from least to most relevant.
Number 5: ARES Greek God of War, or if you prefer his Roman counterpart Mars
How it is I'm worshipping him: Regardless of what capacity of 19th century life it is I'm immersing my self in, the short and skinny of it focuses on 'there's a war on man' because of the constant lingering War aspect of the reenacting hobby as a whole, Ares is getting his due every time I go out, even if in simple acknowledgement of the hellish realism that is war in the grand sum of human existence.
Number 4: Hephaestus Greek God of the Forge, or if you prefer his Roman counterpart Vulcan
How it is I'm worshipping him: The blacksmithing aspect of the hobby that I'm beginning to take an interest in aside, more over then the Greek God of the forge, he was also widely acknowledged as the Greek God of inventive spark. Every time I go to a reenactment, the necessity for a creative spark is there. Packing a vehicle for a weekend can be a chore if you're taking a large kit, though usually I'm finding new and inventive ways to minimalize what I need to take with me. Then there is the blacksmithing aspect to the hobby. An area which I grow more and more interested in. This is in no small part due to the fact that there are items for my kit that I cannot get shy of being, or knowing a black smith who is willing to make them for me.
Number 3: Apollo Greek (and Roman) God of Music
How it is I'm worshipping him: You may remember in my introductory post to this blog a while back ago, that I am the bugler in training for the Michigan Cavalry Brigade Association. As such, I am a musician. Every time I place my bugle to my lips and blow a bugle call, I am paying homage to Apollo.
Number 2: Artemis Greek Goddess of the Hunt, or if you prefer her Roman counterpart, Diana
How it is I'm worshipping her: This one will probably be deemed by most of you as a bit of a stretch, but truthfully, it's not one at all. Yes Artemis is the Goddess of the Hunt (and sports but I'll get to that in a moment.) but one can hunt with out ever drawing a bow. For example, when I go to reenactments, I am hunting for some times the most illusive prey out there. The genuine total immersion into the 1860's (With in considerations of medical/legal necessity) This prey is often illusive because of things that cannot be avoided. The public, the loud speakers that "explain" things (often poorly) to the public during the battles, other reenactors, both 'mainstreamers' (who have 'hidden' very modern coolers in their tents, or off behind the main body of camp covered with blankets. and other modernisms, or 'authentic campaigner' types who pride them selves on the preservation, and presentation of the history as it was lived, but don't think twice in many cases about breaking character (often right in front of Joe public) to correct you on your garb, and what you're talking about (Which when an infantry guy who doesn't study cavalry, or know the first thing about horses tries to correct your hard researched and documented talk to the public about cavalry... it's amusing to say the least.) So every reenactment is a hunt. A hunt for that pure period immersion rush.
Number 1: Athena Greek Goddess of Wisdom, or if you prefer her Roman counterpart, Minerva
How it is I'm worshipping her: Athena was the Goddess of Wisdom, both obtaining it, and bestowing it upon others. She was as passionate about learning new things, as she was teach those around her. Her sacred creature was the wise and noble owl, her sacred plant the humble and multi useful olive tree. When I reenact I am actively and constantly taking part in both the obtaining, and sharing of new knowledge, with both the public and other reenactors; and I'm passionately loving every minute of it. Also of notable relevance Athena was also the Greek Goddess of Crafts, and Strategy. I will go threw why these are relevant fields to me as a reenactor starting with Crafts. Most of my gear in the hobby is either currently made by me, or simply something I purchased to get me by until I have gotten to and completed making it's replacement. I am ever trying to improve my kit, with more authentic equipment, and that includes making my own stuff by hand. I eventually intend to make a saber belt, a saber to go on t with sheath, a pistol holster and I'm going to purchase a kit revolver to complete. I plan to make a carbine sling to replace the one I have, a full cavalry uniform. Strategy is a little more subtle. I have to be very strategic about the battles I pick and choose to fight. Some times the drama that will ensue far out weighs any merit to helping some one realize their flaws and assisting them in bettering them selves.
Gods also worthy of honorable mention because they tie into me as a Reenactor one at every event and one only when I dawn a particular uniform.
Poseidon Greek God of the Sea, Earth Quakes, and Horses, or if you prefer his Roman counterpart Neptune.
Reason for his relevance to me: I will direct your attention to the word Horse. Lord Poseidon, is the Greek God of horses, and I've made just as many Horse friends in this hobby, as I have human ones. I thank him for allowing me the gift I have with bonding with horses, and for my Horse friends Diamond, Denali, Syd, Mack, Doc, Donivan, Caleb, Joey, and Nut. As well as my horse friends I've made out side of the hobby. Casino the first horse I ever rode, Festus, Ringo, St. Patrick (putting a Pagan on a horse named for a man who got his saint hood for their persecution I still don't think was a great Idea.) Slim, and Scooter. Just to name a few.
Hermes Greek God of Medicine, Traveling, and Messengers, or if you prefer his Roman counterpart Mercury.
Reason for his relevance to me: For the better part of 15 years, I was a hospital steward. It was my duty to maintain the well being of every one under my charge, in some cases as few as twenty, in others as many as ten times that. It was a job I took very seriously, and carried out with great pride. It is one that when I see the need for it, I will at the drop of a hat take on that duty again. It is Hermes symbol of the medical caduceus that I wear every time I act as a hospital steward.
I hope you have enjoyed reading this blog about what Gods and Goddesses are relevant to me when I reenact.
