Ancient Greek Guide to Cleansing, Banishment and Exorcism - Part 7 - Power Animals

Two Greek Sphinxes
Guard a Modern
Hellenic Shrine.

The concept of requesting the aid of Power Animals is something that has always fascinated me about polytheism and paganism. However, it's not normally in the modern ancient Greek religion. Other than the protection of a place or object, like a Sphinx guarding a temple or a lion protecting a tomb, they're not normally invoked for personal companionship. 

However, in my own life, I have entertained the thought of slightly changing that in ways that would not contradict Hellenism, no more than it would be to ask the permission of any free willed being in the proper respects.

Of course, one of the great things about Power Animals, perhaps for lack of a better term, is that they don't have to necessarily be tied to one culture or another exclusively. For example, one of my prominent ones is the turtle or tortoise. Most certainly connected with Hermes, but also found in more places than just Greece, and is great for protection, patience, and observance. They just close up in their armor and nothing can penetrate. But my strong character is also reflected in my most culturally significant animal, the Greek Gryphon.

It's worth saying that many of the most extraordinary animals in Greek culture were not friendly, which is probably why there's never been any real effort at creating relationships with them. They're beings that are not going to show up for tea parties, or have much interest, if any, in human affairs. Most animistic or hybrid creatures in Greek myth wreaked havoc on humanity and were killed by Heroes. However, there were normally some among them who were either helpful or had the ability to exist in their own individual way. For example, the Sphinx that Oedipus encountered wasn't friendly at all, but other Sphinxes guard temples and sacred areas that are valued by humans. Therefore, the goal is to find the unique ones.

Since we're on the topic, let's start with the Greek Sphinx. Notice that I call these magnificent creatures in the Greek version and context, because while they permeate other cultures, the Greek is unique and extraordinary in its own right, and usually easy to identify through appearance, posture, sharpness, functions and myths. For instance, the Greek Sphinx is not to be confused at all with the Egyptian.

This beautiful animal is composed of the wings of an eagle, the body of a lion (usually female), a serpent tail, and the head of a human. Its wings and body represent Heaven and Earth, and the human head makes it possible to communicate the wisdom of both realms to mankind. This is why they are so wise yet also challenging for humans to comprehend. While they can talk to us, humans are far from being masters of universal competency. Remember, only someone exceptional, like Oedipus, was able to solve the riddle that liberated Theban Greece.

When standing in the protection of a place or person, a Greek Sphinx is a powerful and deadly ally. The aggression alone that it can bring against a spiritual or energetic intruder is beyond measure. Its razor claws and venomous tail will bring instant death or severe injury. I highly doubt that an invader would look forward to the battle. Successfully invoke one, and whatever is against you will play hell getting through.

The thing to remember with a Sphinx, as with any being of higher power, is respect and humility. If you try to gain their favor through force, coercion or control, they'll ignore you at best. At worst, they might smack you one good time, which you don't want considering the paws they have. Even if you do successfully gain their alliance, they can still leave of their own accord. To request, kindly give a sacrifice to the Gods and ask them to send one that would consent to protecting and guarding you. Then you might also go into meditation to meet and create a relationship. But be prepared, the Sphinx may test you.

Next, let's discuss the Greek Gryphon, which has the lower body of a lion, and the head, wings and talons of an eagle. A little less ferocious than the Sphinx perhaps, but still extremely dangerous and deadly to enemies. The depiction of the Greek Gryphon goes all the way back to Minoan Crete in the palace of Knossos. Mainly, they are guardians of precious things. The Gryphon is also the sacred animal of my temple, which is why the priests and priestesses wear a metal Gryphon in the center of the laurel on their shoulder sashes. 

When I call on the Gryphon, I will normally feel its giant, majestic wings wrap around me and its magical powers and strength fill the atmosphere. Then there is no fear or danger, only power and confidence. But I also find myself in a bit of an easy spot because the Gryphon chose me instead of the other way around. It came to me at the very beginning of my studies into the old religions, before I even became a Hellenist. So they have always been there, and all I have to do is make a verbal request, "I call upon the power of the Gryphon." For other people, however, it may not be that simple.

As I said in the description, Gryphons guard that which is precious and rare. They would therefore be lovers of items that are beautiful and valuable, which makes their presence even better because Greek spiritual relationships thrive on reciprocity. So what precious things do you have in your home or possession? It doesn't only have to be gold, silver, bronze, diamonds or monies. Your entire family and home can be precious and beautiful to you.

Take some of your most beautiful and valuable inanimate objects and set aside a special place for them, like an altar, shrine or even a temple structure for the Gryphon who decides to come and claim them, and place the valuables there as gifts in return for their protection. It also doesn't have to be a one time gift, and probably shouldn't be. You can build upon it by adding more beautiful things for the Gryphon over time. Even something as simple and beautiful as a store bought charm. The more you reinforce something, the stronger it becomes.

Finally, I'd say that one of my favorite creatures of Greek religion is the majestic horse Pegasos. I would say he is a universal animal to the Greeks for assistance in animal power. He would be to the Greeks what Excalibur is to Arthur, only far cooler and exceptionally stronger.

The winged Stallion helped Hellenes like Bellerophon complete their quests into Heroism and kill vicious monsters. Pegasos, whose name means "Sprung Forth," was born from the blood of the infamous Medusa when Perseus severed her head off. The great Steed came as the horse of the Gods, and has since been a favorite of Zeus. Originally, Pegasos was completely untamed and therefore only Gods could control him. Of course, Bellerophon changed that, but even He required Divine assistance to do so. Without Pegasos, He would not have been able to defeat the Chimera.

