Books for a beginner, and questions!

[Newbieoffractals]

I've always felt a pull to the Greek Gods, and I would describe myself as somewhat of a hard polytheist. I've never really felt a call to the other gods, but I've also never tried. The first God to pull me to her was Hestia, and I guess she factors rather majorly in Recon worship. (I was 10, I offered grain(Well cat grass seed, ie wheat.) and water to her outdoors because I felt like it.) Could someone please elaborate on how Hestia is honored? I see there are a few threads on books that I'll check out, but if people have other suggestions, or books that they consider VIP, I'd love to hear them. Currently, the only two books I have are Mythology by Edith Hamilton and D'Aulaire's book of Greek Myths. Would I need to "unlearn" much from reading them?(Yes, not really the best sources for rituals, but they do explain who the Gods are.)

I do have a question about the faith though. Is it true that you're a rather "bickering" sort of group? I mean, a lot of the websites(Hellion? It's the organized church one in the US.) seem quite defensive, and I'm not sure if this is true or not. It's not a huge deal to me if you are quite bickering IRL or something, but I'd rather be prepared in advance! Also, do you have to learn ancient Greek to follow the Greek Gods? Sorry if these questions have already been answered elsewhere!

ETA MAGIC

Is it required to practice "Magic" in Greek Recon? I just don't feel all right about practicing magic, so I'm curious what the stance is.

[David19]

I'm not a Hellenic recon, or a worshipper of the Hellenic Gods in any way really, but, I'll try to help you with what I know.

I don't know much about Hellenion (http://www.hellenion.org/), but, it seems to be respected by a lot of people, and, I think, is the main Hellenic Recon organisation active in the U.S. (as in also organising themselves offline), so maybe it's something you might want to think about. There's some members here who are also members of it so maybe they'll be able to explain more.

You might want to get 'Greek Religion' by Walter Burkert (http://www.amazon.com/Greek-Religion-Walter-Burkert/dp/0674362810), it's recommended by quite a large chunk of Hellenic recons, and is also accessible to the average reader (e.g. you don't need a PHD to understand what he's talking about).

For Mythology, you may want to check out the works of Karl Kerenyi (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K%C3%A1roly_Ker%C3%A9nyi), especially his 'Gods of the Greeks' (http://www.amazon.com/Gods-Greeks-Karl-Kerenyi/dp/0500270481). I really loved his 'Gods of the Greeks' and his book on 'Apollo', and want to read more of his works.

As for magic, you definitely don't have to practice magic as a Hellenic recon, in fact, it would be quite the contrary, magic isn't a part of Hellenismos, in ancient times, it was something people may or may not have done in their private lives (i.e. seperate from religion), it wasn't something to be flaunted or discussed with others, if I'm understanding it right. The same, probably, holds true for modern times, if you want to practice magic, don't mix it at all with your religion and don't go shouting about it (and, even if you did practice magic, you shouldn't be talking about it, like the 4 great rules of magic state - To Know, To Dare, To Will, To Keep Silent).

Anyway, here are some good sites that you might learn more from:

Hellenic_Recons Yahoo Group (http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Hellenic_Recons/) - this comes quite recommended by many people, I only lurk there occasionally as there are some good discussions.

Hellenistai forum (http://forum.hellenistai.com/index.php) - it's not just, specificially, for Hellenic recons, but, a safe place for all those who worship the Helllenic Gods (e.g. Hellenic Wiccans, Hellenic Pagans, those just interested in learning about them and/or the religion, etc), but, at least the last time I was there (which I haven't been in a few weeks, just 'cause I took a break from most forums, including this one, for various reasons), the majority fit in the Hellenic Recon mould. You can learn a lot there from people.

YSEE - Supreme Council Ethnikoi Hellenes (http://www.ysee.gr/index-eng.php) - this is the main Hellenic organisation within Hellas (Greece) who are working to restore their religion, and raise awareness (in modern Hellas, religions other than Christianity, Islam, and Judaism aren't recognized by the government, although, from what I've heard, you can legally define yourself as what you want, it's just not recognized by the government). You might want to check out the English section of their website (which I've linked too), they have a forum (http://forum.ysee.gr/index.php?lang=en) as well, if you wanted to join it.

