Aninteractive world map has now been created where all hellenic polytheists can add their location, and find others of the same religion.
You don’t have to create an account to add your location. Select “Additions” in the top left corner of the page, and click the first option: “Add Marker - Simple”. A pop-up window will now appear and ask you for your information. Fill in your name, location, and under “directions” you can fill in any contact information you wish to leave. I have chosen to write my email address and this blog’s URL in case anyone wants to get in touch. Your entry is saved by clicking “submit”.
I hope all my Hellenic polytheist followers will consider adding your location to this map, and please help spread the word to any people you might know of this religion! :)
My roots penetrate deep into the Earth, I grow strong and I gain knowledge from the nature that surrounds me. I am calm, I am collected, and I am strong.
My body grows up, it is hardened on the outside to protect me. It branches off into my many limbs. I stand tall, swaying in the breeze.
My emotions, my thoughts, my experiences are my leaves, my blossoms, and my fruit. They grow big, strong, and stable in the light of the gods, and the rain of the goddesses. When one fails, a new one takes it’s place. I am a tree, of love and of worship.
Hermes is both a young and old minded god. He has seen everything, heard everything and experienced many things and yet he has that young soul, seeking adventure and new emotions. He’s beautiful for that.
Hermes is a god of many domains and epithets that span across multiple cultures and history. Some of these associations have even held over into the modern century. For this series, I’ll be writing about specific epithets for him, along with the associated cult worship, history, and connected associations.
It would be remiss of me to not discuss one his most well known and widespread associations ; a messenger of the gods. We can see this association repeated over and over again in multiple myths, whether that be him assisting the gods, heroes, or mortals. First I’ll be discussing his connecting epithets and surnames, followed by cult worship, and lastly his connecting mythos. All three of these play an intertwining and intrinsic part to his worship as a messenger god.
E p i t h e t s ༄
Epithets are one the key ways we’re able to fully understand how the gods were viewed and what their associations were. Epithets were often tied into local worship and mythos, along with personal rituals for said epithet of the god. Something not necessarily unique, but not that common either, was that Hermes did not have a state wide cult worshipped across Greece. He didn’t really even have temples outside a few select ones, such as his temple at Mount Kyllene in Arkadia, the origins of his birth place, as his worship was done out in the everyday lives of the common man. He was worshipped on roads, at gymnasiums, and was a patron of heralds and farmers.
Below you’ll find a list of his epithets relating directly to his aspect as a messenger and guide. First in Greek, followed by the Latin translation, and lastly the English meaning.
C u l t W o r s h i p ༄
As for his cult worship, one of the biggest indicators of his worship as a guide are the hermae, or boundary stones. These stones would be placed on roads as mile markers, and were also associated with ensuring fertility to the local stock and providing luck for the passerby.
“Socrates…proceeded, with the design of educating those of the countryside, to set up figures of Hermes (Hermai) for them along the roads in the midst of the city and every district town .”
One of the most interesting things about these stones was their physical depiction. The stones stood tall on long rectangular blocks with a sculpture of Hermes’ head at the top and then towards the middle part was a depiction of a phallus that would be protruding from the stone. As of right now there isn’t any clear indication as to why this is a feature on the stone, other than the possible connection to his aspect as a god of fertility.
The origins of these stones can be found with the Pelesigians, who instructed the Athenians in how to go about creating these markers. This is shown in the quote below from Herodutus, Histories:
“The ithyphallic images of Hermes [i.e. the Hermai]; the production of these came from the Pelasgians [of Arkadia and Thessalia], from whom the Athenians were the first Greeks to take it, and then handed it on to others. For the Athenians were then already counted as Greeks when the Pelasgians came to live in the land with them and thereby began to be considered as Greeks. Whoever has been initiated into the rites of the Kabeiroi, which the Samothrakians learned from the Pelasgians and now practice, understands what my meaning is [the Kabeiroi gods were the keepers of a sacred phallus]. Samothrake was formerly inhabited by those Pelasgians who came to live among the Athenians, and it is from them that the Samothrakians take their rites. The Athenians, then, were the first Greeks to make ithyphallic images of Hermes, and they did this because the Pelasgians taught them. The Pelasgians told a certain sacred tale about this, which is set forth in the Samothrakian mysteries.”