Some say that Pegasos now holds the thunderbolt of Zeus, or that he is the horse of thunder and lighting itself directed by Zeus. Others say that Pegasos is one of the horses of Eos, Goddess of the dawn. Pegasos greatly aided in the destruction of chaos and evil, so it may not be a surprise that his image was also used by Allied Paratroopers in World War II, as they fought to defeat the Axis of Evil. Pegasos has always been harnessed by good people and those favored by the Gods for the sake of vanquishing that which is not good.

Pegasos also has personal powers of his own. He was credited for creating the Spring of Hippocrene on Mount Helicon by simply stomping his feet. He holds the power of flight, creation of life itself, and with him he brings the presence and favor of Gods.

In closing this section, I will list animals connected with The Olympian Gods, that they may send to us as protectors, defenders and helpers.

Zeus - Eagle

Hera - Peacock

Aphrodite - Dove

Poseidon - Seahorse

Demeter - Gecko

Artemis - Deer

Apollon - Lion

Athena - Owl

Hephaistos - Crane

Hermes - Tortoise

Dionysos - Leopard

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

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Part 6

Ancient Greek Guide to Cleansing, Banishment and Exorcism - Part 6 - Crystals and Gems

Crystal That Represented The
Agathos Daimon In My
Freeport, IL Apartment
In 2013
(Dioptase).

Derived from the ancient Greek word krustallos, I've always loved crystals, ever since childhood, although my interaction with them on a religious and spiritual nature has decreased over the years.

I remember when my middle school and high school science class would inspect ancient rocks and stones, and an astonishing peace and endless intrigue would fill me, and still does. I'd probably be very happy in a geological career but I must consider financial practicality. While crystal and gem usage is not a specific practice in Hellenism today, they are able to be adopted, as they are very common objects.

They are of the Earth's wealth and beauty, which are ruled over and given by the Gods. It would therefore be nonsense to think they cannot be reasonably adopted to our prosperity and protection, especially when said usage can be specifically directed toward an element or Deity of Greek religion. In those respects, they're really no different than Cult Objects or relics, which were religious practices well known to the ancient Greeks.

One of my favorites is the Rose Quartz. Now each practitioner will probably give you a different answer as to what specific crystals can be for, but the Rose is generally acquired for increased spirituality and calmness. For the Greek practitioner who is deeply religious in everything they do in life, and for someone who additionally may battle depression or anxiety issues, this stone is wonderful to just hold in hand or keep on you generally. Sometimes I would sit at my desk in quiet, light a candle the same color as the crystal, close it in my hand, and slightly meditate.

The ultimate goal is to let the good and positive energy of the object release, fill and surround you. If you have a really good one, you may not even need to use any mental abilities. If you want to add to the stone's power, you can petition Gods who are likely to have connection to it, such as Demeter or Eirene for peace, and during an elevated sense of things in any case, you may be able to better attune with Gods generally.

Another that is my personal favorite is Dioptase. As you can see in the picture above, I first used it back in 2013 to invoke the Agathos Daimon (Good Spirit), mainly because of its color, and both it and the Agathos are Chthonic. So in that purpose, it helped bring Him into my home and family's life. The crystal itself also generally gives someone a clear mind, and a well rounded, positive understanding of their life. It's wonderful for someone who suffers from bipolar or confidence issues.

In finishing this section, I have included a list of The Olympian Gods and the crystals associated with them. The thing to remember, however, is that like a Greek God, a crystal or gem can encompass a number of epithets. It may therefore not be possible to say that one kind is only meant for one God. For example, Tiger's Eye, Lapis Lazuli and Agate could all be relevant to Athena for their protection and mental advancement.

Zeus ~ Labradorite

Hera ~ Sapphire

Aphrodite ~ Smoky Quartz

Poseidon ~ Larimar

Demeter ~ Malachite

Artemis ~ Tree Agate or Moonstone

Apollon ~ Amber

Athena ~ Auralite 23

Hephaistos ~ Opal

Ares ~ Carnelian

Hermes ~ Citrine

Dionysos ~ Jade

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

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Ancient Greek Guide to Cleansing, Banishment and Exorcism - Part 4 - Everyday Hellenism

Keeping bad energy, ghosts and spirits out of your life is an everyday practice. Hellenists do not have a word for religion because life and religion are inherently one. To be a Hellenist is to be religious. For this section, we will go into more depth on the world of ghosts and spirits, but first, we must know the difference between them.

The acknowledgement of the existence of ghosts goes all the way back to Plato and Sokrates. In the Dialogue of Phaedo, they talk about shadows and phantoms that sometimes wander around graves and monuments. It is one of the first recordings of a haunted cemetery.

A ghost is typically from a human who was once alive in physical form. In the past, I've heard some people suggest that a ghost can also simply be the energy of the physical person that was left behind in a given location, like a footprint. This might explain why people have sometimes reported seeing the same ghost in entirely different places.

However, ghosts have also been reported to directly attack or even talk to a living individual. So we would be led to believe that at least some ghosts have a form of consciousness, perhaps even an extension of the actual soul of the deceased, and therefore is far more than just simply loose energy. Ghosts are normally encountered in places they haunt, such as homes, buildings, traumatic areas, or cemeteries and other burial or marked grounds.

Some ghosts are even friendly or at least neutral, but can still cause uneasiness. And then some are outright terrifying and malevolent. The big question is, what is the reason for their place here and why haven't they crossed over into the next life? In the past, I have answered this question by saying that people have stopped paying Charon for a long time, and in ancient belief, a failure to do so means you must wait upon the shores for a hundred years. But there are many other theories, from being trapped to unfinished business. Maybe all are true in their own circumstances.

