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Strix Craft: Ancient Greek Magic for the Modern Witch
Bring the magic of ancient Greece into the modern world with this powerful book full of Strix, Hellenic Polytheist, and Iatromantis practices. Featuring wisdom that used to be only available to scholars, Strix Craft presents Greek magic in a concise format with contemporary ideas and hands-on practices.
Oracle guides you through the many compelling facets of the Strix, from its relationship with Greece and Thessaly to how it approaches herbal, healing, and erotic magic. Meet the deities and spirits of Greek magic. Explore how to commune with the dead. Discover the mythology, tools, and festivals of the Strix. This engaging book shows you how to apply ancient magical traditions to everyday life, from performing rituals to working at an altar.
Oracle guides you through the many compelling facets of the Strix, from its relationship with Greece and Thessaly to how it approaches herbal, healing, and erotic magic. Meet the deities and spirits of Greek magic. Explore how to commune with the dead. Discover the mythology, tools, and festivals of the Strix. This engaging book shows you how to apply ancient magical traditions to everyday life, from performing rituals to working at an altar.
310 pages, Paperback
Published October 8, 2020
19 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 10, 2020
Note: I requested this book myself via NetGalley to preview it before publication.
This book is focused on a mashup of personal gnosis, Greco-Egyptian practices, and Wicca with a hint of ceremonial magic if you look closely. It may speak to someone else, but it definitely didn't speak to me.
From a mythology standpoint, the book jumps all over and covers whichever gods the author saw fit. Random epithets are listed as though they are gods themselves (or treated as though only every used for one deity, even when there are dozens of deities using the same epithet). The inclusion of "meaning not currently known" epithets and phrases is a combination of sloppy research and careless witchcraft. I could Google definitions on half of the phrases and find an answer on the first page of results, and for the rest? You don't sign contracts in a language you can't read or translate - the same should apply to your magic!
While I found a line here or there interesting, most of the magic was basic or questionable. I don't follow the belief that magic is meant to be black and white, yet even I found some of the rituals included to cross the line of acceptable magic (like making someone go mad if they don't have sex with you). And instead of using any part of the agricultural mysteries already available in ancient Greek practices, the book dabbles in pulling Greek deities into the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. While randomly looking up items presented in the magic portion of this book, I found pieces of Egyptian occultism and Thelema. Those branches of magic aren't any better or worse than others, but they don't align with this being a book of modern Greek magic.
All in all, I was disappointed. Again, this book may speak to someone else, but don't look here for Greek-focused witchcraft. I would suggest integrating Hellenismos practices and rituals into your witchcraft instead; books on Hellenismos might have strong opinions on the use of magic, but at least their mythos and rituals will be solely focused on the gods at hand.
This book is focused on a mashup of personal gnosis, Greco-Egyptian practices, and Wicca with a hint of ceremonial magic if you look closely. It may speak to someone else, but it definitely didn't speak to me.
From a mythology standpoint, the book jumps all over and covers whichever gods the author saw fit. Random epithets are listed as though they are gods themselves (or treated as though only every used for one deity, even when there are dozens of deities using the same epithet). The inclusion of "meaning not currently known" epithets and phrases is a combination of sloppy research and careless witchcraft. I could Google definitions on half of the phrases and find an answer on the first page of results, and for the rest? You don't sign contracts in a language you can't read or translate - the same should apply to your magic!
While I found a line here or there interesting, most of the magic was basic or questionable. I don't follow the belief that magic is meant to be black and white, yet even I found some of the rituals included to cross the line of acceptable magic (like making someone go mad if they don't have sex with you). And instead of using any part of the agricultural mysteries already available in ancient Greek practices, the book dabbles in pulling Greek deities into the Wiccan Wheel of the Year. While randomly looking up items presented in the magic portion of this book, I found pieces of Egyptian occultism and Thelema. Those branches of magic aren't any better or worse than others, but they don't align with this being a book of modern Greek magic.
All in all, I was disappointed. Again, this book may speak to someone else, but don't look here for Greek-focused witchcraft. I would suggest integrating Hellenismos practices and rituals into your witchcraft instead; books on Hellenismos might have strong opinions on the use of magic, but at least their mythos and rituals will be solely focused on the gods at hand.
January 3, 2021
This book is a mismatch of personal gnosis and fact with the author never telling which is which unless citing in the footnotes. (And the citations are few and far between.) The myths jump all over the place, the ethics portion is lacking at best, and there is a lot of questionable material sprinkled throughout.
