Mary Wills

  Hermes  Hermes is the god of messengers, writers, livestock, guide to the dead, travellers, hospitality, roads, trade, merchants, heralds, thieves, diplomacy, language, athletic contests and so many more that it would take up this blog! He is the son of Maia and Zeus, and is one of the 12 Olympians. He was often depicted in herms. He was also often depicted as a youth or an older man with a beard. Hermes was widely worshipped in ancient Greece and his herms marked boundaries.  One such herm is seen to the side. His temples were mostly in Peloponnese region, or Arcadia. The one in Arcadia was on Mount Cyllene.  What are his symbols? Hares, turtles, caduceus, rams, snakes, guard dogs, and I often associate some birds of prey to Hermes. Such as hawks and red kites. His plants are lavender, strawberries, strawberry tree, crocus, olives.  What incense to use for him? I use frankincense, as this is very standard for all deities. Lavender. Strawberry incense or essen...

Taken by Mary Wills   Izzy Askew  Izzy is an 22 year old cosplay from the UK. To her cosplay is not just a hobby. She can be herself when she is cosplaying, even if it is another person. Bringing a character to life for her is being able to embody that person and put her own spin on said character. It is another way for her to be able to connect to other people and share that joy that comes from cosplay. What is cosplay? Cosplay is an art form that allows a person to dress as a character from books, TV shows, or any other form of media. People can make costumes from hand. buy them or do closest cosplays- which is outfits very similar to the character or their own spins on said character. There is no set age for cosplay. It is a thriving community of people that come together to share their love for the characters and to share their art.  When did Izzy start cosplaying? Izzy started cosplaying about five to six years ago. When the awful lockdown had struck the UK and every...

  An ode to the ferryman  Charon is the ferryman of the dead. He is the one that souls pay an obol to, for him to transport them across the river Acheron and Styx. He is the son of Nyx and Erebus. He is often depicted in a boat made from horse hooves. He was often not worshipped in ancient Greece. He was paid respects too, but not worshipped. Yet, in the modern age it appears some people do worship him. Does the ferryman not deserve to be honoured too? Charon is a Chthonic deity as well, as he is in the Underworld. This book is a collection of poetry and prayers dedicated to the noble god of the Underworld. This is a collection of poetry and prayers.   An ode to the ferryman MY EYES My eyes see all types, Souls with nothing in their eyes, Worn down from a life of worry and toil,   My eyes see all types, The souls who gaze upon me with relief, As the world above was never made for them,   My eyes see all types, The souls who don’t understand they are even dead, O...

 ARES  Ares is the Greek god of war. He is often depicted as being a bit of a spoilt brat and cowardly. Burly and strong. He is the son of Zeus and Hera, and is also said to be furious and violent.  I am not talking about my own worship with Ares, though you could argue it plays a part in why I showed him in such a way.    Within Conduit, Ares is described as having flaming scarlett red hair that falls down his back. Golden eyes that turn red when is in blood lust. He is scarred and burly, but he is not furious. He is not always angry. He has his moments, but he will never shy away from a fight. Even if he loses. His primary love interest is Aphrodite. He has another love interest in the book, which makes me cringe.  No, he is not the end game for the character.     In the previous post about Conduit, I mentioned that gods do not have morals. Should have said it is not the same as mortal morals. However, I said Ares was a bit different. This ...

 Thanatos  Thanatos is the primordial god of death. He is not to be confused with violent death, which is Keres. He is peaceful death. He is often depicted as a winged male youth or bearded man, often seen with a torch and scythe. He is often described as hating mortals and gods alike. Thanatos is the son of Nyx and Erebus and the twin brother to Hypnos (Sleep). He was not widely worshipped in ancient Greece, mostly out of fear of provoking his name as he is death.     He was shown in some temples, but not a lot. Again he was feared to be invoked. As many of the Chthonic deities were feared of being invoked.     What are his symbols? Scythe, poppies, upside down torch, sword, butterflies, snakes spiders, owls, ravens.  What incense to use for him? I use sandalwood, storax, frankincense, would like to use opium/poppy one, and sometimes lotus. I have also used pomegranate incense and he seems to like that.  What crystals to use? I use any ...

  A dance upon a current of wind  Hermes  I am proud of this book. I can only hope that Hermes likes the book.  Please find below a prayer from the book!  HERMES Argeiphontes refers to a surname of Hermes, as he was the one who murdered Argos.   O Hermes, The one who travels paths less travelled, The one who is blessed by Zeus himself, Whose sandals dance upon a current we cannot see,   We invoke you delightful, Argeiphontes, Come and be with us now, Come and rejoice in these rites divine,   O Hermes, We praise and honour you, Come and join us, Argeiphontes, Come and grant us this blessing!