Ancient Greek Religion & Hellenic Polytheism: A Reading Guide

HYMN TO HEPHAISTOS

Indomitable Hephaestos, mighty, great-hearted spirit, glittering one, shimmering one, great god who illuminates the lives of mortals, strong-handed lord who lives in your works, great craftsman of the cosmos, perfect element, highest, all-consuming, all-taming, all-commanding—you are the sun, the moon, the stars, and the sky, all the pure lights: these things are the parts of you seen by the world. You may be found in every nation, every city, every home; and you reside in the bodies of humans, mighty giver of a multitude of blessings. Hear me, holy one, as I call you to this sacred libation, please come gently to the rites of welcome, tame the savage anger of wild fire, even as nature burns in our own bodies.

—A Year of Pagan Prayer, compiled by Barbara Nolan

You do not have to be filled with boundless faith and zero doubt 24/7. That's actually not a reasonable expectation to have for yourself. You'll feel doubt sometimes, and that's entirely ok and normal. I promise you that everyone has gone through periods of doubt, regardless of what faith they hold.

No for real cause the amount of times people have gotten really aggressive about how you should fear the gods/guides/etc when I find the most comfort and I’m actually able to relax around them.

Frankly, I'm of the POV and opinion that you really shouldn't be scared of your spirit guides, gods or not. Yes, you should acknowledge their great, tremendous power and how that could harm you. Like it's good to acknowledge that Zeus could absolutely fuck you up if He wanted to. But at the same time... why would Zeus want to fuck you up? That's the question.

See, when you worship, work with, or otherwise interact with a spirit, you're gonna hopefully seek out a friendly relationship. Even if it's more vertical than horizontal, you're still on good terms with your spirit.

Your friends shouldn't want to hurt you. Your teachers shouldn't want to hurt you. Your coworkers shouldn't want to hurt you. Etc, etc, just fill in whatever relationship type you have. So essentially, your spirit guide shouldn't want to hurt you, and if they do, that's a problem entirely.

I kinda somewhat get the idea of fearful obeisance, where you provide humble respect but keep a healthy amount of fear. I get the concept. It just does not fit in with my preferred way to work with spirits.

This post isn't saying "If your spirit guides hurt you, you must have done something to deserve it" either. I think, personally, that's a really bad take. Harsh lessons exist, yes, but that's not the same, and the difference should be that it's being done for your genuine highest good and that your guide isn't getting some kick outta the hard parts of it. If your spirit guide is actively trying to harm you for funsies or some shit, there's a problem.

It's fine to be a bit nervous. It's fine to feel a bit of fear when faced with such intense power. But you shouldn't be scared of the person that holds the power, is my opinion. If you do feel scared, consider (A) if this is a person you want to work with, and (B) if this is even the person you think it is, because a fear response can mean a malefic spirit.

Important Terms in Hellenism

I think learning even a few words or phrases in ancient Greek is important to connecting with the Gods! So, let's learn the most important ones

Hellenism, Hellenismos, and Hellenistic- Hellenism and Hellenismos are titles given to the religion of worshiping the ancient Greek Gods. Hellenistic is to describe the time period after the death of Alexander the Great to Mark Antony in 31 BC

Kharis- This is one of the most fundamental things in Hellenism. This word can mean many things so to really simplify, it means to give to the Gods so they may give to us. It's the act of building relationship and reciprocity with the divine

Eusebeia- Piety and loyalty

Khernips- Pure water that is used to purify the self, materials, or altars before ritual, sacrifice, and sometimes prayers

Miasma- Mortal pollution or impurity. Things like literal filth (dirt, sweat, ect.) bad or stale energies, or guilt

Ouranic- A God who is not of the earth. These types of Gods are said to live in Olympus

Khthonic- A God who is of the earth. They are typically chalked up to just being the death deities but that's not completely true. Any God who lives and/or has domain over earth are also Khthonic

Sponde- A libation for Ouranic Gods that is poured then sipped by the worshiper

Khoe- A libation for Khthonic Gods that is poured out completely

Dæmon- A spirit or ghost. Specifically NOT a demon

Khaire/Khairete [singular/plural]- Greetings, hello

Elthe deuro- Come here/come to me (this is not impolite to say to Gods, it was traditionally done)

