The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism: A Practical Guide to the Restored Pagan Religion of George Gemistos Plethon — Witchcraft Wicca

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The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism: A Practical Guide to the Restored Pagan Religion of George Gemistos Plethon

Name: The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism: A Practical Guide to the Restored Pagan Religion of George Gemistos Plethon
Price: 27.99 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9780738770932

✍️ Opsopaus, John

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4.6

(1 review)

$27.99

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

Immerse yourself in the rediscovered wisdom of George Gemistos Plethon, the enigmatic Renaissance scholar who ignited a resurgence of Platonic thought. This groundbreaking volume presents the first complete English translation of the surviving sixteen chapters from his Book of Laws, a profound work detailing a Neopagan theology rooted in ancient Hellenic tradition. Expertly translated and richly annotated by John Opsopaus, PhD, this guide offers a full immersion into Plethon's theological system, complete with practical instructions for rituals, prayers, and sacred observances.

Opsopaus, John

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Witchcraft & Wicca

Praise for this book

“John Opsopaus has reached into the fire and retrieved Plethon's work for us to study. Moreover, he does so with a deep knowledge of the Pagan philosophy of the Hellenistic world, explaining Plethon's ideas and framing them understandably for us to use. Plethon is a vital link in the Golden Chain of philosophers who preserved the knowledge of the gods.”

— Brandy Williams, author of Practical Magic for Beginners

“Unlike the Florentine Neoplatonists Ficino and Pico, who remained Catholic no matter how wide they cast their syncretistic net, Plethon, who influenced them, was a Neoplatonic pagan. John Opsopaus does him justice by presenting him as such. Opsopaus's book is also perhaps the clearest and most lucid guide to Plethon's vision of reality: from the ineffable ONE (Zeus) down to 'matter'. As a work of solid historical scholarship and as a guide to contemporary pagan practice, I recommend it most warmly.”

— Jay Bregman, emeritus professor of history/religious studies at the University of Maine

“The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism sheds much needed light on the life and works of an enigmatic figure who, almost single handedly, sought to stem the tide of cultural change and preserve a spiritual tradition that was in danger of disappearing forever. Dr. Opsopaus skillfully connects the fragments that survived into a living tapestry and a workable system that allows us to better understand, apply, and benefit from Plethon's noble life-work.”

— Hercules Invictus, host of Mount Olympus podcast

🏛 Llewellyn Publications 📅 2022 📖 408 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780738770932

Fun Fact

John Opsopaus has delivered a monumental work, finally rendering Plethon's audacious vision fully accessible. This book excels in its scholarly rigor and practical utility, offering a direct conduit to a unique historical attempt at pagan restoration. It will disappoint those seeking a purely historical account without practical application. For anyone serious about Hellenic reconstructionism or the intellectual currents shaping the Renaissance, this is an indispensable cornerstone.

📝 Description: The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism: A Practical Guide to the Restored Pagan Religion of George Gemistos Plethon

A Complete Translation of the Surviving Contents of Plethon's Renaissance-Era Book of Laws George Gemistos (c. 1355-1452), who called himself "Plethon," helped trigger the Renaissance by reawakening an interest in Platonism, but his secret book on its Neopagan theology was burned after his death. Only sixteen chapters of Plethon's Book of Laws escaped the flames and, for the first time ever, they have been translated into English in their entirety. Through translations and commentary by John Opsopaus, PhD, you can immerse yourself in Plethon's complete system of theology and religious practice focused on the Hellenic pantheon and deeply rooted in ancient Greek Paganism. This impressive guide features rituals, prayers, invocations, and hymns for daily and holiday use along with Plethon's complete sacred calendar. Featuring instructions from the Book of Laws on conducting ceremonies, rites, and more, The Secret Texts of Hellenic Polytheism enhances your spiritual practice and understanding of Neoplatonic philosophy.

