Magika Hiera Ancient Greek Magic And Religion

This collection challenges the tendency among scholars of ancient Greece to see magical and religious ritual as mutually exclusive and to ignore "magical" practices in Greek religion. The contributors survey specific bodies of archaeological, epigraphical, and papyrological evidence for magical practices in the Greek world, and, in each case, determine whether the traditional dichotomy between magic and religion helps in any way to conceptualize the objective features of the evidence examined. Contributors include Christopher A. Faraone, J.H.M. Strubbe, H.S. Versnel, Roy Kotansky, John Scarborough, Samuel Eitrem, Fritz Graf, John J. Winkler, Hans Dieter Betz, and C.R. Phillips.

This is a collection of essays by leading American and European scholars. Its purpose is to remedy the tendency among scholars working in Greek religion to ignore the evidence for what have traditionally been called "magical" practices in ancient Greece. Because this neglect seems to arrive from adherence to a preconceived notion about a clear dichotomy between magical and religious ritual, the editors focus on the relationship between these two areas.

In Stations of the Sun and The Triumph of the Moon Ronald Hutton established himself as a leading authority on the historian of Paganism. His wealth of unusual knowledge, complemented by a deep and sympathetic understanding of past and present beliefs that are often dismissed as strange or marginal, and an ability to write lucidly and wittily, gives his work a unique flavour. The essays which make up Witches, Druids and King Arthur cover elegantly and entertainingly a wide range of beliefs, myths and practices.

Magic and the Supernatural in Fourth Century Syria presents an in-depth investigation of a variety of ‘magical’ practices with a focused study in the late antique Syria and Palestine. Offering new research using both archaeological and literary sources, and blending Classical, Jewish, and Christian traditions from both regions, Silke Trzcionka examines a myriad of magical activities such as: curses, spells and amulets accusations related to chariot races, love and livelihood methods involved in protection, healing, possession and exorcism. The information is provided with clarity and theoretical sophistication which enables students to develop an understanding of these beliefs and their place within the social context of the time. Altogether, a useful, enlightening and enjoyable book which students studying religion and/or social history will find invaluable.

Heed the Call of the Greek Gods and Goddesses The religion of the ancient Greeks has lain dormant for too long. In Hellenismos, Tony Mierzwicki shows how to bring it back in all of its primal glory. Learn how to forge personal relationships with the ancient Greek deities. Recreate the practices of the Greeks and enjoy the richness of their spiritual practices. Explore this accessible introduction to Greek reconstruction and discover: Ancient Greek history and culture Deities, Daimones, and Heroes Simple daily observances and personal practice The lunar cycle and festival observances Controversial issues regarding Greek reconstruction Praise: "I, for one, welcome Tony Mierzwicki's marvelous work, Hellenismos. In a single volume, it not only fills a vacuum in my education, it clearly and concisely provides fascinating insights into a world to which we are all indebted—a world of gods, and heroes, and spirits, and magick, and all that is great, judicious, and distinct in the western soul."—Lon Milo DuQuette, author of Homemade Magick and Low Magick "Communion with the gods is grounded in everyday practice. Hellenismos provides the reader with the necessary tools to quickly enter into Pagan Greek religion. The book combines an accurate historical understanding with practices updated for today's needs."—Brandy Williams, author of For the Love of the Gods and The Woman Magician "Mierzwicki has succeeded in combining fine scholarship with deep vision to provide the reader with a comprehensive overview of Grecian polytheistic theory and practice. His offering brings to life an ancient tradition made relevant for modern times."—Kristoffer Hughes, author of The Book of Celtic Magic, From the Cauldron Born, and The Journey Into Spirit "Hellenismos is an excellent guide to practicing ancient Greek polytheism. Advancing from daily, personal practices, to the sacred lunar month, and finally to the annual festival cycle, Tony gently draws the reader deeper into Hellenic polytheism."—John Opsopaus, author of The Oracles of Apollo and The Pythagorean Tarot "Hellenismos makes an open and shut case for the need to modify the ancient Greek religion to suit the modern world, rather than recreating it faithfully...The author provides a wonderful guide to crafting your own personal path of venerating the ancient Greek gods and goddesses while remaining true to the spirit of the time."—Karen Tate, author of Walking An Ancient Path "In Hellenismos author Tony Mierzwicki provides an invaluable resource for both novice and experienced practitioners of ancient Greek religion...With instructions for holding daily, monthly, and annual observances, this book is nothing less than a toolkit for building your personal Hellenic path."—Alaric Albertsson, author of A Handbook of Saxon Sorcery and Magic and To Walk a Pagan Path

"The Greek magical papyri" is a collection of magical spells and formulas, hymns, and rituals from Greco-Roman Egypt, dating from the second century B.C. to the fifth century A.D. Containing a fresh translation of the Greek papyri, as well as Coptic and Demotic texts, this new translation has been brought up to date and is now the most comprehensive collection of this literature, and the first ever in English. The Greek Magical Papyri in Transition is an invaluable resource for scholars in a wide variety of fields, from the history of religions to the classical languages and literatures, and it will fascinate those with a general interest in the occult and the history of magic. "One of the major achievements of classical and related scholarship over the last decade."—Ioan P. Culianu, Journal for the Study of Judaism "The enormous value of this new volume lies in the fact that these texts will now be available to a much wider audience of readers, including historians or religion, anthropologists, and psychologists."—John G. Gager, Journal of Religion "[This book] shows care, skill and zest. . . . Any worker in the field will welcome this sterling performance."—Peter Parsons, Times Literary Supplement

This handbook offers both students and teachers of ancient Greek religion a comprehensive overview of the current state of scholarship in the subject, from the Archaic to the Hellenistic periods. It not only presents key information, but also explores the ways in which such information is gathered and the different approaches that have shaped the area. In doing so, the volume provides a crucial research and orientation tool for students of the ancient world, and also makes a vital contribution to the key debates surrounding the conceptualization of ancient Greek religion. The handbook's initial chapters lay out the key dimensions of ancient Greek religion, approaches to evidence, and the representations of myths. The following chapters discuss the continuities and differences between religious practices in different cultures, including Egypt, the Near East, the Black Sea, and Bactria and India. The range of contributions emphasizes the diversity of relationships between mortals and the supernatural - in all their manifestations, across, between, and beyond ancient Greek cultures - and draws attention to religious activities as dynamic, highlighting how they changed over time, place, and context.