Living Hellenism: Connect with the Greek Gods Through Ritual, Devotion, and Sacred Festivals

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenism

In this episode of Living Hellenism, co-hosts George Lizos and Elyse Welles explore Ares and Heracles through the themes of conflict, courage, bravery, purpose, and the heroic journey. They discuss Ares beyond his traditional image as the Greek god of war, exploring his deeper role as a god of conflict and the raw instinctive power that calls us to confront what can no longer be avoided. They also explore the ancient festival of Heraclea and Heracles’ journey from human hero to God, examining his trials as a spiritual path of developing virtue and evolving the soul.

George and Elyse also unpack the distinction between bravery and courage in ancient Greek philosophy, exploring bravery as the soul’s recognition of who we are and what we are called to do, and courage as the willingness to act on that calling. Through mythology, theology, seasonal practice, devotional reflection, and the relationship between Ares, Aphrodite, and harmony, this episode offers practical and spiritual ways to work with the energies of conflict, courage, purpose, and transformation while reflecting on your own heroic journey.

Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvr

Get Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768

My podcast episode response to Styx and Bones: https://shows.acast.com/the-lit-up-lightworker-podcast/episodes/199-they-tried-to-silence-me-outsiders-policing-native-voice

About the Hosts:

George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world.

Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/

Elyse Welles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft.

Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenism

In this bonus episode of Living Hellenism, George Lizos and Elyse Welles are joined by Kavit Shah, coordinator for the International Center for Cultural Studies Europe, to discuss the upcoming International Conference and Gathering of Elders in India. This global gathering brings together elders, practitioners, academics, policymakers, and young leaders from indigenous and ancestral traditions around the world to explore the theme “Ancestral Wisdom in Contemporary Challenges.” With delegates from more than 40 countries, the conference creates a space for living traditions to connect, support one another, and share wisdom for the modern world.

Together, they discuss the importance of indigenous religions, cultural appreciation, spiritual leadership, sacred community, land-based wisdom, and the role of younger generations in carrying ancestral traditions forward. The conversation explores how Hellenic polytheism fits within a wider global family of living spiritual traditions, why these traditions matter in an age of rapid technological and social change, and how gathering in ritual, dialogue, ceremony, and shared experience can help revive and strengthen ancient ways of relating to the land, the divine, and each other.

Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvr

Get Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768

Register for the 9th Triennial International Conference & Gathering of Elders: https://www.iccsglobal.org/

About the Hosts:

George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world.

Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/

Elyse Welles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft.

Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenism

In this episode of Living Hellenism, co-hosts George Lizos and Elyse Welles explore the autumn equinox in Hellenic polytheism through the descent of Persephone, the spiritual symbolism of the Eleusinian Mysteries, and the shift into the darker half of the year. They discuss how this season invites reflection, release, inner growth, and a deeper relationship with the cycles of nature, while also exploring the newly created Cypriot festival of Persephonia as part of a living, evolving Hellenic tradition. 

George and Elyse also dive into Hephaestus as the god of September, revealing him beyond the myths as the Greek god of sacred fire, craft, creativity, technology, discipline, and resourcefulness. Through mythology, theology, seasonal practice, sacred herbs, devotional reflection, and the Orphic Hymn to Hephaestus, this episode offers practical and spiritual ways to honor Persephone, Hephaestus, and the mysteries of transformation at the autumn equinox. 

Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvr

Get Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768

About the Hosts:

George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world.

Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/

Elyse Welles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft.

Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenism

In this episode of Living Hellenism, co-hosts George Lizos and Elyse Welles explore the Heraia, the ancient women’s games of Greece dedicated to the goddess Hera. They discuss the spiritual meaning of this female festival, its connection to Olympia, women’s athletic competition, sacred weaving, and the honoring of Hera’s feminine power within Hellenic polytheism and ancient Greek religion. 

George and Elyse also dive into Demeter as the goddess of the month, exploring her connection to fertility, harvest, abundance, theurgy, and the living rhythms of the earth. Through comparisons with Lammas, Lughnasa, Lionsgate, and the Greek Wheel of the Year, they offer practical ways to connect with Hera and Demeter through nature, altar work, devotional practice, journaling, and the Orphic Hymn to Demeter. 

Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvr

Get Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768

About the Hosts:

George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world.

Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/

Elyse Welles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft.

Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenism

In this episode of Living Hellenism, George Lizos and Elyse Welles explore Zeus beyond the myths, looking at how Hellenic polytheism understands him as a god of divine order, justice, kingship, protection, hospitality, and the sky. They discuss the difference between mythology and theology, why ancient Greek myths were never meant to be read as literal biographies of the gods, and how Zeus’ stories reveal deeper spiritual teachings about wisdom, law, balance, and the structure of the cosmos. 

George and Elyse also explore the Dioscuria festival, the divine twins Castor and Pollux, and the spiritual symbolism of mortality, immortality, brotherhood, and inner harmony. You’ll learn about Zeus’ epithets, his role in ancient Greek spirituality, the virtues of justice and orderliness, and how modern Hellenic polytheists can build a respectful devotional relationship with Zeus today. The episode ends with the Orphic Hymn to Zeus as a prayerful offering to the Greek god of thunder, divine order, and cosmic harmony. 

Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvr

Get Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768

About the Hosts:

George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world.

Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/

Elyse Welles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft.

Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenism

In this episode of Living Hellenism, George Lizos and Elyse Welles explore the summer solstice in Hellenic polytheism and its connection to Apollo, Hermes, and the living practice of Greek religion. They discuss how the summer solstice is understood through the Greek wheel of the year, why Apollo’s light is honored at this time, and how this season invites spiritual growth, manifestation, visibility, and deeper devotional practice. 

You’ll also learn about Hermes as the Greek god of communication, guidance, travel, offerings, and sacred connection between the human and divine worlds. George and Elyse explore Hermes’ myths, symbols, virtues, and role in ancient Greek spirituality, while offering practical ways to honor the Greek gods through nature, prayer, offerings, community, and everyday Hellenic worship. The episode ends with the Orphic Hymn to Hermes as a devotional offering for the month. 

Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvr

Get Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768

About the Hosts:

George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world.

Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/

Elyse Welles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft.

Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenism

Welcome to the first episode of Living Hellenism, a podcast for modern practitioners, seekers, and devotees who feel called to the Greek gods, ancient Greek religion, and the sacred wisdom of Hellenic Polytheism. In this opening episode, we begin exploring what it means to approach Hellenism not as a relic of the past, but as a living spiritual path that can shape how we pray, worship, heal, make meaning, and relate to the divine in everyday life.

This episode sets the foundation for the journey ahead, including conversations on the Greek gods, ritual, personal gnosis, ancient Greek spirituality, myth, philosophy, devotion, and the practical realities of practicing Hellenism in the modern world. Whether you’re new to Hellenic Polytheism or deepening an existing relationship with the gods, Living Hellenism invites you into a grounded, sacred, and deeply personal exploration of the ancient traditions that still speak to us today.

Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvr

Get Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768

Resources mentioned:

What is Hellenisticism?: https://angelonasios.substack.com/p/what-is-hellenisticism

Hellenic Pagan, Hellenist, or Something Other?: https://angelonasios.substack.com/p/hellenic-pagan-hellenist-or-something

The Appropriation of “Hellenism” - A "Profound Offense": https://angelonasios.substack.com/p/the-appropriation-of-hellenism-a

About the Hosts:

George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world.

Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/

Elyse Welles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft.

Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.