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Kharis: Hellenic Polytheism Explored
THIRD EDITION Hellenic Polytheism Explored delves into the many aspects of the revival of Greek paganism, from its ancient roots to its contemporary practice. It is written as an introduction for those new to Hellenismos, and as a reference for more experienced devotees. It covers not only the basics of worship, but also how to adapt the ancient religion to our modern lives, cultivate relationships with the gods and spirits, and create a deeply satisfying spiritual life. The emphasis of this book is on the concept of kharis – the reciprocity so implicit in the practice of Hellenic polytheism both in antiquity and today. From the simplest prayer or libation, to direct encounters with deities, the principle of reciprocal favor governs the heart of this religion and facilitates for each worshipper a real and profound connection with the divine.
184 pages, paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 6, 2011
This short book is one of the best introductions to modern Hellenismos. Virtues of the book include historical accuracy, comprehensiveness, and brevity. Beginners gain from this small book what would otherwise require extensive reading of multiple scholarly volumes. Furthermore, Winter offers this without descending into the condescending style all too familiar from typical pagan beginner books. She writes lucidly without dumbing down, nor shying away from giving her personal opinions. Perhaps the greatest strength of the book is how deftly Winter conveys her views while clearly distinguishing them from historical claims.
The first chapter of the book gives a brief but dense overview of the historical traditions, and the second covers modern traditions.
Chapter three explains the heart of Hellenismos through the concept of kharis, or reciprocity. Winter quotes Burkert: "the bond between man and the sacred is consummated in the continuous exchange of gift for gift" (p. 43). Then she brings this to life in her own words: "Just like you might sometimes buy your spouse flowers for no reason, and that act creates a more loving and charitable bond between you both, so do we give to the gods, knowing they will also give to us when it is right" (p. 43). After this she brings kharis down to earth with practical advice on effective ritual and worship, including descriptions of libations, sacrifices, and first fruits offerings.
A controversial stance is taken in her discussion of animal sacrifice. She comes down in favor of it, as long as it is done appropriately. It is not much different from kosher slaughter in Judaism, she maintains. At the same time, she provides for contrary opinions and suggests vegetarian alternatives. One thing she does not address, however, is the question of holocaust offerings--that is, sacrifice in which no part of the animal is eaten, but all of it goes to the gods. This was part of ancient practice, as she acknowledges. Is this also to be a modern option? If so, the analogy with kosher slaughter ceases to apply. If not, why not clearly set the boundaries? Leaving the issue without comment opens the way for such a questionable practice to reappear, or at least for beginners to get the wrong impression.
Chapter four develops the kharis theme through deepening divine relationships, and Winter is attentive not only to the Olympian gods, but also and especially to nymphs, daimones, heroes, and domestic powers. The fifth and final chapter develops kharis still further into the realm of magic and mysticism.
Of special note is Winter's view of how the gods may appear to us. After noting the gross physicality of appearances in Homer, the likes of which may seem incredible today, she wonders if this does not still happen:
"What if the people who lived those stories experienced them in a much more natural and tangible way than we have imagined - perhaps not as ordinary events, but not supernatural either? What if, what we would see as an amazing but purely physical event - say, coming upon a deer in the woods, who then looks into your eyes for several moments before running away - they would have seen as meeting Artemis in the woods, looking right into her eyes." (p. 100)
In this way, Winter accounts for divine theophany through "temporary possession of an already physical form" (p. 101). And this is something that can very well happen to us today, no less than in ancient times.
At the back of the book are a plenitude of practical aids: festival calendars, deities indexed by animal, plant, place, vocation, and other associations, a guide to Greek pronunciation including god names in both the nominative and vocative (used when addressing them directly, as in prayer), and other useful ritual phrases in Greek. These linguistic aids are not necessary to practice but are provided as opportunities to deepen relationships with the gods. Finally, at the end of the book are the results of a Hellenic Polytheist survey. This not only adds nuance to the face of Hellenismos, but also offers a useful counterpoint to the author's own views. For example, Winter is a hard polytheist, like many, but the reader is able to contextualize this by means of the survey, realizing it is but one view among many. Practical aids like these complement the preceding discussions and may even provide equal or greater value to some readers.
Some might complain that the book does not cover enough of the basics, such as the gods or their myths. Winter acknowledges that she does expect something from her reader--she is not writing a book about mythology (p. 66). While some may be dismayed to have to buy another book to learn the myths, this seems reasonable as a litmus test for the seriousness of the student. Those genuinely interested in more than superficial practice will be willing to do their own research; others are simply beyond Winter's intended audience.
Overall, Winter has written a useful and accurate guide to modern Hellenismos. She does justice to history while offering plenty of advice for modern practice. And she adds an important voice to a religion that is alive, not just a thing of library shelves. Throughout the book Winter corrects the bookish tendency to see gods as the sum of their myths. She notes that ancient requests to deities often went far beyond their supposed spheres of influence (p. 68), and that myths were not really that important to religious belief and ritual (p. 17). Studying a deity's epithets may give a wider view of their nuance. But to truly know the gods, she encourages the developing of real, living relationships through kharis.
