Hermes, Herse and Aglauros (c. 1580) by Paolo Veronese

Hermes Shrine

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Following is information about how the Hermes Shrine is ideally honored:

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RITUAL

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All of the Greek shrines have a common format for honoring them, asking a boon of them, etc. The format goes:

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1) Say “Khaire (Car-ay) O [their name]. Hail [their name]!”

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2) If you know any of their historical/ literary epithets, add a few and tell them why you are calling on them. For example, for Hermes you might say “Benign Messenger of Eloquence, thank you for your presence, wisdom, insight, and assistance in my ritual.”

3) Say this:

“Eleibometha (Elay bomb etha) soi (soy). We have poured a libation to you. (Pour them a little wine)

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Leipsometha (Layp somm etha) soi (soy). We do pour a libation to you.(Pour them a little more wine) 

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Leibometha (Lay bomb etha) soi (soy). We will pour a libation to you. (Pour them a little more wine and finish the rest yourself)

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Kharin (Car-een) ekhomen (ek-omen) soi (soy). Khaire (Car-ay)! We give you thanks. Hail!”

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AREAS OF INFLUENCE AND EPITHETS

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Hermes is the Messenger of the Gods, bringer of luck, trickster, guide of souls, patron of travelers, giver of eloquence, but also so much more. You may use any of these epithets and more to address Him and specify your intentions:

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•Psychopompos (“Guide of Souls” to the underworld)

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•Diaktoros (“Messenger” or herald of the Gods)

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•Endios (“Of the roads”/ protector of travelers)

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•Agoraios (“Of the marketplace”)

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•Dolios (“The Cunning” or “Trickster”)

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•Polytropos (“Of many turns”/ versatile, crafty)

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•Chthonios (“Of the underworld”)

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•Logios (“Of eloquence” in speech)

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•Kerdoos (“Of profit” or commerce)

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•Nomios (Protector of flocks and shepherds)

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•Propylaios (“Before the gate”/ guardian of thresholds)

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•Araketos (“Benign” or “harmless helper”)

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•Oneiropompos (“Sender/ guide of dreams”)

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If you plan to honor each of the Greek shrines, we recommend you start and end with the Community Shrine. Hestia is traditionally the first and last deity to be given offerings.

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There are eight official shrines at Laurelin.

Four of the Shrines are to Greek gods and goddesses:

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-Hermes

-Aphrodite

-Pan

-Nymphs

Four shrines are dedicated to local features:

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-Community (which can also be a Greek shrine for Hertha)

​-Water

​-Wild Ancestors

​-Stone Circle

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You are welcome to visit any of them as long as you treat them with respect.