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THE BOOK:
-Sex magic
-Using magic for rape
-Blood letting
The book was trying so hard to be so many things that it ended up being almost nothing except eyebrow raising. I picked up the book as a person who practices Hellenismos. What I got was something chewed up and spit out to be palatable for Wiccans. I was hardly able to follow the book just because of the lack of sources cited. There were interesting concepts brought up... And then I couldn't expand upon them because of no clear source for it.
Honestly, it feels like the author was either very lazy and/or writing on a deadline, or trying to create his own brand of magic that wasn't the "Ancient Greek magic" that was promised. I would suggest people who are interested in how the Ancient Greeks practiced magic to search on their own and leave this book alone. If you're looking for something to spice up your already Wiccan practice, then this might be for you. Or maybe if you want to dabble in ceremonial magic without diving in, this could be a good starter.
I really wanted to like this book. But it wasn't what I thought it was.
TRIGGER WARNINGS FOR THE BOOK:
-Sex magic
-Using magic for rape
-Blood letting
The book was trying so hard to be so many things that it ended up being almost nothing except eyebrow raising. I picked up the book as a person who practices Hellenismos. What I got was something chewed up and spit out to be palatable for Wiccans. I was hardly able to follow the book just because of the lack of sources cited. There were interesting concepts brought up... And then I couldn't expand upon them because of no clear source for it.
Honestly, it feels like the author was either very lazy and/or writing on a deadline, or trying to create his own brand of magic that wasn't the "Ancient Greek magic" that was promised. I would suggest people who are interested in how the Ancient Greeks practiced magic to search on their own and leave this book alone. If you're looking for something to spice up your already Wiccan practice, then this might be for you. Or maybe if you want to dabble in ceremonial magic without diving in, this could be a good starter.
I really wanted to like this book. But it wasn't what I thought it was.
August 29, 2020
This book wasn't for me. The first thing that didn't work for me was the author couldn't settle on a consistent voice for the book, or even chapter by chapter. Literally, paragraph to paragraph -- or even sentence to sentence! -- the book shifted between neutral/omniscient academic and first person intimate. That kept pulling me out of the information, because half the time I felt like I was reading a nonfiction text and the other half of the time I felt I was being talked to one-on-one without any clear reason for the switch in voice. The book also assumes an advanced level of proficiency with spiritual craft and specifically with Strix Craft, which puts a novice at a disadvantage and makes the shifts in voice that much more jarring. I also didn't care for the way that the chants were presented on the page, which was sometimes in shoutycaps and sometimes with emphasis on a certain vowel being extended, which just looks awkward on a page ( ARTEMMMMMMMISSSS!) as well as not leaving how to chant in the hands of the one performing the ritual. Some chapters felt out of place (particularly the chapter on herbs,) but I couldn't tell you how I'd have preferred to see it organized. There's also the strange issue of providing instructions in how to perform rituals of questionable ethics without taking any accountability for providing that information -- just a caveat of "before you do this ritual, re-read the ethics chapter." That, to me, felt a little irresponsible. There was also a lot of repetition in some of the transcription of rituals. For instance, if 8 rituals begin and end the same way, write out a general "beginning ritual" and "ending ritual" instruction, which you can then use to refer back to, rather than repeating the same text verbatim and distracting from what the meat of the ritual is. Overall, I don't feel like I know a whole lot more about Strix Craft than I did before, which is disappointing, because I truly wanted to like this book more than I did.
February 18, 2021
Disappointing. I should have stuck to my instinct and avoided a book written on Ancient Greek Magic by a self avowed "initiated Wiccan and Alexandrian", "hierophant" and "high priest", but curiosity got the better of me. Although, I respect the attempts to create an integrated magical tradition based on Ancient Greek sources, I am disappointed by what I can only describe as a lack of depth. And I am left a feeling that this is just a Greek veneer overlaid on Wiccan and Alexandrian Witchcraft.
How "Invoking Earth and Water Pentagrams" fit within this Greek tradition is never explained, nor, in fact, are the methods for invoking described. It is just assumed that the reader will be familiar with these methods. The sigils drawn for the various spirits and deities are clearly derived from a Lesser Key of Solomon model. But again, no explanation is given for why this sigil method is chosen. There is also a surprising lack of focus on Hekate, the obvious deity associated with Witchcraft. She is given only a short paragraph as a "Primordial" and only cursory mentions elsewhere.
Yet, when actual ancient practices are integrated, -- such as the secret name of Aphrodite, "Nepherieri", as described in the Greek Magicak Papyri -- no mention of the source is given. Nor are the significance and power of secret names or voces magicae explained in their roles in Graeco-Egyptian magical practices. Here, is where the text particularly lacks depth and perhaps leans too heavily on the desire to appeal to the "Modern Witch" rather than to explore Ancient Greek Magic.
