Orphic Hymns Grimoire

I came for the poetry; the historical lesson is a happy benefit I wasn't expecting but perhaps should have. If you wish, there are instructions on how to hold your own Baccanalia; while I doubt I'll be finding a group of like-minded folks to do so, that doesn't take away from the fascination I have for the ritual.The hymns are lovely and easily understood, and there are lots of juicy tidbits about the Greek pantheon, not to mention spells and rituals also scattered through the book.Sara's scholarship is awe-inspiring, and I am so happy I picked up this book.

Seriously though, I'm just putting this review here while I wait for reader reviews to come in. If you're trying to decide if you'll like the book, go check out the reviews for the first edition. This is the same book as that, but with more commentary, more illustrations, less typos, and better print quality.

Absolutely beautifully done book. Wonderful spells and translations. Thank you.

I have the first edition with the colored icons. I use this book all the time in prayer, ritual for myself and others, and it’s my go-to book for understanding the Greek Gods and Goddesses. I do a daily bibliomancy where I just let it flip open and read it as a divination for the day, as a way to contextualize my daily spiritual experience. I ordered the 2nd edition because I just use it all the time! The art is wonderful. The poetry is so satisfying. The text balances modern understanding with traditional interpretation of the source material, and I seriously get a lot out of the footnotes. Every English-speaking Hellenist, Wiccan and lover of mythology needs this book. I wish I’d gotten it signed from the author! The book itself is well printed and bound with high-quality material. I’m still dreaming of a pocket-sized edition so I can take it with me everywhere. Next time I go on pilgrimage to Greece, I’m definitely taking this book!

It’s rare to come across anything exciting in the field of magical writing, but this is the exception; a contemporary grimoire that hits the perfect balance between historical fidelity and modern needs. It’s also the first genuinely useful guide to using the Hellenic deities in magic I’ve come across. Suitable for students of all practice levels, this offers fresh new translations of the Orphic hymns alongside practical instructions on how they can be used for practical spellcraft or personal initiation. I could literally feel the pulse of the spirits buzzing through my brain as I read through the author’s clever and insightful translations. And wonderfully illustrated, to boot! Sara Mastros may well be the single most important living teacher in witchcraft today.