Customer Reviews

A Beginner's Guide to Hellenismos

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mr. Alexander's book provides a lot of information on modern Hellenic Polytheism. It adequately addresses a lot of theological concepts. The supplemental materials provided in the back (Sallustius's "On the Gods and the Cosmos," the Homeric Hymns, and a piece by Emperor Julian) take up half of the book and comprise its strongest section. The part I find myself using frequently is the extensive list of epithets included for major deities in one of the appendices.

Now for my criticisms. The book does place emphasis on ritual orthopraxy (right practice), so I would have expected more guidance for those just starting out in the religion. Other authors' work on modern and ancient Hellenic Polytheism provide more adequate details. My reason for only rating it a 3/5 relates to the presentation and formatting of the text. There are numerous typographic and character errors, which I would expect from proof, not a final version (they hand out extra proof copies of various novels at library conventions like candy, so I am familiar with what they look like).

Do I recommend this book? Yes, if you need a non-digital source of information. For the techno-savvy, much of it can be found online.

After reading Mr. Alexander's first book, Hellenismos Today, and being very impressed, I was very happy to see a second book out so soon. I eagerly snatched it up, as this book was marketed as an intro to actual worship.

As an experienced practitioner of Hellenismos, I was interested to see what the author felt was essential for worship. I admit I was scared. I was worried for nothing, because Mr. Alexander came through again....refusing to whitewash our practices to make it more palatable for the masses.

The beginning of the book is a reinforcement of some of the information provided in Hellenismos Today, and I can understand why...it's not assumed that the first book was read, and some of the information is key to understanding the practice and worship of Hellenismos.

However; I was very impressed with the concise information provided on how to get started on worship.

I was glad to see Mr. Alexander stress orthopraxy and syncretism in the Theology chapter of the book. He makes it clear that while there is room for personal innovation, that there is still a correct way to practice, and a way to create theories using a correct method of thinking.

The Cosmology chapter is expanded in this book, and there are very good sections regarding the Soul, the Afterlife and Reincarnation, and an excellent discussion of "good and "evil".

Mr. Alexander has broken down the Worship of Hellensimos into three dimensions: Public, Personal and Cult...and goes into great detail explaining the differences between each one. The Prayers and Hymns Chapter goes into great detail as well and gives examples of both formal and informal prayers, and also an example of a Hymn. I especially like that he encourages the reader to write their own forms of devotion.

For a novice to Hellensimos, the Chapters on Offerings, Sacrifices and Libations, and Votives is key (in addtion to the basis - prayer). There is often confusion between an offering and a sacrifice, and this book makes it so clear as to what each one is. The differences between a vow and an oath are also clearly defined. Correct disposal of sacrifices and offerings is also included...which is something I wish I had had more information on when I was just starting out.

I think a reader will be inspired to start practicing if they have been afraid to thus far. Some of the misconceptions with Hellenismos is that you have to be a scholar to practice, and Mr. Alexander makes it clear that what the novice needs to do is start practicing. With this book, a reader will have the encouragement and support needed to start worship. Piety, Reciprocity and Moderation are stressed...and even as an experienced practitioner of Hellenismos, I felt a swell of excitement and passion. If that feeling can be expressed to one that has practiced for awhile, I cannot imagine what this book can do for someone new to Hellenismos. This book sends out a spiritual message...and that is crucial to understanding Hellenismos.

The Rites and Rituals Chapter is also very good, explains clearly, Rites of Passage, Rites of Worship and so on. The Festival and Festival Calendar is also included, and Mr. Alexander has a wonderful section on ideas to recreate festivals and secular holidays using a little imagination and personal innovation.

Then the most controversial part of the book comes up: Magick. Once again, Mr. Alexander stresses the differences between Magick and Mysticism, Divination and Shamanic practices. I personally agree with his assessment of magick (spellwork) as impious...others may not. I encourage readers to read this section carefully, and form their own opinion.

For me, personally....the Chapter on Temples, Shrines, Statues and Images was the most inspiring part of the book. The author's enthusiasm for bringing our wonderful religion public again is evident, he writes with passion and eloquence on this subject.