20% of the profits from book sales of Kharis go to the charity Survival International.
The first chapter of the book gives a brief but dense overview of the historical traditions, and the second covers modern traditions.
Chapter three explains the heart of Hellenismos through the concept of kharis, or reciprocity. Winter quotes Burkert: "the bond between man and the sacred is consummated in the continuous exchange of gift for gift" (p. 43). Then she brings this to life in her own words: "Just like you might sometimes buy your spouse flowers for no reason, and that act creates a more loving and charitable bond between you both, so do we give to the gods, knowing they will also give to us when it is right" (p. 43). After this she brings kharis down to earth with practical advice on effective ritual and worship, including descriptions of libations, sacrifices, and first fruits offerings.
A controversial stance is taken in her discussion of animal sacrifice. She comes down in favor of it, as long as it is done appropriately. It is not much different from kosher slaughter in Judaism, she maintains. At the same time, she provides for contrary opinions and suggests vegetarian alternatives. One thing she does not address, however, is the question of holocaust offerings--that is, sacrifice in which no part of the animal is eaten, but all of it goes to the gods. This was part of ancient practice, as she acknowledges. Is this also to be a modern option? If so, the analogy with kosher slaughter ceases to apply. If not, why not clearly set the boundaries? Leaving the issue without comment opens the way for such a questionable practice to reappear, or at least for beginners to get the wrong impression.
Chapter four develops the kharis theme through deepening divine relationships, and Winter is attentive not only to the Olympian gods, but also and especially to nymphs, daimones, heroes, and domestic powers. The fifth and final chapter develops kharis still further into the realm of magic and mysticism.
Of special note is Winter's view of how the gods may appear to us. After noting the gross physicality of appearances in Homer, the likes of which may seem incredible today, she wonders if this does not still happen:
"What if the people who lived those stories experienced them in a much more natural and tangible way than we have imagined - perhaps not as ordinary events, but not supernatural either? What if, what we would see as an amazing but purely physical event - say, coming upon a deer in the woods, who then looks into your eyes for several moments before running away - they would have seen as meeting Artemis in the woods, looking right into her eyes." (p. 100)
In this way, Winter accounts for divine theophany through "temporary possession of an already physical form" (p. 101). And this is something that can very well happen to us today, no less than in ancient times.
At the back of the book are a plenitude of practical aids: festival calendars, deities indexed by animal, plant, place, vocation, and other associations, a guide to Greek pronunciation including god names in both the nominative and vocative (used when addressing them directly, as in prayer), and other useful ritual phrases in Greek. These linguistic aids are not necessary to practice but are provided as opportunities to deepen relationships with the gods. Finally, at the end of the book are the results of a Hellenic Polytheist survey. This not only adds nuance to the face of Hellenismos, but also offers a useful counterpoint to the author's own views. For example, Winter is a hard polytheist, like many, but the reader is able to contextualize this by means of the survey, realizing it is but one view among many. Practical aids like these complement the preceding discussions and may even provide equal or greater value to some readers.
Some might complain that the book does not cover enough of the basics, such as the gods or their myths. Winter acknowledges that she does expect something from her reader--she is not writing a book about mythology (p. 66). While some may be dismayed to have to buy another book to learn the myths, this seems reasonable as a litmus test for the seriousness of the student. Those genuinely interested in more than superficial practice will be willing to do their own research; others are simply beyond Winter's intended audience.
Overall, Winter has written a useful and accurate guide to modern Hellenismos. She does justice to history while offering plenty of advice for modern practice. And she adds an important voice to a religion that is alive, not just a thing of library shelves. Throughout the book Winter corrects the bookish tendency to see gods as the sum of their myths. She notes that ancient requests to deities often went far beyond their supposed spheres of influence (p. 68), and that myths were not really that important to religious belief and ritual (p. 17). Studying a deity's epithets may give a wider view of their nuance. But to truly know the gods, she encourages the developing of real, living relationships through kharis.
20% of the profits from book sales of Kharis go to the charity Survival International.
February 11, 2016
Overall not a bad book, I certainly don't agree with everything the author says but overall really solid advice for those starting out. Wish I had read this when I started out instead of interacting with all the virulent rubbish and rabid fanboys of Alexander (whose books are, in fact, rubbish).
I definitely disagree with the stuff the author writes regarding the names, especially considering the number of dialects that existed and (as the author notes) the impossibility of knowing exactly how words were pronounced.
Aside from that, Winter is very clearly well read and knows her stuff. It is a 101 book but it was enjoyable to read.
I definitely disagree with the stuff the author writes regarding the names, especially considering the number of dialects that existed and (as the author notes) the impossibility of knowing exactly how words were pronounced.
Aside from that, Winter is very clearly well read and knows her stuff. It is a 101 book but it was enjoyable to read.
May 8, 2021
Reviewing the 3rd edition released in 2019.
