Ares

Ares Ares was pre-eminently the Greek god of war from the Homeric period onwards. He was honoured throughout Greece and his cult was particularly well developed in Thrace and Scythia; he had a temple in Athens; a spring was consecrated to him near Thebes, beneath the temple of Apollo.

In Greek sculpture Ares did not appear to have a fixed representation. In vase paintings he was at first depicted as a bearded warrior wearing a helmet with a tall crest, dressed in heavy armour, carrying a shield, spear and sword. Later he appeared as a young man, almost nude, who retained little of his warlike attributes except the spear and helmet.

Legend has it that Ares was the son of Zeus and Hera and was one of the 12 Olympian deities. He was of more than human height, uttered terrible cries and normally fought on foot, although he could sometimes be found on a chariot. He was accompanied by his sister, Eris, goddess of discord, and 2 sons, Deimos (Fear) and Phobos (Terror). Terror was also the name of one of his chariot horses; the others were Fire, Flame, and Trouble.

ares aphrodite Ares lived in Thrace, traditionally the home of the Amazons, who were his daughters. Most myths about Ares are about fighting. There are also legends about Ares' love affairs, the most famous being with Aphrodite. While Ares is certainly associated with courage, ambition and war, he is also associated with drive, determination, focus and willpower. These associations are essential prerequisites for the successful practise of magick. Ares is also certainly a useful god to call upon before beginning any new venture.

Red has always been associated with the planet Mars, and hence Ares.