A spirit is a spiritual being that is from, and is living in, the universe. They are likely centuries, millions or billions of years old, and they are not human. In Hellenism, we love and are devoted to many good Spirits, such as the Agathos Daimon, which means Good Spirit. But not all spirits out there are part of Hellenism, nor are they all friendly. A spirit is fully conscious, intelligent and a free willed being with powerful abilities beyond the mundane reality. 

Such spirits can come from a variety of places, such as natural birth to the recesses of condemned realms like Tartaros. It's also possible for them to be conjured and sent by humans, although I am skeptical as to the success rate of this practice. Any human who thinks they can use their own power to tie down a powerful malevolent spiritual being and force them to their own will, is a fool. The spirit can turn on them at any time. Besides, a spirit or any higher level being probably doesn't have time to care about someone's petty squabbles with other people.

Most of the time when we encounter a bad ghost or spirit, or a ghost or spirit on their bad side, it's because we have upset them in some way. Ghosts and spirits can be hard to deal with, but not impossible, and I promote the idea that prevention is better than engagement. The Hollywood exorcist or paranormal gunslinger is really just a romantic looking for trouble, and you'll notice that sooner or later, they find it and wish they hadn't. Prudence and humility are hallmarks of Hellenic virtue. We are combative only when we have to be.

Method 1: Do Daily Sacrifice

There is nothing more powerful than the Gods, that's just a simple fact. They are the ultimate powers and authorities of the universe, of all things we can and cannot see. One way humans have gained their attention for centuries and strengthened relationships with them is through daily or frequent rituals and sacrifices. 

Method 2: Invoke Heroes

In the past, I have talked about the great benefit of having Patron Heroes in our daily lives. Several years ago, a friend of mine who lived a few cities over, called me in hysteria over a ghost that had been messing around in their apartment, and had just manifested before them for a few moments. One of the invocations I did during the house cleansing was to the Hero Bellerophon.

Noble Bellerophon, from the Divine stables, retrieve the white steed, and upon winged Pegasos fly from the skies, bearing your spear of victory and triumph over all that hinders goodness. Upon heaven's horse, advance the light of humanity, bringing peace and freedom once again.

Pray and offer to your Hero each day. When banishing a ghost, you can also pray to Hermes as the Psychopomp. He helps the dead move on to the next world for which they are destined. You can petition a Hero in similar ways as a God, through prayer and sacrifice. For Hero worship, you might also consider having a Cult Object. Sometimes the ancient Greeks claimed to have relics from Gods and Heroes, such as the bones of Theseus that were allegedly returned and reburied in Athens, or the Spartans who exhibited the shell of the egg from which Helen was said to have been born.

Although the term relic isn't the right word in our case in 2024, because a relic is what remains of something that existed long ago, and we simply don't have any of that now at our immediate disposal. That's why we have Cult Objects. This can be a recreation, reproduction, or a chosen object, often that exists for Heroes. For example, one might find a remake of the Shield of Achilles, the bow of Atalanta, or even coinage, shoes or clothing that were used during the time period and might have been worn by the Heroic person. As a personal example, my temple's Patron Hero is Ajax, and in the temple I have a dedicated remake of a small ancient Greek war helmet that Heroes like Him may have worn. It acts as an aid in bringing His presence.

If you have or find such an object, you can connect it to a Hero or Heroine with a prayer like this, Noble Hero/Heroine (insert name), upon this, a reflection of your holy (insert name of object), ordain as a symbol of your Cultus, to carry with it always your presence, power, blessings and memory.

You can carry the Cult Object with you or leave it in your home in a specifically designated area, but always treating it as precious and sacred. You might even house it in a small shrine where you give regular offerings to the Hero. If you decide to carry it with you, and you will find that a wonderful practice and experience, do not allow it to be thrown around or come into contact with pollutants or impurities. If you make this mistake, cleanse the object with sage and spring water.

Method 3: Meditations

Meditation can be an immensely crucial element to your health and protection, because it clears and strengthens the mind, which allows your connection with the Gods and Heroes to grow. A troubled and chaotic mind is the perfect victim and a very easy target for anything or anyone who wants to attack you. 

Method 4: Reverse Psychology

If you think a spirit has been sent your way by someone else, there's another option you might consider besides combat. Around thirteen years ago, I received word that a dark magician who really hated me had not only conjured a spirit to come after me, but had enlisted the help of his friends. Through some light detective work, I actually discovered the name of the alleged spirit, as it was a common one among that kind of magic. But instead of preparing to fight, I gave the spirit a sufficient offering. I spoke out to the spirit by name and presented my offering with the following words, The people who send you against me, they call you for their petty squabbles, but I give you this gift. Be at peace with me.

If the spirit had indeed been sent against me, it accepted the offering and broke its deal with my enemies, because it never did anything to me. In fact, the spirit might have turned on the sender(s).

In ending this section, I would like to present a little information as well about the ancient practice of the Boundary Marker. In Hellenism, the establishment of the Marker greatly aids in protection of not only the home, but the entire property it sits on. Normally one is placed at the property line where the land ends and another begins, and one at the entrance of the front door of the house. If you're in an apartment, you can place it outside the front door as well and on the back of the patio or balcony if you have one. When I lived in South Beloit, Illinois, this is what I did. A white, Greek ionic column was the best for me, acknowledging the Gods who are part of the Marker, which are Hermes, Hekate, and Apollon. Additionally, you can have an altar in the center of your yard to Zeus of the Fence, who guards the inner sections of the boundary. Give regular offerings to the Gods who are part of them.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

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Why Do The Gods Appear Mostly In Human Form?

I was asked this very intriguing question by someone on social media who had read my post about the Gods having biological genders. I found it fascinating that I had never given the topic a lot of thought before. Nevertheless, I thought it would make an excellent post topic, as it would be far too long for a social media comment section.

