How Hellenism Changed My Life

The joy of getting up each Day, pouring a libation in my yard to all the Gods, Spirits, Heroes, Deified Mortals and Ancestors of ancient Greece, feeling that Divine Connection first thing in the morning, and preparing for another enjoyment of life, is an irreplaceable sublime, to say the least. When you have felt the Presence of the Gods, you know how terrible you would feel without it. You cannot give it up, nor do you want to.

But there are core truths in my life as a Hellenist. Hellenism changed my life in so many profound ways, and in this post, I would like to outline several of the top ones. How Hellenism changed my life. 

1, Honesty. I used to live life thinking that there was nothing wrong with lying, especially if it was to get yourself out of something. In other words, refusing to take responsibility for yourself. I did not know the inherent value of truth and honor. But now, I take measure to keep my word, to be truthful, and to own my actions. Simply the value of being a good and decent person.

2, Care and Compassion. I suppose the best way I could describe this is by using the ideal of Xenia, or Sacred Hospitality. The value of helping those in need, and showing courtesy and love toward your friends and family members, not only honors the Gods and make those in your care feel hopeful and supported, but it elevates your feeling of self-worth. You realize, in one way, that you are a good man or woman.

3, Self-love, and respect. I'm already enough. I don't have to be anything I'm not, or don't want to be. The Gods made me a wonderfully unique person with my own talents and potential, and I have every right to pursue those. Additionally, the world, as well as yourself, is made a better place if you let the goodness of the Gods shine through you, and build your own kindness with those around you. 

4, Self-happiness. This is where I came to two of the greatest realizations of my life at this point. One, if you let other people tell you what to believe, you will have 0% peace and 100% anxiety. Two, you have to be brave enough to make your own decisions in life. The key to happiness is choosing your own roads of destiny. There are many before us in life. Choose the one that makes you happy and gives you fulfillment.

5, Moderation. Especially in my younger Days, I had a big problem with overindulgence, mainly when it came to food. Moderation does not mean to give up the things you like or that make you happy. It means to find a healthy balance with them. Overindulgence and starvation are both equally destructive. I learned that true happiness and enjoyment in these things comes from finding the balance because you can't enjoy anything if you're sick. The middle is where you can experience the most joy in actuality. Moderation has helped me stay healthy.

6, Inherent beauty of life and the world. Ever since I was a boy, I can remember loving life and the beauty of the world around me. But that was amplified when I became a Hellenist. The wonderfulness in everything in and around me, became always apparent. I became able to look past the "mundane" as it were. Or even find the beauty in the mundane. I see inherent worth in all of life and the Universe. 

7, The Gods are always good. I realized my inherent worth to them. There's no way I can fail the Gods, because you cannot fail those who already have everything and do not need anything from you, and my humanity is not inherently broken; I am blessed, by the Gods and by life. The Gods are always good and always do good, and I am part of that good.

8, Religion and science are not opposed. I have no need to choose between scientific knowledge and my theology. In fact, science strengthens my belief in the Gods, partially because of the immense complexity and direction that is clearly revealed within life and the Universe. But in the grand picture of things, there is no battle between the two concepts. Who do I thank when the doctor gives me healing care, some might ask? I thank Apollon and the doctor. Apollon for showing, revealing and teaching the arts of healing to mankind, and the doctor for dedicating themselves to the practice. All good things come from the Gods. Apollon gives the medicine and the knowledge, the doctor performs the services. 

9, Wonderfully diverse spirituality. I love the fact that Hellenism acknowledges so many levels of Divinity and Ascension. Gods, Spirits, Heroes, Deified Mortals, Ancestors, and the Blessed Dead. There is nothing in my life, nor any issue I can face, where there is no one to help me, teach me, guide me, protect me, bless me, or whatever it may be. The Powers of the Universe take an immense interest in human life.

10, Individuality and Inherent Worthiness. I don't have to be someone I'm not. In fact, the Delphic Maxims say, "Be Yourself." Hellenism does not demand that I adopt a belief or a lifestyle that is contradictory to my own human nature and my own peace and direction for my life. I can decide who I am, what I want to do, and go that direction in the pursuit of Virtue and excellence. I am a worthy person and a necessary part of the Kosmos because I am here. The fact that the Gods created me shows that they consider me a beautiful part of the world.

11, Let go of blame. Epictetus is my favorite philosopher when it comes to blame, because he has helped me let go of so much bitterness and resentment, especially from my past. He spent 30 years as a slave, and when he was free, he did not spend his life blaming and hating. He moved on and became one of the most well known Greek philosophers. He said, small-minded people blame others, average people blame themselves, and wise people know that all blame is foolish. It accomplishes nothing for the good in us or the people in our lives. It only prevents us from peace and achievement. Besides, we are all human and doing the best we can with the knowledge and resources we have. In short, life is life, and there's no need or productivity for blame.

