Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored

This book is wonderful for an absolute beginner, and it's also great for others who have been practicing for a while. This author offers many suggestions and view points that I have never thought of before. It's especially refreshing to read from an author who isn't a platonist, especially as most platonist authors claim their view is the only correct view, or even that there is no other way to be a Hellenic polytheist.If you are a complete beginner, get this book instead of Hellenic Polytheism : Household Worship; while the Labrys book is good, it isn't suited for people who are just starting out.All in all, this is an absolutely wonderful book that I will definitely re-read for many years to come.

(Adapted from a review on my blog. I gave her book a 4.75/5, but I am giving her a 5 here because Amazon's rating system doesn't provide quarter-stars.)The version of Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored reviewed here is the second edition (ISBN#978-1438231921). Written by Sarah Kate Istra Winter, this nonfiction text intends to give a broad sense of Hellenic Polytheism and how it is practiced in the modern world. To address the many different flavors of Hellenic Polytheism (from traditionalist to "reform"), Ms. Winter has chosen to write inclusively, including some topics that some may consider controversial.Kharis's binding is good, and the font is very readable. Ms. Winter decided to use in-text parenthetical citations (I prefer footnotes), but their overall effect is not too cumbersome. The sources she cites are listed at the back of the text, and she makes sure to indicate which constitute core reading for the religion and which texts other modern Hellenic Polytheists have written. The editing job is very good.Some individuals considering Hellenismos and Hellenic Polytheism are looking for guidance, and Kharis adequately addresses their needs. She gives a very thorough briefing on how relationships between mortals and the Theoi work, along with introducing the reader to other forces (the nymphs, daimons, okeanids, etc.). The reader will learn about the Agathos Daimon's importance and some core household religious practices. In addition, the writer goes through the core ritual structure of Hellenic Polytheism, something very important to a religion that values orthopraxy. One more controversial topic is the use of magic in Hellenic Polytheism. In the appendices, Ms. Winter includes the Athenian calendar and briefly describes each of the festivals.I would recommend this book for those just starting out in Hellenic Polytheism, along with individuals already in the religion who would like to read a fresh (and perhaps different) perspective on the modern movement.

I absolutely adored this book! What a wonderful introduction to Hellenismos!I loved how practical and readable this was. As much as I would like my practice to be academically "on point," I don't live in ancient Greece. And I'm always looking for ways to incorporate Hellenic spirituality into my modern life. This book not only offers SEVERAL suggestions, it leaves you feeling inspired to "make it happen." Reconstructing ancient practices can be very intimidating and I hate feeling "armchair" about my religion. Having read this, I feel refreshed, inspired, and proactive!I highly recommend this read for anyone looking jump start their practice!

A very basic primer. Walking a fine line between devotional writing of a true believer and an introduction to a complete novice is tricky to pull off at best. The author fails at this, but she does try and as an introduction to polytheism it is better than many approaches.

Received book very fast and in excellent condition. I just started reading this book today. I love the approach taken by the author in covering the many facets of Hellenismos Religion in our modern world. Common sense ideas about what we can use to reconstruct this religion and a clear view of how all religions grow and change to meet the needs of present day society without losing their connection to the past. I highly recommend this book to anyone who worships the Gods of Ancient Greece.

A wonderful book with wonderful insight!!!

A wonderful read; very informative!

The book wasn't what I expected. This is a basic overview without a lot of meat to it. It's an affordable place to start if you're interested in Hellenic polytheism, but it's not a book you will find yourself referring to often.

I only know of three authors who have written currently available books on Hellenic polytheism. I've bought them all - good intentions should be rewarded! - but this is the best. As you can see from the table of contents, all the essential points are covered, and it's well written, too. If you want to worship the gods of the Greeks, start here and then buy her "Komos" about festivals.

Because this book wasn't published by a publisher (it's self publishing) I didn't assume it to be in depth. How wrong I was!The book introduces to reader to practical and concrete aspects of daily and seasonal modern hellenistic worship and relationsship to gods and other beings. It is neither just a historical copy nor just a modern invention (lile wicca is often). Instead the author always refers to history but tries ho find ways to continue them in the present time. Sometimes practices can be really copied (esoecially houshold worship), sometimes new ways has to ve developed (we don't have temples any more).It's not a book in the magical worldview! It's really religion. But it often overlapping with magical or neopagan practices.The knowledge about history from the author is just amazing. But the refernce to it is kept short. Some Interesse points are for example that mythologie is not the same as ritual or daily practice (often practicioners in all traditions make this fault) and that the 12 olympeand gods aren't the main gods of daily cult.I really recommend if you want to start a daily practice in hellenic religion.

Mon approche n'est pas celle de l'autrice. Son reconstructionnisme ne manque pas de déstabiliser. Mais. Cet ouvrage est une petite merveille qui se lit facilement et qui nourrit les pensées et les pratiques.