I think it's first important to note that the Gods, in the myths, sometimes changed into other lifeforms before returning to their original manifestations. Sometimes they even turned people or objects into different things. This is one reason I believe that the Gods are, at least in one respect, the consciousness of the universe.

But as far as human manifestation is concerned, I have always said and believe that it is we who look like them, not the other way around. We did not create Gods. They created us. But let us say that we are looking at this in terms of the Gods being the consciousness of the universe, at least for a moment. The Gods are actually beyond any comprehension humans can imagine, but we can at least take a theory and speculate on it.

We must conclude that the Gods can be whatever they want, and are therefore not bound to any one body or form. So the Gods come to us in a human form because that's how we, as humans, can best understand and interact with them. Not to mention that humans are the most blessed mortal beings on Earth, because we are the smartest and create the most love and beauty. So why wouldn't the Gods adore us enough to not only prefer the manifestation of the most blessed on the planet, but the ones that they themselves have blessed to be such? After all, as we are told, the Gods love to have relationships with us. Humanity is clearly chosen.

On the other hand, maybe the Gods really do look like that. Perhaps they gave the most blessed beings on Earth their own appearance. As a philosopher, I have always thought that sometimes the wisest thing I can say is, I don't know. But in order to hold onto my belief that it is we who look like the Gods, and not the Gods who look like us, I would have to say that the Gods gave us their most common images.

So perhaps what the Gods appear in is not human form, but their own entirely. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Why The Gods Definitely Have Biological Genders

I've heard people and groups in the past say that the Gods do not have genders, or that they are "genderless." I'm not here today to say that they don't have the right to their beliefs, or that they are somehow "evil," I am simply saying that I disagree, and in this post, I am going to make my case.

The first obviousness of the claim should be readily seen. To say, for example, that Hera (the Supreme Goddess, Mother of the galaxy and Goddess of women themselves) is not female, is absurd - illogical at best. The entire reason we have the words God and Goddess is to make a distinction between male and female. But let's go deeper.

I have found that the belief in genderless Gods mainly stems from the belief that gender is a social construct. But this is not a universally accurate statement.

Gender roles can be a social construct, but biological sex is not. No one gives you that except for nature, and nature is of the Gods, and therefore, defining sex comes from the Gods, not just for humans, but mostly every living thing on the planet. Male and female exist abundantly in the universe, everywhere around us, and also in the Gods as logic would therefore dictate. 

Even if you change your sex, you are still defined by that new sex, otherwise why feel the need to change it to better define yourself? And while it's true that we can possess traits from both sexes, we will still have a central manifestation. Sex is a defining characteristic of who someone is.

The gender roles of human society are not what determine the genders or sexes of the Gods in any case. Often, a God or Goddess did not choose a realm because of their gender. Athena isn't the Patron of Athens because She's female, but because She won it. Poseidon isn't the God of the sea because He's male, but because He chose it. 

And sometimes, the gender roles of Greek society were the opposite of the Gods' stations. For example, men did most of the hunting, yet Artemis is the hunting and wilderness Deity mainly. Yes, She can have a counterpart (Her brother Apollon) but that even more so proves that the Gods have genders, otherwise why is there a distinct male and female here? If gender didn't matter, why the need for the recognition of two opposites? 

Furthermore, the Sex Goddess is female even though men were the dominant sex. The Deity of agriculture is female even though men did most of the field work. It could go on with examples. In a society dominated by men, you would think that the highest stations would go to Gods if gender roles made the determination. But they don't, because Gods are not created by humans. The Gods simply are.

Even if we go back to the gender roles of Greek society alone, we cannot logically argue that those were the only manifestations of biological sex. The Greeks even had certain festivals and religious functions only for women because they were directly tied to being female and not male.

I think the insistence on genderless Gods is really a social construct in and of itself, that desires to remold the Gods to conform with modern social mindsets, but what we have to realize is that such a thing is not necessary, nor do we as humans have any right to redefine a God. 

In the Goodness of the Gods, I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,

Chris Aldridge.

Humans Did Not Create Gods, and Here's How You Know

One of the most common arguments, even from some philosophers as far back as ancient times, is that humans created the Gods of their cultures. It's basically an argument that attempts to invalidate the Gods themselves. Now certainly, I'm not saying that there were never any myths ascribed to the Gods that came, at least in part, from human understanding. But it's not true that the Gods are creations of humans. The Gods are real, and I will tell you why.

Let us think about it logically, or perhaps, in a way that most people never have before. And for this, let's of course refer to ancient Greek times, since that's where my religious and spiritual focus resides in life. In ancient Athens, a City ruled by men, a Goddess was the Patron. In a culture where men did most of the hunting, Artemis was the main Hunting Deity. In a society where sex was primarily ruled by men, a female Deity (Aphrodite), was the presiding Divinity. So the question begs, if humans create Gods, why were all of these Gods not male instead of female? Shouldn't a society ruled by men create male Gods to be their leaders?

The simple answer is that humans do not create Gods. Athena, Artemis and Aphrodite, for example, are who they are, regardless of the society we create, or the preferences we may have as human beings. When Athena claimed Athens, it did not matter which humans ruled it, or how the society was structured. She overruled them all. The same for Artemis and Aphrodite. The wild and the love of the universe belong to them, and no mortal social structure can change that. 

As a man, I might be a good martial artist, but when I need strength, it's Athena I pray to. When I need protection for my children, Artemis is who I sacrifice to. And for the power and passion of sexuality and sexual success, Aphrodite's my counsel. Furthermore, I see no reason that this should be a threat to my masculinity. The wonderful powers and Divinities of the masculine and feminine swirl all around us, in the Heavens, upon the Earth, and in the Underworld.