12, Self-Mastery. Finally, I would say that I have learned a good deal of self-mastery in the sense of controlling my emotions and reactions to other people and my life circumstances. People can only provoke you if you give them the power to do so, but not only that, the value of controlling how I see myself, what I allow to take place in my life, and how I control my own life.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,

Chris Aldridge.

Hermes Had Something Better In Mind

A few weeks ago, I received a wonderful blessing from Hermes that I would like to share with my readers.

Back in December of 2024, I left my job at the time and came to regret it, because I realized how much I liked it, and the potential it could have had for me. It was the old feeling of not knowing what you have until you don't have it anymore. I spent the next year trying off and on to get it back, even though I knew the chances were slim because I quit without notice, a really bad mistake. But I think I also had a legitimate reason, my mental illness at the time was starting to reach its peak before I had the breakdown and recovery.

I managed to land a very small job over the spring and summer working one day a week because that was all my mind and body could handle at that point, and all that the company was willing to give me at that time. I thought that if I could get my old job back, I would be happy. Last month, I walked out to our family's altar in the outside sanctuary, made a large offering to Hermes, and asked Him to help me get my old job back, as Hermes is the God of business and commerce. 

I did not get it back, but instead, the good Hermes gave me something far better. I was given a full time position at my current job doing something that I actually really enjoy. The position came up out of the blue one day, and was offered to me, even though my performance over the year had been mostly below par because of my illness. Nevertheless, it came to me. Even though I had previously thought that my old job was my way back to happiness in terms of career, Hermes showed me that I could be even happier in something new, that I did not need to look back. 

Over all this year, the Gods brought me back with a vengeance. Midsummer, I was in bed all day, mentally and physically sick, thinking I was going to die, no real job, no money, no hope in me. Today, I am healthy again, strong, have a great job that I actually like, and excelling in my Master's degree program. The Gods can bring anyone back from anything, for they are good and always do good. I have basically started a new life, just like I wanted, but in a way that the Gods knew would be better for me. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,

Chris Aldridge.

Are You Living Your Purpose?

If Fate is real, which I believe it is, how can we believe that we are expected to be anything other than what we are fated to be? During my life, I've basically been told by others to conquer everything around me, but how can I do that if I am not meant to? How can someone who is poor buy a yacht? Even people who work hard every day of their lives, will never see that kind of wealth. You have to have a certain level of good fortune in order to achieve it. But the mere act of trying your hardest is not a guarantee, and in fact, still keeps your chances very low. Wouldn't your life be better if you focused your strengths and talents on things that you could achieve? Wouldn't it be better if instead of trying to be something you're not, or that life hasn't prepared for you, you became the best that you yourself could be?

I no longer believe that I can "do anything." It's a very nice, comforting and inspirational idea, but the fact of the matter is that no one can do everything. If that were the case, there would be no diversity in the world, and no real need for the Gods to give us diverse talents and desires in life. They, I believe, want to see the most beautiful and happiest expression of yourself in the world. To build to the best of your ability. And I have grown increasingly convinced of that after my year long contact with my spiritual counselor at the Temple of Rhodes in Greece. Nowhere in ancient Greece did everyone do the same things. Some were great, others were moderate, and some were basic. But they all contributed to the glory that was the civilization. For crying out loud, Socrates was called the wisest of all men and he didn't even have a job at the time. He sat and walked around the City each day and philosophized with people. That's what we remember, not his paycheck. 

I think your Fate, in a very large measures, is grounded in what you feel called to do, and what you love to do, which is often the same thing. Now I'm not saying you should run out and quit your job and try to become a professional TV wrestler. What I'm saying is that everyone has the right to pursue their own happiness, their own bliss, and their own talents. When you're doing what you're meant to do, there is ultimate enjoyment. Time has no meaning. It flies by without notice. You also have no fear or anxiety, just peace, love and happiness. For me, my bliss is being a priest and a religious writer. I believe I am here to be a Hellenist and teach people about Hellenism if they want to know. I pray you find your purpose too, and have the courage to live it.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,

Chris Aldridge.

Are You Working For What You Can Own?

In the ancient Maxims of Delphi at number 79, you will find the words, work for what you can own. On the surface, a lot of people might interpret it to mean, be self-employed, that to work for someone else is to be subjected to limited potential, and the attainment of only what that person wants you to have. Thus, you are not being the best version of yourself.

