#considering Diety Work #ofc Hermes Got My Eye

#considering diety work #ofc Hermes got my eye

Deity of the Week- Hermes

Deity of the Week- Hermes

“I sing of Hermes Kyllenios (of Mt Kyllene), Argeiphontes (the Slayer of Argus), lord of Kyllene (Cyllene) and Arkadia rich in flocks, luck-bringing (eriones) messenger of the deathless gods (angelos athanaton). He was born of Maia, the daughter of Atlas, when she had made with Zeus,–a shy goddess she. Ever she avoided the throng of the blessed gods and lived in a shadowy cave, and there Kronion [Zeus] used to lie with the rich-tressed Nymphe at dead of night, while white-armed Hera lay bound in sweet sleep: and neither deathless god nor mortal man knew it. And so hail to you, Son of Zeus and Maia; with you I have begun: now I will turn to another song! Hail, Hermes, giver of grace (kharidotes), guide (diaktoros), and giver of good things (dotor eaon)!”- Homeric Hymn to Hermes

Hermes is the son of Zeus and his nymph mother, Maia, born from their love. He is the personal messenger to his father, and also to Hades. Classically, he is depicted as a young man both attractive and athletic, or as an older man with a beard. His most famous myth is the one where upon his birth, he creeps from his cradle and travels to where his brother Apollon holds his oxen and makes off with them. He typically shown wearing winged boots or sandles while holding a caduceus.

God of:

Hermes is a god of many attributes. His most common association is him as a trickster god, or a messenger god. While both are accurate and true, his associates are far more encompassing than that:

Animal husbandry

Roads and travel

Hospitality

Diplomacy

Trade

coins

Thievery

Language

Writing

luck

Athletic contests

Astronomy and astrology

Boundries

Guide of the dead

Magic

And so much more. No God has only one facet, and to limit them in such a way is to deign them what they truly are.

Correspondences:

Plants-

Crocus- a beautiful purple flowering plant

Strawberry trees

I would also argue any plant that can be associated with death or being laid to rest can also be associated with him, as he is a guide to the underworld and is one of the only beings able to freely pass between the land of the dead and the living.

Animals-

Cattle/oxen

Turtles/tortoise

Hawks

Any bird of omens

Rooster/cock

Rams

Hares

Snakes

Guard dogs

Occupations-

Some gods are the patrons of specific jobs, job fields and hobbies. A few for Hermes are

Bike messenger

Mail person/postal worker

Diviners

Mediums

Magicians/illusionists

Merchant

Hospitality workers

Hotel and inn keepers

Travel guides

Veterinarians and Vet Techs

Animal breeders

Herdsmen/cowboys/etc

Funeral directors

Diplomats

Bankers/bank tellers

Donation center workers

and so many more. And while I wouldn’t technically consider thievery an occupation, some might. In which cause he is also the god of professional thieves.

Colors-

Red

Purple

Silver

Gold

Copper

Most colors you would associated with trade, merchants, coin, plushness, etc.(SPG)

Black(UPG)

Grey(UPG)

White(UPG)

Most colors that can be associated with death or passing can be associated with him

Scents-

Lavender

Strawberries

Frankincense( A general all around good choice for all the Theoi)

The smell of ink and parchment/paper(SPG)

Stones-

Marble or Alabaster(UPG)

It’s not stones, but metals like copper, silver, gold- anything that is or was used to make currency

Offerings:

Incense

Honey

Olives or olive oil

Wine

Milk

Turtle shells or turtle shaped objects

Coins/currency/money

Written messages(SPG)

 Strawberries

Feathers(legal to own-let’s not get in trouble now)

dice

Devotional Activities:

There’s so many choices of devotional activities when it comes to Hermes.

Writing letters

Donating to homeless shelters or food pantries

Study animal husbandry

Become a magician/illusionist

Travel to another town/state/country

Try something that requires luck- cards, dice games, etc.

Learn about astronomy

Honor the dead

Learn about your ancestors

Study astrology

Pick up a sport

Workout/become athletic

Give a few coins to a homeless person

Learn other languages

Practice speaking

Learn to be diplomatic

A more modern twist to a devotional act would be to pick up merchant skills in a game, like mmorpgs. Or, avoid being a real life thief and become one in a game! There’s so many options, just let your imagination go wild.

~That’s all for deity of the week! If you have any questions, feel free to ask!~

-Artistic