6: Ares, Heracles, and the Hero’s Journey in Hellenic Polytheism

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenism In this episode of Living Hellenism, co-hosts George Lizos and Elyse Welles explore Ares and Heracles through the themes of conflict, courage, bravery, purpose, and the heroic journey. They discuss Ares beyond his traditional image as the Greek god of war, exploring his deeper role as a god of conflict and the raw instinctive power that calls us to confront what can no longer be avoided. They also explore the ancient festival of Heraclea and Heracles’ journey from human hero to God, examining his trials as a spiritual path of developing virtue and evolving the soul. George and Elyse also unpack the distinction between bravery and courage in ancient Greek philosophy, exploring bravery as the soul’s recognition of who we are and what we are called to do, and courage as the willingness to act on that calling. Through mythology, theology, seasonal practice, devotional reflection, and the relationship between Ares, Aphrodite, and harmony, this episode offers practical and spiritual ways to work with the energies of conflict, courage, purpose, and transformation while reflecting on your own heroic journey. Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvr Get Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768 My podcast episode response to Styx and Bones: https://shows.acast.com/the-lit-up-lightworker-podcast/episodes/199-they-tried-to-silence-me-outsiders-policing-native-voice About the Hosts: George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world. Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/ Elyse Welles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft. Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.