However, I think the Maxim means something far more deeply rooted in the human experience. It means to be fulfilled by your work. Your goal should be to work in a field that you enjoy, not hate. That pays you a living, not exploits you. And that you can feel a sense of purpose and even pride out of.

Self-employment can most certainly bring someone to these ends, but it is not the only road to them. It's possible to be self-employed and be miserable and unproductive. I know because I spent five years as an Independent Contractor, trying everything under the sun to make the job work, and it never did. I was overworked and financially broke when I decided that it wasn't worth it and something else had to be done if I was ever going to make any kind of living.

Since graduating high school in 2004, I have had at least 26 different jobs, and only recently did I finally obtain one that I liked, could keep, and that paid me a living wage. It was at this latter time that I truly came to understand the meaning of working for what you can own. It means to own everything about your work, like your financial stability, happiness and purpose. A slave, in any regard, is not working for what they can own.

Some people might say that having 26 different jobs throughout your life is reckless or even immature, especially if you left most of them because you quit or wanted to do something else. But it shows that, sometimes, you have to be willing to travel though roads, and not be content with unhappiness and neutrality, if you are to ever achieve the things you want out of life. You will find greater things along the way that you otherwise would not have.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,

Chris Aldridge.

My Little Spot In The Universe Is What Matters

While I have not yet achieved all of the goals I have set out for myself in life, I have to say, without a doubt, that I am presently happier than I have ever been in my 40 years. That's progress. As I said, I'm not in all the places I want to be yet, and there are still hard days that come sometimes, but I have to note that I have far more good than bad. 

I have a beautiful and loyal wife and son who love me more than any other human being in the world, my own house, a clean bill of health, a good car, nice clothes, and a gorgeous temple I have finally built and operate as the Head Priest for the Hellenists and Greek Pagans of the world.

Except for my wife and son, my temple alone is the best thing that's ever happened to me. If I could spend every day for the rest of my life simply being its Head Priest and nothing else, it would definitely not be a wasted life. I think, in fact, it would be the best one I could live.

My small place in the universe is what I have to focus on, all I have to answer for, and it's quite easy to make it the most beautiful and prosperous place possible to myself. That's what matters, how you make your own life and the world that revolves around it. That's where your happiness and success is going to lie, not in the opinions, judgements or achievements of other human beings.

What matters is if you can look at your life and the things in it, and feel pleased by what you see and feel. Your satisfaction will be found in taking what the Gods and life have given you and making it the best you can. You may not be able to build a mansion, but you might can definitely build something better than what you have now. Make life beautiful.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,

Chris Aldridge.

Ancient Greek Art of Happiness That May Surprise You

We live in a world more depressed, anxious and unhappy than ever, which makes no sense because, historically, humans are living better than at any other time. We have far more in the way of necessity and luxury than our ancestors of a hundred years ago even dreamed of. Yet, we are led to believe they were happier. Why? While many of us are overworked and underpaid, the fact of the matter is that life is significantly better than ever before. Over all, there is no good reason for so many people to be so worked up. 

In my life as a Hellenist, there has been immense joy, but also a lot of unique hardships and challenges, some that the average person will never go through, such as having a premature child. But Hellenism has also taught me how to live happily, and it is that knowledge, in part, that I wish to share with the reader of this entry. 

Before I begin, I want to say that I think I am different than most other people who claim to champion the subject of happiness. I will not tell you that wealth and riches won't make you happy. As Dan Pena would say, "If you think money can't buy happiness, you don't know where to shop." These things certainly can bring you happiness, it's just that they are not the only things that can. There are many other avenues to the goal. A mansion is a wonderful way to have a home, but you don't have to have a mansion in order to still have a nice home. 

Now an art is always a practice throughout your life. I have certainly not mastered this yet. However, it has helped me internally a lot more than most people may realize. One beautiful summer day, I was driving down a Wisconsin country backroad when a revelation came to me that put most of my worries and fears to rest forever. Most of us find ourselves in mental and emotional anguish because we try to fight the universe. Life can get so hard and frustrating that we want to just swing at the air, knowing that we will hit nothing. In other words, it's out of our hands.

The Greeks believed in the concept of Fate. Now before you presume to know what I'm talking about, read further. Fate does not mean we have no control over our lives. It means we are created each for a unique purpose. Just because you haven't done what someone else has, doesn't mean you're stupid or worthless, or that you cannot accomplish other great things. It just means you have a different purpose.

I began to realize that there is a significant level of peace with accepting Fate. It doesn't mean you should sit on the couch the rest of your life or let your friend drown. It means to understand and accept that there are certain courses for our lives that we cannot change. The pivotal moments are already ordained. For example, it was meant for me to move from North Carolina to Illinois. That was my fate, and there's nothing I can do to change the fact that it happened or that I am now here. So what can I do? I can take this road that has been laid out for me, accept it, and do great things with it. 