How "Invoking Earth and Water Pentagrams" fit within this Greek tradition is never explained, nor, in fact, are the methods for invoking described. It is just assumed that the reader will be familiar with these methods. The sigils drawn for the various spirits and deities are clearly derived from a Lesser Key of Solomon model. But again, no explanation is given for why this sigil method is chosen. There is also a surprising lack of focus on Hekate, the obvious deity associated with Witchcraft. She is given only a short paragraph as a "Primordial" and only cursory mentions elsewhere.
Yet, when actual ancient practices are integrated, -- such as the secret name of Aphrodite, "Nepherieri", as described in the Greek Magicak Papyri -- no mention of the source is given. Nor are the significance and power of secret names or voces magicae explained in their roles in Graeco-Egyptian magical practices. Here, is where the text particularly lacks depth and perhaps leans too heavily on the desire to appeal to the "Modern Witch" rather than to explore Ancient Greek Magic.
July 3, 2020
I received an Advanced Reading Copy of this book in exchange for feedback and review.
An interesting delve into a modern revisioning of working with the Greek Pantheon.
What I liked
Notations; there were many, and I like to see that.
The author establishes the history and time which he pulls from.
The terms used in the book are historical.
The tools and equipment used are both interesting and most can be handmade.
Clear instructions on how to perform the rituals and spells.
Minor Annoyances
The author gives opinions at points in the book with little to no context as to why he holds it.
The overall tone of the book suggests this may not be a book for the inexperienced.
The Takeaway
Strix Craft is a book for those looking for something different in their craft. Instead of focusing on the all so typical modern Hellenic Traditions, the author takes the magic, wonder, and legends of Thessaly and blends them into a modern cohesive whole. Though this book may not be for the average witch, I'd still advise its reading as it brings something diverse to those who would seek to learn and work within a Greco-Roman system. Definitely check it out and add to your TBR.
An interesting delve into a modern revisioning of working with the Greek Pantheon.
What I liked
Notations; there were many, and I like to see that.
The author establishes the history and time which he pulls from.
The terms used in the book are historical.
The tools and equipment used are both interesting and most can be handmade.
Clear instructions on how to perform the rituals and spells.
Minor Annoyances
The author gives opinions at points in the book with little to no context as to why he holds it.
The overall tone of the book suggests this may not be a book for the inexperienced.
The Takeaway
Strix Craft is a book for those looking for something different in their craft. Instead of focusing on the all so typical modern Hellenic Traditions, the author takes the magic, wonder, and legends of Thessaly and blends them into a modern cohesive whole. Though this book may not be for the average witch, I'd still advise its reading as it brings something diverse to those who would seek to learn and work within a Greco-Roman system. Definitely check it out and add to your TBR.
July 12, 2020
This wonderful resource is both a fascinating read that explores the history of Strix Craft and a modern day practice guide.
The history was presented in a way that made it a breathtaking historical read. I enjoyed the notations and that I actually learned things that went deeper than my surface understanding of Thessaly. In addition to a rich history, there is a lot of information on the principals and ethics of the practice. In the sections on practice, the explanation of tools, shrines, etc was very thorough and the instructions are easy to follow.
There is a chapter on herbs that I found so utterly fascinating as it went beyond what they were and how they are used, and explained the lore in relation to Strix. That attention to detail is throughout the book and makes this so rich. I know I'll have to read it several times to take in all of the information and decide how best to use it on my path.
If you are looking for a guide to Strix Craft or just have an interest Greek history in relation to witches this is a fantastic book that I would recommend.
The history was presented in a way that made it a breathtaking historical read. I enjoyed the notations and that I actually learned things that went deeper than my surface understanding of Thessaly. In addition to a rich history, there is a lot of information on the principals and ethics of the practice. In the sections on practice, the explanation of tools, shrines, etc was very thorough and the instructions are easy to follow.
There is a chapter on herbs that I found so utterly fascinating as it went beyond what they were and how they are used, and explained the lore in relation to Strix. That attention to detail is throughout the book and makes this so rich. I know I'll have to read it several times to take in all of the information and decide how best to use it on my path.
If you are looking for a guide to Strix Craft or just have an interest Greek history in relation to witches this is a fantastic book that I would recommend.
September 28, 2020
I received an advanced e-copy from Net Galley in exchange for my review.
I read a lot of new age/occult literature and especially am interested in reading about different pagan paths, so when I saw that there was a book on Greek witchcraft I was curious. It is obvious from this book that the author is extremely knowledgeable on the subject. They cover pretty much all the bases for anyone wanting to learn more; it goes over the history of Greek witchcraft, the deities, setting up altars for various deities, seasonal rituals and even hexes and curses. I appreciate that the author reiterates safety and ethics and is inclusive with their language in regards to different sexual identities and gender expressions, rather than using heteronormative and cis-normative language. Even if you don't plan on practicing Greek witchcraft yourself, it is a good introduction to learning about the practice.
