How to Worship & Invoke Ares, God of War
Worshipping Ares and invoking him requires surrounding yourself with his symbols. You’d also want to behave in a similar manner, raising the warrior energy within you and performing all tasks courageously and with a disciplined, martial mindset. So by behaving like a mighty warrior, you are at the same time invoking Ares and being worthy of his name.
But you can facilitate this process in myriad of ways. Most common methods include prayers/invocations, presenting offerings and dedicating an altar (place of worship) to the god. I will do my best in this article to provide you with advice to make this process more effective.
Symbols of Ares
Ares, the Greek god of war, is associated with several symbols that represent his qualities and attributes. Some common symbols of Ares include:
- The spear: The spear is a weapon that is often associated with Ares, as it is a symbol of his martial power and prowess.
- The helmet: The helmet is another symbol of Ares, as it protects the warrior in battle and allows them to face their enemies without fear.
- The shield: The shield is a symbol of protection and defense, and is often associated with Ares because it represents the god’s ability to defend his followers and protect them in battle.
- The dog: The dog is a symbol of loyalty and ferocity, and is sometimes associated with Ares because of these qualities.
- The boar: The boar is a symbol of aggression and strength, and is sometimes associated with Ares because of these qualities.
These symbols can be used in artwork, tattoos, or other forms of expression to represent Ares and his powers.
Prayers and invocations to Ares
I’ve shared already several prayers to Ares for strength, courage and virility. These are excellent for connecting with him on a deeper level. It’s best to pray in the morning to start the day in the right spirit. But you can do it whenever you feel weak, lazy or fearsome and need that extra boost warrior energy from Mount Olympus.
Here is a simple invocation to Ares which you can modify if you want:
To Ares, god of war and violence,
I call upon your strength and power.
Grant me the courage and determination
To face any battle or challenge that lies ahead.
Inspire me to be bold and fierce,
And to never back down from a fight.
With your guidance, I know that I can overcome any obstacle
And emerge victorious.
Hear my prayer, mighty Ares,
And lend me your strength and might.
How to create an altar to Ares
To create an altar to Ares, you will need a few key items:
- A dedicated space: Choose a location in your home or outdoors where you can set up your altar. This space should be free of distractions and clutter, and should be a place where you can focus on your worship of Ares.
- An altar cloth: Choose a cloth that is red, black, or another color that resonates with the god of war. This cloth will serve as the base of your altar and can be used to cover the surface on which you will place your other altar items.
- Symbolic items: Choose items that are associated with Ares and the concept of war, such as weapons, armor, or images of the god. These items will serve as a focus for your worship and can be arranged on the altar in a way that feels meaningful to you.
- Offerings: Consider offering items that are sacred to Ares, such as red flowers or incense. These offerings can be placed on the altar as a way of showing your devotion to the god.
To set up your altar, first cleanse the space and yourself by smudging the area with incense or using another method that feels appropriate. Next, lay out the altar cloth and arrange your symbolic items and offerings on top of it.
Spend a few moments in quiet contemplation, focusing on your connection to Ares and asking for the god’s guidance and protection. Thank Ares for his presence and strength, and end your altar-building ritual by lighting a candle or incense as a symbol of your devotion.
Offerings for Ares
Some of the most common offerings for Ares are:
- Incense: Incense is often used in religious and spiritual practices, and can be a powerful way of connecting with the divine. Burning incense as an offering to Ares can be a way of invoking the god’s presence and asking for his guidance and protection.
- Wine: Wine is a symbol of celebration and enjoyment, and is often associated with religious rituals and ceremonies. Offering a cup of wine to Ares can be a way of thanking the god for his presence and strength.
- Blood: In some traditions, blood is considered to be a powerful offering to Ares, as it represents the essence of life and the intensity of battle. If you choose to offer blood to Ares, make sure to do so responsibly and in a way that is safe and respectful.
- Weapons/Armor: Ares is the god of war, so offering weapons as a form of devotion can be a powerful way of connecting with the god. This could include anything from a small knife or sword to a replica of a historical weapon.
Crystals for Ares
Crystals are also a popular offering and altar item for gods and lesser spirits. There are no specific crystals that are associated with Ares, the Greek god of war. However, some crystals that may resonate with the qualities and attributes of Ares include:
- Garnet: Garnet is a grounding and protective crystal that is associated with courage, strength, and determination. These qualities make it a good choice for those seeking to connect with Ares and tap into the god’s martial power.
- Hematite: Hematite is a grounding and protective crystal that is associated with strength and courage. It can help to promote mental clarity and focus, making it a good choice for those seeking to connect with Ares and gain clarity in times of conflict.
- Black tourmaline: Black tourmaline is a powerful protective crystal that is associated with strength and resilience. It can help to ward off negative energies and provide a sense of safety and security, making it a good choice for those seeking to connect with Ares and feel protected in times of uncertainty.
- Tiger’s eye: Tiger’s eye is a crystal that is associated with courage and strength, as well as the ability to see clearly in times of confusion or uncertainty. It can help to promote clarity and focus, making it a good choice for those seeking to connect with Ares and gain clarity in times of conflict.
