Ares as a patron?

[DivineAthena]

Hi ! I have some questions regarding Ares!

Does anyone here have him as their patron? How would one be able to get a clue to if one is patroned by him? What is it like to have him as a patron? Any tips?
I have latley been thinking about if he might be my patron god, but I'm not sure. Does anyone know a way to become more sure? Also, I haven't had time to find that much info about him yet, but the ones I have found all seem to depict Ares as an evil god. I personally do not think that gods can be evil. Any views on this?

Thanks in advance!

[argento_occhi]

Ares isn't evil, just bloodthirsty, and the only Greek God I actually like. Honestly, I don't deal with the Greek deities, but if you're not sure if He's your patron, why don't you ask Him? Just a suggestion.

Argent

[DivineAthena]

And how do I do that? Any suggestions?

[argento_occhi]

Pray to Him, ask Him in meditation. Say a prayer before you go to bed asking for an answer. It can't hurt to ask. If He's your patron, He'll let you know in one way or another.

Bright blessings,
Argent

[Merrick]

good advice argento, i agree. If he really is your patron, he will find you, not the other way around
xxxmeowxxx
Merrick

[DivineAthena]

Do you have any tips on what type of food, insence, colours, etc would be good to use in an Ares ritual?

[Merrick]

well i always picture Ares with the colour red and a Ram is his symbol because its agressive and deals mostly with masculine energy. Red wine for drink.
once again that is my personal interpretation, but i'm happy to help
xxxmeowxxx
Merrick

[DivineAthena]

Anything non alcoholic that could fit for drink? (I doubt if my parents would be too happy with me taking wine without permission, lol)

[Aidron]

Anything non alcoholic that could fit for drink? (I doubt if my parents would be too happy with me taking wine without permission, lol)


Blood, and I kid you not. Try a local butcher, they may be able to supply you with blood of the animals they kill and clean. Blood and wine are all that come to my mind at the moment, however.

But no, he is not evil. Bloodthirsty indeed. He represents the opposite side of war that Athene does. She is strategy, defense and precision. He is rage, bloodlust, and overwhelming power.

If you cannot obtain the blood, however, which can be just as tricky if you live with your parents acquire a lancet (for your own safety) and offer him a few drops of your own blood in a chalice or other sacred cup. Do be precise in this offering in that you are not offering yourself to him, but your essence to seek his guidance and presence.

[Ishna]

... what's a lancet?

[Pandoras]

... what's a lancet?

A surgical knife with a short, wide, pointed double-edged blade, used especially for making punctures and small incisions. They're inexpensive and can be purchased from a pharmacist. Looks like this...

http://www.sinicave.com/prod_images_large/Blood-Lancet.jpg

[Pandoras]

Oh, and about Ares...here's a link for you

Ares in Greek Religion (http://www.angelfire.com/empire/martiana/ares/index.html)

[Penthesilea]

I've always been soft in the head for Ares myself. I haven't worked much with Him (a situation I suspect He intends that I correct.) because while I have the inclination of a warrior, certain physical limitations make me unlikely warrior material! As you read up on him remember that almost all the writings that have come down to us are of Athenian authorship. Athena was the patroness of Athens and, traditionally, the foe of Ares. This may explain the less than flattering light he is usually portrayed in. For incense and maybe, offering, try pipe tobacco if you can get it legally. Tobacco has been traditionally a masculine herb 'cause it has only been common for women to smoke since the 1940's. Use pipe tobacco since it doesn't have all the nasty additives that the tobacco companies put in cigarettes. I ran across one site, (which I am entirely too sleepy to remember right now!) that put forth Ares as the God of Survival, especially against long odds. Plug "Hellenic Paganism" and variations thereof and you should get enough results to keep you busy for quite a while.

[Aidron]

A surgical knife with a short, wide, pointed double-edged blade, used especially for making punctures and small incisions. They're inexpensive and can be purchased from a pharmacist. Looks like this...

http://www.sinicave.com/prod_images_large/Blood-Lancet.jpg


Precisely. Lancets are far more safe when a ritual or working requires blood than any needle, knife or whatever else you regardless of how long you hold them in an open flame.