The Gods Show Their Goodness

One thing I have found is that when I let worry take over my mind, that anxiety can cut me off from the Gods in an instant, because it's basically mental miasma, which is just as bad, may be even worse, than physical miasma. Without the mind in good working order, I might be impaired from moving forward, and my mind might even tell me things that are not true. And the worst part is that if the mind worries about something long enough, the mind will start to believe it's true. So what might have started out as an irrational fear, could end up not seeming so later on down the road. Excessive worry can also cause a pessimistic outlook on life, and this is bad because optimistic people generally live longer. Science has shown all of this.

So how do I develop and keep an optimistic outlook on life? How can I condition my brain to be positive, happy and helpful, and thus, more receptive to the Gods? Religious and philosophical leaders from ancient times to modern, stress the importance of the idea that the Gods are good and always do good. Realizing that eternal and unending goodness that comes from heaven.

I won't lie. I beat myself up a lot for my past mistakes. I am normally very hard on myself for even small things. Although I am trying harder every day to turn that course, to treat myself better and with more understanding and forgiveness, to love myself essentially. And the problem is that you can't do that by simply saying you're going to. One thing it takes is to realize that you are deserving of love, both from the Gods and yourself. They chose me in place of millions and millions of others who could have been born instead. They saw great potential in me. It's never going to produce a good life to be self-hating.

Not everyone may agree with my perspective that the Gods are all love, and that's fine. But to my mind, how else could they be our bliss? The physical and spiritual feeling and uplift that fills us when we pray and offer to the Gods, has to be based on some form of universal love, friendship, compassion, and delight that comes from above. Even after we have committed offenses and move to atone through a Propitiatory Sacrifice, the Gods are still willing to hear those prayers and accept those atonements. What could do that but love, compassion and understanding? At the very least, it's a willingness to welcome us back. Opening my mind up to all of those universally positive things, enables me to move forward, to live in peace, and be kind to my fellowman. 

So when the mind tries to descend into that deep dark hole, as it is called, I remind myself of the truth. The Gods are good and they always do good. I am worthy of love. I am not my past. This is a new day. I have wonderful potential. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.  

Find The Love Of The Gods In This Room

See everything before you as an opportunity to experience the wonder of the Gods, is something I have always said, but it can be far harder than one might imagine, especially if we don't like the situation we are in. But in said situation, the Gods may teach us more than we could have conceived.

Most of the jobs I've had in my life, I have considered at least beneath me, if not outright hated. Even if I tried to find the good in them, it seemed impossible ultimately. Once I had a job at a local McDonald's just so that I could pay my debts, in the face of my hold job that I had held for 5 years, but that had basically stopped paying its workers. The feeling of being betrayed doesn't even begin to describe it, spending years on the false hope they promoted that you could make it as an independent contractor. It ended with my vehicle destroyed and bank account emptied, so it would have been ridiculous to expect me to feel good about nabbing the first job I could find as a security net.

Then one day, something said to me, "Find the love of the Gods in this kitchen you're working in." In this job I hated, something Higher wanted me to seek to find Divine love. I wondered how in the world I would accomplish such a task. Nevertheless, I sought to obey, of course. I was clearly trying to be taught something. But although I tried and tried, I could never find it. 

Soon I went to my next job across the street at the travel center, or gas station in laymen's terms. More pay, and apparently, less stress, appealed to me greatly (although the less stress part was a foolish thing to assume). But as a customer, I had indeed enjoyed the atmosphere of the place. As I would soon find, experiencing it as an employee is a world different, and I did not like it. However, the mission given to me was still in my head, to find the love of the Gods in this place I couldn't stand.

For months, I once again went on this journey in failure. Then I talked to my wife, who is a Hellenic Oracle. I did not go to her with this question or mission in mind, but we talked frequently about how much I hated my job. She one day said to me that I help keep the world moving, that without gas stations, everything would literally stop. The world that the Gods love, I help keep moving forward, as far as humanity is concerned, and therefore, I am working for the good of my Polis (City).

That's when I found the love of the Gods even in an undesirable job. I still didn't love my job, but it still changed my attitude about my future jobs and endeavors, whatever they may be in the future. To find wisdom, purpose and achievement is the point in all your journeys.

