Divine Madness & Thievery

Praise King Zeus who rules over the gods.

Praise Ares; God of manhood and masculinity, of conflict and rebellion, of strength and courage.

Praise Ares, God of all who cower, God of the oppressed and God of the ups and downs of life.

Praise Ares, father, son, and lover. Kind, loving Ares, blood-soaked and no less important for it.

I have been thinking recently of the various facets of Ares. He is so much more than a God who fights; he is who teaches us to set our armor aside and dance, he who teaches us that the most masculine thing one can do is not just to cause harm, but to love fiercely; to protect, to nurture. What is more masculine than love, especially to love so strongly that one would fight for it? To love a person, to love an ideal, to love a belief so dearly that it becomes your guiding star as you move through the conflicts and anger and hardships of life? I don't see much love for Ares as the God of cowards, either. God of all who flee, God of those who are scared to fight... and God of courage, of fighting while scared. Ares is not a God who has no fear; he delights in it. He dances with it. He tells us that fear is how we live, that fear and love and anger and joy and conflict and peace -- all of these are beautifully, beautifully human. It is proof we are alive.

Praise Ares.

Arete- the concept of excellence, virtue, and living to your fullest potential. It pleases the Gods as you being the best version of yourself makes a positive difference in the world.

Sophrosyne- moderation and self control. This goes against Hubris, so it's essential for a good relationship with the Gods

Hubris- arrogance, specifically towards the Gods.

Eusebia- piety. Propperly honoring the Gods, your ancestors, your family, and even yourself.

Kharis- the reciprocal relationship of grace and understanding between the Gods and mortals.

Xenia- the value that you should be a good host to guests in your home. Any traveller could be a God in disguise. This extends to you being a a good guest in other's homes, too. Abusing xenia is an offence against the Gods.

Hagneia- ritual and spiritual purity. It involves cleaning yourself physically as well as spiritually of miasma, especially before worship.

Miasma- the idea of spiritual pollution or contamination. It's what separates us from the divine. It can be collected from being around death, blood, childbirth, ect and is not a "sin" or anything so to speak, but rather a byproduct of living.

Khernips- traditional water used to wash the hands (and face) before worship to clean yourself of miasma.

And should you ever find yourself stumbling alone through the dark, I pray that Artemis lights your path. . *₊ ° . ☆

That Hermes calls the stars to shine a little brighter. . *₊ ° . ☆

That Zeus brings lightning to illuminate what's before you . *₊ ° . ☆

That Ares gives you the strength to stand again when you stumble . *₊ ° . ☆

And that Hestia's hearth keeps you warm on your journey . *₊ ° . ☆