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.

Life's Altar Blocks Are Always Drenched In Blood

When people hear that word, sacrifice, especially in an ancient Greek or Pagan context, their first thoughts are the common forms of said practice, whether it be a sacrifice in terms of something of great value given to a God or Gods, or the ritual sacrifice of a prized animal such as livestock, to those Deities. Normally, we conjure up an image of the goat or lamb being laid upon the altar, or at least led up to it, and their throats cut open as prayers are cried out to the Higher Powers, and the blood of the victim drenches the ground. Then perhaps some wonderful libations follow. It might even end with a Seer inspecting the entrails for a sign or omen from above.

Generally speaking, sacrifices of this kind are to gain the attention of the Gods for reciprocity, but I also think that something the ancients understood, and that we should still realize to this day, is that there is no blessing that doesn't require a sacrifice. Everything we do in life, we have to give our best. Nothing comes easy or falls into our lap. Anything good or valuable you want out of life takes blood, sweat and tears, pain, hard work, and giving up certain things for others so that you can attain said goal. Sacrifice is what makes life itself move forward for everyone and everything. Just because it's not an animal's head on a blade, doesn't mean it's any less of a dedication and devotion, or a loss of something you might prize in order to hope for something more or better.

People seem to make the concept of sacrifice into such a taboo topic, or at least, they certainly used to. But when I think about all of the things I have willingly given up over the last 14 years to be where I am now, it amounts to far more than a farm animal. In order to get my wife, son, a new home and a new life, I've had to go through over a decade of sacrificing everything I knew from my life prior, giving up my homeland and everything that might have been any inheritance, and enduring a thousand mile trip across the nation. I've had to give immeasurable time, energy and stress to raising a special needs child so that he could be the best man possible. I spent years doing everything I could, hard or easy, to finish my college degree, and finally have done it just this year. Not to mention periods that were stationary and, at times, seemed like they were never going to progress, which caused a lot of depression and anxiety issues. 

But there's also an additional question you must ask yourself, Is it all worth it? I would say that, deep down, I always knew it was. With each sacrifice I made, hardship I endured, or obstacle I faced, the Gods put that vibrating spirit in my heart that always had the hope that, one day, it would all come to fruition. And so it has. Life, of course, is not over, and hopefully won't be for a great many years to come. As we continue to drive the chariot that the Gods have given us, there will be more bumps and broken axles, more potholes and perils, and more rainy days to accompany the sunny ones. Life is ever changing. More sacrifices, in whatever form, will probably be made. But again, sacrifice drives the chariot on.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

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New Ways, Old Thinking, In Belvidere

Northern Illinois has a plethora of very quaint and beautiful small municipalities. I've had the pleasure of living in several of them throughout my life in this State, such as Galena and Elizabeth. One of my favorites is Belvidere, a beautiful City with a vibrant atmosphere situated East of Cherry Valley. One of the most attractive things about these locations is the creative culture.

As I was driving through Belvidere today on an errand, I took notice to one of their community statues that you see in the picture, of heroic police and firemen protecting and helping the vulnerable child, and I could not help but note also the clothing on the statues (in this case, scarfs, which are a seasonal dress).

As humans, we do a lot of things subconsciously, even from our distant past that seems to carry on through evolutionary timelines. In ancient Pagan times, it was not uncommon at all for citizens to clothe statues of their Gods and Heroes during certain festivals or times of year. In Greek culture, you have traditions like Panathenaia, and even if there wasn't a special occasion, one would not have considered it odd to see a Cult cleaning and robing their Cult Image at the beginning of the day.

While the people of the City today may not interpret the act in the same way as ancient man, or even as a religious devotion, I think there's something in our soul that never goes away, that always, in some form, calls out to where we truly came from and where we can never truly separate ourselves. It goes back, I think, to what a Hellenic friend of mine told me a long time ago when we were talking about Greek Christians who still have statues of Greek Gods in their homes, businesses or restaurants. Simply, "It's in their blood."

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 you have is the mere physical, which eventually fades or goes just far enough to indulge the carnal, that won't be enough. Most of us need something eternal and undying. Over 60% of studies have shown that religious people are less depressed.

I think that somewhere inside of us, and in the universe itself, there remains the threat of that vast void, and it will consume us 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, you're always going to feel a blackness or a bottomless pit inside you somewhere. There is something we 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.

How A Hellenic Marriage Endured The Impossible

I certainly will never pass myself off as a licensed relationship counselor, but from my own relationship of the last 14 years, which was a Hellenic union and marriage, I know what creates strength and weakness, love and hate, union and dissolution.

I remember a long time ago a friend of mine, who wasn't a Hellenist or any religion as far as I knew, asked me to pray for her marriage, as it was on the verge of divorce. I said I'd ask Hera for help (Queen of heaven and the Goddess of marriage).

A few days later, my friend told me that her relationship had miraculously improved. I haven't heard from her since, and I hope things are still going well, but the first point is that when you put Hera at the center of your union, it will never break.

Of course, it was first Aphrodite, Goddess of love and passion, who brought my wife and I together. Still to this day, after the better part of 20 years of being together, we still have just as much passion for one another.

The hard part, at the beginning of our relationship, was that neither of our families approved. They either felt one wasn't good enough for the other, or that it was something that was happening too fast and hasty. But sometimes, that's the way the universe works.

So literally, we ran away together. We didn't care what others thought. She left her home, and I mine. We didn't look back either. For a short time, we were technically homeless until we managed to get into a hotel here and there, in which we stayed until our first apartment was finally secured.