Mr. Alexander leaves us with his final words...and these words are the essence of Hellenic Reconstructionism:

"Hellenismos is not rocket science, it is religion"

This is a very well written book. I highly recommend it for beginning practioners of Hellensimos, and more experienced Hellenic Reconstructionists as well. Check out the Appendix....wonderful information is included. My favorite is Emperor Julian's Oration to the Mother of the Gods. There's also a guide of useful Greek words and an extensive list of epithets of the gods.

This book inspires, sends a spiritual message, and is a practical guide...all at the same time.

Congratulations, Mr. Alexander. You are a fresh new voice for Hellenismos, and I will continue to read anything you put out.

In works like this on paganism or reconstructed religions, it seems there is almost always some fluff to sort through to get at the core of things. Here there is no fluff, just the facts about Hellenismos, or Greek / Hellenic Reconstruction Polytheism (or a variant of those four words - thank the gods for being able to simply call it 'Hellenismos').

Beliefs, theology, orthopraxy ( the practice of the religion itself and the goal of practice being right-practice ), public and private forms of worship, the value of historical and scholarly sources, the value and limitations of mythology and poetry, the value of personal gnosis, rites and celebrations, and offerings are all covered briefly but adequately. The issue of what to do with offerings, especially if one lives in an apartment, was a rather useful discussion.

The two page bibliography is long enough to have something useful for most people, but short enough not to be overwhelming to beginners.

The discussion of "magick" (a muddled concept that has origins more in 19th / 20th century occultism than in ancient Greece and Rome), divination, ecstasy, and sorcery is particularly informative, judicious, and dispassionate. In short, sorcery or _using_ or commanding the universe or the gods to do one's desires is considered impious in classical religious thought, but most other practices are acceptable so long as they don't involve the hubris of commanding gods or forces.

The second half of the book is primary sources - old but good translations of a few key documents. It would have been better if the context of the document (date of writing, info about author, historical significance) was explained prior to each text.

The first edition has some grammatical or syntax issues, where sentences are awkward. That is the reason I'm giving it 4 stars. Otherwise, it seems like the ideal starting resource for those who may want to understand how Greek polytheism can be practiced today. Short, friendly, and to the point, with many solutions and adaptations for moderns.

As a person who is interested in the cultural and religious belief of the people in Hellenistic Greece and also its place in the post-modern world, I was very impressed by Mr. Alexander's first book Hellenismos Today. In that book he provided us an introduction to the modern Hellenistic Polytheist.

In his second book, a Beginner's Guide to Hellenismos he concisely and practically shows (1) the revelance of the religion in the modern world and how it can be applied to daily life (2) how to worship in the modern world based upon the orthopraxy of the ancient Greeks (3) how to integrate worship and religion into daily life in the modern world.

I was particularly impressed by his chapter on personal worship and especially personal worship in the modern world.

Overall this is a 5/5 book for information with regards to Hellenismos and more importantly how to practice it and integrate it into modern life. This is certainly a book who I would recommend to anyone who is interested in honoring the Gods of Greece.

If you are not part of the Greek culture or accept it then you can not honor the Gods. (According to this book) If you are looking at alternate religions then you will of course change it to meet your needs. As long as you keep idea that your worship is to honor the Gods then why worry. I am not Greek but am very interested in Greek culture. Very short read with a some good info on the Gods.

The author really conveys his passion and love for this beautiful religion. I found the book to be very informative, and explained many questions I had regarding Hellenismos and Reconstructionist religions. I am a Traditional Wiccan, and that is not changing any time soon, but this book has inspired me to learn more about this religion. I read The Gods of Reason: An Authentic Theology for Modern Hellenismos first, but recommend buying them together.

An excellent book to introduce the reader to Hellenismos. I was very glad to find this book as there just isn't enough books like this one out there!!!

Well written and thought provoking, Mr. Alexander shows his experience in working this ancient religion and putting it in our times, and in our part of the world (the twenty-first century America). I don't know what I would do without the easy to understand suggestions. Mr. Alexander does a good job in his discussions which leads to appropriate ways in practicing this wonderful, truly humanity celebrating religion.