There’s also evidence in there possibly being various styles as per the quote below from Pausanias:
“At the Arkadian gate [of Ithome, Messenia] leading to Megalopolis is a Herma of Attic style; for the square form of Herma is Athenian, and the rest adopted it thence.”
These statues were the most popular among the Athenians, who had them placed all over the city of Athens and were venerated in honor of Hermes. They would be anointed with olive oil and decorated with laurel leaves, a symbol of great importance amongst the Greeks.
One epithet for him that relates directly to these stones is Hermes Trikephalos, or Hermes the Three Headed. This was a specific hermai that had three heads of hermes pointing to each direction at the crossroads with an inscription of said roads. We also have evidence showing that the nose of the statues were typically rubbed down and polished, most likely due to people rubbing it for good luck and because of Hermes’ connection to fertility.
From this we have a clear indication of how Hermes was viewed in everyday life in ancient Greece. He was a part of their walk to work, to the neighbors, and to neighboring towns, directly contradicting the idea that the gods were separate and held only in lofty temples. Hermes was out on the dirt roads with every class of man, woman, and child - he truly was the common man’s god.
Outside of the hermai, Hermes statues were traditionally depicted with shoes with wings, a herald’s wand, and travelers hat also depicted with wings on each side of it. The wings are a key component to his attributes as they are the main way he’s able to travel and deliver messages for the gods. Lets not forget another one of his most iconic symbols that is used widely throughout the modern world today - the caudecus, or herald’s staff. This staff was not only used by Hermes, but by all heralds throughout Greece, who Hermes was a patron of. This staff was derived from the old cattle-herders crock and could possibly be tied back to Hermes’ myth about stealing Apollo’s sacred cows.
“Herald : And the gods gathered here, I greet them all; him, too, my own patron, Hermes, beloved herald, of heralds all revered.”
Aeschylus, Agamemnon 513 ff
Outside of the heralds, Hermes is a god of birds of omen and the god of dreams, both of which were used to send messages. In relation to his connection with birds of omen, it was said that the birds themselves were dispatched by Apollo and only those who were under his patronage and a seer would be able to distinguish the prophetic messages from those of the regular “idle chatter” of birds.
“Whosoever shall come guided by the call and flight of birds of sure omen, that man shall have advantage through my voice, and I will not deceive him. But whoso shall trust to idly-chattering birds and shall seek to invoke my prophetic art contrary to my will, and to understand more than the eternal gods, I declare that he shall come on an idle journey; yet his gifts I would take …’
And from heaven father Zeus himself gave confirmation to his words, and commanded that glorious Hermes should be lord over all birds of omen.“
Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 7
We now look to another one of his more popular ways of reaching out and connections - prophecy via dream. While Hypnos was the god of dreams, it was Hermes who delivered these dreams to mortals. Dreams of omen were seen as messages from the gods and ghosts of the dead. It was also heavily debated amongst ancient scholars what counted as a dream of omen, and where in prophetic hierarchy these dreams fell. It was eventually decided that outside of speaking to Oracles themselves, who were known to have a direct connection to the god they served under, dreams where a “natural” form of divination that required no tools compares to other forms of divination, such as pulling lots or using dice, to divine messages.
M y t h o l o g y ༄
Now we’ll focus on looking into various myths that were written by the Greeks depicting Hermes as a messenger. Well start off with one of the most well known writings of Greek mythology ; the Odyssey.
In the Odyssey we first come across Hermes assisting Odysseus on Circe’s island after his men have been turned into pigs. He disguises himself as a tenant of the island and directs Odysseus in how to turn himself immune to Circe’s potion used to turn men into animals. We also see Hermes again later after Odysseus is left abandoned on an island with Calypso for seven years until Hermes appears to him and advises him to sail to Ithaca to start his next journey. From both these instances we see Hermes fit his role as a guide in advising Odysseus during his journey when he was in peril and distraught.
"Zeus who masses the clouds made answer … turned to his dear son Hermes : ‘Hermes, you are always our messenger.’”
