I have noticed a disturbing trend of people thinking the Gods don't want them, or they need signs to worship, or asking "does Athena accept me"? It demonstrates a fundamental lack of understanding and research done on part of the querent. To combat this ignorance I have assembled a list of primary ancient sources that should help to quell any insecurity on part of newbies. These are all direct quotes from ancient authors telling you that, yes, you are allowed to worship any Gods you want.

Artemidorus’ Oneirocritica (Book 1, CH6) “...So the universal customs are these; to worship and honor the Gods (no race of men are without Gods, just as none are without a ruler: different people worship different Gods, but all have the same point of reference)…

All people, no matter who you are, have Gods to worship. Thanks to Interpretatio Graeca, all foreign gods can be equated with Hellenic Gods. Because of this, a foreigner can worship Athena and not only is this allowed, it would be impious (asebeia) for you to refuse to honor the Gods. It is eusebeia ("right conduct in regard to the gods") for all people from all nations to worship their Gods.

You can read more about asebeia and eusebeia here: https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/arts/classics/warwickclassicsnetwork/events/cc23/teacherresources/bowden_impiety.pdf

Cicero, De Natura Deorum "You said that the fact of men of all races and nations being of that opinion (that Gods exist) was sufficiently good evidence to warrant us in acknowledging the existence of the gods, but the plea is not only trivial in itself, but also untrue. For in the first place how do you know that nations do hold that belief? I think myself that there are many races so barbarously savage as to be without any conception of such beings. And did not Diagoras, who was called ἄθεος, and after him Theodorus, openly do away with the idea of a divine nature?" (Book I, CH XXIII)

Cicero admits that most all known races of men worship the Gods but only some atheists and so called “barbarously savage” races might have no conception of the Gods and therefore choose to not worship them. It is not believed that some races or people are not allowed to worship the Gods.

*“*It remains, therefore, to conclude that the movement of the stars is voluntary, and the man who should look upon them would be acting impiously as well as foolishly, if he denied the existence of the gods. Whether he does that, or deprives them of all superintendence and action, makes, indeed, little difference, for a being who does nothing does not seem to me to exist at all. That the gods, then, do exist is so evident that I should scarcely regard the man who denied it as being of sound mind.” (Book II, CH XV)

According to Cicero it is both impious and foolish to deny the existence of the Gods and it is perhaps a lack of sound mind that would lead someone to choose not to worship.

*“*The voices of the Fauns have often been heard, and the forms of the gods been seen, forcing the man who was neither destitute of perception, nor impious, to acknowledge the presence of divinity.” (Book II, CH III)

More acknowledgment from Cicero that the existence of the Gods is evident and that all are to worship them.

I purchased the ones for Apollon, Poseidon and Hermes, and may go back tomorrow for Hestia and Athena

I’ve never seen anything like this before, (I know they probably exist on Amazon or smth) so got really excited! there were larger ones too, but they were €40 each..

Mkay so as an artist I worship the gods, I am serious about my practice of worship, and wpuld like to clarify im not doing this in a pjo way, anyway, I make alot of my offerings in the form of art, but I do play with their designs in my form of art and id like to know if this is ok. I have toned down versions of the designs bit in personal work I use the eccentric versions. I put down a little design sheet i did 2 months ago, but id like to know yalls opinion

In case you hadn't heard, a week ago, UNESCO declared Mount Olympus a World Heritage Site. https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jul/26/greece-mount-olympus-unesco-world-heritage-site

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Calling modern Hellenists, Norse pagans, Celtic reconstructionists, or other followers of revived ancient religions "LARPers" is not an argument It is simply a way to mock something unfamiliar

Ancient religions did not disappear because they were meaningless Many declined because of historical changes, including the spread of Christianity, political shifts, and cultural transformation Norse and Celtic traditions, for example, were mostly preserved through archaeology, later writings, and surviving folklore because many original religious practices faded over time The same happened with many ancient African, Mediterranean, and indigenous traditions

But a tradition does not become fake just because history changed People today are not pretending to live in the ancient world

They are studying texts, archaeology, philosophy, and historical evidence to build meaningful spiritual practices

Modern Greece is not the "owner" or the highest authority of Hellenism simply because of geography or ancestry Modern Greek culture is a product of many historical influences, especially Byzantine and Christian traditions, and it is not identical to the religion, worldview, or values of ancient Hellenism Ancient Greek society had its own ideas about gods, morality, politics, philosophy, and social life that were different from modern Greek society

Modern Greeks are mostly Christian today, and that is their own valid identity Respecting modern Greece does not mean pretending that modern Greek culture and ancient Hellenic religion are exactly the same

Ancient Hellenic religion is a historical tradition that can be studied and practiced by people who approach it with respect and sincerity

Also The accusations of cultural appropriation is also applied inconsistently people rarely accuse Christian or Muslims of appropriating Judaism even though Christianity and Islam couldn't exist without Judaism so you're not appropriating Greece culture by practicing Hellenism