I read a lot of new age/occult literature and especially am interested in reading about different pagan paths, so when I saw that there was a book on Greek witchcraft I was curious. It is obvious from this book that the author is extremely knowledgeable on the subject. They cover pretty much all the bases for anyone wanting to learn more; it goes over the history of Greek witchcraft, the deities, setting up altars for various deities, seasonal rituals and even hexes and curses. I appreciate that the author reiterates safety and ethics and is inclusive with their language in regards to different sexual identities and gender expressions, rather than using heteronormative and cis-normative language. Even if you don't plan on practicing Greek witchcraft yourself, it is a good introduction to learning about the practice.
September 26, 2020
If you are of Greek heritage you may find Oracle Hekataios, Strix Craft of interest. I was hoping to learn something new however I found Hekataios’s version of modern Greek magick a little mashed up with many other disciplines. It was also very difficult to get past the first section of this book due the writing. Once you do the reader is rewarded with some pretty good correspondences and interesting rituals.
TRIGGER WARNING: As the front of the book states there is mention of sex magick incorporating bodily fluids. What they failed to mention was the use of magick for rape.
Overall I found this book was in need of some heavy editorial stewardship and more thoughtfulness around who the intended audience would be.
*eArc provided by the publisher and NetGalley
TRIGGER WARNING: As the front of the book states there is mention of sex magick incorporating bodily fluids. What they failed to mention was the use of magick for rape.
Overall I found this book was in need of some heavy editorial stewardship and more thoughtfulness around who the intended audience would be.
*eArc provided by the publisher and NetGalley
November 2, 2020
I am the first to admit that I don’t know much about the different paths of Witchcraft or Wicca. I am eclectic; in that, I do what the Deities ask me to do. But they don’t require that I follow a specific layout in my worship. Strix Craft helped me understand why some people follow particular standards in their worship of the God/dess they work with and worship.
In chapter one, the author, Oracle Hekataios, goes into detail about the different magics practiced and taught in Ancient Greece, especially in Thessaly. Oracle Hekataios says that the magic in Strix Craft originates from Thessaly.
In Chapter 2, the author talks about “Drawing down the Moon.” The author states that Thessaly’s witches would tell outsiders that drawing down the moon could cause a witch to lose a limb or a family member. Oracle Hekataios states this may have been to keep prying eyes out of the witch’s business. In the chapter’s summary, the author says that “Drawing down the moon” is dangerous. * I admit it took a bit of thinking on why the author made this statement. The only thing that I could come up with some people who are either mentally unwell should not do this without proper training and other supports in place. Someone on an ego power trip can use this to be hurtful to others they see as inferior to them. (* Is my opinion on the statements made by Oracle Hekataios)
I did have a few questions that I wanted to speak with the author about, so I reached out, and he was gracious enough to allow me a phone interview on very short notice. I want to Thank Oracle Hekataios for that opportunity publicly. I appreciate you and your willingness to answer questions.
I had questions about the book’s formatting. All the God/dess names are capitalized, but the words goddess and god were not. Not even when referring to a specific goddess. The Publisher decided this is best. While this one thing does kind of bristle my hair, I understood.
Oracle Hekataios states in Strix Craft on page 174 Strix develops their power through knowing that they are children of Hekate and a manifestation of the god Nyx: god herself. I do not have a working relationship with Nyx, even though I do a prayer at night to the Goddess Nyx. I had not ever heard the creation story of Nyx and her creation of the universe.
I like this book, and it has opened my eyes to a craft I am interested in studying.
In my interview with the author, Oracle Hekataios did tell me that he has taught between 20 and 30 students already and has a living temple where students can learn. Right now, due to Coronavirus, the temple is closed to new students, but they are still in touch online.
https://www.facebook.com/oraclestrix
https://caveoforacle.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/oraclestrix
https://caveoforacle.wordpress.com
Reviewed by Dawn Borries of PaganPages.Org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2020...
In chapter one, the author, Oracle Hekataios, goes into detail about the different magics practiced and taught in Ancient Greece, especially in Thessaly. Oracle Hekataios says that the magic in Strix Craft originates from Thessaly.
