The Rite of Apollo's Wrath

 

(This image is generate through AI powered by ChatGBT)

Exploring Hekate's darker aspects reveals the multifaceted nature of the Gods and Goddesses, much like our own complexities as humans. It's crucial to keep this in mind when invoking their presence. Apollo, for instance, is the God of the Sun, a celestial body that nurtures life and provides energy, vital for the growth of crops. While he is also associated with medicine, understanding healing requires knowledge of disease and its transmission. This duality highlights the potential dangers of such knowledge and the importance of exercising control over it. In the earlier stages of Apollo's myths, he is portrayed as a headstrong young deity, but over time he learns to embrace and wield his power responsibly. This evolution is explored in "Apollo and Artemis: The Origins and History of the Twin Deities in Ancient Greek Mythology." While fire and creation can be challenging, mastering self-restraint and the art of healing is even more complex.

To highlight the fierce and protective aspects of Apollo, I designed a ritual inspired by his wrathful nature. In "Werewolf Magick: Authentic Practical Lycanthropy," I discovered a cult of Apollo worshipers who emphasized his connection to wolves. This connection is also referenced in Smith's "Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities":

"The descendants of Deucalion, who founded Lycoreia, followed a wolf's roar; Latona came to Delos as a she-wolf, and she was guided by wolves to the river Xanthus; wolves safeguarded Apollo's treasures; and near the grand altar at Delphi stood an iron wolf with inscriptions.The attack of a wolf on a herd of cattle prompted the worship of Apollo Lyceius at Argos and the Sicyonians were said to have received guidance from Apollo on how to deal with wolves.” 

Notably, Apollo's mother Leto also took on a wolf form to evade Hera. 

Artemis shares a distinct connection with wolves, which is quite understandable given her portrayal as fiercely independent and deeply connected to the untamed wilderness. Like Artemis, wolves are symbols of untamed nature, embodying freedom and strength. Additionally, Artemis is recognized as a protector of young women and animals, a role that parallels the protective instincts found within a wolf pack.

On the other hand, Apollo, known as the protector of the young, oversees their health, education, and transition into adulthood. Which follows him maturing into his own role as a God. His title of Kourotrophos, meaning "protector of young people," aligns well with his association with a wolf form, further emphasizing the protective and nurturing qualities that both deities embody. Once more, Artemis embodies untamed and fierce independence, while Apollo symbolizes the transition into adulthood, reminding us to always value our self-autonomy. The duality of Artemis and Apollo is interdependent, showcasing the essence of true teamwork. Wolves are active throughout the day, primarily during dawn and dusk. In Norse mythology, the giant wolves Skoll and Hati are known for their pursuit of the sun and moon, respectively.

Parnopius was one of the surnames associated with Apollo, the Greek god, and it translates to "expeller of locusts." Locusts are notorious migratory pests known for their ability to devastate crops, trees, and pastures, leading to significant food insecurity and economic hardship. I wanted to emphasize this aspect of Apollo, as he is linked to plagues and pests. In the Iliad, Apollo unleashed plague arrows upon the Achaians besieging Troy. He was furious with Agamemnon, the leader of the Achaians, for dishonoring Chryses, his priest. During the Trojan War, Apollo also targeted the enemy with his plague arrows. The ancient Greeks held the belief that unseen archers unleashed plagues, creating uncertainty about who would be affected next.

Apollo was also referred to as Pythius, a name derived not only from the serpent Python, whom he defeated, but also from his role in inquiry and consultation. The title Alexikakos means "averter of evil." I invoke this name of Apollo during this ritual because, in the face of evil, sometimes decisive and forceful action is required. After multiple efforts to extend the olive branch, there are individuals who refuse to embrace peace, leaving destruction as the next course of action for protection.

Fire acts as a purifying force, capable of causing destruction. Much like Hekate, who represents transformation and the elimination of barriers, she uses her torch to shed light on the journey while also incinerating the distractions to unveil clarity. This ritual aims to invoke the qualities of Apollo to ignite the path and eliminate hindrances. May these bridges I burn illuminate the way forward.

The Rite of Apollo's Wrath

Hekas,

Hekas,

ESTE BEBELOI!

Clap loudly once.

Afar, afar, be all ye profane!

Profane beings, those who bring obstruction and harm!

Profane distractions that cloud my mind and steal my clarity!

Profane illusions that seek to bind me in falsehoods!

By the flames of APOLLO, which made even the gods tremble,

You shall be reduced to dust!

Envision winds rushing around you. Fire burning in a circle. Take a deep breath, and blow out.

Hail to APOLLO born on Mount Cynthus, upon the sacred land of Delos!

Hail to PHOEBUS, bright one, who gives life but can withhold it,

Revealing the shadows of the night.

Hail to thee, LYCEUS, born of the wolf, I summon you by your blood curdling howlings,

Bow bearer of distance, death, and awe.

PARNOPIUS, the locust, who brings plague and suffering to those who defy him,

I call upon you now.

Seek out my enemies, both seen and unseen, known and unknown,

Strike swiftly and with purpose, Destroyer.

ACESIUS, plague their existence, and shield me from their evil,

Let their sickness grow, their harvests fail.

Let them feel the weight of your wrath, as you did with Chryses.

PYTHIUS, slay my enemies as you did the monstrous serpent Python,

Crush them beneath your fury, until none remain!

ALEXIKAKOS, Averter of evil, keep me safe from their harm,

Make my rivals powerless before your will!

Clear my way and destroy the obstacles in my path!

In the name of IAO,

Hail to thee, APOLLO,

It is so!

(The opening draws inspiration from Jason Miller from Strategic Sorcery and Sorcery of Hekate, while the remainder of the ritual is composed by Calla Marie Rowan of Contemporary Mystic and Witches in the Kitchen.)