When you want to be with someone and the opportunity to change your life for the better is there, don't bother yourself with the opinions of other people. Listen to what the Gods and your heart tell you. 

Some may be critical of spontaneous love, but I can verify that it is an indicator of the strongest kind. If you have to work to get someone to love you, it's just not meant to be. A natural connection does not require labor, nor can it ever be destroyed, just as energy itself cannot be.

When we rented our first apartment together in High Point, North Carolina in the summer of 2009, we were so poor that I was astounded they even gave us one in the first place, and as nice as it was to add. We literally had nothing but our laptops, clothes to sit on, and an air mattress for sleep. 

But we were as happy as we could be, even though we didn't have any material. We didn't even have good jobs at the time. Nevertheless, we were delighted just to be with each other in our own place, away from everything and everyone else. Therefore, I'd say the second phase is finding someone who is willing to run away with and love you for you only.

Of course, finding someone who only wants you for you may not be that easy if you're rich or well off. In that case, I really can't give advice because I've never been rich. But what I can say is that someone who wants you when you're poor, won't leave you when you're rich. So if you want a lifelong partner, get one either when you're poor, or who doesn't know you're not.

However, we could not have possibly guessed what was to come next, something that would change so many lives, including ours, forever; a severely premature baby. Even though Gryphon pulled through amazingly after being born at only 24 weeks, he still has issues he will have to work through throughout his life.

Why does this have such an impact on the marriage between my wife and I? Because over 80% of marriages with children with disabilities end in divorce or separation. Ours never did. That's not to say it hasn't had its difficult times, but the hardships uniquely made us stronger together.

When Gods like Zeus, Athena, Artemis and Apollon are part of your life, you realize that you have a duty and an obligation to others, no matter how difficult things may become at times. It was mine to love my wife and be there for my son, because I had assisted in bringing this union together and creating our child. My personal feelings and stresses are irrelevant when it comes to duty.

In short, Hellenism instills in you honor. Honor is the most important of all virtues, because without it, there is nothing you won't do under the right circumstances. Honor puts the personal to the side and brings to the top what is simply right and what is simply wrong. Would it have been much easier to leave my marriage? Quite possibly. But easy isn't always right, nor does it always make you better.

Additionally, the more you experience hardships and trials together, the more love and strength your connection will have. Don't run or recoil from challenges if they come. Instead invoke the Gods, take each other's hand, and push through them. Whatever you do, never see one another as the enemy or the reason for your troubles. You are in it together. Your partnership is supposed to help you manage things better. Use it.

Life is not easy. It's a full time job, full of stress, health and financial issues, and sometimes even legal concerns. But I tell you truly, the Gods and your love will bring you through all of it.

One might say, "Yes, but why bother? If it's been that hard a significant amount of the time, wouldn't it be better to just not go through it?"

The answer is, if you never want to change for the better and you don't want to get the most out of a relationship, then no, it's not worth your time. Otherwise, it's worth every step. You'll notice progress for the better, just as we have. Things have always improved slowly but surely. We are a world better off now than when we first met. It's not even a close comparison. For two reasons; the Gods and the refusal to give up.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Humans Aren't Gods, and Pagan Groups Need To Stop Telling People They Are

Many people come to Paganism out of a longing for the old Gods, to find community where they otherwise would not, and to reach their own unique sense of purpose and achievement. Most people find the Gods, their purpose, and equally important, themselves. These are all fantastic things. 

But perhaps in an attempt to raise people above the levels they came from, or out of delusions of grandeur, or perhaps even out of actual belief, there are Pagan systems that tell people they are Gods, equal to Gods, work with Gods, and are the same as Gods. 

Whenever I hear someone say they are a God, or that some other person is a God, if prompted I always say, "Oh, yeah? Make it rain." I don't respond this way to be a jerk, but to wake them up to an important reality that can become dangerous to neglect.

Our religious and social ancestors had no problem with worship or religion. In fact, to the Greeks, there was no word for religion because life was religious. They were not Christians nor Abrahamic, and yet, they still realized that their Gods were greater than themselves. They still prayed, worshiped and sacrificed to them because they held status, power and wisdom far above their own.

Humans are not the same or equal to the Gods. If we were, we would not be called humans. We do not take their places nor work with them, because we are not on the same levels at all. We are mortal, we hurt, we bleed, and we die. Gods do not. 

The idea that Pagans did not worship is simply incorrect at best, and a lie at worst. However, it did not mean they saw themselves as degenerates. Quite the contrary, they could be Heroic to the point of eternal glory. Simply put, the Gods had their place and mankind had theirs. Nothing deplorable about any of it.

There are many reasons humans should not consider themselves Gods, but here are the core ones to my mind.

1. Humans simply aren't. Truth has a place in human life.

2. It gives a false sense of achievement; people don't have to do anything else in life.

3. It can create dangerous self-righteous authority over other people and things.

4. Self-harm can follow from thinking you're something you're not.

5. To not give the Gods their proper place is an affront to the sacredness of Divinity.

It does not matter how big, strong or successful you are, you are not a God. But you also don't have to be. Who in the world ever thought or assumed that human beings couldn't be great as a human? 

Ikaros was, mythologically, among the first two men to achieve flight. That in itself was greatness. But because Ikaros failed to understand his proper place and tried to soar higher than a mortal should, he fell and drowned. 

It was not that he didn't reach greatness, but that he didn't acknowledge what greatness was for a man. He had achieved all a man could, filling his cup of glory to the top, if only he hadn't tried to make it hold more than it naturally could.

Imagine it. He could have brought the knowledge of flight to mankind, made himself rich, loved and admired for eternity. There would have been nothing inglorious about his life. If only he had understood the difference between Gods and men. In the picture above of Ikaros, notice to the left that Athena has Her back turned to him. 

