The Waters of Mnemosyne: Ancient Greek Religion for Modern Pagans

by Gwendolyn Reece

Overview

Build a Deep, Contemporary Practice Rooted in Ancient Greek Traditions

Presenting more than seventy exercises, rites, pathworkings, and prayers, Gwendolyn Reece ingeniously revitalizes fundamental concepts from ancient Greece for today's practitioner. Whether you're a Pagan or simply drawn to the Greek pantheon, Reece helps you build relationships with the Theoi (Olympians, Titans, and other deities) and create a truly vibrant spirituality.

The Waters of Mnemosyne provides conceptual, theological, and philosophical information that enriches your practice and worldview. Discover rites of passage, healing traditions, and sacred spaces both personal and public. Explore Greek civic duty, heroes, magic, and the Mysteries.

With its essential strategies for spiritual development, this book will, as Consorting with Spirits author Jason Miller praises, "be the definitive text for Hellenic-inspired practice for years to come."

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780738778891
Publisher:	Llewellyn Worldwide, LTD.
Publication date:	12/08/2024
Pages:	320
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Gwendolyn Reece is a high priestess in the Assembly of the Sacred Wheel, leading Theophania Temple in Washington, DC. She is devoted to the Hellenic deities, especially Apollon and Athena. She serves as President of the Sacred Space conference and is a national teacher for the Theosophical Society in America. Visit her at GwendolynReece.net.

Table of Contents

Contents

List of Exercises, Rites, and Prayers—ix

Introduction—1

Chapter One: Fundamentals—7

Chapter Two: Who Are the Theoi?—25

Chapter Three: Meet the Theoi—37

Chapter Four: Sacred Space—71

Chapter Five: Shrines, Sanctuaries, and Other Public Sacred Spaces—85

Chapter Six: Speaking to the Gods—101

Chapter Seven: Listening to the Gods—Omens, Oracles, and Visions—123

Chapter Eight: Household Practice—149

Chapter Nine: Rites of Passage—159

Chapter Ten: The Polis and Civic Duty—171

Chapter Eleven: Healing—183

Chapter Twelve: The Mysteries—199

Chapter Thirteen: Heroes, the Heroic Path, and Apotheosis—219

Chapter Fourteen: Philosophy as a Sacred Practice and Path—235

Chapter Fifteen: Ancient Greek Magic—263

Conclusion—277

Recommended Ancient Texts for Next Steps—279

Glossary of Greek Words—281

Works Cited—287

Index—297

Editorial Reviews

"A remarkable fusion of deep scholarship, engaging insights, and potent practices. This book elegantly navigates the rich waters of ancient Greek spirituality, breathing life into practices that have seemingly long lain dormant, while skillfully maintaining their relevance in our modern world...A treasure trove for anyone drawn to the ancient Greek religious practices."
—Mat Auryn, international bestselling author of Psychic Witch

"Reece stands out as a welcomed fresh voice for seekers searching for understanding in our challenging world. Awakening our divine memory, The Waters of Mnemosyne is a thoughtful exploration of ancient religion applied to our modern quest for meaning and connection. Reece guides the reader to develop a stronger relationship between themselves and the divine."
—Angelo Nasios, author and host of the Hearth of Hellenism podcast

"There are few books that weave revelation and research seamlessly, letting them inform each other to create a truly vibrant spirituality. The Waters of Mnemosyne is such a book. Rather than dry reconstruction, Gwendolyn gives us a Hellenic Religion that is dripping with spirit...Reece [is] uniquely qualified to lay down what will surely be the definitive text for Hellenic-inspired practice for years to come."
—Jason Miller, author of Consorting With Spirits

"In her groundbreaking work, Reece doesn't just recreate ancient rituals; she ingeniously reinterprets fundamental concepts for today's Pagan practitioner. With unparalleled clarity, she unveils the intricate terminology and symbolic meanings pivotal to Hellenic polytheism, making it accessible through relatable examples and practical exercises in each chapter.
"
—Cara Schulz, author and former journalist for The Wild Hunt

"Gwendolyn's passion, wit, insight, and commitment to connecting more people to this stream of culture and practice is a wonder to behold. I have no doubt that this book will be a classic that will inspire current and future generations. The Waters of Mnemosyne treats its readers with respect as it challenges and encourages them to become their best selves."
—Ivo Dominguez, Jr., author of Keys to Perception

"Gwendolyn unites a clear historic and philosophical understanding with her own living magickal experience to offer us a valuable text in remembering and renewing our relationship with the gods of Greece...The teachings on philosophy, healing, community, fate, cleansing, heroes, virtue, the mysteries, and humanity's relationship with the gods are well worth your time."
—Christopher Penczak, bestselling author of the Temple of Witchcraft series

"This book is much more than a history text—it is a manual of living practice...The passion of her dedication to our gods shines through every page...Even more, she brings to life the ideals my ancient Greek ancestors failed to meet, helping us to imagine a new age of Athenian Reason and Apollonian Harmony for our own times."
—Sara Mastros, author of Orphic Hymns Grimoire, The Sorcery of Solomon, and other books

"Gwendolyn Reece presents a thorough and compelling tour of Ancient Hellenic culture, philosophy, religion, and magickal practice, and offers tools to adapt these practices into modern-day magickal work. She is deeply knowledgeable and an excellent teacher, and her love for and deep experience with the subject matter shines through in this excellent must-read."
—Enfys J. Book, author of Queer Qabala and Queer Rites

From the Publisher