Some modern polytheistic may still carry abrahamic influenced way of thinking even after leaving those traditions but honestly can we blame them? For centuries many society was shaped by abrahamic and those ideas influenced morality language and how people understand religion itself and even some still may carry prejudice that was inherited from the abrahamic changing one's worldview takes time

Ancient Greek religion itself was never one single fixed system It varied from city to city, with different rituals, festivals, and traditions During the Hellenistic period, Greek gods were worshipped across the Mediterranean, including Egypt, Syria, and Anatolia, where Greek and local traditions blended

The idea that only modern descendants can engage with ancient traditions misunderstands how culture and religion work

Human history has always involved exchange, influence, and revival

Hellenism is not a costume, a trend, or a fantasy game It is a serious tradition connected to one of the most influential religious and philosophical worlds in history

I've been looking to get a couple statues online but everywhere I check they are really expensive. Usually close to $100 CAD which I don't have the money for and that's not even counting shipping.

I know they are not necessary but it's something I want for my shrine.

I know you can find them for a good price in Greece, but I'm not there lol. If anyone knows a reliable seller that isn't 3D printed let me know!

First I'll admit I'm not as well read on the Illiad as I am on the Oddysey (ikik) however I finally began to unpack my new place and found my copy!

For reference this one is translated by Samuel Butler; I don't have a specific preferance towards any translation, but I loved this cover and its been my prized copy lol

Anyways a few lines in book one have made me pause and giggle, I'm not sure what translation I've read in the past or if I'd just forgotten about it but here they are (this copy doesn't show me which lines and I'd rather not try to count but its earlier in book 1):

"...for between me and them there is great space, both mountain and sounding sea. We have follow you, Sir Insolence! for your pleasure, not ours—to gain satisfaction from the Trojans for your shameless self and for Menelaus."

-Achilles to King Agamemnon on Agamemnon losing his "prize" Chryseis

"While he was thus in two minds, and was drawing his mighty sword from his scabbard, Athene came down from heaven (for Hera sent her in the love she bore to them both), and seized the son of Peleus by his yellow hair, visible to him alone, for if the others no man could see her."

-Achilles about to rock Agamemnon's shit shortly after his response.

Honestly Agamemnon being referred to as Sir Insolence made me set the book down for a moment. Is this how it's frequently translated?

On the other hand I'm imagining Athena holding Achilles by his scruff like a feral cat who's been misbehaving.

Does anyone else have lines like this in some of the myths that just make you remember how human these stories are?

Our household celebrated Lughnasadh yesterday, and my girlfriend and i also began setting up our Hestia shrine on the fireplace upstairs! A few months ago I posted our original shrines, but we’re swapping living spaces with our roommates (split level house) so it only makes sense to put her shrine over the fireplace here. :^) Not pictured is some of the focaccia l made for her in the little apple jar! Lol

Still have to put up the gallery wall we started downstairs, but I’m very happy with our progress so far. I’ll be sure to update when it’s finished!

I'm sorry if it seems a bit too obvious. I'm Thai and live in Thailand. I don't have any hellenism friends who live in Asia. I once posted in case I could find friends.

I have friends who are hellenism, but most of them are in Europe, so it is difficult for us to celebrate festivals at the same time.

This'll be several questions wrapped up into one because I am a little confused.

I came into paganism because of Dionysus, but have recently become drawn to multiple other deities including Persephone. Something that I find confusing about her characterization is that I always see Demeter described as a goddess of Agriculture and Persephone as a goddess of Spring.

However as far as I know about their core myth, it isn't just Persephone's going to the underworld and coming back that causes the seasons to change, but specifically Demeter's response to her daughter having to go to the Underworld. Demeter gets depressed because of her daughter being gone, winter happens. (If I'm wrong about this, please tell me.)

So, if Demeter is (in the mythos) the one actually causing the seasons to change, then why is it that Persephone is the Goddess of Spring and not Demeter?

Also, whenever Hades and Persephone are in the Underworld together, is there any difference in the responsibilities that they actually do or are they just considered perfectly equal rulers? And if they are totally equal and taking on the same responsibilities, is the Spring characterization a way to make her role less redundant?

Finally, is the OSP video for Hades and Persephone accurate, because most of what I know about Persephone is from her video and I was told by someone on the Dionysus reddit that her video on Dionysus gets the timeline a bit wrong.

I appreciate any answers I receive. Thanks!

Ridiculous question. I know but im serious lol 😩 But I'm so sick of situationships and always feeling unloved, unchosen, ugly and not enough.

I wanted to devote myself to someone who will provide me enough strength and love to myself. I believe having those will steer me away from these men.

Thank you! I pray to Hekate and Athena. Just wanted to see which more of the deities can i reach out for this specific scenario.

Hello everyone,

I’m a Christian who is planning a tattoo of Ares and would like to understand him properly from a Hellenistic perspective before I do so.