📑 What's inside

Acknowledgments xiii
Introduction 1
Information about Spelling and Citations 5
Chapter I: The Ancient Wisdom 7
Chapter II: Plethon and His Book of Laws 23
Chapter III: The Gods 37
Chapter IV: The Sacred Calendar 83
Chapter V: Rites and Rituals 89
Chapter VI: Invocations 111
Chapter VII: Abbreviated Invocations 143
Chapter VIII: Hymns 151
Chapter IX: How to Be Excellent 173
Chapter X: Reconstructed Doctrines 187
Chapter XI: Theurgy 227
Conclusions 235
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Further Reading 363
Bibliography 365
Index 373

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Opsopaus delivers a scholarly yet accessible translation of Plethon’s rarely seen texts, providing unique value to Hellenic reconstructionists. However, this volume is strictly for those committed to a rigorous theological system; it will likely frustrate readers seeking light-hearted pagan lore or generic witchcraft advice. The dense philosophical underpinnings and specific ritual requirements demand serious study rather than casual browsing. It is not suitable for beginners in occultism who might find the academic tone dry or the historical context overwhelming. Only those prepared to engage with complex Neopagan theology will find this guide truly rewarding.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This book is essential for serious practitioners of Hellenic Polytheism who desire a structured, historically grounded path rather than vague spiritualities. Readers seeking deep theological rigor will appreciate the complete translation of Plethon's Book of Laws, which provides a robust philosophical backbone often missing in modern pagan practice. The detailed instructions for rituals and prayers make it an invaluable resource for those ready to engage with a restored, systematic religion. It offers profound insight into the intersection of Platonic thought and ancient worship, guiding devotees through a comprehensive spiritual framework that honors the past while serving present-day needs for authentic connection.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

For seekers drawn to ancient Greek spirituality, Neoplatonic philosophy, or the history of pagan revivalism, this book is essential. If you desire a practical yet scholarly guide to reconstructing a Hellenic devotional path, or wish to understand Plethon's audacious vision, this translation is for…

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Opsopaus delivers a scholarly yet accessible translation of Plethon’s rarely seen texts, providing unique value to Hellenic reconstructionists. However, this volume is strictly for those committed to a rigorous theological system; it will likely frustrate readers seeking light-hearted pagan lore or generic witchcraft advice. The dense philosophical underpinnings and specific ritual requirements demand serious study rather than casual browsing. It is not suitable for beginners in occultism who might find the academic tone dry or the historical context overwhelming. Only those prepared to engage with complex Neopagan theology will find this guide truly rewarding.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While scholarly, Opsopaus's translation and commentary are designed to make Plethon's complex ideas accessible. Its practical elements, like rituals, are presented clearly for both study and application.

Plethon synthesized traditional Hellenic deities with a highly systematic Neoplatonic philosophical framework, creating a coherent theological system rather than merely collecting practices. His approach was a deliberate, intellectual reconstruction.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Hellenic Revivalism

Explore Plethon's ambitious project to revive ancient Greek religious practices and philosophical tenets in the late Byzantine era. This text offers direct insight into his proposed pantheon, ethical frameworks, and the structured worship intended to re-establish a Hellenic spiritual path, challenging prevailing religious norms of his time.

Neoplatonic Metaphysics

Delve into the intricate philosophical underpinnings of Plethon's theology, deeply informed by Neoplatonic thought. The book unveils how he synthesized Platonic ideas with practical religious observance, crafting a coherent worldview that explained the divine order and humanity's place within it, forming the intellectual bedrock of his restored religion.

Practical Sacred Rites

Beyond theory, this volume functions as a comprehensive manual for engaging with Plethon's system. It provides meticulously translated rituals, invocations, hymns, and a complete sacred calendar, offering detailed guidance for daily and seasonal observances, enabling modern practitioners to directly engage with the restored Hellenic polytheistic practices.

📜 Historical context

George Gemistos Plethon, a pivotal figure of the 14th-15th centuries, significantly influenced the Renaissance by reintroducing Platonism to the West. His clandestine Book of Laws, detailing a comprehensive Neopagan Hellenic religion, was a radical departure from the Christian orthodoxy of his era, leading to its suppression. This work illuminates a suppressed yet vital spiritual current of the late Byzantine period.

📚 Glossary

Neoplatonism
Hellenic Polytheism
Renaissance

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might the reintroduction of ancient philosophical or religious systems challenge contemporary societal values, much like Plethon's work did in his time?
Considering Plethon's systematic approach, what elements would you incorporate if you were to reconstruct a forgotten spiritual tradition for modern practice?
Reflect on the power of "secret texts" – why do certain spiritual or philosophical works become hidden, and what is their significance upon rediscovery?