In Chapter 2, the author talks about “Drawing down the Moon.” The author states that Thessaly’s witches would tell outsiders that drawing down the moon could cause a witch to lose a limb or a family member. Oracle Hekataios states this may have been to keep prying eyes out of the witch’s business. In the chapter’s summary, the author says that “Drawing down the moon” is dangerous. * I admit it took a bit of thinking on why the author made this statement. The only thing that I could come up with some people who are either mentally unwell should not do this without proper training and other supports in place. Someone on an ego power trip can use this to be hurtful to others they see as inferior to them. (* Is my opinion on the statements made by Oracle Hekataios)
I did have a few questions that I wanted to speak with the author about, so I reached out, and he was gracious enough to allow me a phone interview on very short notice. I want to Thank Oracle Hekataios for that opportunity publicly. I appreciate you and your willingness to answer questions.
I had questions about the book’s formatting. All the God/dess names are capitalized, but the words goddess and god were not. Not even when referring to a specific goddess. The Publisher decided this is best. While this one thing does kind of bristle my hair, I understood.
Oracle Hekataios states in Strix Craft on page 174 Strix develops their power through knowing that they are children of Hekate and a manifestation of the god Nyx: god herself. I do not have a working relationship with Nyx, even though I do a prayer at night to the Goddess Nyx. I had not ever heard the creation story of Nyx and her creation of the universe.
I like this book, and it has opened my eyes to a craft I am interested in studying.
In my interview with the author, Oracle Hekataios did tell me that he has taught between 20 and 30 students already and has a living temple where students can learn. Right now, due to Coronavirus, the temple is closed to new students, but they are still in touch online.
https://www.facebook.com/oraclestrix
https://caveoforacle.wordpress.com
https://www.facebook.com/oraclestrix
https://caveoforacle.wordpress.com
Reviewed by Dawn Borries of PaganPages.Org
https://paganpages.org/emagazine/2020...
July 9, 2020
Sorry for possible English mistakes. This is an fascinating and very interesting modern grimoire. Explanations what is this kind of magic are really insightful and valuable! There is something in this book that sounds very sincere and authentic. Author stands behind his words! Because of spoilers I can't reveal nothing but I can say that one will be intrigued in a pleasant way by reading (and possibly practicing which is not a must) this book. Although there are no pictures in the book every picture is described in text. Just one thing will be a slight problem for many: it is a advanced grimoire! For ex. text says "now draw the invoking pentagram of air in front of bowl..." or "now recite Orphic hymn" or "say these Words of Power" and so on...so I recommend some books for beginners first, try your luck with "Circles of Power" from J.M. Greer or Middle Pillar from Israel Regardie etc...
Great book, fun to read. Thanks.
Great book, fun to read. Thanks.
June 15, 2022
The only reason why I didn't DNF this book is out of morbid curiosity and stubbornness. In terms of writing, the voice was inconsistent and oftentimes repetitive, making it hard to read.
As a practicing Hellenic polytheist and witch for a decent number of years, I ran across multiple statements made by Orake Hekataios that were completely new to me, or contradictory to what I've learned over the years, without providing a source. Because of this, I can only ascertain that he's making statements of UPG without stating them as such and gives few sources as to where he gained such information.
This book reads as something akin to Wicca with a Hellenic veneer. I had high hopes for this book as I would've loved to learn about the magic found in Ancient Greece with historical sources.
A massive letdown and poorly written book, I can't say I would recommend this to anybody.
As a practicing Hellenic polytheist and witch for a decent number of years, I ran across multiple statements made by Orake Hekataios that were completely new to me, or contradictory to what I've learned over the years, without providing a source. Because of this, I can only ascertain that he's making statements of UPG without stating them as such and gives few sources as to where he gained such information.
This book reads as something akin to Wicca with a Hellenic veneer. I had high hopes for this book as I would've loved to learn about the magic found in Ancient Greece with historical sources.
A massive letdown and poorly written book, I can't say I would recommend this to anybody.
January 2, 2025
As someone who’s been a Hellenic Polytheist for years I was stoked when I found this book.
I’m honestly really disappointed. The author (who constantly just calls himself THE Oracle) jumps around in the mythology and seems to cherry pick and choose whatever he wants throughout.
It’s not even fully set in Hellenic traditions as the author themselves is Wiccan. It ties in Wiccan traditions which isn’t at all what I wanted.
It includes blood magic? When blood is something specifically historically known to NOT be something ok to use in workings with Hellenic deities.
I’m honestly really disappointed. The author (who constantly just calls himself THE Oracle) jumps around in the mythology and seems to cherry pick and choose whatever he wants throughout.
It’s not even fully set in Hellenic traditions as the author themselves is Wiccan. It ties in Wiccan traditions which isn’t at all what I wanted.
It includes blood magic? When blood is something specifically historically known to NOT be something ok to use in workings with Hellenic deities.