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.

The Heart and Brain Think Differently. Why?

You'll find a lot of memes and jokes on social media about the struggle between the mind and heart, two forces that can find themselves at war, but only one wins out, sometimes the heart, sometimes the mind. But have we ever asked ourselves why that is? Why did the Gods give us a brain and a heart that think differently?

Generally speaking, the mind is logic, the heart is emotion, and for the most powerful mortal beings on Earth, the latter is extremely important to have. Sometimes what is carnal, isn't always humane or ethical. That's where the heart comes in. It gives us an essential part of our humanity.

The carnal part of our brain tells us things like, "Eat this so you won't be hungry," or "Get that money so you can buy the things you want." It's instinct, although that's not to say that the entire brain is carnal. On the other hand, when it comes to the heart, we find ourselves having empathy. 

Let's start with an example from my own life, so that the reader may better understand this universal truth. I have a very cute cat named Rosie, who we adopted from a local animal shelter a year or so ago. She is a valuable asset to our family at times, but she also has her many problems. The trouble she gets into will sometimes make me incredibly angry to the point that I want to get rid of her, but here's the thing, I can't. No matter how much I want to pick her up and toss her out my door, my emotions create empathy and love, and make me realize that such an action is not only cruel, but very wrong and dishonorable. 

More so, the Gods are able to appeal that ethical side to me because of the fact that they enabled me with the emotional capacity for empathy and compassion. If I had no emotion, I could do whatever I wanted to other living creatures and indeed the world around me. No matter what the Gods or humans told me, I would be unable to feel or understand it.

The same goes for other people. The reason we don't abandon our children, spouses or loved ones is because our emotional states will not allow it. Our ability to love and feel keeps us moral and honorable. 

The Gods gave it to us because it was necessary for our survival and the prosperity of everything around us. Realizing this about ourselves is crucial to beginning to understand the genius of the Gods and the intelligence behind our natural existence. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

None Are Without Opportunity In Hellenism

Life is hard, and sometimes, downright unfair. In my view, no culture understood how this plays into human life more than the ancient Greeks. But they also realized that said factor does not have to take away from life's grandeur. 

A week ago, I was walking out of a convenient store, and on my way to the gas pump, I noticed a man who was probably about 5' 5", bald on top, and a pot belly, or at least what we would consider to be oversized. He was not fat, he just had a husky midsection. In short, he's probably not going to be making a magazine cover for the Sexiest Man Alive series, ever.

I'm not at all trying to talk down on him for something he mostly can't help, I am simply trying to make the following point. I thought to myself in the moment, that, even if I were like him, Hellenism would still be able to make my life purposeful. 

One thing Hellenism has taught me is that every life has value and a destiny of their own. No one is here for nothing, and no one is worthless. It would not matter my circumstances. I could still be a Hellenist or a Hellenic Priest and live a beautiful life in service to the Gods. I might be encouraged to lose weight and get a better job for my own health, but the Gods can still be delighted in me.

Far too many people don't realize how wonderful it is just to be alive, and to be able to fully experience all of that beauty as a human being. When I first came to know the Gods way back in 2005, I was so poor I didn't even have a bank account, living with my parents or grandparents, and working dead end minimum wage jobs. But the Gods still opened my mind up to the immense wonder of the cosmos and the everyday things around me. They gave me a love that I would have not had otherwise.

One may not have the most beautiful or expensive things, but what Hellenism makes us realize is that we can take what we do have and make it beautiful. I've never had a palace, but I've always made my home gorgeous and comfortable. I've never had a million dollars, but I've always lived strongly. And I've never been the most attractive man, but I've always found loving partners. Success is not always found in being the best, but in taking what you've been given and making the best of it.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Have You Really Thought About How Wonderful Life Is?

The longer we live with something as a routine, the more we either tend to take it for granted or not give it a second thought. I think that's the primary cause of taking things for granted, even of getting bored. It's the same with the simple fact of being alive. We've been doing it for decades every single day, and so we end up going through the days as if they were mere motions, not realizing the wonderful blessing the Gods have given us.

When I was a young man, especially as a teenager and young adult, I was overtly in love with life, and for so long over the past few years, I have wondered how I could get back to that mindset. It was the time when I was the poorest and most unaccomplished, but I still loved the world, life, and the Gods once I came to know them.

