Research, Research, Research

Well folks, I have to say that so far, getting this book written is coming together better than I thought. With the unfortunate exception of my partner having to drop out, things are sailing along quite smoothly. With the addition of a Lesser Aresia, I’ve found at least two more festivals to reconstruct for my book: The Areia, an Athenian festival near the end of Metageitnion/beginning of Boedromion (about mid August) celebrates Ares and Athene Areia, possibly as founder gods and supporters of the Ephebes, and probably involves choral contests, among others; the second is the Enyalia, a celebration re-enacting the victory of the Athenians over Salamis, and involves a running procession to a promontory. I haven’t quite tracked down a date for this, but a review of the history books should suffice. But hey, awesomeness, right?

On another note, I’ve also been reading up on ancient battlefield religion, and how closely tied Ares, Apollon, and Artemis are in those respects. You can expect a few simple rites and prayers to come out honoring those three and others, too. More and more, this book is becoming liturgical more than philosophical, which appeases my inner “priestly” side greatly. It’s one thing to understand Ares through droll discussion and supposition, but it’s greater to follow behind him in practice, prayer, and ritual in my not-so-unbiased opinion.

Thank you all who have helped, are helping, and will help in this endeavor. I received an oracle from Sannion and Dionysos that the effort is well appreciated, which is very motivating. While I may not be blogging as frequently right now, I am thinking about you all! Hail Ares!

Ares, God of the People

Ares is a people’s god. No really, he is. Think about it for a second. Think of the idealized father-figure in our culture and look at how he’s described. He defends and dotes upon his wife and children, holds a stable and prestigious career, and is involved in cosmopolitan activities, such as art, politics, and philanthropy. Ares is that manly god.

Ares is like a good nation that defends itself and does not necessarily go looking for trouble. Take a look at the mythology–Ares is primarily reactionary, he’s on defense. In the context of ancient Greece, as a protector of the fields, he fought against raiders and marauders. Men had two primary types of work: that of the farmer and, come summer, that of the soldier. Ares is their god during those months, the divine will that drives the soldiers on. He brings criminals such as Sisyphos to bear, and brings honor to Hector, Achilles and more.

Ares is also a great dad. Whenever and wherever his children are at risk, he flies to their rescue. From avenging the rape of Alkippe to providing for the infant son of Aerope from her dead breast, Ares is there to make everything better. It is easy to envision Ares teaching his child to stand up for himself, but given the evidence, also kissing boo-boos and dancing with his daughters, their small feet  standing upon his own. Even his monstrous children are cherished, and their deaths bring their father sorrow and retribution on their murderers.

Ares is also very cosmopolitan. He inspires oracles and art, ensures prosperity for his peoples, and frequents banquets and sporting events. He boxes Apollon one day and dances at weddings the next, all thought of war pushed from his mind. He watches over the highest orders of the universe, and yet, he still finds time for the joys of wine and song. Ares is a people’s god. Worship him, join in with his joy. Hail Ares!

A Weapon Blessing

Ares has always been a god of weapons, and I know of no depiction of him without at least some form of weapon on him or nearby. Though I am no longer a true combatant, I wanted to bless my rife as the weather now permits me to go out and start the airsoft season. Sure, I can’t actually kill someone with it, but I’d like to bless it to shoot true anyway. To that effect, I came up with a simple rite that you may use yourself.

Some supplies you may choose to use:

Depictions of the Gods: Ares for certain, but you can include Athena, Artemis, Apollon, Aphrodite, Dionysos, and Zeus (all gods with war or shooting related cults)

Incense or wine for offerings

Your chosen weapon (this is being written about a rifle, and modern weapons in general. Feel free to modify accordingly)

The Rite:

I would choose to time this rite in Spring, as this is when the campaign season starts, although it’s also perfect before a deployment, a hunting expedition, or like me, for a friendly game of airsoft or paintball. Morning seems most appropriate, as the sun’s far-shooting rays first touch the earth much like Apollon the Far-Shooter fires off his arrows.

Open your rite with whatever actions you deem appropriate, or if you are performing this rite within the context of a larger ritual (such as the forthcoming Lesser Aresia or a pre-deployment ritual) begin where appropriate. Make your offerings of incense or wine, and call forth to the Gods:

Dear Gods on Olympus, hear my cry, as I am to go to battle

Bless this rifle, oh Gods, that I might smite my enemies

Thundering Zeus, let my enemies cower at its thunderous roar

Sharp Ares, let my enemies feel its piercing sting

Brilliant Athene, let my allies find respite behind its fire

Glorious Twins of Leto, may my rounds fire far and true

Mad God, let my weapon sow madness among my foes

Golden Aphrodite, let my enemy feel no love for the fight

Bless me, oh Gods of, so that I may offer you victories at the altar of war

That’s it, just a simple blessing and a simple offering. Fight hard, whatever your battle, and Hail Ares!