii-e187118534.html)\r\n* [Magical Hymns from Roman Egypt](https://www.scribd.com/document/469305019/Magical-Hymns-from-Roman-Egypt-A-Study-of-Greek-and-Egyptian-Traditions-of-Divinity-2016-pdf)","subreddit_name":"religion","author":"willdam20"},{"body":"\u0026gt;Do I have to worship/devote things to all of the Gods?\r\n\r\nNo.\r\n\r\n\u0026gt;Is there a specific way I have to pray or devote/offer things to them?\r\n\r\nIf you want to be traditional, which is recommended for beginners, yes. Check out https://hellenicfaith.com/do-ut-des and https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887 for more information.\r\n\r\n\u0026gt;Do I have to worship/pray to certain Gods over others?\r\n\r\nShort answer: no. Longer answer: Hestia/Vesta is traditionally given honors \"first\" in rituals and offerings, but speaking personally, I have my own reasons why I don't incorporate her into my practice (yet).","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"JD_the_Aqua_Doggo"},{"body":"All just my opinions...\r\n\r\nThe best resource for scholarly information on the Gods: https://www.theoi.com/\r\n\r\nMy *personal favorite* resources for Hellenism *as I practice it*: https://hellenicfaith.com/ and https://neosalexandria.org/\r\n\r\nThe best book for proper ritual practice at home: https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887\r\n\r\nOrphism: https://www.hellenicgods.org/","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"JD_the_Aqua_Doggo"},{"body":"\u0026gt; What would really upset her and what would she do if I did something wrong.\r\n\r\nWhere are so many people (not just you) getting the idea that the Gods become upset with us, especially over something so small and innocent? Is this a holdover from the monotheistic grasp on the western world?\r\n\r\nI'm not trying to shame you for not knowing better, it's just that *so many people* seem to have this strong fear about doing something \"wrong\" and incurring the wrath of the Gods. That's not what happens. You won't get struck down for not pouring wine with your left hand or something like that.\r\n\r\n\u0026gt; What other good resources are there other than theoi.com.\r\n\r\nhttps://hellenicfaith.com is my personal favorite (https://hellenicfaith.com/aphrodite for specific information on Aphrodite) along with https://neosalexandria.org as a close second (https://neosalexandria.org/the-pantheon/aphrodite). For basic ritual formats, I cannot recommend this book enough: https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887\r\n\r\n\u0026gt; What does a daily worship to her look like.\r\n\r\nSame as daily worship of any God: prayer, offerings, adoration. What that all consists of is mostly up to you.\r\n\r\nJust...take a deep breath and relax lol.\r\n\r\nAnd check out Etsy for relatively cheap statues.","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"JD_the_Aqua_Doggo"},{"body":"[Religio Romana Handbook](https://archive.org/details/ReligioRomanaHandbook/page/n5/mode/2up)\r\n\r\n[Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship](https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887); author \u0026amp; texts: [Labrys.gr](http://www.labrys.gr/en/text_houseworship.html)","subreddit_name":"paganism","author":"Kalomoira"},{"body":"The gods aren't looking to guide a person. Hellenism is the person seeking to connect with the gods, *you* initiate the relationship. Modern persons focus in the [domestic side](http://www.labrys.gr/en/text_houseworship.html) of Hellenism which pertains to the oikos and oikia (house \u0026amp; home), honoring household gods/spirits and ancestors. Hellenic calendars differed from region to region (the most info remains of the Athenian calendar), but all were lunisolar and the new moon marked the start of each month during which was a 3-day observance. See on r/Hellenism: [Beginner's Guide to the Three Monthly Festivals](https://old.reddit.com/r/Hellenism/comments/9sx8u2/beginners_guide_to_the_three_monthly_festivals/). There were also days during the month that were sacred to other gods.\r\n\r\nIn addition to the household gods, gods were patrons of city-states, places and occupations. There are likely patron gods of your occupation and interests.\r\n\r\nIt's a trend among Neopagans to pick a god or claim gods are specifically calling them to form a relationship, these notions are alien to traditional Hellenic religion. Also the Neopagan use of \"patron\" differs from how patron gods have been understood for centuries. The idea that everyone has to select a patron god is more [Christian in origins](https://www.learnreligions.com/what-are-patron-saints-542859), a variation on taking on a patron saint. Another error: calling patron goddesses \"matron\". Both gods and goddesses are patrons, the feminine form is patroness, \" matron\" [means something entirely different] (https://www.merriam-webster.com).\r\n\r\nA helpful book is [*Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship*](https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887). Also use places like Google Books and Archive.org, there are a lot of older books that still have useful information and can be downloaded for free because they're in the public domain. Also try Academia.edu and Google Scholar to find helpful academic papers.