Why? I think it was because I simply understood how much of a blessing it was to be able to experience life every day. To see the beauty of nature, eat amazing food, wear colorful clothes, travel to new places, meet interesting people, feel the love of those who loved me, learn new things, read a new book; to kiss a new girl. It was all wonderful, and brought a smile to my face. That's not to say I never experienced sadness. We all do. But I somehow did not let it define me.

However, the older we grow, the more we tend to fall in love and obsession with all the things that rob us of our smile when we fail to achieve them. We even fall in love with things that destroy us. And eventually, we find ourselves in a situation of never-ending strife. It's no wonder than our nation is depressed and anxious.

Each day, I try instead to get up with a love for life and a heart grateful to the Gods, because that's what truly matters. Instead of saying, "I have to go to work," say, "I get to go to work." Instead of saying, "I hate this house, " say, "I have a comfortable place to live. That's not to say you can't have goals of improvement if you want, it's simply the practice of realizing what a wonder it is to be alive each day. Of all the people who could have been born instead of you, the Gods chose you.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

You're Never Done, It's Never Over

A few nights ago, I found myself sitting outside in the dark, no wind blowing and very few cars passing by. Recently, I have entered into some new difficulties and problems in my personal life. In fact, it's no secret that I haven't had a generally easy life all together, and some things which have plagued me, are unique and will never impact most other people. I'm sure that some would have even given up all together by now, but my spirituality and love for life have always been the salvation.

On this night in discussion, a million thoughts, worries and scenarios bolted and played out through my mind. Sometimes I can be a worry wort because of my anxiety issues. It causes one to overthink dramatically. If it gets bad enough, the episode can even cause me to cry. But that night, I simply looked up at the starry heavens and told the Gods how grateful I was for all the blessings and good things in my life, especially those that had happened recently. Even in my worst times, I will do this, building my life on positivity and trust in the Gods instead of all the things that destroy people.

If you think about it, everything in your life, even your life itself, is a practice. Nothing is ever actually complete. You work to perfect your job, education, relationships, family, and even physical property like home improvement and maintenance work. Nothing is ever universally "done" when it comes to human life. We're here to always be the best version of ourselves, or to at least strive to that end.

Part of that is keeping ourselves healthy and strong, and our mental and spiritual health is just as important and vital as any other form of healthcare. When you find yourself even in the worst situations, thank the Higher Powers for all good things in your life. This is not a "could be worse" mentality. Rather, it builds upon healthiness and gives you a great outlook on life. For example, you may have lost your job, but you still have a home and family, and that means you still have great things to work for, and a reason to find another career.

Chaos of the world disrupts order, and so by putting your daily life into perspective, you'll not only come out of depression and anxiety, but also find purpose, heal wounds, close old doors, and build upon your unique self.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

It's My Fate

When you first start your life as a Hellenist, at least for me personally, you're quick to say you don't believe in fate as a lifelong concept, or that you at least don't believe in it generally speaking. You might think that some things are preordained, just like the ancient Greeks most certainly did, but you generally reject the notion that your life is already planned out. And I've pretty much always believed that pivotal moments are already decided, but what you do with them is of your own will. For example, my lifechanging move to Illinois was fate, but what I do with my life here is my own choice.

But I will also say this. The longer I live, the more and more I think fate plays continuous roles in human life. Perhaps not in all of one's life, but still a significant part. For the simple fact that there are general things I have tried to change or alter the course of for the better part of 40 years, and it just won't happen no matter what I do. Hellenism has certainly changed me for the better, morally and ethically, than I was beforehand, and put a confidence and faith in me that I never had previously, but I can't change the over all structure of who I am. And I've equally noticed that trying to change it only makes things harder or more upset. I eventually wondered if said hardship was because I was essentially trying to fight against the universe.

Nevertheless, I also remember that when I was a child and a teenager, my living situation was a lot worse than it is now, and even if that was my fate at that time, it never interfered with my happiness. I remember being absolutely in love with life and everything about it. The fact that I was very poor and had no real prospects, did not inhibit me in the least. I still loved, still believed I could do anything, and sometimes I did. 

It's also true that many things in my life have not turned out the way I wanted, or the way I had envisioned. The most maddening part is that I don't really know why, and perhaps I'm not supposed to know, but it's still something I carry with me each day. It's even hurtful to an extent, to see men or women no better than you, but who have things you feel you deserved as well. Why, is the question that will drive you insanely angry if you let it. So I eventually found it best to generally stop asking, either to myself or others.

Is fate simply what we call things that are out of our hands? Who knows these things but the Gods? What I do know is that it's possible to live well in one's fate. For example, you might not be rich, but you can be financially comfortable. Your person may not win the election, but you can do your own public works for what you believe in. You may not be as popular as Stephen King, but you can still get your works published and distributed.

But even knowing that there's fate in my life, and always will be, I ultimately don't worry about anything; because I know who my Gods are.

In the Goodness of The Dodekatheon,

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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Pendants From Greece Hold More Natural Power

In the modern Greek Polytheistic community, some people may not be too explorative about jewelry or necklaces, even if they are religious. 

In fact, with the exception of my own works, I haven't read a book on the topic that really puts any significance on it. I'm not being critical; it's just an observation.

But I am most certainly someone who loves anything I can carry with me that reminds me of, or connects me with, the Gods and Heroes, especially when its a remake of what once existed.

In the picture above, you can see my own that I recently purchased from Greece herself, Athens specifically. The coin is a replica of the Athena Tetradrachm, meaning it was worth the value of four drachmas in the ancient world, eventually working its way up to a standard form of currency. 

The silver mines were located probably in Laurium in the Athenian countryside. This particular coin originally came into being in the late 6th Century BCE. More importantly, the coin is a direct connection to Athena, not just by Her frontal image, but by the AOE on the back, 

AOE means Alpha, Theta, and Epsilon, or Of The Athenians. The coin embodies all that is Athena and Athens (the Goddess and Her beloved City).

After I received the pendant, I put a chain on it to wear around my neck during the day, not really giving it that much thought. I didn't even try to put any energy or blessings onto it myself. It was intended for purely cosmetic purposes.

But I noticed that when I wrap my hand around and just hold it, Athena's amazing presence comes over and calms me, no matter how frustrated, angry, sad or hopeless I may be feeling at the time. It's like a cure-all for the mind and emotions.

The only thing I can figure, as to the pendant's natural power, is that it is directly from the land of Athena Herself, and carries on that ancient connection that has existed for thousands of years. 

Not even pendants that I have bought of Athena in America and placed blessings upon have had this kind of natural, never-ending spiritual strength. And of course, when you have a pendant with this kind of natural power, adding prayers, hymns or other spiritual significance along with it will only strengthen it further for you, and perhaps others as well. 

I would definitely recommend to anyone wanting Hellenic jewelry for religious purpose, to consider Greek sellers. There is just a charm that you cannot get anywhere else.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge. 

Why Live On? The Gods Give Us Plenty of Reasons

God almighty Zeus, I normally say, when I look at how depressed, anxious, angry and fearful people are in my time. 

Certainly, even the most positive among us have hard times, even if in a smaller measure. But when I see how hopeless and even suicidal my fellow human is, I can't help but ask, why?

Statistically, people are more fraught and unhappy than ever before in human history, which makes no sense on the surface because we have it better than any other time preceding us.

Our ancestors of 1,000 or even 100 years ago did not even have the vaccines we do today, to say nothing of readily available clean food and water, education, clothing, housing, entertainment, freedom and protection. Yet we would be led to believe they were happier than us. 

It's true that we are also probably more overworked and underpaid than they were at times, but even so, I find it so lamentable and disheartening when I hear people talk about giving up, saying things like, "Why live on? What's the point?" My friends, the Gods give us plenty of reasons.

When I say they give us plenty of reasons, I don't mean they write out a list and directly hand it over to each individual. I mean to say that the Gods and the world, being wonderful and joyful to delight in, beget life. The Gods are life. The world is a reason. 

 

The Gods gave you a body to perfect, not destroy. They gave you a day to seize, not sleep through. They gave you women and men to love, not neglect. You are part of the reason to live on. If you do your best every day, if you become as successful as you can, and if you get yourself strong, healthy and focused, you'll find purpose.

 

In some of Greek myth, you find that one of the purposes of humans is to please the Gods. If you're not doing your best each day, you're not pleasing the Gods. That may sound selfish, but let me explain more.

 

The Heroes became Heroes because they refused to accept failure, to settle, to sit at the bottom of the mountain instead of climbing it. And the laziness is why most people never became Heroes either.

 

It's going to get hard, it's going to hurt, it's going to anger you, and there's going to be times when it gets hopeless; keep your eyes forward. You don't think it's hard for me to work, write and practice martial arts every day? If you spend your life only doing what's easy, you'll see no reason to live on.

 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Mythology/Theology: To The Greeks, There Was A Difference

If you've been a Hellenic Polytheist for at least five minutes, you've no doubt heard others equate the Gods with the myths entirely. 

The first things to realize is that the ancient Greeks did not have a "holy book" of religion and myth.

Not only was ancient Greece a collection of City States completely independent from one another in government and beliefs, but there was no law dictating how someone could view the Gods or what stories they could accept or not.

In fact, it's kind of inaccurate to call it "The Ancient Greek Religion" because there were, in fact, many forms of ancient Greek religion and Cult. Sparta and Athens, for example, believed in the same Gods but did not have the same religion or culture. Not to mention the fact that there were cults everywhere that adhered to their own identities. 

So for instance, someone today might say that my beliefs on Artemis being gracious and kind to people is contradicted considering the myth of Actaeon, but there's literally nothing in Hellenic religion which says I have to accept that story as literal fact or accept it at all.

We do know that we believe in Artemis as She is, of course. But I don't have to believe everything that everyone tells me about Her. I have the right to my own experiences and perspectives, and it does not denote me as a Hellenist. 

It's also true that not only could a given myth vary in detail from City to City, but many of them were handed down by word of mouth, which can change and modify with each teller, especially as the time and culture changes. 

In fact, some of the myths we accept today as Greek, were not even composed by the Greeks. The story of raped Medusa that people commonly call Greek in our time, was actually written by a Roman. The original story, which says nothing of rape or punishment, was written by the Greek Hesiod.

This is also not a modern change to Hellenism either. Greeks were not forced to accept a given story. Historically, it's accepted that around the time of the Hellenistic Era, the myths as literal facts began to waiver as a concept. 

But considering people like Plato and Sokrates, I think it began much sooner than that. Those men clearly believed in the Greek Gods but were also philosophers and not necessarily mythologists. They wrote about people's experiences with the Gods instead of taking written myths and saying, "Here's the 100% truth."

Hellenic religion can be hard to understand, but once you manage to grasp the core, it'll make perfect sense to you.

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

Chris Aldridge.

How I Know The Gods Love Humanity

When a Hellenist speaks of the love of the Gods, they may not intend it to be in the way mainstream religions think. Of course, I cannot speak for all Hellenists, but as for myself, when I say that the Gods love us, I largely mean that they are fascinated by humans, and in turn, this does create a certain level of affection. They are everywhere in our world, and with us constantly, sometimes whether we invite them or not. In my personal experience, the Gods have shown an affinity for my own family and I. I have talked about these cases many times, from the conversion to Hellenism that happened to my wife and I, to the recovery of our premature child and various other blessings the Gods have given us along the long and hard road called life. Additionally, I've also had the privilege and honor of seeing the Gods and Heroes brighten the lives of the friends and people around me.

But the question remains in the title of this post, how do I know the Gods love humanity? Simple, because they don't have to. The universe is so huge that it's beyond human comprehension, and yet the Gods still choose to be part of our world. Chances are, if I ask Hermes to accompany me on my travels today, there's a conceivable chance He will. The human being, and the world in which we live, hold a place in the hearts of Gods. I know the Gods love us because there are many other worlds they could focus on, but they choose to spend some of it with us.

And why is that? What is it about us that draws so much attention from the heavens, the Earth, and the Underworld? We humans in general, especially today, may not think much of ourselves. Sometimes we can get so used to something that we take it for granted or end up conceiving it to be dull. But the fact of the matter is that we have become extraordinary beings. For starters, we are the most intelligent and evolved mortal lifeform on Earth, and we can accomplish things that none of the others can. We can build magnificent temples and skyscrapers, travel to other planets, make amazing foods and medicines, produce mansions, machines, and breathtaking art, and even prolong our own lives as time goes on. The Gods love us because there are no others like us here. We make Earth glimmer in the solar system. 

So the next time you're depressed or thinking lowly of yourself, just remember, you're amazing enough that Gods are interested in you.

In The Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

How Do You Release All Your Doubts?

"I think you're awesome," a very close friend of mine said. "Why?" I asked. "Because you're so spiritual. I wish I had your faith. You have no doubts at all."

I do not consider myself to be anything special or profound. I'm just a man being himself and doing what he loves and believes in. But at the same time, there are some people in my life who think I'm the greatest thing since sliced bread. And there is certainly something undeniable in what they said, I have always had incredibly strong faith no matter what has happened or hasn't happened in my life. Growing up dirt poor, struggling through my young adult life, having a premature child, enduring years of hardship as a parent; there were many things that would attack the spirit of some other people. But not me. Why is that and how do I release myself from doubt?

For starters, I think my spiritual upbringing plays a part, even though it was an entirely different theology. Several religions, despite their vast disagreements, can at times agree on some human values, or at least not devalue them. I grew up in a religiously conservative community and environment in the South. Enduring faith as a concept in and of itself, was instilled into me. I was taught that belief in deity was vital.

Is it also possible that someone could be born with inherent faith? I certainly think so. We are born with schema, which enables us to look for Higher Powers in the universe, and so we are always looking for Gods even from the time we are born. For as long as I can remember, I have been in love with the natural world and could always see the powers and minds behind it all. I still retain that mindset and interpretation to this day. I can't disbelieve in the Gods just as I cannot disbelieve in anything else around me. I can't disbelieve in the Sun, Moon, the forests or oceans because they're obviously there.

Finally, I would call it bliss. I've heard people in the Hellenic community say that we do not worship the Gods because we want something in return, but simply because it makes our lives more blissful. I cannot logically deny that the Gods have given me so many blessings and helped me through all of my hardships. Yes, life has had trials, but the Gods are the goodness we can always experience, and that can help us overcome our problems.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge. 

Ask and The Gods Will Tell You, Every Time

One of the most common questions asked by atheists and agnostics today is, "If there is God or Gods, why are there so many bad things in the world?" But the thing is, there wouldn't be anywhere near as many if we would listen to the Gods every time. 

In the opening of The Odyssey, Zeus is talking to the other Gods about the tragedy of Agamemnon's wife and her lover, who chose to murder Agamemnon. Zeus says, humans blame us Gods for evil, when it is nothing but their own folly. I even sent my Messenger, Hermes, to warn them, and they would not listen, and now they face destruction. Athena finishes the dialogue by saying, may this be the fate of all like them.

The people who ask the question above often don't realize that they are repeating the same error that was made thousands of years ago, and that Zeus has already answered them. They are still laying blame upon the Gods for evil, instead of their own refusal to listen. The Gods would tell us all good things to do to make our lives and the world a better place, if we would only obey their words instead of our own desires which we often allow to take the place of wisdom. Humans listen to their prejudices, hate, greed and destructive desires more than to good, and the Gods know this. Thus, the evil in the world is the fault of humans, not the Gods, and the result shall be the fate of all likewise.

If a murderer, robber, rapist, and every other criminal would listen to what the Gods say, they would not be a murderer, robber, rapist or any criminal. If we would ask the Gods whether we should cheat our fellowman or be honest by them and listen to the answer, we would eventually never know what a lie or a falsehood is. What's even more revealing is that deep down, we already know the answers, because the Gods put their goodness inside of us and the world. Without asking, governments know they should help the poor instead of gluttonizing the rich. And what of disease and illness? We can solve that, too. But we have vaccines that people refuse to take. We have hospitals and technologies that care more about money than human beings. We have natural remedies, like cannabis, that we have kept illegal for countless years, and is still illegal in many places, despite the fact that it's been proven to be a miracle drug for many patients. The Gods gave and are willing to give us the power and knowledge to end about 99% of Earth's problems.

The Gods are not our babysitters, nor did they come to this world with the intention of attaching strings to us like puppets. It is our duty to make something great of our existence, otherwise there is no purpose to said existence.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge.

Why Do Bad Things Happen To Good People?

It's the age old question, still asked by those who believe in the Gods today. Why is my life so hard? Why do these things happen to me? How come a politician who makes a living hurting people gets to live in a mansion while I live in an apartment and have never hurt anyone? I myself have asked these questions many times, but only today have I arrived at a revelation, if you will, about it all.

My wife and I have been together for 10 years this year, and not without more than our share of problems, or at least I think so. We've had things to worry us to death, scare us to death, throw our family for loops, and keep us up at night. There were even times when we thought our family was going to be over. You would not believe some of the immense hardships we have had to face in this life. But what I realized today is that we have prevailed over it all in the end. No matter how hard or hopeless it has been, no matter how much we have cried and wanted to punch the world, we have defeated every enemy against us and triumphed over every injustice thrown against us, civilian or governmental. We have nearly faced it all and won. Every. Single. Time.

I have no answer to the age old question, and I don't know if I ever will. Sometimes, the wisest response is I don't know. But there is one thing that I do know with all certainty. The Gods will bring you through it all. I am telling you with the most sincerity that a human heart and mind can muster, let the Gods lead you into battle and you will never succumb. Even when in the midst of the conflict all may seem lost, wait until the end is said and done.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge.

Are You Truly Socratic? It Can Change Your Life

Socrates taught to think for yourself. But I have found that many of us, even as we grasp that concept, don't do it in the way Socrates did. The mere fact that several of us are persuaded by the opinions of others, or have a crisis of faith at times, proves this. Last month, as I was going through my routine of scouring the used bookstore in Freeport, Illinois for lost ancient Greek treasures to house and preserve in my private library, I had the privilege of stumbling upon a title called "Socrates' Way" by Ronald Gross. It's not an antique publication by any means, as it was published in 2002, but the writer of it has helped even someone as studious as me. In a nutshell, the book teaches the reader how to think like Socrates in a way that will not only change their life, but help them build confidence in their own beliefs and judgement. While Socrates was always committed to learning something new, he held firm to the things he truly believed or found to be accurate. Such was the case during his trial, when he refused to denounce the validity of his mission, or that he had been sent on it by Apollon.

I think too many of us allow others to determine how we think and feel about something, even things we hold deeply dear to our lives and worldviews. In other words, I think people have a bad habit of letting other people think for them. The Oracle of Delphi told people that it was up to them to make their own personal judgement regarding the advice she gave. Even the world's most renowned Oracle did not try to make people follow a particular line of reasoning, and yet her predictions and teachings were still true to their core. A good example of this was the legendary response she gave to Croesus, who inquired about invading Persia at that time. She stated that if he did, he would destroy a great empire. She was right, but it was his own empire that he destroyed, even though he interpreted it to mean the Persian, which came to be known as the Battle of Pteria. She was correct, he just made the wrong judgement for himself. Another was when she told Socrates that he was the wisest of all men. He did not interpret it to mean himself personally, but rather, that the wisest of men, like Socrates, understand that their wisdom is little to nothing. It was up to the receiver to ultimately decide the meaning of her words for their lives, or even to reject it.

Part of being Socratic, and really being Hellenic, is not to have arrogance in your beliefs, but confidence. Even in liberal groups like the Pagan community, you can find people who will tell you that you are doing things wrong with your religion or spirituality. When I was a Neo-Pagan, I had people left and right telling me I was wrong, sometimes calling me a heretic. There are even rare times as a Reconstructionist when I encounter an individual I don't agree with. For example, I have read some Hellenists who don't pray to Greek Heroes outside of Herakles, because they believe it to be a localized custom and not relevant or appropriate for someone outside of that locality. Many years back, I even met a guy who didn't believe that humans can talk to the Gods directly, but that we have to ask lower spirits for intercession, essentially. While these people may be a minority in the community, they still exist. Of course, I disagree with all of their views. One might call be a "PanHellene," because I incorporate ancient Greek spirituality from everywhere in the religion. I pray to all and firmly believe that we can talk directly to any level of Divinity, but if I allowed their opinions to tell me how to think about the Gods and my religion, I'd never feel spiritual or anything like myself. I have enough confidence in my own beliefs and views that I'm never thrown off my course. For the longest time, I allowed myself to be disrupted through a lack of confidence, and eventually, grew sick to death of it. I became tired of letting other people, even those close to me, tell me what to think or how to feel. You'll notice that you feel depressed, enslaved, even hopeless when you allow this to happen, but when you finally become an individual, you feel liberated. There's a reason for that, the reason being that you were always meant to be your own person.

This doesn't just go for religion and spirituality either, but all things that make you an individual. If we allow other people to tell us what to think, or how to feel, we will have a change in our minds and emotions every single day of our lives, because there's always going to be someone with a difference or disagreement. When you let someone put their own mind inside your head, you've lost all.

In the Goodness of the Gods,
Chris Aldridge.

Why Is "Evil" Controversial In Paganism?

Evil may be a bad word depending on your Pagan or Polytheistic tradition. Many people in the modern Pagan community don't like using it because they don't believe in absolutes or an inherent value, believing that good and bad, positive and negative, are both possible from anyone or anything, while some Reconstructionist religions like mine talk about evil many times in their myths and morals. You don't have to look far at all to find the word in Hellenism. Delphic Maxim 31 explicitly and simply says, "Shun Evil." But many Pagans, I would imagine, do not think that things are as simple as good and evil. 

In many ways, they are correct. Absolute evil means that nothing good can come from it, but any being with free will can choose to do good, and if they can make that choice, then they are not absolutely evil, because they have the capacity for the opposite. However, it cannot be denied that evil things happen, at least insofar as we can perceive them to be.

Evil is simply the opposite of good, or the absence of good. So therefore, we have to ask, is it possible that someone or something can do the opposite of good, or that a thing cannot possess any good qualities? Most certainly. Someone or something who tries to murder you or destroy your family, isn't good or creating any good. It may cause you to do something that results in good for yourself, but they and their act themselves are not good in any capacity. Or perhaps a more common example, if you have a severe mental disorder, like depression, that drives you to want to commit suicide, it is also something that carries no good, and in fact, is in direct opposition to what a "good" brain or mind would be.

In my view, the only Ultimate Good in the Universe, that has no capability or desire of evil, is the Gods and the Higher Powers, like the Spirits and Heroes. Because the Gods were made from all that is good in the first place, and because they are the most powerful of all things and are never able to be conquered, evil can never consume or impact them in any form. In fact, the Gods exist explicitly in opposition of evil, chaos and disorder. This is why evil or negativity runs away when the Gods and Heroes are invoked successfully. It becomes vanquished immediately. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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.

A Sense of Faithful Fear

If you base your religion on the views of the ancient Greeks, there's no denying that Greeks do fear, as well as love, the Gods, but it's for a good reason and perhaps not in the way you think.

As a mortal, I find it's natural that I fear a God. Fear isn't something that is directly taught in Greek religion, it's simply there by nature. You should fear a God for the same reason you'd fear a bolt of lightning, or a raging sea, because they are more powerful than you and can wipe you from life in the blink of an eye. A God is also far wiser than yourself will ever be. Fear is the result of a recognition of superior power. But it is the "right" kind of fear because it breeds humility and prudence. Without a good sense of these things, we may find ourselves in more trouble than we can get out of.

Fear does not mean you're not brave, strong or confident, there is simply a fine line between these things and arrogance. For example, saving someone from drowning is brave, strong and confident, but swimming with sharks is dangerous, and you may eventually become drive thru food for a dinosaur. Fear is merely the recognition of your place and limitations. Now some people might ask me, "Didn't the Heroes do things that most people would have considered beyond human limitation?" Yes, they did, but they were sent by the Gods to do something that was possible. They also didn't sink in over their heads. In fact, the Gods routinely provided them with assistance so they wouldn't. Bellerophon couldn't have killed the Chimera without Pegasos (the horse of heaven). A Hero always knows, recognizes, and most importantly, accepts the difference between themselves and the Divine. Being an affront to the Gods is not what it means to be a Hero.

The only time fear is wrong is when it's unwarranted. Fear the Gods because you know they can destroy you, but love them because you know they're kind enough not to, and you will find wisdom. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,
Chris Aldridge.