Pagan Portals - Hellenic Paganism

by Samantha Leaver

Hellenic Paganism has been growing in interest for a number of years and steadily becoming a strong presence in neo-Paganism. As with most paths there are many differing practices in the Hellenic world, all underpinned by the values and ethics of what is understood to be the Hellenic way of life. This includes practitioners who simply believe and work with the Theoi and those that attempt the daunting task of reconstructing this beautifully rich and consuming religion. Hellenic Paganism explores the revitalisation and modernisation of ancient Greek life.

Genres: Spirituality, Witchcraft

104 pages, Paperback

Published March 1, 2021

About the author

Samantha (Starlit) is a practicing Hellenic Witch, bringing surviving sources of the Attic and Eleusinian calendars and Ancient Greek religion together with kitchen and natural witchery, mysticism, and the modern world. This path has been forged and continues to develop guided by a love of history, Greek myth, a personal journey of discovery, intuition and a belief in magic.

A member of the Kitchen Witch Coven of Natural Witchery and School, she studied three degrees of witchcraft under Rachel Patterson and was awarded High Priestess level. A proud Hearth Guardian of the school she regualrly blogs for Kitchen Witch, writes and oversees branch lessons, and shares her experience of living the Hellenic path with her research . She is also a member of Hellenion, follower of Labrys in Athens and supporter of Elaion.

Reviews

[The Hellene · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is filled with false information and neopagan propaganda.
The author uses a neopagan vocabulary, re-defines Hellenismos as a "religion" (!) and claims that there are two forms of Hellenismos, of whom no Hellene has heard before. She also makes the remarkable statement that the Hellenes "were a group native to Greece." Were. Not are.
In this way, the pagan hostility against Hellenes becomes apparent, again.

This book is scandalous and just another proof of the appropriation and commercialization of Hellenism within paganism.

[Hali Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was a decent enough book, showcasing how the author practices as a Hellenic witch while also summarizing Hellenic paganism and refreshing the reader on a selection of Greek deities. Cozy enough for a fireside read, or, rather, it would have been had the pages not been replete with errors! Honestly, it reads like it has been typed via a voice-to-text keyboard, and all in one go. Serious editing issues.

[Julian · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is in dire need of an editor. It is poorly written and that detracts from the content. I DNFed it midway through, although I really wanted to learn. In the end the run-on and disjointed sentences made it too hard to understand.

[Haley]

I learned so much in so few pages.
A few things I think should be considered before going into this is basic knowledge of the myths and legends of the Greeks, as well as basic knowledge of paganism and witchcraft. If I didn't have a basic understanding of these things I think this would have been more challenging.

I have a white board with the Hellenic Pagan ethics with pronunciation guides and everything. Hestia is definitely under appreciated in my household and I will for sure make it a point to honor her.

I feel this gave me permission to work with more then one deity. Sometimes I would gatekeep myself due to my childhood religion and fear of cultural appropriation. This book has soothed some of those fears and I will continue to study the ancient practices as to be sensitive to the cultures in which they have originated.

Overall I loved this resource and will soon have it in my collection for further study.

[Kyle · Rating 2 out of 5]

The editing on this is horrible. Incomplete sentences, run-on sentences….I couldn’t get through it. Had to stop. How can I trust a source that has been so poorly edited? I’ve read other Pagan Portals books, and this does not meet the level of someone like Morgan Daimler. I’m off to find more trusted sources on Hellenic Paganism.

[Johanna Bascom · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a very very basic introduction to Hellenic paganism so don’t expect to get any deep insights or advanced knowledge. It’s very informal and feels like a blog post more than an actual resource, however I do like the references that the author makes and the further reading section is quite good. I like this as an introduction.

[Kerry Congdon · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a good intro to the subject, but the fact that the author isn't a follower of Hellenistic Polytheism or Hellenismos, and describes herself as a witch made me wish for a different perspective, and that's as a witch myself.

[Fran Gándara Hofbauer · Rating 1 out of 5]

No fue para mi :(
No fue lo que esperaba, lo sentí más como un libro de historia que como un libro de guía al paganismo helénico.
Y en la parte que habla de cada dios, no hay sección de Atenea, que es la diosa de la que principalmente buscaba informarme.

[Shay VanAusdal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I honestly really enjoyed this book. I know that not everything said in it is correct but it really gave me some new ideas on how I can modernize and incorporate Hellenic Polytheism into my daily life and witchcraft practice.

[Sara Beckner · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, worthwhile read for anyone curious about Hellenic Paganism. Author provides information about her own practices, Hellenic traditions, and how she marries it with Celtic tradition.

[Judy Eastwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

good overview

Great book! Very helpful to know how author practices her Hellenic Paganisn. Lots of info, but not overwhelming. Good bibliography included.

[Emily · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
read like a journal entry with very random information, opinions, and typos

[Alexia ✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a pretty good book! The book, as are most books in the Pagan Portals series, is mostly about the author's own practice, however, it is full of helpful information for general practices and the author own practices also helps shed some light on Hellenic Paganism's modern practices. I especially enjoy that the author, like myself, is also a Witch. And since I'm still starting this Hellenic Polytheism journey, it is good to see someone who is already established in their practices giving out advice and sharing how they do things. Really helps put things in perspective.

I love how the author gives several sources throughout the book, keeps referencing authors (and good authors at that!) and gives you a HUGE bibliography filled with amazing books and authors so you can dig in and learn more about Hellenic Polytheism. So far, this was one of my favourite reads on Pagan Portals and highly recommend it for interested in Hellenic Paganism. I've just ordered my physical copy too!