\r\n\r\nHellenism is an orthopraxy (\"maintain proper way\"), so much the same is done regardless if which god/s are being honored (with some slight differences between categories of gods). Learn the basics of Hellenic ritual and go from there whether to begin a household practice noted above or in regards to a particular deity.\r\n\r\nMost beginners have the same questions, so the forum's search too as it's the fastest way to get multiple answers.","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"Kalomoira"},{"body":"Hellenism isn't what is often claimed on social media. It's not about finding a patron nor are  the gods sending signs trying to get people's attention. It's not about pendulums, crystals, tarot or doing spells or \"working with\" gods (whatever that means, seems to differ from one claim to the next). Hellenism is modern restorations of ancient Greek folk religion, i.e., what was practiced in every Greek home.\r\n\r\nBasically, focus on learning tradition *first* rather than on eclecticism. *Then* if you choose to dabble with New Age, Eclecticism, and woo, that's your choice but at least you began by establishing a solid foundation.\r\n\r\nSo, Hellenism:\r\n\r\nIn ancient times there were two primary aspects to religion: household and civic (community). [Household religion](http://www.labrys.gr/en/text_houseworship.html) pertains to the oikos and oikia (house \u0026amp; home), honoring the multiple household gods/spirits and ancestors. Hellenic calendars differed from region to region (the most info remains of the Athenian calendar), but all were lunisolar and the new moon marked the start of each month during which was a 3-day observance. See on r/Hellenism: [Beginner's Guide to the Three Monthly Festivals](https://old.reddit.com/r/Hellenism/comments/9sx8u2/beginners_guide_to_the_three_monthly_festivals/). There were also days during the month that were sacred to other gods.\r\n\r\nCore to Greek religion is reciprocity, a constant exchange between people and the gods, and cultivating [kharis](http://baringtheaegis.blogspot.com/2012/07/kharis-our-relationship-with-gods.html). Hellenic tradition is orthopraxic, so much the same is done regardless of which god(s) are honored at the time. There is a slight variation in how those offerings are made depending on the category of gods (e.g., celestial gods vs. underworld gods). Suitable food offerings are fruits, vegetables, grains, bread/honey cakes, olives, laurel (bay leaves); libations of water, wine (diluted or undiluted depending on the category of god), milk, and honey. Traditional incenses are frankincense, myrrh, aromatic herbs (e.g., bay leaf, flowers, sandalwood), and storax (the Greeks used a variety that we don't have but a modern substitution is benzoin which is aka Asian storax).\r\n\r\nVarious gods do have plants and animals that are sacred to them and it's nice if you have those things but it's not a problem if you don't, the generally accepted offerings are fine.\r\n\r\nTheoi.com is a good place to get initial info on Hellenic gods and practices associated with their worship.\r\n\r\nSome good online articles for an overview are:\r\n\r\n* [Rituals and shrines 101](http://baringtheaegis.blogspot.com/2014/04/rituals-and-shrines-101.html)\r\n\r\n* [Hellenic household worship](http://labrys.gr/en/text_houseworship.html)\r\n\r\n* [On Altars](http://labrys.gr/en/text_altars.html)\r\n\r\n* [About Libations](http://labrys.gr/en/text_libations.html)\r\n\r\nA helpful book is [*Hellenic Polytheism: Household Worship*](https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887). Also use places like Google Books and Archive.org, there are a lot of older books that still have useful information and can be downloaded for free because they're in the public domain. Also try Academia.edu and Google Scholar to find helpful academic papers.\r\n\r\nThere are different types of offerings. There are food offerings, libations (liquids), incense, votives (objects), and hymns \u0026amp; prayers of thanks. You don't need to always offer food, you can give any one a combination of the above.\r\n\r\nMost beginners have the exact same questions, using the search function on this subreddit can be a way to get a variety of answers very quickly.","subreddit_name":"Hellenism","author":"Kalomoira"},{"body":"A couple of book suggestions:\r\n\r\n[Household worship](https://www.amazon.com/Hellenic-Polytheism-Household-Worship-1/dp/1503121887/ref=sr_1_1?crid=O1CIAHSLUXCH\u0026amp;keywords=hellenic+polytheism\u0026amp;qid=1654444691\u0026amp;s=books\u0026amp;sprefix=hellenic+polytheism%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C187\u0026amp;sr=1-1)\r\n\r\n[Kharis](https://www.amazon.com/Kharis-Sarah-Kate-Istra-Winter/dp/1089224451/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2REQCI9728ZLV\u0026amp;keywords=winter+kharis\u0026amp;qid=1654444754\u0026amp;s=books\u0026amp;sprefix=winter+kharis%2Cstripbooks-intl-ship%2C190\u0026amp;sr=1-2)\r\n\r\n[Bearing torches](https://www.amazon.com/Bearing-Torches-Devotional-Anthology-Hekate/dp/1449917046/ref=sr_1_1?crid=PWXPIYPO6NRC\u0026amp;keywords=bearing+torches\u0026amp;qid=1654444812\u0026amp;s=books\u0026amp;sprefix=bearing+torches%2Cstripbooks%2C192\u0026amp;sr=1-1)","subreddit_name":"pagan","author":"DavidJohnMcCann"}]}