Ares
Intention: Approach raw courage and the reality of conflict
Offerings & Symbols
- A red candle
- An iron object
- A small dagger or blade image
Culture: Ancient Greek Domain: War, physical courage, aggression
Ares embodies the brutal, chaotic side of war, in contrast to Athena's strategic version; Greek literature generally treats him with less affection than most Olympians, though he was seriously worshipped, especially in Sparta and Thrace. His affair with Aphrodite, and their humiliation by her husband Hephaestus, is one of the best-known stories about him.
Associations
War and conflict, physical courage, iron, aggression, raw passionate drive.
Ways people honor him (modern)
- Channel anger or conflict into honest, direct action rather than suppression
- Train in a martial art or physical discipline
- Acknowledge conflict as sometimes necessary, without glorifying cruelty
- Read Homer's less flattering portrayal of him in the Iliad for balance
Approach any deity with respect and do your own research. Practices vary widely between traditions, and modern devotional practice often goes beyond what survives in ancient sources.