February 25, 2025
You can't label something "Ancient Greek Magic for the Modern Witch" and then decide to tear out the Ancient Greek half... it's one thing to have unverified personal gnoses (hell, I have my own). HOWEVER, this book is full of misinformation that cites that myths were different across regions of Greece (which is true) as a hall pass to just... make something new and slap some gods' names on it with barely any regard for how these different conclusions are made? It’s not that reinterpretation is inherently bad. It’s just bad reinterpretation.
The Verified Personal Gnosis vs. Unverified Personal Gnosis disclaimer in the intro was genuinely funny, given how much of the bare basics, concepts like miasma and hubris, are poorly or shallowly described. This entire book is basically UPG using loose (and I mean LOOSE) citations to give the appearance of verification.
A UPG, in practice, would be me identifying a gap in historical myth, an epithet or story, and using other context to fill in the blanks--e.g., Hera has an epithet, chera (widow) she takes on in some contexts, and in a lesser known story, regularly renews her virginity at Kanathos in the Argolid. Curious, right? The virgin goddesses are unmarried to men (as marriage was wholly heteropatriarchal at the time), and some of them are associated with queerness as a result. I'll let you figure it out the rest. What you decide is UPG. Verified Personal Gnosis would be to identify the beliefs of a mystery cult or a different interpretation of a god (e.g. older depictions of Eros are a similar role to Chaos--as the world is made with the joining of things, Eros is both the bindings of the world as well as recreated in the coupling of individuals; or, Ares is depicted as a bloodthirsty, blundering fool in epic poems and in city-states other than Sparta, but in other hymns he is described as a fierce protector, and is prayed to for preserving peace [Homeric hymn to Ares]).
Making up shit to make up shit is not UPG... Unverified would imply that it could one day BE verified... just say it's new!
I firmly believe this book targeted folks who would never do their own homework--I came in out of curiosity. Unsurprisingly, when remarking on existing calendars or resources, the author doesn't cite any existing resources used by revival/reconstructionists outside of Wiccans who simply reskin their worship with theoi.
Perhaps it's my fault for not seeing on the bio that the author is deeply entrenched in several spheres of the occult that are breeding pools for misinformation (most popular, an initiated Wiccan). I had been hoping for a book that took actual ancient texts and pulled from them respectfully into rituals that are workable in modern life and modern tools: e.g. the Papyri Graecae Magicae are full of detailed rituals out of context, and without intense dedication, navigating the historic syncretism is a massive piece of work.
I would've bought (not actually, as I would've realized it wasn't for me) if it claimed to be *inspired* by some aspects of the Hellenic pantheon. However, you really want to talk Ancient Greek and when talking about the "most important deities to the stories of the gods" you leave out Hera? Queen of the Gods? Anybody?
This is not "Ancient Greek Magic for the Modern Witch" since there are actual practitioners of ancient Hellenic magic in the modern day who pull from the texts we have of that time (hi!). This is someone's personal practice that took the Spark Notes version, scrambled around a bunch of stuff, gave it a new name, and rather than give credit to the inspiration and go on with the disclaimer, continued to pretend like this Frankenstein's mythos carries any of the finesse that a work of respectable research would contain. You cannot market "ancient" without the ancient. This is modern magic for the modern Wiccan but with misshapen Hellenic stories.
This is the Hellenic equivalent of calling Taco Bell authentic Mexican food... No one's gonna get pissed at Taco Bell for putting out a quesarito, but the moment someone says that's Mexican food? I hope someone laughs you out of the room.
The Verified Personal Gnosis vs. Unverified Personal Gnosis disclaimer in the intro was genuinely funny, given how much of the bare basics, concepts like miasma and hubris, are poorly or shallowly described. This entire book is basically UPG using loose (and I mean LOOSE) citations to give the appearance of verification.
A UPG, in practice, would be me identifying a gap in historical myth, an epithet or story, and using other context to fill in the blanks--e.g., Hera has an epithet, chera (widow) she takes on in some contexts, and in a lesser known story, regularly renews her virginity at Kanathos in the Argolid. Curious, right? The virgin goddesses are unmarried to men (as marriage was wholly heteropatriarchal at the time), and some of them are associated with queerness as a result. I'll let you figure it out the rest. What you decide is UPG. Verified Personal Gnosis would be to identify the beliefs of a mystery cult or a different interpretation of a god (e.g. older depictions of Eros are a similar role to Chaos--as the world is made with the joining of things, Eros is both the bindings of the world as well as recreated in the coupling of individuals; or, Ares is depicted as a bloodthirsty, blundering fool in epic poems and in city-states other than Sparta, but in other hymns he is described as a fierce protector, and is prayed to for preserving peace [Homeric hymn to Ares]).
Making up shit to make up shit is not UPG... Unverified would imply that it could one day BE verified... just say it's new!
