In keeping with the virtues, values and piety of Hellenism, you can use the age old practice of charms, amulets and talismans to protect you and reflect things away from you. It's important to remember that, unlike in previous sections, these are not Cult Objects (although Cult Objects can be used as such).
Normally, these are small and simple objects designed for their specific purposes and can also be charged by the possessor, if you want to use that term. For example, think of a charm you can buy off the shelf at a craft store for your necklace, or an amulet or talisman you purchase at a religious store or event that has specific spiritually relevant carvings or significance.
While energy cannot be created or destroyed, it can, again, be repelled, changed, moved, transformed and attracted, which is the purpose of these tools. They will reflect and return it to the sender or back into the universe to be dealt with by the Gods or other Higher Powers. You don't want to absorb the attack into the object, you want to knock it back.
The first step is to find an appropriate charm, amulet or talisman. Below I have listed several items that would be relevant to a Hellenist or Greek Pagan, or anyone who wants to adopt Greek spirituality.
1- Shield of Athena (a shield with the head of Medusa in the center).
2- Helmet of Athena.
3- Labrys (double-edged axe).
4- Caduceus (Staff of Hermes).
5- Trident (Staff and weapon of Poseidon).
6- Lightning bolt (thunderbolt of Zeus).
7- Vergina Sun (16 pointed star).
8- The Greek Gryphon.
9- The Greek Sphinx.
10- Lion Fleece of Herakles.
11- Thyrsus (Staff of Dionysos).
12- Greek laurel crown.
13- Shield of Achilles.
14- Pegasos.
15- Golden Fleece of Jason.
16- Lyre (instrument of Apollon).
17- Peacock (animal of Hera).
18- Rod of Asklepios.
19- Tortoise (animal of Hermes).
20- Torch and Keys (tools of Hekate).
21- Dove (animal of Aphrodite).
22- Anvil or Blacksmith Hammer (tools of Hephaistos).
23- Stag (animal of Artemis).
24- Sun (power of Helios).
25- Moon (power of Selene).
26- Winged Serpent (animal of Demeter).
27- Sword (weapon of Ares).
These objects will be models or recreations, of course, in the form of trinkets, necklaces, pendants, or other small and light objects that can be carried or worn. Begin by cleansing it. Then, you are going to "activate" it.
There are two ways to give the charm, amulet or talisman power, either with the help of a God, Hero or your own energy. Ideally, you should be open to all three. The Higher Powers are for when your own energy just isn't enough in a given situation. Keep in mind, though, that your own energy is not aiming to take possession of the object. In short, it's not a representation of yourself. Your own mind-infused energy takes the form of your devotion. Every time you worship, it takes energy. This is merely another form of that.
The begin, give an offering, like libation or incense, hold the object in your hand, and request help in like manner,
O' great God/Goddess/Hero or Heroine (Name), upon this (name and identity of object), I ask that you bestow strength, surge through it your Divine Power, that it may stand guard, empower and delight as it did in the times of old, in your blessed name, against all evil and ill that comes to me."
If you can do this in a temple or precinct of the God or Hero, that would be ideal. I once visited the Nashville Parthenon and bought a necklace that depicted Athena, like the statue of Her in the temple itself. I took it up to the top floor where the colossal statue of the Goddess stood, and before it, I held up the necklace and prayed that She bless it. Afterward, I had never before felt that level of power in such an object to my memory.
To simply add your own energy to the object, hold it in your closed hand and envision and direct your energy from your body, moving down your arm and into the object. What kind of energy is this? It is the energy of devotion, piety, faith, reverence, love, trust, optimism, and anything else spiritually positive that comes to your mind. You can even add color significance to the energy, such as red for fire since it repels, or green for earth as it is solid and strong. Charge the object repeatedly, making it stronger with each push or pump, until you feel maximum capacity has been reached.
In the Goodness of the Gods,
I'll see you at the next Herm down the road,
Chris Aldridge.