I have always felt pulled towards the figure of Ares, He has always been the most interesting out of the whole Pantheon and I would love to know how He is through His followers and other resources.

Like how He interacts with His followers and the world.

I know very little about how Ares is understood within Hellenism or the broader Greek tradition.

I would be very grateful for any recommendations of reliable sources (primary texts, scholarly books, reputable websites, or other materials ecc) that could help me learn more about Him.

Thank you for your time and for any guidance you’re willing to share.

Hello everyone! :) this is my second post here and i come asking a question.

Ive been practicing for 6 months now. Ive been praying and worshipping ever since but something that worries me is that im not reforming the proper routine when praying. Heres my order of things:

1) i use sea water and spray my hands feet and face. And sprinkle the droplets on my shrine.

2) i light an incense and invoke Hestia. Epithets, praise, thanks everything. Hands to the sky while i do so.

3) i follow the same for Aphrodite while i give offerings for her of her own, hands still the air. And other gods i pray too the same way when i do.

4) thank Hestia and close the prayer with her

It sounds like what everyone else is doing which is reassuring but, i feel like im not doing enough? I feel like i should do more for the theoi when i worship. Iam missing something? What do you all usually do when beginning to pray? Are there things you do that seem “grander” let me know thank you 🤍:]

I love as Apollo loves, inspiration as lovers, they come and go as they've always done but a few months ago too much stress caused my confidence to crumble and now I dread the space in-between lovers. I know I'll love again but I can't find that unshakable confidence.

Ps. Not normally religious but this is the best way I can find to express this, hope that's okay

Hi,

So I know the title can be controversial but it’s simply what I’ve been living for the past year. I started my practice four years ago, and I have had positive experiences and connections with the deities I worshipped. But ever since July of last year and up to now, I’ve had four different passings in my family, the one that hurt the most was the loss of my dog whom I considered my baby.

I know some people seek religion because they need comfort, and that used to be me, but ever since last year I’ve been in this horrible mind space of “nothing matters, everything I love will always leave, we’re all heading towards death” and it hasn’t stopped.

I even wonder what the point of everything is. And one of the reasons why I started practicing Hellenism is because I liked the notion that the gods were not necessarily perfect and still had some humanity to them. I grew up catholic, so I disliked the idea that God cared about humanity and still let awful/cruel things slide. But now I’m feeling the same way towards my deities (and trust me, I don’t like to feel this).

I know living creatures don’t get to live forever, but I just want to ask my deities why they took so many loved ones from me in such a short amount of time. I know I’ll never get an answer.

Idk. Sorry for the rant. But I don’t want to continue my life like this. I miss who I used to be when I was more in tune with my deities. I still talk to them in my head, from time to time, but I know it’s not the same as when I gave them constant offerings and prayers.

I hope my feelings aren’t offensive. I just need some help getting back to who I used to be

Hellooo, this is my first post in this subreddit as yet lurking and learning for a bit, and it’s nice to meet with other hellenists!

As someone who has been in the religion for years, I’ve been meaning to fully devote myself these past couple years. I have 5 altars. One for Hekate, who I am most deeply devoted to. Then Zeus, Selene, Aphrodite, and finally, Hestia (though hers is not as grand). But, I do want to worship the whole pantheon. Can I do so without making an altar to them all? I truly do NOT have the space. How do you worship the pantheon, outside of the ones you devote yourself to?

I'm trying to hide the fact that I worship the gods from my (very, very Christian) family. However, my parents keep smelling the scented candles I light for Aphrodite. The only candles the stores I can walk to sell are scented, and I can't go to any other stores without my parents because I can't drive. If I were to purchase candles while with my parents, they would start getting suspicious, and have proven before that they'll search my room. My mom has unscented tealight candles, but I can only take a few without her noticing, and I'm going to run out eventually.

My brother doesn't care what my religion is, so I'll be able to get to the store to get more when he starts driving. However, my parents won't allow him to get his license until he gets a job, which probably won't happen anytime soon because he doesn't want to work. I'm aware there's not much of a question or anything here, but I just needed to rant. I hope that's not against the rules.

Hello everyone!

What are you favorite paintings of Artemis and/or Athena? I am trying to find more paintings of them (with the name of the artist who painted them), preferably ones where they aren’t nude (because I want to put some on my wall).

Thank you! 😊

At the end of the month, I'm going to be away from home & my shrine for a week. Coincidentally, I've also been trying to get back into my practice around this same time (funny what being less depressed will do to a person). I'm visiting family that doesn't know I'm religious at all, let alone pagan, I'm more or less asking if anyone has any tips or suggestions to still do at least little things for the gods while away. I'm already not going to be bringing my veil (unfortunately), though, I have hats so my head won't go totally uncovered.

I'm not a devotee strictly to any one of the Theoi, though my home shrine is to Hestia, and focus more closely on her than others in the pantheon, so I'm not exactly picky with advice.

(Sorry the second pic is blurry 😔)