Hellenismos: Practicing Greek Polytheism Today

This book is a superior source that has been slammed with bad reviews because of the reputation of Llewellyn Publishers. In most cases regarding Llewellyn, I would agree with the negative reviews but this most certainly is not the case for this book. Tony has carefully researched and footnotes are provided to back the material in the book. The book is a great addition to Hellenismos Study and will definitely shed light upon alternative reconstruction choices that followers of Hellenismos may want to further investigate. Tony also emphasizes the importance of each person incorporating and creating rites which are relevant to our modern world. The Greeks were not a static society and neither should we be. Anyone who has studied this devotional way of life will invariably note the evolution of Greek religion thru the course of time. What we call religion to them was simply a daily way of life. Likewise, we need to modernize this lifestyle to reflect what is morally acceptable today.Tony has written a book which deserves serious praise for the content! Don't miss out reading this book.

I think the best part of this book is the practical advice for working through a lunar month of devotion according to the Athenian calendar. Not every Hellene follows that calendar, but it's really worth it to give it at least a month of continuous devotion, to see how it works and feels in one's own practice. He also addresses offerings in an accessible and concise way (his suggestion to use a planter filled with dirt for libations is clever; I just use a special dish that I empty outside when I can). He also doesn't shy away from addressing some of the more controversial elements of ancient Hellenic culture, such as the ancient treatment of women. He addresses some contemporary controversies as well, such as the practice of magic (or magick) and the place of UPG (unverified personal gnosis) in an open and accessible way. Overall, this is probably one of the best introductory books on Hellenismos out there; it'll give you an excellent grounding in what to do and how. And if you're an old hand at Hellenismos, you'll find his explanation of the lunar calendar and his well-researched chapter on magic refreshing and useful.

I had this book on my wishlist and was excited when it finally was available. I bought it at once and I just love it. The author cites his sources, which means more books for me, something that I believe to be important. He takes his time to explain thing and I love the hymns that he includes.This book is a must for anyone that's starting down this path. For a book published by the crescent moon publisher this is a book filled with solid information.

I recommend this book to all readers interested in ancient Greece's religion. The book has been a great surprise for me, as it enabled me to have a different and deeper approach on Polytheism. Though I am Greek and have studied plenty of books related to Polytheism, this book succeeded to put my thoughts in order, enriched my knowledge on practicing Greek (Hellenic) Polytheism and opened my horizon to very important scientific bibliography, as well. Revues of chapters are very helpful. I am sure this book is the result of many years of research and study of ancient Greek (Hellenic) civilization and religion. All these are the reasons I believe the book is a diamond and I have ordered it for my friends too. I have to mention that my favorite chapter is "Experiancing The Lunar Cycle", which Mr Mierzwicki describes with many details of high quality, giving the reader ideas of how to become part of this natural phainomenon, its powers and energies.Mr. Tony Mierzwicki congratulations for your excellent work in your book "Hellenismos" !

This is the most in-depth, heavily researched work on Hellenic Polytheism that I have ever read. Every point that the author brings up is supported by historical text or data from accepted and reputable historians and archeologists. The sheer volume of information in this book cannot be overstated. There is nothing in the market that currently compares to this work in terms of complexity and clarity.Mr. Mierzwicki writes in a direct, cleat voice that is easy to read and comprehend. The book is well organized and the chapters flow well into each other. At the end of every chapter, you will find a concise summary, and an extensive appendix and glossary are also included.The majority of the very few negative reviews appears to centered around two points:1. Many have criticized the publisher, Llewellyn Publications. I am the first to acknowledge that Llewellyn Publications has a spotted reputation in the metaphysical community However, they are a heavy player in the industry, and any writer trying to sell a book of this type would love to be published by them. It's petty and vindictive to leave a negative review for an author for something that has nothing to do with the quality of their work.2. Others have criticized Mierzwicki in negative reviews for being a "magician", without even apparently reading the book, as they fail to to mention the actual text of the book at all during their negative review. I fail to see how Mr. Mierzwicki being a practitioner of magick means that his work is faulty in any way, and this type of review is academically lazy at best, and completely disreputable at worst.

so, i actually waited awhile on writing a review for this, you know, to make sure it's a good book. and it really surprised me!everything is very simply put, anything that needs explaining is explained, controversial subjects are handled with care, there are so many recommendations for other sources, and it's overall a very interesting read!i definitely recommend it. if you're a beginner pagan and looking for a good resource on greek polytheism, you'd do well to get this.

Do note that I am not a Greek, speak Greek or am in anyway associated with Greece, I just like to explore Hellenismos for what it is, and its beauty, especially the myths and the modernly (revived) religion.This book is dedicated to Hellenists, but you should take it with a grain of salt because the author practices magic or is probably a Wiccan rather than a Hellenist, he even dedicates a whole chapter on ’’Greek magic.’’He has done an extensive research on Hellenismos and what it means to be a polytheist in the modern world, it’s a comprehensive guide and does the job just fine in explaining (to new people) what you should do and how, but there are however some small inaccuracies where he says that Artemis is the goddess of childbirth when in fact it was Eileithyia, Artemis was only associated with childbirth because she helped her mother deliver Apollo, which Tony never mentions. He did however write about the Olympian gods and mythology surrounding them (and also their epithets.) which for new people can be something to look forward to, albeit I’d much rather learn about mythology from 1st sources. There is also mentions of festivals, a bit of history on the philosophers, slaves, women’s role in society etc which tie directly in the religion.Tony also mentions the Tora throughout the book, he even points out differences between Hellenismos and Judaism, which was quite weird because these two have nothing in common with each other, one is a monotheistic religion while the other is a belief of several gods, so all in all if you can see behind these things I’d still recommend this book, even though it’s not written by a Hellenist. For now it’ll remain a 4 star unless I re-read and and like it more the second time around.

This is a really great book. It tells you everything you need to get started in Hellenismos. I would recommend that every Hellenist get a copy of this book.

"Hellenismos" by Tony Mierzwicki! I was eager to take it into my hands and read it!A book that you can characterize it a diamond of its kindHellenismos and ancient Greece is a very difficult subject to speak about it today. You have to train your mind to enter into the soul and mindset of ancient Greeks. Tony Mierzwicki make it this happened with high scientific presition and historical completeness!Thanks Tony!

Ι'm studing at least 20 years about the "religion" ethics and history of ancient Greece. As a Greek,I assure you that this book is exactly what we would call "responsible work" with high quality information available to the reader. It is written in a very correct way and leaves no questions to the uninitiated.Also is very - very well written with an amazing translation of Greek words to English, to offer to the reader the exactly meaning!If you looking for a good book with scientific presition and very rich in information, then this is what you need to read!

Es un muy buen libro tanto para empezar a practicar el dodecateismo (si te llama esta religión) como por informarte un poco sobre ella. El lenguaje es muy claro y sencillo y te va dando ideas que puedes ir haciendo mientras vas leyendo el libro.Una pena que este libro no esté traducido al español