Klue/Kluete [singular/plural]- Hear me

Eukhomai- I pray

Ei boulei- Please, if you wish

Kharin ekho- Thank you

If I missed anything or if you have questions, let me know!

friendly reminder: you don’t owe anyone any explanations as to why you practice the way you practice. If the Gods are happy with your practice who is anyone to say otherwise??

it’s okay to have your own thoughts and opinions but let’s stop w the policing of devotion when the policing doesn’t even make sense

Actually, your deities do care about you. Even at the base level of a deity relationship, it still takes a lot of care for someone to help you grow as a person or improve your life. It takes an immense amount of care to listen to someone who cries for your help, to hear about their struggles, to reach out a compassionate hand. It takes a considerable amount of care to check in on someone often, sending little reminders of your presence throughout their day. It takes a noteworthy amount of care for someone to give when they do not receive, for them to extend their kindness even when they aren't getting something out of it. It takes a remarkable amount of care to express pride in how much someone has grown and celebrate even their littlest victories. It takes a massive amount of care to sit by someone's side as they cry and whisper words of comfort and encouragement that they may never actually hear. Supporting someone who may not even know that you're there - that takes a lot of fucking care.

So, yes, your deities do care about you. They do care, whether you're aware of it or not, and they will continue to care.

If you’re having a hard day remember that the Gods still love you.

They know every single one of your flaws and they still love you.

They have seen every one of your mistakes and they still love you.

They have loved you through every failed relationship, every bad job, every moment you are not proud of. They do not feel betrayed by you, and they do not expect you to condemn yourself forever for things you have done.

The Gods know humanity, and they know we are not perfect. Never once have they expected you to be flawless.

Hail the Gods, I am so grateful for their love and protection

Books for Hellenic polytheists! 📚

For an easy overview of ancient Greek religion, read Jon D. Mikalson’s Ancient Greek Religion and Ancient Greek Cults: A Guide by Jennifer Larson.

For a complete overview of the key concepts of ancient Greek religion, read The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion and A Companion to Greek Religion.

Little HelPol Tips

Having a himalayan salt lamp as an eternal flame for Hestia

Candles and incense are good low-energy offerings

Dedicating baths/showers to Aphrodite

If you have pets, devote taking care of them to Artemis

Do what you can and what feels right!! Each person's practice is different

You are in fact allowed to make mistakes

Making a snack/beverage and offering it to a deity/deities, or inviting them to share it with you

If you're learning a language (or multiple!) dedicate it to Hermes

Make playlists for your deities

If you make art/ play any musical instruments, dedicate those activities to Apollo

Try to look for the theoi in your everyday life, even in the mundane things

If you workout, dedicate that to Ares

Similarly, if you play sports, dedicate that play to Hermes

If you have a garden or plants, dedicate taking care of them to Demeter and Persephone

Χαίρετε!

Things you could put in a devotional journal

•Their names in Ancient Greek, transliterated, translated, and pronunciation •Epithets (traditional and upg) •Favourite myths •Retelling/interpretation of the myths •Other information about Them •A photo or drawing of how They appear to you or that you think of as resembling Them •Delphic maxims •Key words in both languages and what they mean •An altar page or photo of an altar •Hymns, prayers, poems and stories •Pictures of other things you’ve made for Them •Updates on skills you’re learning in worship of Them •Letters you write to Them about anything at all (could just be telling them about your day or whatever) •Specific tarot spreads •Readings and conversations you’ve had with Them •Sacred animals/plants/colours/food/symbols etc (or just ones that make you think of Them) •Drawings/paintings/collages for Them •Experiences and encounters •Worship days/holidays/celebrations •Ideas for things you could do/make/give in offering (including low spoons devotional ideas) •Playlists •Books and movies that remind you of them •Aesthetic and word associations lists •Places that remind you of Them •Any other upg stuff •Quotes •Any signs or dreams etc you think might have been from them •Checklists for things you want to do for Them or have done and want to do again •Stick in pictures or dried flowers •Charities or other causes you can give to

*I’m mostly posting this for myself just to have the list saved but if anyone has any other ideas please feel free to add to it! I love having new things to add to my journals