Ares

Ares: Deity of Conflict and Courage

Welcome back to The Pagan Club, where we delve into the rich tapestry of earth-based religions and mythologies that have shaped human understanding of the world and the divine. Today, we turn our gaze to a figure both revered and feared, a god who embodies the raw, untamed power of conflict and courage: Ares, from the pantheon of Ancient Greece.

While often overshadowed by his strategic and wise sister Athena, Ares holds a vital, if sometimes uncomfortable, place within the Greek myths. In particular, within the broader understanding of human nature and the forces that drive us. For the modern Pagan seeking to connect with the primal energies of the earth and the depths of the human spirit, Ares offers a powerful, albeit challenging, archetype to explore.

Ares: More Than Just War

Ares is primarily famous for being the Olympian god of war. But to reduce him solely to this single concept is to miss the nuances of his character and the deeper symbolism he represents. Unlike Athena, who embodies strategic warfare, wisdom, and justice on the battlefield, Ares embodies the raw, untamed fury of battle itself.

He is the visceral scream of conflict, the clash of steel and the bloodlust. He is also the passionate surge of adrenaline, and the untamed strength of the warrior.

Hesiod‘s Theogony tells us Ares is the son of Zeus and Hera. However, Roman traditions sometimes claim Hera conceived him alone out of spite, mirroring her parthenogenic birth of Hephaestus. This parentage, whether dual or singular, is telling. Born from the King and Queen of the Gods (or from the Queen alone in resentment), Ares is intrinsically linked to power and authority.

However, he perpetually exists on the fringes of Olympus, often clashing with the more civilized and ordered Olympian society.

Myths Forged in Blood and Passion

Ares’ mythology is not as abundant or celebratory as that of some other Olympians. He was often depicted as impetuous, aggressive, and prone to rash action. Thus, leading to less favourable portrayals in many famous myths. However, these stories offer crucial insights into his nature:

• The Affair with Aphrodite: Perhaps Ares’ most famous romantic entanglement is with Aphrodite. Of course, she is the goddess of beauty and love (and wife of Hephaestus). This passionate and illicit affair, exposed by Helios, the sun god, and ridiculed by the other Olympians (thanks to Hephaestus’ ingenious trap), highlights Ares’s connection to raw passion, desire, and the untamed forces of nature. Aphrodite and Ares, in their fiery union, represent the intoxicating and sometimes destructive power of primal urges. Thus, linking love and war in a complex and fascinating way. They birthed Harmonia, the goddess of harmony and concord, and Eros (Cupid), the god of love. That shows that even from chaotic passion, balance and beauty can emerge.
• Imprisonment by the Giants Otus and Ephialtes: In a tale showcasing Ares’ vulnerability, the giant twins Otus and Ephialtes imprisoned Ares in a bronze jar for thirteen months. This myth, though frustrating for a god of war, emphasizes his primal, less civilized nature. He is overpowered not by strategy, but by sheer brute force. Therefore, highlighting the dangers of unchecked rage and the importance of control, even for a god of war. Hermes eventually rescued him, showcasing the need for cunning and intelligence even in the face of pure strength.
• The Trojan War and Diomedes: Ares plays a significant role in the Trojan War, often siding with the Trojans. In Homer‘s Iliad, he is depicted as a powerful warrior, but also as easily swayed by emotions and prone to making mistakes. He is even wounded by the mortal hero Diomedes, aided by Athena. This further demonstrating that even the god of war can be defeated by a combination of human courage and divine strategy. This humiliation underscores the limitations of brute force alone and the superiority of strategic mind over raw power.
• Children of Ares: Ares fathered numerous children, often with varied parentage in different traditions. Prominent among them are:
  • Phobos (Fear) and Deimos (Terror): These terrifying twins, who often accompanied Ares into battle, embody the psychological weapons of war. They represent the fear and dread that are inherent in conflict, reminding us of the emotional toll of violence.
  • Harmonia (Harmony): Born from his union with Aphrodite, Harmonia is a surprising offspring for the god of war. She represents the balance and concord that can emerge even from the chaos of passion and conflict.
  • The Amazons: In some versions, Ares is the father of the Amazonian warrior women, known for their fierce independence and martial prowess. This connection further emphasizes Ares’ association with strength, courage, and the untamed feminine warrior spirit.

Ares and Ancient Greek Religion

Interestingly, despite being an Olympian god, Ares was not as widely or fervently worshipped as some of his counterparts. Temples and dedicated cults to Ares were less common than those dedicated to Athena, Apollo, or Demeter. This might be due to his association with the less palatable aspects of war – the bloodshed, brutality, and uncontrolled rage.

The Greeks, known for their emphasis on reason, order, and civic virtue, perhaps found Ares too chaotic and untamed. Athena, with her association with strategic warfare and civic defence, was likely viewed as a more desirable patron deity.

However, Ares was still acknowledged and respected, particularly in regions like Thrace and Scythia, known for their fierce warrior cultures. They would invoke him for courage in battle, for protection, and sometimes for overcoming enemies.

Ares for the Modern Pagan: Reclaiming the Wild Heart

For the modern Pagan, particularly those drawn to earth-based spirituality and the exploration of primal energies, Ares offers a compelling and potentially transformative figure to engage with. In a world often sanitized from the realities of conflict and the raw power of human emotions, Ares invites us to confront the “shadow” aspects of ourselves and the world.

Here’s how we can connect with Ares in a meaningful Pagan context:

• Embracing Primal Power and Passion: In a world that often values suppression of strong emotions, Ares reminds us of the power and validity of our passions, even the “darker” ones like anger and righteous fury. He encourages us to acknowledge these feelings, to understand their roots, and to channel them constructively. This doesn’t mean advocating for violence, but rather recognizing the raw energy within us. Then, finding healthy outlets for it – through physical exertion, creative expression, or standing up for what we believe in.
• Honouring Courage and Assertiveness: Ares is the embodiment of courage, of course. This is not just in physical battle, but in all aspects of life. He encourages us to be assertive, to stand our ground and to face our fears. Above all, to fight for what is right. This can manifest in personal boundaries, in advocating for social justice, or in pursuing our passions with unwavering determination.
• Shadow Work and Confronting the “Inner Warrior”: Engaging with Ares allows us to delve into shadow work, confronting the parts of ourselves we might suppress or deny. For example, our aggression, our anger, our competitive spirit. By acknowledging and integrating these aspects, we can achieve greater wholeness and balance. We can learn to harness the “inner warrior” within us, not for destruction, but for protection, for self-defence, and for navigating the challenges of life with strength and resilience.
• Connecting with Untamed Nature: Ares has an association with the wilder aspects of nature. That includes the untamed forests, the mountains, the raw power of storms and earthquakes (though Poseidon has a more directly association to those). Connecting with these elements in nature can help us tap into the primal energy that Ares embodies. Spending time in wild places, practising martial arts, or engaging in activities that require physical strength and courage can be ways to honour Ares in an earth-centred way.
• Finding Balance and Harmony (Harmonia’s Legacy): Despite his association with chaos and fury, Ares also fathered Harmonia, the goddess of harmony. This reminds us that even within the wildness of conflict, balance and harmony are possible. Engaging with Ares can be about finding that balance within ourselves. Thereby, integrating our passionate and assertive side with our need for peace and connection. It’s about channelling our inner fire in a way that ultimately leads to a more harmonious world.

Honouring Ares in Ritual and Practice

While formal temples may be rare in modern Paganism, we can still honour Ares through personal practice and ritual. Consider incorporating these elements:

• Offerings: Offerings traditionally associated with Ares include the following:
  • Red wine and strong, dark beers: Symbolizing his passion and fiery nature.
  • Meat, especially boar or wolf meat (symbolically, or vegetarian alternatives representing their strength): Representing his connection to wild animals and raw power.
  • Iron or bronze: Metals associated with war and strength.
  • Incense like dragonsblood, frankincense, or myrrh: Resinous and strong scents that evoke power and intensity.
• Symbols: Incorporate Ares’ symbols into your altar or sacred space:
  • Spear and Shield: Obvious symbols of war and protection.
  • Helmet: Representing the warrior’s head and mental fortitude.
  • Wolf and Boar: Representing his wild and untamed nature and courage.
  • Number 2: Often associated with duality and conflict.
  • Colour Red: Representing passion, blood, and fire.
• Prayers and Invocations: Craft prayers or invocations that acknowledge both the challenging and empowering aspects of Ares. Focus on asking for courage, strength, protection, and the ability to channel your passions constructively.
• Movement and Embodiment: Engage in physical practices that connect you with Ares’ energy. For example, martial arts, dance, running, or any activity that makes you feel strong, grounded, and empowered.

In Conclusion: A Complex Deity for a Complex World

Ares is not an easy deity to approach. He challenges us to confront uncomfortable truths about ourselves and the world. He is not a god of gentle comfort, but of raw power and untamed force. However, in embracing the full spectrum of human experience, including the difficult and challenging aspects, we can gain deeper understanding and find greater strength.

For the modern Pagan seeking to connect with the primal forces of the earth and the depths of the human spirit, Ares offers a powerful and necessary archetype. By understanding his myths, acknowledging his complexity, and engaging with his energy mindfully, we can tap into the wild heart of courage, passion, and resilience that resides within us all.

So, fellow Pagans, let us delve into the myths, explore the symbolism, and consider the lessons of Ares. Let us learn to harness our inner fire and to stand strong. Then we should be able to navigate the complexities of life with both courage and wisdom.

What are your thoughts on Ares? Share your perspectives and experiences in the comments below! Let’s continue the conversation and delve deeper into the fascinating world of pagan deities together.