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.

However, they were not fought for the same reasons. Unlike Christianity and Islam, the Greeks did not demand that the whole world accept their belief system, or even that all Greeks have the same beliefs within that system. In fact, 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