Oracle of Delphi Part 6 No one walks in the presence of Athena

Gymnasium

As you approach the small town of Delphi you first come across the ruins of the Temple of Apollo amongst other ruins. But even before you get to those, if you stop and look down into the valley on your left you will notice some magnificent ruins which are signposted as “The Gymnasium”. After we had returned from the failed attempt to visit the Corycian Cave we looked upon the ‘gymnasium’ and tried to find a way down to it. Following the path along the road side for a while proved fruitless. It seemed that that area was fenced off. We did not feel the need to don Guerilla techniques and made our way instead to the main ruins and the Temple of Apollo.

A few hours later our work there was done and we turned our attention once again to the sign marked gymnasium. We attempted a couple of routes in but where foiled at every turn. Giving up we opted for a trip to the museum and then some food. Fed, rested and with a few hours of daylight still with us (see Temporal anomalies in Part 5) we decided to make another attempt at the Corycian cave. What madness! As we set off in the car we drove along the road that was adjacent to the Gymnasium. Quite a bit further than we had walked we passed an entrance to the way into the valley. Oh my word! We stopped the car and back tracked to the entrance. Had our desire to go to the cave been prompted by some inner knowledge of the entrance to the gymnasium? The dowsing rods said Yes, but I wasn’t convinced. Anyway, we had a way down and that’s what mattered.

As we got half-way down to these, as yet, unexplored ruins we saw a sign denoting The Temple of Athena. Really!?! Where had the sign been at the top? With more enthusiasm than a mere ‘Gymnasium’ would have elicited we followed the rods down a winding female energy line, almost step to step behind each other.

Perception is almost everything

A feeling that crossed my mind when exploring the Temple of Athena was sadness. I felt that she had been forgotten and indeed, the comparison of visitors to the temple of Apollo and hers was representative of this neglect. It has been speculated that the power of the Gods and indeed perhaps there very existence is relative to the belief that we humans hold in them. It is difficult to imagine belief having such power. My understanding differs slightly in that I think that there is a dimensional separation between us and such beings. This separation is what belief or lack thereof impinges on. So in my humble opinion it isn’t that they have ceased to exist, it is that the bridge between us has narrowed.

Athena

I felt sad, and it is sad. Athena know for umpteen qualities is also the companion of heroes. Often seen as a warrior goddess she much preferred the route of wisdom than the sword. Whilst visiting her temple I wondered whether I was feeling sad because there were no visitors here or because of an empathic connection with the goddess. Did she feel sad that she had been neglected? I mused on the topic whilst sitting amongst the remains of her court. Perhaps she was sad because of the state of the country, once the greatest in the world? Maybe both. I would have attempted some dowsing to ascertain answers however I have learned (from my experience with Poseidon) that ancient gods are almost un-connectable.

I do wonder though, perhaps what Greece needs today is some of those Athenian heroes?

Kal Malik