You should also make use of the Hellenic-English lexion (http://www.ysee.gr/download/TELOSTFH.pdf) that YSEE produced, it lists Hellenic terms that you'll find crop up and what it means in English, so, you can understand the religion better.

Elaion (http://elaion.org/) is one site I've seen recommended a few times.

Sponde.com (http://web.archive.org/web/20070201195636/http://sponde.com/) is another one I've seen recommended quite a few times, although, it's no longer on the internet, but, I've linked to the archived version. It may help.

Also, Theoi (http://www.theoi.com/) is, probably, the best internet resource you can have on all things to do with Hellenic Mythology, the Gods, daimons/daemons, Mythical Monsters, Heroes, etc.

Anyway, hope this helps you in your search. I'm sure actual Hellenic Recons will be able to help a lot more.

[Newbieoffractals]

Thanks for the info! That's actually really interesting to know about Magic. Why is it discouraged from being discussed openly withing the Hellenic religion, just curious?

I will check those sites and those books out!

[David19]

No problem, I hope it helps you out :).

As for magic, I'm not really sure, as I'm not a Hellenic Pagan of any kind, but, maybe, it has something to do with being seen as hubristic (which means offensive to the Gods, or, attempting to do what only the Gods should do, at least, that's what I thought it meant), maybe with it being shameful (a lot of Mediterranean cultures, ancient, and, in some cases, modern, were based on "honour/shame" societies (which should show the bigots that the "honour/shame" thing isn't just something related to Islam), and magic may have been regarded as shameful, if you practiced it.

That said, like I said, I'm not an Hellenic Pagan, so, maybe others can tell you better than myself.

Good luck on your journey.

[Twinkle]

Hellenismos is not a magickal religion. That means that magick is considered hubristic - in that it means forcing your will upon the Gods to do your bidding.

Books on the authentic religion of Ancient Greece, and a website that has the Recon point of view exclusively can be found here:

hellenismos.us

I would urge you to have a look-see. There is a recommended reading list, as well as informative blogs, and a forum that discusses all your questions from the Recon POV only.

Even if you find that you are not Recon - it would be helpful for you to at least have a firm foundation from which to spring off of.

[Newbieoffractals]

David19-Thanks! Those links are quite useful! Thanks for the two books though, since that's what I'm really looking for!

Twinkle-Thanks! Are the books that I currently have very off(Edith Hamilton mostly is who I'm curious about.) in your experience?

[Twinkle]

The myths themselves are great reading, but don't have a whole lot to do with the actual religious practice of the ancients.

Mythology is allegorical in meaning, and not considered "gospel" or literal interpretations of the Gods or their actions.

If you want a reading list, I'll go ahead and link the hellenismos.us reading list, now.

http://hellenismos.us/f/YaBB.pl?custompage=books

This is the 101 Reading list. There is a more advanced list once you understand the basics of the religion and the culture of Ancient Greece. :)

[Newbieoffractals]

Twinkle-What books out of those do you think are the most helpful?

[Twinkle]

For Modern Hellenismos I think Timothy Alexander's Books and Istra Winters (first edition only) are good.

I also recommend The Greek Religion, by Walter Burkert, and Did the Greeks Believe their Myths, by Paul Veyne.

Of course, all the works of the Philosophers are important reads, but I think starting with the books on Modern Hellenismos would be the most helpful at this point.

[Newbieoffractals]

Thanks. Are those books commonly available(I know the philosophers in English can often be found at Barnes and Nobles, or on Project Gutenberg.), and if not, where would you suggest I get them based on what companies you've had good experiences with? Would a small pagan bookstore be likely to have them? (It's mostly Buddhist and Norse Recon centric, but IDK how many other books they have.)

Why is Isra Winter's book bad for the latter editions?

[Twinkle]

The books are readily available at Amazon.com or can be ordered to your nearest Barnes and Noble. I think the first edition of Winter's book is found through Cafe Press - at least that's where I purchased it.

Since you asked me, I'll just say that the second revision is not a good source for the authentic religion of the Ancients.

[Newbieoffractals]

Thanks!