"Didn't some of the Heroes become Gods after death?" Yes, but it was after they had transcended the physical realm, and many of the Heroes were part Divine to begin with. And not all Ascended people are Gods either. They are more powerful than physical humans, but still not Deities. 

In closing, I will say that when it comes down to personal belief, should others really concern themselves with that? I'd say normally not. If someone believes they are Superman, who cares? But if they put on the costume and go to jump off a building, should we as a community tell them that they are indeed Superman and to go ahead? 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Soul's Journey: Ancient Greek Afterlife from Start to Finish

"Not a man alive can send me to Haides until it's my time, and when it is my time, be I brave or coward, nothing can stop it." - Homer.

During my life as a Hellenist, I have more than once happened upon questions concerning the ancient Greek afterlife. What is it? Why would you want to go there? What happens? What are your goals? The curiosity and desire for possible knowledge never ends, and deservedly so. 

Especially in our time, it's only natural that people be exceptionally wonderous, for not much has been seriously written or thought about on the topic in over 2,000 years, certainly not in a serious religious context. Nevertheless, belief in the old Gods continues to rise and death impacts us all, from the passing of people we know and love to the realization that we will one day join them.

I intended to answer all of those questions and more. Although the interesting factor is that the afterlife is not the primary focus in Hellenism. We believe in an elaborate world full of possibilities, and yet, the beyond is not our primary target. It's also very relevant to say that not all Hellenists believe the same things about it. There is no holy book.

Using my own worldviews along with Greek myth and religion from times forgotten, I will attempt to paint the most vivid depictions possible, from the last breath to the final destination, if there indeed is one.

Section 1: Get Some Coin!

Bad news! Or maybe good depending on how you see it. You're about to take your last breath. Thanatos, the Spirit of death, is here. Hopefully, you're also being visited by Makaria, the Spirit of blessed death. 

But before now, did you ever stop to wonder what it's like to stop existing in your current form? What it's like to go to sleep for decades, only this time, to never wake again?

Some indeed are terrified at the mere thought. Bad news certainly, although Plato said that death isn't the worst thing that can happen to a man. The truth is that you're not dead, your body is. Death is not the ultimate end but a transition. It may, therefore, be inaccurate to call it the afterlife because life does not cease, it simply changes.

Take the air in one last time, then exhale. Your whole life flashes before you, then you blackout. All physicality has ceased. Your current life is over.

Since most people today are not Hellenists, I hope you left instructions. Your body, being dead, is now considered a pollutant upon the living, and anyone who comes into contact with it will need to later cleanse themselves with sulfur to purify their own body and life. Although in today's time, the undertaker will probably bear most of the burden.

At your funeral, coin of proper value will have to be placed with your body. Why? Because soon, in the spiritual world where you now stand, you will meet Charon the boatman, and you'll need that transcendental payment for him to boat you across the rivers, but more on that a bit later.

The good news about the money is that the exchange rate from ancient to modern time is very affordable for even the poorest of people. One coin, or obol, would be placed in the mouth of the body. Today, that value would be 10 USD. There are very rare $10 coins that can be purchased through the US mint, but it would be very costly and not arrive in time. However, paper dollars can be exactly exchanged for gold coin dollars at most banks. All 10 can be placed in the mouth, which would be the traditional method.

Why the mouth? It must have been believed that the mouth was the place from which the soul emanated, because part of the coin practice was to seal off the entrance the soul could use to return to this world. It makes sense. The mouth is where the very breath of life comes from. It was time for the soul to pass on and therefore had to be directed into the next realm. And so what better way to make sure the soul can retrieve the ferryman's fee?

I have also heard of coins being placed over the eyes or in the hand of the body, but I think that's more modern than ancient.

Coin Practice Continues Today!

Leaving coins for the dead has, in fact, never left the human condition. If you take a stroll through a large graveyard or cemetery, you may see a tombstone or marker with a variety of coins on it, especially if the deceased was military. The love of War Heroes is very ancient Greek. Heroism on the battlefield also wasn't only reserved for Kings and Generals. All of the Homeric warriors are Heroes, and a City or Locality in the ancient Greek world might even worship a soldier as a Hero if they came from, and died in service of, that City.

Coins left today on graves normally have several meanings depending on the value of the currency, usually having something to do with the visitor's relation to the dead person.

The Funeral

According to ancient Greek customs, your body must go through proper funerary rites. It must be washed and dressed in clean clothing or garments, something that, again, the undertaker would handle today. However, a female member of your family must anoint the body with olive oil.

"I anoint you in the good name of Hermes, the Guide of Souls, and for Haides, Receiver of the Dead."

Believe it or not, much of the same funerary customs in ancient Greece are still observed today in the West. All those years you may have spent as a Christian, not knowing you were performing Greek Polytheistic rites during the funerals of your friends or family.

The cleaning, dressing and laying out of the body for viewing with the feet facing the door and the head resting on a pillow, the area decked with funerary decorations, memorabilia, and emblems of mourning such as wreaths and flowers, the recitation of songs and prayers, accompanying the deceased to their final resting place, and even the feast or reception after, all originated from ancient Hellas. A laurel wreath should also be placed upon your chest. 

However, if it is all ancient Greek custom, your body will not be buried until nightfall, at which time you would have the pall bearers and a procession that includes friends and family. At the gravesite or cremation location, a final funerary speech would be given, hopefully in good praise of you.

The end comes when you are lowered into the ground or set ablaze in cremation. The only thing that will remain of your old self above ground is the tombstone or marker, although you are never completely separated from the living. 