I firmly believe this book targeted folks who would never do their own homework--I came in out of curiosity. Unsurprisingly, when remarking on existing calendars or resources, the author doesn't cite any existing resources used by revival/reconstructionists outside of Wiccans who simply reskin their worship with theoi.
Perhaps it's my fault for not seeing on the bio that the author is deeply entrenched in several spheres of the occult that are breeding pools for misinformation (most popular, an initiated Wiccan). I had been hoping for a book that took actual ancient texts and pulled from them respectfully into rituals that are workable in modern life and modern tools: e.g. the Papyri Graecae Magicae are full of detailed rituals out of context, and without intense dedication, navigating the historic syncretism is a massive piece of work.
I would've bought (not actually, as I would've realized it wasn't for me) if it claimed to be *inspired* by some aspects of the Hellenic pantheon. However, you really want to talk Ancient Greek and when talking about the "most important deities to the stories of the gods" you leave out Hera? Queen of the Gods? Anybody?
This is not "Ancient Greek Magic for the Modern Witch" since there are actual practitioners of ancient Hellenic magic in the modern day who pull from the texts we have of that time (hi!). This is someone's personal practice that took the Spark Notes version, scrambled around a bunch of stuff, gave it a new name, and rather than give credit to the inspiration and go on with the disclaimer, continued to pretend like this Frankenstein's mythos carries any of the finesse that a work of respectable research would contain. You cannot market "ancient" without the ancient. This is modern magic for the modern Wiccan but with misshapen Hellenic stories.
This is the Hellenic equivalent of calling Taco Bell authentic Mexican food... No one's gonna get pissed at Taco Bell for putting out a quesarito, but the moment someone says that's Mexican food? I hope someone laughs you out of the room.
October 17, 2024
- I loved the introduction it was honest and open and I loved learning more about hecate. This is a different side to the goddess I've seen but I think she knows I'm easily scared and is building my confidence
- so interesting to hear the different types of witches in Greece in history. Especially to learn about how they were viewed by society back then... not much has changed we are still seen as rebels and outsiders
- really enjoyed the chapter on ethics as its good to know this aligns with your own beliefs before starting down a new path in your craft
- the tools these witches use are very ceremonial and I enjoyed reading about them and how they are used. However I couldn't do this as it would take a lot of energy to do so and there is no mention of how to adapt these ceremonies for disabled witches
- writing is very small I did struggle to read it.
- a very stiff book which is difficult to hold open and at times painful to read
- loved the individual information about each of the important gods and beings in Greek craft.
- the sections about making shrines to different gods was a little repetitive. Could have given the information once and said to change certain parts for each.
- loved the weaving of myth throughout along with the information about them not being scripture this is important as many of us are looking for meaning and connection after Christianity
- so interesting to hear the different types of witches in Greece in history. Especially to learn about how they were viewed by society back then... not much has changed we are still seen as rebels and outsiders
- really enjoyed the chapter on ethics as its good to know this aligns with your own beliefs before starting down a new path in your craft
- the tools these witches use are very ceremonial and I enjoyed reading about them and how they are used. However I couldn't do this as it would take a lot of energy to do so and there is no mention of how to adapt these ceremonies for disabled witches
- writing is very small I did struggle to read it.
- a very stiff book which is difficult to hold open and at times painful to read
- loved the individual information about each of the important gods and beings in Greek craft.
- the sections about making shrines to different gods was a little repetitive. Could have given the information once and said to change certain parts for each.
- loved the weaving of myth throughout along with the information about them not being scripture this is important as many of us are looking for meaning and connection after Christianity
January 23, 2022
This book is definitely something to take with a grain of salt. It's a lot of the author's personal beliefs and hyperfixating on random deities for pages while others get almost nothing. The rituals are sometimes very simple and sometimes hilariously involved and the "simple" tool list "required" are enough to discourage any beginner or even moderately experienced Strix. (Also the author really loves talking about maturbation and phallus.)
Are there some interesting little tidbits along the way? Sure. But this is someone who thinks way too highly of themself given a platform to spout conflicting, convoluted drivel. Also, I'm not surprised but I AM disappointed that there's a fair amount of bioessential transphobia/gender binary stuff. Like the descriptions for the healing spell poppet include "if it's a woman be sure to sculpt breasts and for a man include a phallus" plus saying to write the person's "legal name" as if Asklepios is checking IDs at the door and requesting to see your junk before treating you.
In short, a mess with an occasional useful tip. Which is sadly par for the course with magic books but I'll keep trying.