Whenever you feel yourself getting mad, scared or frustrated, try saying this to yourself, Don't you fight the universe. You won't win. Just go with it. You may just find that this affirmation sends a wave of peace and wisdom over you that you've never felt before, and relieves you of the emotions that make you feel the worst. Secondly, you'll stop beating yourself up over successes that other people have, and that you yourself haven't achieved. 

When I wake up in the morning and have to take care of my son and work on my home and career, it gets tiring and annoying really fast. Sometimes I want to lash out. But I try to stop and understand that I am here for a reason. This is what Fate has laid out for me. The Gods are not against me, and neither is life. This is just where I am supposed to be at this time, so how can I take what I have been given and make it the greatest that I can? Or, at least, understand that the Gods are wise and be at peace with my life? Equally important, are there things in which I can find peace? For me, that's my temple. There will always be something there for you as well. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,

Chris Aldridge.

The Ancient Chaotic Void Still Exists, But The Gods Fill It

The other night, my wife and I were watching one of our favorite TV series together, and one of the main characters was talking about his unwavering devotion to his religion. He faced so many persuasive opportunities for his own personal gratification, which he desperately longed for, but it was always on the condition that he betray his spiritual convictions, and that he would not do. He basically said that without Higher Powers, nothing else mattered. While the character was not the same religion as us, I could not disagree with his general conclusion.

The ancient Greeks believed that the universe began as Chaos and a vast void, then after a long passing of time, Order came and the void was filled, and in that Order was life, in a nutshell. It's the creation of all that exists today according to the ancient Greeks.

That void was generally conquered by the Gods, but I think the battle between Gods and Chaos can sometimes find itself at a constant. Throughout Greek religion and myth, even though the Gods brought Order, there were still Heroes who had to kill or conquer many things that disrupted the common good of life.

I've said in the past, and meant it, that even if someone offered me a billion dollars on the condition that I renounce the Gods, I would not do it - nor would I even need time to think about it. Because I know that no matter how much material I have, without the Gods there would be a hole that could never again be filled in my life. If all I have is the mere physical, which eventually fades or goes just far enough to indulge the carnal, that won't be enough. I need something eternal.

I think that somewhere inside of me, and in the universe itself, there remains the threat of that vast void, and it will consume if the Gods aren't there. No amount of money or mansions can conquer it. I'm not saying that financial success can't bring a substantial level of happiness, or any said success in the mortal world, but without the Gods, I'm always going to feel a blackness or a bottomless pit inside me somewhere. There is something I long for that the mundane simply cannot satisfy. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,

Chris Aldridge.

Life Lesson From A 9 Year Old

My son has a very special story, as many know. But his premature birth isn't really the topic of this discussion as much as his attitude about his life and circumstances. Most people are aware that he was born severely premature with the worst chances of survival and overcame it all; there's no need, at this point, to recount that. What's equally astounding is my son's view on life and how he decides to live each day, and I think the Gods, in part, gave him to us so that he could be an inspiration to the world. 

Many of us complain about more than we should from day to day. We don't like the weather, our jobs, our home life, whatever it may be. We might even let the traffic lights or the jerk tailgating us send our mind and emotions into rage and frustration. The First World, especially, has no lack of complainers. But people like my son, I think, are unique for two reasons. One, if anyone has a legitimate reason to be angry and sad, it's him. Life did not give him an easy start. He has lifelong problems and has been through painful surgery in the past. He also, for the most part, can't talk physically (although he has found other ways of communication), and at this point, we don't know if he'll ever have the typical life that normal people do. Of course, that's not to say he isn't a very smart boy, he is. But he is still special needs.

However, for two, my son is unique because he doesn't complain about it. He doesn't let anything slow him down. He doesn't care that he was born premature or that he has issues. In fact, on the surface, it appears as if he has no problems at all. He still runs in the open, laughs joyously at the sunlight, plays with his toys, and generally enjoys his life every day. He doesn't even demand anything from others except the food and drink he needs. All he wants is the energy to keep living. You won't find my son sitting his room lamenting and pouting over the cards life has dealt him, no. He finds the good wherever it is. He's the freest and happiest person I myself have ever known.

We should all be more like my son, who is brave enough to not let his circumstances define him. Who takes this life every day and makes it a happy one without letting anything stand in the way of that happiness, no matter how big or troublesome. He just loves life, and delights in all the wonderful things around him. Most importantly, he does this by choice. He could decide to not be joyful very easily, but I think that somewhere inside him, he knows life wasn't meant to be dismal.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge.