 Samantha/Lykeia's shrine to Ares
 Gitana and son in libation to Ares
 An artist who has a great image of Ares for the altar for sale.
Mini-Shrine contest
The min-shrine below was created by Melissa Gold [photo credits Melissa Gold, 2009) For me, although Ares is generally not considered a "positive" deity, I do consider him to be the force that empowers heroes of many kinds, including soldiers, of course, but also policemen and fire fighters and so on, who have to combat dangerous situations of all kinds, putting their lives on the line. What I did is very much influenced by the observance of Memorial Day, on the eleven day of the eleventh month at the eleventh hour (that's why I put the word "endeka", Greek for eleven). And the poppy is the symbol of that memorial, hence the poppies. - Melissa Gold
    | Second Saturday of November
Members of Hellenion on the second Saturday of each month to pour a libation to one of the Olympians on the same day, from wherever they may be, with whomever may join them, around the world. In this way, whatever else we do to celebrate Hellenic occasions, we are united in doing the same action on the same day. In November, we honor Ares. Please join Hellenion in our November libation to Ares as we reaffirm his role within our lives and seek to honor this vibrant Olympian.
From Theoi.com:
Ares was the great Olympian god of war, battlelust, civil order and manly courage. In Greek art he was depicted as either a mature, bearded warrior dressed in battle arms, or a nude beardless youth with helm and spear. Because of his lack of distinctive attributes he is often difficult to identify in classical art.
Prayer to Ares
(by Melissa)
Ares, god of strength and unrelenting power, You are the force who empowers heroes of every kind, Soldier, police, fire fighter, all Who risk their lives for us, Who combat all threats, We come to this precinct before you In this month of remembering our fallen Defenders, our dear ones who forfeited their lives for ours and those yet living who daily face death. Accept our thanks for encouraging These brave ones, for leading Them when they must act. Accept this ritual, this libation This fragrant offering, Honoring your protection, your Leadership, your spirit within us Whenever bold action and courage Are necessary. Yet be you ever on guard but not needed among humankind.Modern Hymns/Poems to Ares
To Ares by Lykeia
(from the Golden Lyre)
Proud Ares lays at rest, in Aphrodite's golden bower, Ravaging powerful male sweetened can calmed by tender love. The Muses sing and cajole to provoke a mighty dance, That the clang of spear and shield rise above to celebrate. That he join the shout of the company of happy men, Depart, depart gentle girl, sweet wife and mother women.
Hail Ares ever vigilant, scanning the dusty perimeter, Hail giant among gods, the strength of arm protecting. Let not the wolves at the gates tear away at our race, To not drench the fields in our innocent children's blood. The guard at the gate wears proudly his towering helm, Standing at the gates of our homes, of city, you are guarding.
And when the dogs of war do race, like plagues across the land, Sound the troops, rouse their warrior spirits with loud cry, That they go to off to fight, that they go whether to live or die. May those that would cause us harm tremble before your wrath, Blood-lusting god your thirsty sword will drink the blood of men, To protect the wealth, in family and gem, of our noble land.
*********
Ares II by Lykeia
(from the Sleeping Dragon)
O Ares, crimson ribboned, lion-roaring, proud vanquisher, Fierce god, of splendid and terrifying countenance, Equally you measure out your force among the race of men, Every ground and foundation stone carrying your imprinted stance. In shadowy places fighting relentlessly upon glorious battle grounds, There you rule, a warrior, a towering guardian, and unconquerable wall, Shattering the ravenous chains of conflict from an ageless breast, The enemies, destructive armies, felled and dark banners fall. Beneath the rains a sigh, terror and pain are washed away And the land, she smiles as she receives sunlight upon her face, Revealing the hidden bower where golden Aphrodite waits Upon a blossom bed where Harmony is born within your embrace. *********** Mighty Ares by Samantha Frye/Lykeia (from Sleeping Dragon)
Bronze-armed Ares, red caped: fire, life and blood How heavy your step and the clang of armaments An ancient song and dance to raise the heart in men. Like the heartbeat within the earth, pulsing flame Beating upon the ground and shield, o lusty song.
Unbending, un-diverting, level is your gaze on land Steel-eyed tempest god, the evil flee before you: They quake in terror and hide their eyes from your sight Fearing the rising wind, the inferno spinning Those flaming teeth waiting to bite and consume.
Away the evil from the door, Ares stands guard! ******************* |