The True Meaning of Socratic Restraint

Today we are often under the misinterpretation that Socrates was a man of abstinence, and that's not technically true. We know that he enjoyed drinking, was married, and had the hots for Alcibaides. While some Christians and Muslims would like to use him as the ancient poster boy for anti-human ideals, Socrates was not a man who hated his humanity. Quite the contrary, he loved being human and dedicated his life to learning how to live the most. His humanity was not something he rejected. Rather, he tried to regulate and conquer it. But what does that mean, exactly? 

The ancient Greeks were well aware of man's sensual side, but that if kept unchecked, it would consume. Think of the last time you were very sexually aroused. Were you thinking about anything else other than the pleasure? Quite likely, you weren't. Even today, people do things without thinking of the consequences, because all they're concerned with is the satisfaction of a given action. Someone cheats on their spouse without ever considering their partner, the partner of their lover, or the damage it could cause to both their families, because the pleasure has overtaken their minds. People eat and drink uncontrollably without wondering how their bodies will be a few decades later, if it is still alive at all, because their minds are only focused on the enjoyment of the substance. People are consumed by greed, determined to make as much money as possible, and never think about who or what they might have to harm in order to do that, because the sensual longing for more and more wealth literally creates a Midas Touch.

Socrates believed that such an inability or inadequacy would render someone unable to tell the difference between right and wrong, virtuous and non-virtuous. When your mind only has room for one thing, nothing else can be thought on or acknowledged. So Socrates wanted to become a man who could enjoy life, but without losing the ability to think in the process, without being unable to weigh virtue. It was not that he thought pleasure had no place, it was the fact that he considered virtue to be more important. Pleasure was not inherently destructive, our inability to reason was.

In the Goodness of the Gods,
Chris Aldridge.

Finding Altars In Nature

In the Pagan community, we often talk about building shrines and altars, but have we ever considered that there are natural altars everywhere around us, that nature Herself has built? It is great that these things exist and that we can find them, since Pagan spirituality is often if not entirely connected to Nature and the Natural Universe. There are essentially four main kinds of natural altars that I myself have come to identify in the soils of the world. The first on the right is one of the most common. You may have to click the picture to enlarge it that you may see the structure, but it's an above ground root system that has ascended a significant portion above the soil. Offerings can be left in the narrow spaces of the roots, or if a libation, drenched over the roots themselves. Water or flavored water is recommended for this kind of altar. Alcohol or too much milk may be bad for the plant system. 

Now because the root system is part of a tree, the natural soil, and perhaps a forest, there are certain Gods tied to them, and these would be the best Gods to honor at these places. The Gods include Artemis, Pan, Demeter, Dionysos and Gaia, or generally speaking, the Dryads or Forest Nymphs. If a specific tree like an oak, olive or laurel, very specific Gods such as Zeus, Athena and Apollon can be honored successfully, since those trees are directly sacred to these Deities. You could even honor local Elemental Spirits at these places by pouring libations to Gnomes or Elves for instance, since they are known to be dwellers of roots and trees.

The second place in nature that makes a great altar, although sometimes requires some assembly, is a rock formation, like the picture on the left. As far back as ancient times, and still today, Pagans and Polytheists used/use stacks of natural stones as altars over which they pour libations. In my own religious past, I've also burned incense upon them. Some formations, obviously, are quite larger than others. You may encounter a massive protruding ledge or boulder in a park or forest, or as with the picture, you could simply come upon a few small pebbles that can be stacked or brought together into formation. Some people have even taken stone to craft their own unique altars, likes ones I have seen at Pagan sanctuaries. A raised stone or rock surface is a natural altar. Any God, Spirit, Hero, Deified Mortal or Ancestor can be honored upon these structures.

The third place for a natural altar is one of my favorites, and is probably very easy to locate if you live in an area with forests or a good tree population, and that is a simple tree stump, left over after a tree has fallen or been cut down. The picture on the right will give you a good example. Many may think of stumps as being quite large, but they can be of any mass, big or small. They make great natural altars because of their often flat surfaces and various openings, which can be used to receive libations, or hold offerings or burning incense on their surfaces. Because they are attached to the ground, you could even designate and ordain such a place as your worship area if it rests on your own land. And once again, it's very fluid in spirituality. Anyone can be honored upon them. 

Finally, the last natural area is not so much an altar, but rather a depositing area, and that's a natural hole in the ground, like the picture on the left. Offerings can be left in them and libations poured. Since it's basically the beginning of a tunnel underground, Chthonic or Underworld Gods should be honored through them, such as Haides, Hermes, Persephone, Hekate, and Charon. Spirits of the dead such as Ancestors, Passed Loved Ones, and Heroes can also receive offering here. And Nature Spirits or Elementals can be offered to through underground regions, such as Dwarves. However, there is something very important to remember with these places. Make sure you can see the bottom of the hole, that the floor of it is visible. This probably means that no small animals live in it, and therefore you won't risk drowning a poor creature or being bitten by it. If there is a bottom that is visible, this won't be a problem. Even if the small opening is the home of a creature who is presently not there, the liquid will soak down into the earth and not bother them when they return. It would also be a great place to burn incense in. If you still don't feel comfortable doing it, you can always dig your own small opening in the ground for temporary use.

There is as well something called a tree clearing, a place in a thick forest that has no trees, where trees are noticeably absent. You can see trees around you, but there is perhaps a 15 to 20 foot radius where there are none. These will normally be marked by lush grass, flowers or other natural growths, and are great sanctuaries for Pagan activity. These areas are naturally formed, not man-made, which is an important factor. There are some places in the forest where the trees just didn't grow or grow as much, and this is a proper clearing for the Pagan. An immediate or recent man-made clearing is not natural, and therefore not Pagan. It could even harbor negative energy or angry Spirits. A man-made clearing will usually be identifiable by the presence of freshly cut wood, downed trees, and no vegetation. The ground will usually be covered in mud or straw. While the forest and plants can and will return over time, it's not an immediate place to revere or enter.

With all that being said, it's also entirely possible to build a natural altar yourself from natural material, such as digging your own burrow like I said, arranging stones, or even stacking loose roots or sticks themselves. When I lived in Thomasville, North Carolina and was just starting to get into Paganism, I actually built an altar to Artemis in the forest beside my home, which I still have records of in an old Witch Almanac I had at the time. It was a collection of three massive and hollow branches that had somehow ended up twisted together on the forest floor. I creatively propped them up against a nearby tree near its base, and from there, I declared it to be an altar of the Forest Goddess Herself. As far as I know, it is still there 10 years later.

Don't forget that you can use the locations of the structures, and the structures themselves, to focus on Deity. You have the examples above in the 2nd and 5th paragraphs, but there can also be a number of other things to consider. For example, if next to a well, spring, river or ocean, invoke Poseidon, Aphrodite, Amphitrite, and/or the number of fresh and saltwater Spirits and Nymphs, such as the Nereids (saltwater) or the Naiads (freshwater). If near a place of forge, workmen or craftsmen, honor Hephaistos or the Creation Forces known as the Kabeiroi. If on or near a place where battles took place, Ares or the Spirit of courage Alke. If certain animals inhabit the area, like female cows who have not yet given birth, focus on Hera. There are a number of identifications all around a given place if you look.

There are a few notes to remember about natural altar areas. For one, root systems, trees, groves and burrows can be dwelling places or sanctuaries of Nature Spirits or Elementals. It's important to show proper respect when approaching these places and doing things in or around them. Be hospitable not presumptuous. In ancient Greek times, not only were the Gods everywhere, but also Spirits at every corner. Finally, use common sense safety measures. Although highly unlikely to cause a spreading fire, make sure you don't leave burning incense unattended, or try to roast something upon dry wood. Keep the offerings simple and manageable, staying always respectful, and it will remain a wonderful place to engage the Pagan Universe.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge.

Good & Affordable Daily Libations

Since ancient times, the Gods, Spirits, Heroes and Deified Mortals have been given a vast array of libation offerings, as it is one of the simplest and easiest forms of religious practice, and also one that can be done in abundance. Everything from pure water to the best wines, beers and milks have been splashed upon rocky altars and modern shrine blocks and bowls. However, many of us in the Hellenic and Pagan community today don't normally find ourselves able to buy extravagant wines every other day or to release most of the milk in our refrigerator, and yet, we also wish to give something a little nicer than clean water all the time. We want something that tastes good, that can be made in abundance for each day, and that will not break our banks. This is not an illegitimate concern. By getting the most out of something, we will be able to do more of it.

As a priest, I myself am always on the lookout for the many diverse ways possible to honor the Gods. I have found that Crystal Light is one of my favorite materials to create libations with. They are sold in various flavors, and a container can be bought at the dollar store or Walmart for two to three dollars, not expensive at all. Each container holds 6 packets, and one packet alone can create a 2 to 2.6 liter jug of sweet drink. In short, a large abundance of sweet libation supply can be easily and affordably created. Once made in a jug, carton, pitcher or container of some sort, place it in the refrigerator for cooling (it will taste the best this way). Depending on how much you pour out at one time, you will have a long lasting supply for religious practice. You don't have to pour out an entire glass for one Deity. I actually put my libation into a smaller container, like the one you see on the right. From there, a small stream is released for each offering. In doing it this way, I am able, for example, to give an offering to all 12 Olympians plus Hestia without running out. This one small container holds enough for the entire job. If using Crystal Light, or something similar, it will be a very long time before I have to replenish my central supply, and when that times does come, I will be easily able to do so because of how affordable the substance is.

When faced with financial costs in your religious practice, or a limited number of supplies, there are always barriers you can break, and places where you can meet yourself in the middle, if you look hard enough.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge.

Dualism In Heroism

Readers may look upon my work concerning Heroes and wonder, "Wasn't that Hero actually worshiped as a God?" Indeed, some Heroes did become Deities, such as Theseus and Herakles. Alexander the Great was also worshiped as a God after His death. So why then do we still refer to these men as Heroes? How can one be both a Hero and a God? 

In ancient Greece, Heroes who became Gods could find themselves being revered as both, a theological dualism. For example, there were religious establishments for Herakles as a Hero, and other establishments for Herakles as a God. He was worshiped as both. Likewise, Heroes like Theseus and Alexander can be worshiped as both.

The question then begs, how can they manifest as both? If you ascend from one level to a higher one, you are no longer on that lower level. So how, then, is one both a Hero and a God at the same time or at different times? A God, or even simply someone who has Ascended to a higher level than that of ordinary mortals, is not subject to the same laws or limitations that we are in the flesh. Within the Ascended Ones lies the power to manifest everything that composes their Being. Just as a God or Hero has different epithets, so they can also have various manifestations at their choosing, and do so for many different reasons. For example, Theseus is a Hero, King, Avenger, Sailor, and a Democrat (meaning the founder and supporter of democracy). He turns His head in many different directions to complete Himself. Sometimes, we need a Hero to protect us, other times a God to lead us, although both can do either. Everyone who approaches the altar/shrine of a Hero or God, will be an individual. The Higher Ones know this fact, and therefore, come to each person as they can best understand and communicate, and in the way that can best address the supplications of the worshiper(s). 

We tend to place mortal questions of limitation upon immortal Beings, which is entirely unrealistic. Even after all of these centuries, there are still those among us who think the Gods are simply mortals with some super powers. This is not so, and I think that we will only begin to understand the true being of Divinity when we start realizing that Divinity is not mortal. Ancient Greek Divinity is so immensely vast and powerful, ever-reaching into any part of the universe it wishes, breaking any and all limitations, and transcending any barrier or border.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge.

The Enduring Faith of an Ancient Greek

Last night, I was going through new background art for my website. I enjoy bright and positive images for my religion and life, so I was very much drawn to the ruins of ancient Greek temples in the daytime. Although I found some worth using, at first I didn't really grow to like them on my background. I thought I should use something that shows more of the active Hellenic religion of today, instead of the ruins of the past. However, I came to realize that the ruined temples make a huge statement that I don't think many people think about.

In the past, there have been times when I've posted pictures of completely ruined sanctuaries or temple grounds on Facebook, often consisting of nothing more than a few scattered stones, and said, I would rather worship here than at the biggest cathedrals. In other words, I'd rather be here among these ruins, praying to the Gods with a few of my brothers and sisters of Hellas, than to be in a giant Christian church supported by millions of followers. Ancient Greek religious followers in Greece today still idealize worshiping at old temple sites, although from what I have heard, the state wants to charge them a significant fee to do so. This, of course, is absurd. They wouldn't charge Christians to go to church, so why charge the Hellenes to worship at their own temples that their ancestors built for that specific purpose?

Worshiping at, or displaying ruined sites, as a Hellene, has a profound message and realization for Hellenes and the world. No matter how much ruin their temple is in, the Hellene will still go there willingly and lovingly, and pray to the God it represents. Whether there are a hundred shining columns or a few rugged ones leaning over in the loose soil, the presence of heaven still radiates there for the Hellene. The faith of an ancient Greek is unconquerable. For us, it doesn't matter what the temple looks like now, or how many worshipers still choose to come there. The Gods never die, and we know this. They are still as real and glorious today as when their temples were the wonders of the world; humans and time don't change this factor.

I came to realize that the ancient ruins are not symbols of something which is dead, but rather, something which can never be killed; the Gods and the spirit that resides within every one of their followers. The ruins do not represent something which has passed, but rather, they stand as a reminder that the ancient Greek spirit shall never leave the Earth.

In the Goodness of the Gods,
Chris Aldridge.

The Rise of STDs Under Monotheism

Since human beings have had intercourse, there has always been a risk of disease transmission, because sex is the most common exchange of bodily fluids. However, the most serious and life-threatening STDs have surfaced among humans in the modern eras, such as AIDS which was discovered only about 40 years ago. Progressively, STDs have gotten worse with the progression from ancient times and into modern monotheistic cultures. It's very humorous to hear people blame HIV and AIDS on the gay community, or on the fact that humans are having more sex, when there has been rampant homosexuality and heterosexuality since ancient times but the disease didn't surface until the 20th Century. So what has caused the rise of deadlier and deadlier STDs even though we live under a more sexually restrictive culture?

To begin, we have to acknowledge the fact that sexual restriction and sexual shaming doesn't work. Our culture has been forced into drilling an abstinence mentality into every new generation, but it hasn't stopped pregnancies or STD growths. Humans are naturally sexual creatures. Our sex drives are too strong to simply ignore, and so what happens is you have more and more people who are still having sex, but without knowledge about sex, or the tools to do it safely at their disposal, because their culture keeps them ignorant and ashamed about sexuality. Thus, the chance for disease and unwanted pregnancy has increased greatly. Holding humans back from their natural states also builds up a craze for what their mind and body has been deprived of. It's like if you starve someone for a week and then show them a table full of food. Chances are, they're going to dive in and eat it all. It's the same way with sex. The more people deprive themselves of it, the more they desire more and more of it, and this also increases risk. It's true that the best way to avoid STDs or unwanted pregnancies is to not have sex, but it's also true that the best way to avoid food poisoning is to not eat. The problem is that both expectations are unrealistic. Pretending they are possible is naive at best, and socially capsizing at worst.

The LGBT community has been hit very hard in modern time with HIV and AIDS, not because their lifestyle creates it, but because sexually oppressive, anti-gay culture has driven them underground. There have basically been no healthy teachings or outlets for the LGBT community for mostly all of US history. This has resulted in the increased spread of disease among the community. Whenever something is basically put on the black market, it's going to carry more dangers than something that is accepted and kept healthy by society. Monothestic, anti-sex societies have allowed STDs to freely spread because of their refusal to accept the truth about human sexuality, and their refusal to embrace it in a healthy and productive way.

What modern culture just doesn't get is that sex, whether heterosexual or homosexual, whether marital or premarital, does not create STDs. Healthy people can engage in sex all day long and there will be no STDs that magically spring into action. What has caused a sexual calamity among humans today is a culture that makes sex as unhealthy as possible by trying to stop it, shame it, ignore it, and/or drive it under ground; by keeping every new generation completely ignorant about sexuality. You should never have to ask a sexually active person if they are using protection or birth control, or if they have been regularly tested for STDs. That knowledge and ability should have already been given to them by society. You should never have to see consensual adults going into unhealthy places for sex because they fear fascist government, as was the case with the LGBT community for so long. They should have been free and supported by society to have a healthy and knowledgeable sex life all along. In short, they all deserve to live in a culture that isn't afraid of the truth, and that is prepared to do the responsible thing by creating a healthy sexual environment for humans. Every kind of sexual problem our society has is a result of a society that isn't comfortable with human sexuality.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge.

Ephesus Enthusiasm

The Roman Christians feared no cult more than that of Artemis of Ephesus, it is said. Resting on the southwestern coast of Asia Minor in what is now modern Turkey, Her shining temple was one of the greatest wonders of the ancient world, taking over 100 years to complete, the Shrine of Artemis itself going all the way back to 800 BCE. The temple was twice as big as the Parthenon. Without a doubt, it was one of the hardest architectural projects that ancient Greeks ever faced. Nevertheless, they did it. In fact, Antipater of Sidon, an ancient Greek poet, declared that the temple was more beautiful than any other Wonder, whether built by Greeks or barbarians. He didn't even consider the pyramids to be of greater stature. The temple went through two periods of destruction, one by flooding and the other by an arsonist who sought publicity for himself. He was apprehended and executed for the offense. The temple was rebuilt each time, but in 401 CE, the temple met its final destruction at the hands of local Christian radicals. Today, all that remains of the once glorious house of the Goddess is a sad, singular, ruined column in the middle of a marshy vacant lot. It makes me want to cry when I look at it. 

The depiction of Artemis at this temple was not your usual, however. We are used to seeing Her as a hunting Maiden, bow and arrows in hand as She sprints about the forests and wild areas of the Earth, usually accompanied by deer or Her hunting hounds. But at Ephesus, She was depicted as a Goddess highly adorned, Her robes decked with animal images, standing straight with Her feet together, hands out in a welcoming gesture, and Her upper body covered with an object that people still debate. Some say they are eggs or breasts, others even say they may represent testicles, although I highly doubt the latter. Why would a female fertility Goddess possess male fertility symbols? Whatever they are, these objects depict Her in the realm of fertility and nurturing. While some historians argue that this sets Her as an opposite of the Artemis of the Greek mainlands, I disagree. Artemis is the protector of children and wild creatures. Even though She's not a conceiving mother, She is still a caretaker. Both images, therefore, can make sense. But the cult of Artemis of Ephesus was not a universal one. Even though Ephesus was a Greek city, they considered this Artemis to be specifically the Artemis of Ephesus. They were not too kind to foreign influence.

The worship of Artemis here is significant because it extended beyond the mainland Greek world, even before Alexander conquered the East. Even though my own sanctuaries and shrines of Artemis have never depicted Artemis of Ephesus, I actually very much love Her temple of the ancient area. I would like to get statues of the Ephesus Goddess for my present Artemis shrine to go with the bronze center piece that I call the Huntress.

In recent times, the temple at Ephesus has fortunately been given another reconstruction. There exists today in the Turkish Park of Miniaturk, a replica of the temple, but it probably does not do the original justice, and is rumored to be under threat from radical Muslims in the region. I am not surprised that such is the case in Turkey. Even here in the United States, the Parthenon replica in Nashville received threats of destruction from a local pastor a year or so ago. Fortunately, he was dumb enough to record himself and was reported to the Parthenon administration. Greek temples, in some places, are still seeking to live freely and peacefully in the world. But as Hellenic Polytheists or Pagan servants of Artemis, we should also think about what Artemis of Ephesus means to us today.

For starters, to my mind, She's a shining example of perseverance. Her cult was one of the strongest of the ancient world, continuing until it was literally forced into extinction by the new Christian authorities. Beforehand, however, the temple went through natural and man-made destruction. Nevertheless, it bounced back to its glory each time. Nothing was able to hold Her people down. Even today when we think of Her worshipers as being long gone, there are still droves of Hellenists and Pagans who continue to pray to Her. In the end, not even religious persecution was successful in driving Her image, name and veneration from the Earth. By the Gods, may the same kind of spirit forever reside in us who worship the old Gods still today. We may be freer today in certain parts of the world, but there still exists religious intolerance all over the globe and the threat of persecution in one form or another. Let us be as fearless and dedicated as Ephesus.

Secondly, think of the immense patience, planning, timing and execution that it took to not only build such a colossus as the Temple of Ephesus, but also to maintain it. Everything in our lives that is worth doing takes the same. We build many forms of temples in everything we do, whether we're talking about our religious and spiritual devotion, or mundane things like our careers, education and relationships. The ancient Greeks were determined to perfect to the best of their ability, no matter how long or hard. The worshipers at the temple as well certainly gave consistent devotion, just as we should give to our lives each day.

Prayer to the Goddess

O' holy Artemis of Ephesus,

Lady of the wild,
Mistress of animals,
fertile and nurturing,
Divine caretaker,
loyal Goddess of Greek cities,
come now across the vast universe,
transcending continents,
to be Goddess of the natural world,
and the protector of your worshipers all over the Earth once again.
Declare by your Divine ordinance,
that we who now recite this prayer,
are your people now and forever,
that our devotion be as eternal as your being,
and our lives as glorious as your ancient temples.

In the Goodness of the Gods,

Chris Aldridge.