Are there some interesting little tidbits along the way? Sure. But this is someone who thinks way too highly of themself given a platform to spout conflicting, convoluted drivel. Also, I'm not surprised but I AM disappointed that there's a fair amount of bioessential transphobia/gender binary stuff. Like the descriptions for the healing spell poppet include "if it's a woman be sure to sculpt breasts and for a man include a phallus" plus saying to write the person's "legal name" as if Asklepios is checking IDs at the door and requesting to see your junk before treating you.
In short, a mess with an occasional useful tip. Which is sadly par for the course with magic books but I'll keep trying.
October 13, 2020
This book is an interesting mix of personal gnosis and Greek magic .
What I liked
- a plethora of in text notation makes it easy to understand how the author comes to their ideas and information.
-The tools presented are interesting
- ritual/ spell directions are clearly outlined
- language is gender inclusive in most of the book
What I didn’t care for
- insufficient caution in sharing of a working designed to cause madness If the target does not lay with the caster.
- unclear qualifications on the part of the author to cover some information areas in the way they do without citation of outside resources
Final thoughts
While this was not the book for me those looking to dive into magic from a non magic prospective may enjoy giving this book a read through.
What I liked
- a plethora of in text notation makes it easy to understand how the author comes to their ideas and information.
-The tools presented are interesting
- ritual/ spell directions are clearly outlined
- language is gender inclusive in most of the book
What I didn’t care for
- insufficient caution in sharing of a working designed to cause madness If the target does not lay with the caster.
- unclear qualifications on the part of the author to cover some information areas in the way they do without citation of outside resources
Final thoughts
While this was not the book for me those looking to dive into magic from a non magic prospective may enjoy giving this book a read through.
June 30, 2025
As a pagan who isn’t new and wanted to learn more about Ancient Greek witchcraft and Strix, this is an eh for me overall. It feels like it’s more of a mesh of a lot of things and ideas revolving around the author’s practice, which is fine, but it takes away from it being an actual resource about what the book’s title suggests. If you’re not brand new and don’t know any starting information this can probably be a nice introduction to witchcraft in general, but as a pagan who isn’t Wiccan or interested at all in that lane I feel like there’s a bit much of that strewn throughout how it’s all represented and taught. Which is of course my personal opinion and may be a non-issue or even a bonus to others! I personally wish this could have been a resource of information versus personal experience that’s also influenced by other belief systems.
January 2, 2024
Whilst there is much to commend this book, it is also not really a text for purists. Reconstructionists will find much to gripe about. But if you are looking for a text that explores an eclectic system of magic, in the Greek/Hellenic mode, then you will not be too disappointed. Given there is so little written on the subject outside of academia, or niche writing (in Greek), it is important to acknowledge that this is a rare tome. If you desire something more ‘rigorous’, or ‘authentic’, then by all means write one. However, if you are looking for a conversation starter (whether literally, or in your practice), this wee tome is something in the Strix-style to whet your appetite, without making you feel too satisfied.
August 29, 2022
An nice look at applying a Hellenic cast to Neopagan practice. I think it’s interesting from the standpoint of seeing how someone personally approaches the religion. The book also gives some practical ideas, though it should be remembered that this is one person’s interpretation and application, not THE way to do things. Hellenic mythology calls to a lot of modern Pagans and witches so I think this is valuable as inspiration and encouragement.
October 20, 2020
I was curious about this book but I found it a bit confusing and not being a fan of mixing pantheons with different culture I didn't agree with most of the author's idea.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
Not my cup of tea.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.
June 7, 2021
Loved it! Would recommend to all my coven members or anybody who is looking into Greek magick.
August 8, 2025
Goede introductie tot deze werkwereld, waarmee je vervolgens ook dieper kan gaan.
De Grieken hadden hun gebruiken goed uitgewerkt, en het bleek dat ik al wat wist want veel magische traditie is erop gestoeld! (Gnosis, mysteriecultussen, christelijke gebruiken eg wijwater…)
Innerlijke werkingen wordt niet veel op gereflecteerd… (daemon bv) en ik zou waarschijnlijk de volgorde wat anders doen, maar dan heb je niet meer de moderne layout - en een lexicon is dit niet.
Wat blijft me bij?: in symbiose werken met de goden en rigoreusheid als deugd.
”Hekas hekas este bebeloi.”
De Grieken hadden hun gebruiken goed uitgewerkt, en het bleek dat ik al wat wist want veel magische traditie is erop gestoeld! (Gnosis, mysteriecultussen, christelijke gebruiken eg wijwater…)
Innerlijke werkingen wordt niet veel op gereflecteerd… (daemon bv) en ik zou waarschijnlijk de volgorde wat anders doen, maar dan heb je niet meer de moderne layout - en een lexicon is dit niet.
Wat blijft me bij?: in symbiose werken met de goden en rigoreusheid als deugd.
”Hekas hekas este bebeloi.”
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