Homer, Odyssey 5. 4 ff
Another classic resource is his role in Ovid’s Metamorphoses. While Ovid was a Roman writer, his writings’ on the Greek gods have played a major impact on Greek mythology and how the gods are even viewed today. In this piece he’s often described as a messenger of Zeus, or Jupiter, and sent on various errands for the god. In other myths we have him fetching gods to attend weddings, delivering messages to heroes, and escorting the dead. However his role as a psychopomp will be explored in a separate blog that will go into much more detail with his role as a god of boundaries and the afterlife.
Outside of his myths specifically depicting him as a messenger and guide, we can also look to his offspring and their roles as gods. Often more times than not, offspring of the gods, specifically the Olympians, were connected to direct roles that said gods ruled over. A few of his divine children included: Palaistra the goddess of wrestling and Angelia the goddess of messages.
C o n c l u s i o n ༄
In conclusion, Hermes’ role as a messenger god spread from the heights of Olympus to the common man on the roads of ancient Greece. We can see his worship in the local hermai that were decorated in laurel leaves and anointed with olive oil, their noses rubbed down till the shined from people hoping to obtain just a little bit of luck for their journey.This is further built up in his various myths where he is sent by Zeus to direct and assist various heroes, and make sure everyone has RSVP accordingly for any important gathering or event. I would argue that his connection as a messenger and guide are exactly why he’s still so apparent within modern culture - he’s a symbol that every person can connect with.
As mentioned at the beginning of this post, this is the first in a series of blogs dedicated to Hermes and his worship. In the following blogs I’ll be discussing roles such as him being a psychopomp, his connection to divination, and his role as trickster god.
☤ ·Many faces of Hermes: Hermes Chrysorrhapis, or Hermes of the Golden Wand· ☤
Hermes ( Mercury ) wields Caduceus, a golden staff with two snakes wrapped around it. Traditionally, it is associated with a number of things including the planet Mercury, trades, commerce, negotiation, the duty of heralds and other messengers.
Hermes is a Deity traversing across two realms, and a snake is an ancient symbol indicating the crossing of worlds, thus, every area in which reciprocal exchange of gifts, services, and communicative acts is done, is his sphere of influence.
THE ONLY GREEK GOD TWINK IS HERMES, APOLLO IS ON THE HUNKIER SIDE OF TWUNK AT BEST. DIONYSUS IS THE GOD OF FEASTING AND ORGIES AND PARTYING DUDE LOOKS LIKE JACK BLACK. HES GOT MEAT. HES GOT CHUB. STOP LYING TO YOURSELF.
I wanted to do a deep dive into his epithets for quite some time so I’m glad I have the opportunity to do that now. I will tryyy to explain a bit more whenever possible. Hope you find it useful even though it’s a bit LONG !
Aglaos- Radiant, Bright, Beautiful, Pleasing - this epithet is shared with Zeus and Hekate, it is used in the homeric hymn to Hermes.
Agoraios-of the Marketplace - referring to his role as god of trade and merchants. Found mainly in Athens, Sparta and Thebes. Statue of Hermes Agoraios would stand near the agora.
Akakêta- Guileless, Gracious - benevolent
Angelos Athanatôn-Messenger of the Gods
Angelos Makarôn - Messenger of the Blessed
Argeiphontês-Slayer of Argos - referring to the myth where Hermes kills the many-eyed giant watching over Io, freeing her
Arkhos Phêlêteôn- Leader of Robbers, Thieves - where the title ‘god of thieves’ comes from
Chrysorrhapis-of the Golden Wand - referring to the herald’s staff, the caduceus
Dais Hetairos-Comrade of the Feast - this one appears in the homeric hymn when he creates an instrument with the tortoise he killed that he will use during the feast he prepared to the gods with one of the cows he stole to Apollo.
Diaktoros-Guide, Messenger - a wildly used epithet for the god who often carries messages or guides gods and mortals through the world. Sometimes seen as ‘‘Athanatos Diaktoros”, the immortal guide.
Dolios- of Crafts, of Wiles - a fitting epithet for the cunning god with a sharp tongue who always finds a way to win with his tricks and sweet words
Dôtor Eaôn- Giver of Good Things - see Kharidôtês
Enagônios-of the Game - referring to his role as god of competition, gymnasium and palestra
Epimêlios- Keeper of the flocks - referring to his role of herdsman
Erikydês- Famous, Glorious, Splendid
Eriounês- Luck-Bringing, Ready-Helper - referring to his role of bringer of good fortune
Euskopos- Keen-Sighted, Watchful - another homeric epithet describing the many qualities of the god
Hermêneutês- Interpretor, Translator - this one is pretty self explanatory, it connects him to the art of translation and is the reason why he is a great patron god for people dealing with foreign languages.
Kharidôtês-Giver of Joy/Grace - this one is oh so lovely ! Referring to the homeric line “Hail Hermes, giver of grace, guide, and giver of good things!”
Kharmophrôn- Glad-Hearted, Heart-Delighting - for He who brings laughter to people and gods
Klepsiphrôn-Deceiver, Dissembler - another epithet connected to his trickster role
Krateros-Strong, Mighty-
Kriophoros-Ram Bearer - it is said that Hermes saved a boetian city from a plague by carrying a ram on his shoulders around the walls of the city. This myth was the origin of a cult practice where young men would carry rams over their shoulders.
Kydimos-Glorious- an homeric epithet praising the god. This one is shared with other gods as well.
Maiados Huios-Son of Maia
Mastêrios- of Searchers -
Mêkhaniôtês - Trickster, Contriver
Oiopolos - Sheep-Tending, Shepherd - again an epithet connecting him to herdsmen
Phêlêtês - Thief, Robber, Rustler
Poikilomêtês - Full of Various Wiles
Polytropos- Wily, Many-Turning - meaning “much-traveled” or “much-wandering, this epithet is applied to Odysseus in the homeric work. Metaphorically it means “turning many ways” or crafty.
Pompaios-the Guide - referring to is role of psychopom, guide of the dead
Poneomenos-Busy One - referring to the fact that he is always busy working and travelling
Promakhos- Champion- Promachos refers to a solider “fighting in the first rank of the palanx”. This epithet is found in Tanagra in Boeotia. Pausanias says that the god led the ephebes to battle carrying a strigil, disguised as a youth.
Trikephalos- Three-Headed (Of Road-Intersections) - epithet shared with Hekate, it refers to his role as god of the crossroads.
Day 19 - What Quality or Qualities of this God do you most Admire? What Quality or Qualities of Them Do you Find the most Troubling?
I admire his resourcefulness, his ability to always find a way, his way, to come out on top in the end. No obstacle is too high for him and he conquer them with boldness.
I admire his wisdom, how he has seen and learned so much and how willing he is to help you on your own path.
I admire his kindness, he’s always there for me in my darkest hours, a gentle touch on my cheek, helping me to find my way out of sorrow. He inspires me to be a better person and be of help to my fellow humans.
I admire his brightness, he came to me like a light in the darkness that pushed all that was unnecessary and false aside and I’m forever grateful for it.
I admire his humor, how he uses his wit and cleverness to make you laugh but also learn and grow.
What troubles me ? I guess that no matter how I wish the gods were perfect, to me they are individuals and I think they can oversee things and make mistakes too. But I believe they always try to do what’s best despite that.
One thing that I didn’t mention in that post was what hand you are supposed to read.
Palmistry is a form of divination and for that matter there isn’t a ‘right’ way to do it. There are so many ways. But I’m going to tell you the one i preffer. If you have another technique, feel free to put it on the comment section so everyone can learn and grow in this path.
I like to read the hands in this way: considering your non dominant hand for the things that you got, and may your dominant hand be what you do with what you have.
Hope this clarifies some of the questions that some of you had and I’m always happy to help you on your path.
Hello everyone! For anyone asking, yes I’m still doing the free tarot reading. I wanted to let you know that im responding as fast as i can. I can do a couple of readings per day becouse i put a lot of energy on it, so if im not respond right away, is for that reason.
If i stop doing the readings i will let you know with a post.
Pd: for readings please send me a private message, i dont read my inbox and i preffer doing private readings and not posting them here. So anyone that wrote me via inbox, private message me!