A masterful work that combines historical and anthropological research with religious insight both past and present. I found this both a great introductory work to the various practices Hellenism entails as well as a fantastic resource for expanding one's own experiences. The author takes a nuanced and open-minded approach to topics of mysticism, magic, omens, and perception of the gods, one that's refreshing and well informed by both personal experience and research. And the bulk of the book's topics will arm most newcomers with answers to some of the most basic questions, from "how do we pray?" to "how do I pour a libation?" to "how do I interpret this UPG?"
A very great work, highly recommend it for beginners, and really interested in reading more from the author.
A masterful work that combines historical and anthropological research with religious insight both past and present. I found this both a great introductory work to the various practices Hellenism entails as well as a fantastic resource for expanding one's own experiences. The author takes a nuanced and open-minded approach to topics of mysticism, magic, omens, and perception of the gods, one that's refreshing and well informed by both personal experience and research. And the bulk of the book's topics will arm most newcomers with answers to some of the most basic questions, from "how do we pray?" to "how do I pour a libation?" to "how do I interpret this UPG?"
A very great work, highly recommend it for beginners, and really interested in reading more from the author.
April 10, 2022
I finally got around to finishing this book and I loved it! I think it's one of the most complete books on Hellenic Polytheism that I've had the chance to read and I'm so glad I was able to do it. I think this is gonna be a great companion on my journey to improve my Hellenic path. This is a book filled with resources, it has tons of references and plenty of additional resources at the end of the book which is a must! I really really enjoyed it and will recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about this path!
December 30, 2016
I would recommend this book not only for its genuine outlook about Hellenismos as a practice but also the authors writing style and formatting. The author cites her sources about her claims and makes the ideas in the book extremely approachable. There is not stress on the 'right' way to do things but also reminder about how one communicates with the Olympians.
Recommended.
Recommended.
September 4, 2024
this was such a great introductory book!! I learned so much already, it was easy to read and follow through. this is a book I will definitely use as a resource for my practice!
☆ 4.8
☆ 4.8
October 8, 2018
A decent introduction to modern Hellenic polytheism. Makes a nice companion book to The Labrys Household Worship title, as Sarah goes into detail on many of the concepts briefly treated there. The Labrys title is a wonderful guide for 'doing' and Kharis is more a collection of the philosophies and reasons why those things are done. It is in no way a 'how-to' manual. She is more liberal in some of her interpretations of rituals and relationships to the gods, which could be a possible turn-off for reconstructionists who are more strict in their practice. The Hellenic Polytheist survey, though not representative of the community at large (there were only 166 respondents) is still an interesting read, and the included reading lists and lists of related websites are useful.
There is yet to be published a work on Hellenic recon that is a 'complete' manual, and it's highly doubtful that we'll ever see one, but the discerning reader who has familiarity with the religion already will be able to learn some new things from this book to add to their own personal practice.
There is yet to be published a work on Hellenic recon that is a 'complete' manual, and it's highly doubtful that we'll ever see one, but the discerning reader who has familiarity with the religion already will be able to learn some new things from this book to add to their own personal practice.
July 12, 2018
I knew next to nothing about the topic, so this was really helpful! Super interesting, and everything was explained concisely and very well. Also, she gives sources for what she states as fact and makes it clear when she's giving her own opinion, and she's never condescending or disrespectful. It was cool.
January 14, 2018
Fantastic to start to understand how is working the Greek Tradition and to have answers to the normal questions that you can have in the beginning, specially when your path is coming from other pagan tradition and not from Christianity.
January 23, 2024
An insightful overview of Hellenism. Although I'm not a Hellenic polytheist myself, I found this to be a worthwhile read. While a basic understanding of Greek gods is suggested, the text is, in my view, beginner-friendly.
August 6, 2020
This was a wonderful overview of Hellenic Polytheism. Winter's direct, but affiable tone belied by cited information invites the reader to continue their research after the book is finished.
May 15, 2022
An informative read. Very well-researched.
December 16, 2024
A great book for anyone interested in contemporary religious studies
August 31, 2025
1 star because on Amazon it $199.99 dollars
July 28, 2009
This book's approach to Hellenic Polytheism is well-grounded in research and yet shows how Hellenismos can be a living, dynamic spiritual path rather than a static recreation of a point in time in the past. It's a good, concise foundation-builder for anyone either contemplating a Hellenic spiritual path or simply wishing to understand how it is possible that people still embrace this path in the 21st century.
January 15, 2017
Excellent book for any who're interested in Hellenic Polytheism. I read it slowly, cross checked some of the information, and digested all. This book will definitely have a place on my reference shelf for my faith.
On to 'Komos'!
On to 'Komos'!
January 7, 2012
An interesting, useful introduction to Hellenic Polytheism. Well-detailed, easy to understand, I've learned a lot!
Read
August 28, 2012interesting, not earth shaking
October 7, 2012
A clear, concise introduction to the basics of Hellenismos, or Greek Reconstructionist Polytheism. The Cultus Deorum Romanorum badly needs an equivalent book.
June 26, 2016
A great insight into Hellanic worship. Great source for my research.
January 6, 2019
Very informative and a good start for those interested in this religion!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews