Are You Working For What You Can Own?

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

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

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

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

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

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

When Is A Dream From The Gods?

As far back as Homer's Iliad, Greeks and cultures in general have believed that dreams are, or at least can be, messages, signs, omens and even prophecies from the Gods, either for our benefit or not. Even sleep itself is brought by a God (Hypnos), which means that the entire state of being is in connection with Divinity. 

I will start by saying that, in my view, there is one state of dreaming that probably holds less validity than others when it comes to messages. If you have ever awakened early in the morning and then went right back to sleep, you have probably noticed that, during the second phase of your sleep, you dream erratically and randomly. In layman's terms, your dreams are crazy. This is probably the stage in which your dreams are the least meaningful. In my experience, the real dreams come during a complete and restful night's sleep.

When you find yourself in a dream, there are some common indicators that it may be a message from the Gods.

• The dream feels realistic, both in perception and feeling. For example, some have said that they still taste food from a dream upon waking up.
• Normally, they are dreams that you remember, and dreams that make sense. In short, straightforwardness. 
• Finally, they have a meaning or a message, not just randomness in the mind.

One of my own notable dreams that happened to me recently this year involved my dad, an encounter that I could only interpret as a message between me and my parent who has been deceased since 2011. In it, he told me that he was still proud of me and that I was on the right path in life. I had been feeling like a failure because of some significant setbacks that I had suffered previously, but it seems that my dad wanted me to know that I was still a good man. It meant a lot to me.

Sometimes, a dream is just that and nothing more. But they can also be doorways in which Gods, Heroes and even passed friends and family members can communicate with us from the realms beyond us. Why this is, we can only speculate. Perhaps the dream world puts us in a more limbo state in which our consciousness can transcend more. It's a mystery. In any case, we should always listen when they speak.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris and Anastasia Aldridge.

Something The Ancient Greeks Knew Would Save You

Perhaps in a bit of an experiment for myself, I went several weeks without any exercise, especially since my unfortunate incident back in May that left me at a rock bottom place in life (but I have since rebounded greatly, as the Gods were again there for me in my worst times).

During this time period, I also wasn't the healthiest eater. While I stayed at 3 meals a day, it wasn't a champion diet either. I did not consciously make this decision to avoid good diet and exercise, I largely just didn't care until it reached a critical point recently. I suppose I also thought that I could live without it and not really experience that much of a difference.

One morning, I got up feeling sick. Not with like a cold or flu, just physically ill and tired, even though I had slept all night. Sitting at my desk that evening, I can only describe my state of feeling as infected, like my body was filled with toxins, and perhaps my internal organs, like the liver which acts as a filter, needed a boost of some kind.

I didn't want to go to the gym at all, but I pushed myself. Jumping onto the elliptical (one of my favorite machines), I set myself to burn 500 calories, and worked out for around 2 hours. I do not exaggerate when I say that I felt like I had been given a new body. All of the previous weeks of feeling sluggish, tired and sick, were completely gone, and my mental health and outlook on life were positive and optimistic. The exercise worked the sickness out of me, and restored my energy, despite the fact that it was in the evening when I should have been tired naturally. I mean, it was so amazing that I decided to write a blog post about it.

Exercise will restore your health completely, and work the toxins and sickness out of your body, in addition to the filtering that your organs provide. And it does not matter where you are in fitness at the present time. If you go into the gym today and burn an extra 500 calories on the treadmill, you're going to feel better than when you went in. If you then eat reasonably and repeat the activity on a regular basis, you're going to lose weight and become the healthiest version of yourself.

The ancient Greeks were some of the most athletic people in all of history. Especially those who competed in the Games, they were fit and built like a stone tower. Even though there was no 2nd or 3rd place back then, and they knew that 99% of them were going to lose the event, they still perfected their bodies. They knew the benefits of the fitness would make them winners regardless. 

"It's a disgrace to grow old through sheer carelessness before seeing what manner of man you may become by developing your bodily strength and beauty to their highest limit." - Sokrates.

We live in a time where we presume our society to be advanced, but in many ways, it's really not. People are more depressed and sickly than ever, and in my view, it is in large thanks to the rise in physical unhealthiness. Obesity and simple laziness are more of a problem than at any time in human civilization. If we were more like the ancient Greeks, we could definitely reach a new level of advanced.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

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.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Part 6

The Ancient Greeks Had Holy Wars, but For Different Reasons

The concept of a holy or Sacred War did not begin with monotheism. The ancient Greeks had a number of them on the battlefields of Delphi, which was the center of their world.

And some of the Wars were fought for religious freedom itself.

The Wars not only shook and helped shape the ancient Greek world, but who we are as human beings, and our development of warfare in its beginning stages in the West. They also tell us when wars are worth fighting, and even how to avoid physical conflict with one another. And in general, the Sacred Wars are just a fascinating part of ancient Greek history. The reader will find knowledge, mystery, intrigue, and even some humor in the records.

From 595 to 585 BCE, the First Sacred War erupted the turbulent timeline that would filter through many generations of Greeks. The First was also known as the Cirraean War or probably the Kirraean War, named after the City that started it, Kirrha. 

Kirrha was a locality that operated as the harbor of Delphi itself. During this time period, the rise of the Greek City State as we know it, had not come into existence. At best, there were strong tribal regions, such as the Amphictyonic League.

The locality that formed the harbor of Delphi not only began their instigations by abusing and robbing devotees one their way to consult the Oracle of Delphi and pay tribute, but they also tried to seize control of the sacred plain of Apollon, which was never to be cultivated. The League was a confederation of tribes that came together to protect and defend Delphi in the face of this aggression and invasion, which only grew the more it was allowed to persist.

The League declared war on Kirrha, for the purpose of returning Apollon's land and liberating the Delphic Sanctuary to continue its service and work for the Greek world. For ten years, Kirrha was able to put up a stiff resistance, but what probably brought it to an official end and surrender was the first use of chemical warfare in recorded human history. Hellbore, an herb that causes severe stomach pains and diarrhea, was used to poison Kirrha's water supply. Eventually, the people probably simply could not stand anymore. The locality was then breached and destroyed, and its lands taken and given over to the service of Apollon, Leto and Artemis.

Most of the population of Kirrha was killed. The League wanted to make sure that the vanquished would never be able to pose any threat again, so they wiped them from the face of the Earth. Any inhabitants that managed to escape the town or its confiscated lands, made their way to a local mountain region called Kirphe. The final act was to establish the official Games of Delphi, aka the Pythian Games, probably to commemorate the great victory over those who tried to invade the sanctuary and its holy precincts. 

When we look at this war, which would be one of many like it, what do we learn? What is worth fighting for? We would say that the extermination of the entire enemy population was wrong, because most certainly there were noncombatants and people who did not support the acts of aggression against Delphi. The first thing we learn is to judge each person individually. Secondly, that freedom of thought, worship and travel are always worth fighting for, because we cannot be a free people without those qualities. Dictatorships never result in a free, happy or prosperous people. We must always be ready, as free people, to come together, no matter our differences, and oppose the true foe. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Source: Scott, Michael, Delphi: A History of the Center of the Ancient World, Princeton Publishing, 2014.

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.

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Part 4

Part 5

Ancient Greek Guide to Cleansing, Banishment and Exorcism - Part 5 - Charms, Amulets and Talismans

In keeping with the virtues, values and piety of Hellenism, you can use the age old practice of charms, amulets and talismans to protect you and reflect things away from you. It's important to remember that, unlike in previous sections, these are not Cult Objects (although Cult Objects can be used as such).

Normally, these are small and simple objects designed for their specific purposes and can also be charged by the possessor, if you want to use that term. For example, think of a charm you can buy off the shelf at a craft store for your necklace, or an amulet or talisman you purchase at a religious store or event that has specific spiritually relevant carvings or significance.

While energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can, again, be repelled, changed, moved, transformed and attracted, which is the purpose of these tools. They will reflect and return it to the sender or back into the universe to be dealt with by the Gods or other Higher Powers. You don't want to absorb the attack into the object, you want to knock it back.

The first step is to find an appropriate charm, amulet or talisman. Below I have listed several items that would be relevant to a Hellenist or Greek Pagan, or anyone who wants to adopt Greek spirituality.

1- Shield of Athena (a shield with the head of Medusa in the center).

2- Helmet of Athena.

3- Labrys (double-edged axe).

4- Caduceus (Staff of Hermes).

5- Trident (Staff and weapon of Poseidon).

6- Lightning bolt (thunderbolt of Zeus).

7- Vergina Sun (16 pointed star).

8- The Greek Gryphon.

9- The Greek Sphinx.

10- Lion Fleece of Herakles.

11- Thyrsus (Staff of Dionysos).

12- Greek laurel crown.

13- Shield of Achilles.

14- Pegasos.

15- Golden Fleece of Jason.

16- Lyre (instrument of Apollon).

17- Peacock (animal of Hera).

18- Rod of Asklepios.

19- Tortoise (animal of Hermes).

20- Torch and Keys (tools of Hekate).

21- Dove (animal of Aphrodite).

22- Anvil or Blacksmith Hammer (tools of Hephaistos).

23- Stag (animal of Artemis).

24- Sun (power of Helios).

25- Moon (power of Selene).

26- Winged Serpent (animal of Demeter).

27- Sword (weapon of Ares).

These objects will be models or recreations, of course, in the form of trinkets, necklaces, pendants, or other small and light objects that can be carried or worn. Begin by cleansing it. Then, you are going to "activate" it.

There are two ways to give the charm, amulet or talisman power, either with the help of a God, Hero or your own energy. Ideally, you should be open to all three. The Higher Powers are for when your own energy just isn't enough in a given situation. Keep in mind, though, that your own energy is not aiming to take possession of the object. In short, it's not a representation of yourself. Your own mind-infused energy takes the form of your devotion. Every time you worship, it takes energy. This is merely another form of that.

The begin, give an offering, like libation or incense, hold the object in your hand, and request help in like manner,

O' great God/Goddess/Hero or Heroine (Name), upon this (name and identity of object), I ask that you bestow strength, surge through it your Divine Power, that it may stand guard, empower and delight as it did in the times of old, in your blessed name, against all evil and ill that comes to me."

If you can do this in a temple or precinct of the God or Hero, that would be ideal. I once visited the Nashville Parthenon and bought a necklace that depicted Athena, like the statue of Her in the temple itself. I took it up to the top floor where the colossal statue of the Goddess stood, and before it, I held up the necklace and prayed that She bless it. Afterward, I had never before felt that level of power in such an object to my memory.

To simply add your own energy to the object, hold it in your closed hand and envision and direct your energy from your body, moving down your arm and into the object. What kind of energy is this? It is the energy of devotion, piety, faith, reverence, love, trust, optimism, and anything else spiritually positive that comes to your mind. You can even add color significance to the energy, such as red for fire since it repels, or green for earth as it is solid and strong. Charge the object repeatedly, making it stronger with each push or pump, until you feel maximum capacity has been reached.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3 Part 4

Finances Are Not Anti-Pagan

The issue of financial contribution still sometimes arises in the Pagan community; that is to say, paying for clergy and other religious services. Some people can even get quite angry at the mere mention of a priest or priestess asking a reasonable fee for a public speech, or a Seer charging a nominal rate for a reading. 

I too, like mostly everyone else, am against astronomical prices. I think service fees should stay affordable. In my own temple, there are two financial laws in the constitution that govern this part of clergy affairs, saying that excessive charges cannot be required or requested, and some services, such as prayer requests, are not allowed to carry any charges whatsoever.

My temple and property was bought and built by my wife and I alone. No one else contributed to it financially or physically. So I have certainly not lived off of the community at all. 

However, what we must also realize is that religious and spiritual leaders have to pay for things as well, and it was not, by any means, against ancient values or ethics for a community to support their religious establishments. In fact, it was expected.

I always tell people that the Parthenon wasn't built with Facebook likes, and Delphi wasn't financed through good cheer. We have the contributions and history of these structures and places because people put their money and labor into them. Delphi was one of the richest cities in the Greek world. Some cities even put their treasuries in that sanctuary. Delphi, at its peak, was probably literally a City of gold, silver and bronze. The Oracle never went without anything she needed, that's for sure. While it's true that not everyone came to Delphi with a carriage of money, everyone still gave what they could in support of the Oracle and the sanctuary that stood for Apollon. It was just as much an offering to the God as anything else.

When someone buys one of my books, the percentage that goes to me is their support to my continuance as an author and the service that my book has provided to them. When I am paid to give a speech, they're saying that my words and time are valuable and meaningful to the audience or the event. You are supporting the people, literally, who are working for you, and there is nothing immoral about that in and of itself. 

Now I'm not saying you should give 10% of your income or anything like that. We all have things we have to pay for, and things we want for ourselves. But giving a small donation for a service not only supports the clergy or provider, it ensures that they can continue providing services, because they don't have to be doing something else and trying to make money that way. You're literally ensuring that they can remain in their primary profession, which is to serve the religious and spiritual community. 

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

My Little Spot In The Universe Is What Matters

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

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

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

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

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

In the Goodness of the Gods,

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

Chris Aldridge.

Ancient Greek 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.

Part 1 Part 2 Part 3

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.

Ancient Greek Guide to Cleansing, Banishment and Exorcism - Part 3 - Securing The Home

Let's take a look at how to cleanse your home of negative energy first, since Energetics are the most common type of ailments. Although, keep in mind, this can also be used for banishment of ghosts and spirits in the home, as I have used it many times without a single failure in all kinds of situations. I call it the Hellenic House Cleansing Rite.

Before beginning any Hellenic rites or worship, always be clean and purified. Wash yourself in clean water (ideally purified or spring water). If nothing else, take a cleansing shower and put on clean clothing. Khnerip water for handwashing and purification can be created by lighting a bay leaf on fire and dropping it into a bowl of freshwater. And if you don't have any spring or seawater, you can combine sea salt with the water. 

Step 1: Invite Hestia into your home. Hestia is the Goddess of the home, hearth and family; She's basically your home's heartbeat. Light the flame of your hearth, which for most people today would be the stove. If you have an electric top that doesn't produce fire, place a candle in the center of the stove and light it, If you have a fireplace, even better. Create a fire there.

Step 2: Pray to Hestia

O' blessed Hestia, Goddess of the hearth, I ask that you shine forth in my home forever, and grant it peace and love, and lift me into the presence of The Dodekatheon, that I may know their mysteries, powers and wisdom.

(Note - The Dodekatheon means The Twelve Gods, as in the Gods of Olympos. They are Zeus, Hera, Aphrodite, Poseidon, Demeter, Artemis, Apollon, Athena, Hephaistos, Hermes, Ares and Dionysos.

Step 3: Give offering to Hestia. Burn the sweetest incense you have. Fresh frankincense is great (which is also a natural purifier), but whatever you use, make sure it's good quality and not cheap department store brand. These are full of bad-smelling chemicals.

Step 4: Pour a libation to Apollon, Poseidon and Hygeia, for you will need their help with the rest of the rite.

Step 5: Take a bowl of clean water. Spring water is best, but if you have to use tap, combine it with sea salt. Sea salt can be purchased very cheaply at your local grocer and is one of the most simple yet powerful purifiers. Mix the water and salt together. Once done, hold the bowl over the hearth about head level and recite the following prayer,

Blessed Apollon, God of light, and amazing Poseidon, God of the sea, bless this water so that it will drive out evil and shake loose from the bonds of oppression whatever it touches.

(Note - Why Apollon and Poseidon? Apollon is the God of the sun and light, and thus, a destroyer of evil and a purifier of pollution. Poseidon is the Earth Shaker, able to shake the foundation of anything. Please also take note that khnerips or any form of water for religious purposes should be replaced each time you do a rite or ceremony. Do not use the same water repeatedly).

Step 6: Take the bowl of water into each room, wet your hand, and sprinkle the water on every wall, floor and ceiling (not forgetting closets).

Step 7: When done with all rooms, light a stick of fresh sage, as its smoke releases cleansing properties and powers that will push out negative energy and thus make the area more inhospitable to negative entities. With the smoldering stick, draw the Star of Hygeia toward every wall, floor and ceiling. Hygeia is the Goddess of physical and mental health and protection, and Her symbol, even as far back as ancient Greek times, is the five pointed star. Modern Pagans call it the pentagram, but not pentacle. Draw the Star starting at the bottom left. As you draw it each time, say the words,

I draw the Star of Hygeia, to banish from this place all evil and ill.

Step 8: Bring the rite to a close with a final prayer to Hestia, as She is First and Last in general Hellenic rites,

With Hestia I end, for She is First and Last, home of the eternal Gods, forever be the Goddess of my home.

As time goes on, work on mounting a positive life as well. But if you ever do feel that the goal has slipped too far away, you can use this rite any time. In ending this section, I want to share an invocation that has never failed me when I have been faced with faltering on leading a positive life. During your day to day, if you feel attacked, dismayed or misdirected, it is useful,

Athena is my strength, my wisdom from above, my perseverance against life's toils. She leads me to Nike over my enemies, She gives me peace by Her glory, and when the day is done, She permits me peaceful rest beneath the shade of Her olive tree, for I am loved by Olympos who delights in the beauty of the universe. Athena, fight for me.

In the Goodness of the Gods, I'll see you in the next section,

Chris Aldridge.

Part 1

Part 2

When Old Love Finally Closes

While I graduated from Columbia College of Missouri, most of my education took place in my home State of North Carolina, and in 2007, during my first year in higher education at the local community college, I met a Cherokee girl, and I was out of my mind in love with her. 

While we only officially dated for a few months, the sexual attraction was intense. We were still sleeping with each other as late as 2013. I eventually just assumed that I would simply always love her, even if she no longer wanted to actually be with me, and sometimes I would feel like a failure as a man because I was never able to make her happy enough to change her mind.

During my most depressive and challenging times, I would even cry about it all. While, in some ways, I desperately wanted to forever close the door, my love for her and the lamentation of a life I may have had, wouldn't let me. I suppose it was there for a reason, or maybe I just needed to grow more.

Being with her was also an honor in the sense of the human timeline. The reason I met her is because my ancestors came over here to America hundreds of years ago and met the Natives. You never think you're part of history, but you are. 

This, however, did not mean at all that I didn't love my wife. So many people wrongfully assume that love is finite. It is not. It's as plural as anything else. But unfortunately today, we are raised in a world that teaches us to hate that part of our humanity, although they don't do so with any other kind of love. We're told we can love all of our friends and family equally, but only one romantic partner is legitimate. The absurdity of that should be obvious.

But after I had the first total mental and emotional breakdown of my life back in May, it enabled me to close the door, because it was a huge wake up call to the things that are really important and valuable in my life. Not a long lost lover who is never coming back, but my wife and child who love me dearly and will never leave. Sometimes rock bottom puts things into clear perspective. 

I can say I no longer have feelings for her, and that I have moved passed. I'm actually really glad that it's done. I feel free of a heavy burden that's been chained to me for years. It shows that, no matter how hard it may be, you can get over it.

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

Chris Aldridge.

Ancient Greek Guide to Cleansing, Banishment and Exorcism - Part 2 - Self Care

As we begin to learn how to deal with these issues, let's start with the basics: cleansing and banishment for our personal selves.

The easiest way to stop Energetics from manifesting and gaining power is to live a positive life. It will accomplish two things. One, a strong build up of positive will push negative out, and two, it will make it harder for negative energy to break in. An inferior force cannot penetrate or contend with a greater one. Walk up to a wall and push as hard as you can. The reason it won't budge is because there is a greater or equal amount of force pushing back. You simply don't have the power to get through. It's the same concept with energy.

The problem is that living a positive life is not easy, especially in our Age. We are constantly bombarded with negative media and politics, not to mention that life can become oppressively stressful if we don't know how to deal with it. Therefore, living a positive life is, I find, a practice. The more you do it, the better you will become at it.

A vital part of living a positive life is to have the Gods in it. The Gods are first and foremost in the life of a Hellenist. A Hellenist never stops living a highly spiritual life, and an extreme benefit of this is happiness and positivity. In the past, I've heard Hellenists say that they worship the Gods simply because it makes like more blissful. This is absolutely true. When the Gods are always kept in our minds, lives and actions, we are elevated to a state above the mundane.

Purification Processes

Being purified or free of impurity (physically, mentally and spiritually), is to banish miasma from our minds, bodies and souls, and elevate ourselves above the reaches of toxicities that so often inhibit human life, progression, and separate us from the Gods. In order to keep yourself guarded against such pollutants, practice daily purification. Not just before rites, but throughout your day, starting in the morning, during the day, and before bed. It may sound painstaking, but it's actually quite simple, and will eventually become second nature.

The Mind

Your mind is of the most value to your physicality, for without the mind, the body is nothing. It's proven science that your thoughts and the state of your brain can and will effect your body and life for the better or worse.

Your brain soaks up everything that it comes into contact with, therefore it's imperative that you only expose it to positive atmospheres as much as possible. Forsake all willful negativity. If you do not have to subject your mind to it, then don't, such as negative media, people, and even your own negative thoughts. Refrain from excessive anger and needless confrontations, striving for peace and productivity whenever possible. Finally, contemplate nothing evil or immoral. We all have bad thoughts that come into our heads at times, but contemplation means to actually conspire with it. Just as keeping bad toxins out of your body is essential to bodily health, so is keeping them out of your mind essential to mental health.

The Body

Keeping your body healthy and purified on the outside and the inside is the purely physical part of continued purification. If you defile yourself, or willingly expose yourself to filth and harmful substances, it will create pollution. Take a shower or bath every day, put on clean clothes, and don't be exposed to unnecessary impurities. The body can be purified of miasma through simple washing and purified water, spring water or sea salt water, or it can be as extreme as using sulfur should you come into contact with a dead body, but the latter is an unorthodox case for most people today.

On a more basic level, regular exercise is exceptionally terrific for maintaining a healthy body, as well as mind, because it betters your mental state and brain functions. I'd recommend starting a simple jogging routine on a daily or regular basis, for a couple of miles each time. You'll be astounded by how much better you feel, especially if you pair it with healthier eating. Not only were the ancient Greeks very athletic people, Games themselves were religious events, and while there was no 2nd or 3rd place, every athlete was strong and benefited from the physicality of the training.

The Soul

Not only are our spiritual selves kept pure by our connections to the Gods, but piety as well maintains this cleanliness, which of course assists in Divine connections. Piety also keeps the physical and mental clean. So what is piety? It is not only acting rightly in ritual but also in thinking and speaking goodly and rightly. That is to say, simply respecting the Gods.

For example, I was once visiting a couple of friends, and while on the topic of Greek religion, they started insulting the Gods. I kindly got up and left, not only because I didn't want to be around hubris and impiety, but because I could feel the pollution and negativity starting to build in the room.

The simple fact of the matter is that you cannot be both devotee and defacer, not even in a humorous way. Yes, there were Greek playwrights who sometimes made fun of the Gods, but these people were not mainstream citizens (most citizens were not playwrights), and men like Euripides of Athens were not only scrutinized for heresy, but spent their final days in exile. It's probably why Plato said, "Wickedness in the soul makes one impure."

Purifying Sickness

We all get sick, whether it be a simple cold or a more serious infection. Once you have recovered, throw away the clothes you wore while you were sick, wash your body in sea water or sea salt water, and then rinse with spring water or purified freshwater, and end with a prayer and sacrifice to Apollon, who is the God of healing and purification. If you have a disease that cannot be cured, maintain it as best you can. Take medication for it as prescribed. In short, listen to your doctors.

In conclusion of this section, I do not want someone to confuse purification with germophobia. It's not about washing your hands until they bleed, for that would also be a pollution. It's about attending to obvious pollutants and toxins in life and preventing them in all their forms.

In the Goodness of the Gods, I'll see you in the next chapter,

Chris Aldridge.

Chapter One here.