Does Anyone Follow Greek Gods Anymore?

Question

I've been a Christian for as long as I can remember. However, I have read Greek mythology for just as long. I really like the goddess, Athena. I used to tell myself the Greek gods were stories told by men, but isn't that the truth about Christianity, too?

I'm really thinking of becoming a follower of Athena. She is actually not that bad. I wouldn't be bound by so many restrictions then.

Thanks for those who have starred my question! And also, please don't judge my choices in religion. That is not what the question is about. I am asking for kindred spirits.

Answer 1

They are called Hellenic Reconstructionists/Hellenismo, which is one of the many forms of Paganism. Pagan faiths are unique and encourage individualism and creativity, so followers are not as tightly bound as they are in some organized religions, such as Christianity. No "herd mentality" or super-strict rules to adhere to. It does require a lot of studying, though.

Congratulations on being drawn to Athena. She is known for her wisdom.

Answer 2

Actually, Athena has been a fairly poppular deity in recent years. One of the people on my Yahoo 360 friends list is a staunch follower of that very goddess. She is often included along with a number of goddesses and gods in Wiccan worship and other, more eclectic, forms of neo-pagan worship. Beyond that, according to a news report from 2004 that was done during the Olympic games in Greece there were reputed to be some One MIllion Greek citizens known to be followers of the old (TRUE) ancestral Grerek gods. If that is who is calling to you then by all means listen...there is obviously something that is a part of the knowldge of that particular deity ( or one of those related to her) that it is time for you to know.

Answer 3

I honor the Goddess Athene, though I do not follow the Greek Gods I honor their essence. Most of the Greek Gods "came" from somewhere else, the Goddess Athene was originally in northeastern Africa, probably in the region of Lybia.
Before the Greeks decided she was "birthed" from Zeus's head Athene (Maiden Goddess was known to be born of Metis (Mother) and her Grandmother was Medusa (Crone, and in many old stories the grandmother or crone of womenhood could turn men to "stone"). Stories change....

I honor Athene as the Goddess of Crafting and home arts as well as Strategy, feminine strength and Wisdom. One of Her symbols is the Gryphon (which I did not know till after I chose this name, lol)

I have been studying the old "myths" off and on for decades, my interest having begun around the age of thirteen, finally in my late thirties I accepted I had been on the wrong spiritual path for mySelf (Christian, born inot a Baptist home later joining the Congregatonalist Church, my husband's family place of worship) I tried to be a "good christian" and I just felt it was based on fear of reprisal, restictive yes, but in many way no more so. My restrictions now are my own, to thine own Self be true. I honor the Divine within and all around.

Answer 4

They're a little extreme and were never omnipotent anyway. Science points to an all powerfull 1st cause so scientifically the Greek gods are out.

Answer 5

Yes, they're called Hellenic Reconstructionists. And I'm one of them.

We follow the Greek Gods, mostly the Olympian Gods, but some of us choose to follow the lesser Gods too, like Pan or Morpheus.

I did not choose this pantheon, this pantheon chose me. I worship mainly Zeus, Hera and Pan.

http://www.theoi.com/greek-mythology/greek-gods-cult.html
http://www.hellenion.org/
http://www.olympian-foundation.org/pan.htm

Answer 6

I intend to commemorate Saturnalia this year (Dec 17) by performing a rite and meditation on Saturn (Greek, Kronos). Why? Because in the way Athena has spoken to you, Saturn has spoken to me.

Answer 7

Yes, there are. People who are dedicated specifically to the Greek pantheon and their culture are called Hellenists. There are also a variety of NeoPagans and Wiccans who include Greek gods in their worship (along with gods from other cultures)

Answer 8

Yes. In fact, I have a good friend who follows the Greek Pantheon very ardently.

Answer 9

Yes! In fact, I am that friend Beatchanter mentioned.

As a Pagan, I believe that the Gods call us, they choose their worshipers. If you are drawn to Athena, then it may be that you are being called by her. Learn as much as you can. The Hellenic Recon sites that someone else posted are good places to start. Read any book on mythology that you can find. Also, any book you can find by Walter Burket or Karl Kerenyi is very good, (but very academic).

I would suggest getting yourself an image of Athena, either from http://sacredsource.com/ or simply print out a picture you found online. Set up an Altar to Her. Light a candle, burn some incense, and recite this hymn;

[31] XXXI. TO PALLAS [ATHENE]

A Hymn.
Only-Begotten, noble race of Jove, blessed and fierce, who joy'st in caves to rove:
O, warlike Pallas, whose illustrious kind, ineffable and effable we find:
Magnanimous and fam'd, the rocky height, and groves, and shady mountains thee delight:
In arms rejoicing, who with Furies dire and wild, the souls of mortals dost inspire.
Gymnastic virgin of terrific mind, dire Gorgons bane, unmarried, blessed, kind:
Mother of arts, imperious; understood, rage to the wicked., wisdom to the good:
Female and male, the arts of war are thine, fanatic, much-form'd dragoness [Drakaina], divine:
O'er the Phlegrean giants rous'd to ire, thy coursers driving, with destruction dire.
Sprung from the head of Jove [Tritogeneia], of splendid mien, purger of evils, all-victorious queen.
Hear me, O Goddess, when to thee I pray, with supplicating voice both night and day,
And in my latest hour, peace and health, propitious times, and necessary wealth,
And, ever present, be thy vot'ries aid, O, much implor'd, art's parent, blue eyed maid.

Answer 10

Yes they are called Hellenismo (sp?) and there are eclectics who also follow her. I actually wrote a paper on her and her personality in the Odyssey and the Iliad. She is a very interesting goddess.
You have been starred, let's see where my dear Hestia is