Overview: 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 revitalization and modernization of ancient Greek life.

Verdict: For those wanting a little more background on Hellenic Paganism, well, in and unto itself it refers to pagans devoted to the Olympian deities. An ancient tradition, it was originally practiced in classical Greece.

Indeed, the public practice of the Greek religion was made illegal by the Emperor Theodosius I in the fourth century of the current era, and this was enforced by his successors. The Greek religion, stigmatized as paganism, the religion of country-folk (pagani) survived only in rural areas as Europe entered into the Dark Ages.

Many adherents of Hellenic paganism, like Panagiotis Marinis from the group Dodecatheon in Greece, claim that the religion of ancient Greece has survived throughout the intervening centuries. Marinis claims he was raised in a family that practiced this religion.

As for my own personal knowledge and understanding growing up, paganism is more about, at its core, following any religion that’s not mainstream (mainstream being Christianity, Islam, Buddhism, etc).

But yeah, Hellenism and witchcraft are two very separate things. You absolutely don’t have to do witchcraft to follow Hellenism. That being said, some Hellenists do practice witchcraft too. And some witches work with Hellenic gods. For working with a god for spells is very different than just worshiping them religiously though.

But, I digress, for here in Pagan Portals - Hellenic Paganism by author Samantha Leaver we not only learn more informative, dutifully cultivated information of the subject to hand, but due to the author’s own practice coming through, we also find the book to be chock full of extremely helpful information for general practices re: Hellenic Paganism’s modern practices.

Which I think is made all the more especially enjoyable given that the author, like a lot of my very own friends and acquaintances, is a Witch. So whether you are starting out on your very own Hellenic Polytheism journey, or you are a seasoned follower and are someone who is already established in their practices giving out advice and sharing how they do things, this book is a comprehensively impassioned read for all.

In closing, and given a broader scope, yet something we can all do with hearing more of on a daily basis, Hellenismos aims not just to worship the Gods of Greece, but also to recapture the mentality and civility that the ancient Greeks aspired to. It is more than a way to worship; it is also a way to look at the world and find your place within it, both philosophically and physically.

It teaches that we are accountable not only for ourselves, but also for the well being of society and our fellow human beings. In Hellenismos, the Gods smile on those that accept their responsibilities and honor those who honor them accordingly at all times.

About the Author - Samantha Leaver is a Hellenic Witch and Kitchen Witch High Priestess, blogger and contributor to the Kitchen Witch School of Natural Witchery, a member of Hellenion, follower of Labrys and supporter of Elaion.

She brings surviving sources of the Attic and Eleusinian calendars and Ancient Greek religion together with kitchen and natural witchery, mysticism, and the modern world. She lives in Southampton, UK.

Official Book Purchase Link