I am repeatedly asked for a recommended reading list concerning Hellenismos. I reviewed the one I have posted online (the one I always handout and refer to), and I find that it is really not the best for a beginner. The worst part about it is that it is just a list, with no instruction or direction, forcing the newbie to reinvent the wheel. Therefore, I have created a new recommended reading list.

First, let me start by saying these books are categorized in an order that I feel is best for the newbie. We start with modern Hellenismos itself, which seems to often not be the case for many starting out. This category does provide enough information for you to begin worshiping the Gods in a traditional style.

We then move to the ancient Greek religion. It is extremely important that one learn about the religion before diving into mythology, philosophy, or the mysteries. A person can create a skewed perception regarding the Greek religion if they first do not know how these areas relate to the religion.

You will also note that within this beginners list that the Mystery Cults do not have a category. Mystery Cults are discussed in almost every area listed below, to a point. In my opinion, in-depth study is not something necessary for the beginner.

Additionally, I do not include any “Hellenic Polytheist” websites for the beginner. The net being what it is, I will simply state that you should never take what is written online at face value, regardless of how thoroughly it appears to have been researched or what it cites to support its claims. Always question and verify for yourself what is told to you.

The primary sources that I recommend here may seem a bit weighty for some beginners, especially the works of Plato and Aristotle. They are important in attempting to understand Greek thought. Do not allow them to frustrate you; just reading them is enough.

Modern Hellenismos

• The Gods of Reason by Timothy Jay Alexander
• A Beginner’s Guide to Hellenismos by Timothy Jay Alexander
• Hellenismos Today by Timothy Jay Alexander*
• KHARIS (first edition only) by Sarah Kate Isrta Winter**
• Old Stones, New Temples by Drew Campbell**

The Ancient Greek Religion

• A Handbook of Greek Religion by Arthur Fairbanks***
• Greek Popular Religion by Martin P. Nilsson****
• Five Stages of Greek Religion by Gilbert Murray
• Greek Religion by Walter Burkert
• Ancient Greek Religion by Jon D. Mikalson

Greek Mythology

• Did the Greeks Believe in Their Myths? by Paul Veyne
• Gods of the Greeks by Karl Kerenyi
• Greek Gods, Human Lives by Mary Lefkowitz
• The Works of Homer*****
• The Works of Hesiod*****

Greek Philosophy

• The Early Greek Concept of the Soul by Jan N. Bremmer
• Nature, Contemplation, and the One by John N. Deck
• Neoplatonism by R.T. Wallis
• The Works of Plato*****
• The Works of Aristotle*****

Please also review our Hellenic Polytheism 201 list.

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* It is most likely if you are reading this list, that you do not need this introduction.
** Out of Print, rare, and hard to find.
*** Out of Print, public domain. Available online and within the library system.
**** Public domain, but still available in print as well as online.
***** Various translations are available both in print and online.