In Greek belief, your grave is a direct link to you in the Underworld or afterlife, and libations can be poured down to you from that very spot. In fact, at the funeral, a declaration is recited to make your memory last forever, and then libations of water, olive oil, milk and honey are made, one for each declaration, then the vessels are broken onto the ground as the pourers turn away from the deceased.

Ideally, your friends and family will maintain religious honors for you each year. But that's their job. Yours is now to start your journey through the Underworld.

On The River Bank

The River Styx waits for you to cross it. While you stand upon the shore, think of all who have passed here before you, and even Achilles Himself who was dipped into the water as an infant. But why water or a river? How does this manifest into a reality of life after death? Simply put, water is not only the element of spirituality, but the eternal, recycling element of life through which all life must travel. Hermes Himself led you to the entrance where the river starts. Now you wait.

The Styx (Hate) in particular stands as a border between the world above and below, or rather, the living and dead. When Charon approaches you in his boat, you will hand over the 10 gold coins that were left with you by friends or family. You can now board and begin your journey, but don't expect to see all rainbows along the way.

If you do not have the coin to pay Charon, there's bad news. You will not be able to board, and you'll have to wait on the shores for 100 years. But if that is indeed the case, look at it this way, you'll have lots of company especially in today's time.

We might modernly interpret this to mean that those who do not cross with Charon, for whatever reason, remain ghosts. In fact, even Plato talked about the phantoms that haunted the tombs and cemeteries around his area in the Dialogue of Phaedo. 

The Underworld is divided by 4 other rivers. These are Akheron (Woe), Kokytus (Wailing), Phlegethon (Fire), and Lethe (Forgetfulness). All of the rivers have something that links them with death. The hate people have for death and dying, the woe and wailing that comes from everyone effected, the fire that destroys and purifies the dead and the living, and the forgetfulness that the soul goes through to forget its previous incarnation or mortal life (perhaps this explains why reincarnated people cannot readily recall their past lives).

Judges of the Underworld

You probably thought you'd be meeting Haides Himself here, but no. He's very Supreme and has lots of lower officers, if you will, to handle the duties necessary; people He can trust and who lived greatly enough to be able to adequately judge the deeds of men. You will eventually face the 3 Judges of the Underworld. They are Minos, Rhadamanthys, and Aiakos. 

These 3 Judges are also given access to different parts of the afterlife or Underworld. Haides entrusts His very keys to Aiakos. Rhadamanthys will be the one deciding if you get Elysion or not (some may consider Elysion to be the same as the Isle of the Blessed). And Minos who normally gets the last vote. 

The very interesting thing about Minos as a Judge of the Underworld is that we don't actually know who he is. Many automatically connect him with the Minos of Theseus, but historians now think that Minos was a dynastic title, not something reserved for only one person. The Minos of the Underworld is therefore technically not identified. Very fascinating and also a little unsettling, to my mind any way.

Where Will You Go?

With 3 Judges, it may not be outlandish to connect them with 3 commonly known realms of the afterlife. If you were a virtuous and pious person, Elysion is your reward, which is basically the ancient Greek version of heaven. It is nothing but an eternity of peace, beauty and bliss. If you were exceptionally bad, Tartaros will likely be your destination, which is the ancient Greek version of punishment and torment (although, as you will see, it's not eternal). Finally, someone who has been neither good or evil may find themselves a resident of the Underworld or reincarnation.

Er Tells All!

Toward the end of the 10th Book of Plato's Republic, the philosopher describes a man named Er, who had a near death experience, but returned to tell of the amazing parts of the afterlife he had experienced. It is truly a fascinating account, but also very lengthy, so I will do my best to sum it up adequately. 

Er was a solider who fell on the battlefield, but unlike his comrades, he was not completely dead. He recovered, but during the penetration of the other side, he was told that he was to return to the physical world and tell people what he had witnessed.

He described people coming down from heaven and up from the earth, the ones from below being unpurified and the ones from above being holy. The two classes talked with each other about both places, the earthly wanting desperately to reach heavenly, but could not because, presumably, they were still on their journeys below to make up for the injustices they had inflicted on others during their life, each injustice having to be repaid 10 times over.

Er then describes the fate of the most wicked of people, Tartaros. They, he said, had not paid a sufficient penalty and thus heaven rejected them as they tried to go upwards. They were bound by their hands and feet, lacerated, and dragged to the entrance where they would be thrown into the bowels of the gloom. But Er also gives the impression that even if someone is sentenced to punishment, they can ascend after they have served their time.

Er now talks about the many facets of "the light and whorl" which hold all things together in many manifestations, and the souls of the many reaching it over all of heaven and earth. And that among these things, people are given new lives to return to, not always human lives either. Once all was decided, they were immediately launched up into their new births. In other words, Er not only saw people in the bliss of heaven and the atonement of below, but also in reincarnation. 

Of course, keep in mind, this is a very, very brief description; one needs to read the account completely to grasp the true amazement of it all. 

Conclusion

I cannot say for certain what your journey will be, nor mine, when the time comes. But what seems to be a consensus is that whether your next life will be happy, hateful or neutral, or what you may have to go through to get to the life you want, depends on how you have chosen to live the life you're presently in. Keep this in mind always, before every decision, before every action, before every word. Live a pious and virtuous life.

What're my goals? I'd say to reach peace and happiness. That may take a very long time, but that's where I'm headed, friends. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Sources

Adkins, Lesley and Adkins, A. Roy, Handbook To Life In Ancient Greece, Oxford University Press, New York, 1997.

Hellenic Council YSEE of America, Hellenic Ethnic Religion: Theology and Practice, New York, 2018.

Cooper M. John, Plato Complete Works, Hackett Publishing, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1997.