The Oracle of Delphi

Greetings,

I thought I might catch up and share some adventures from earlier this summer.... earlier as in still srping.... when The Barker's allowed the Hansen's to tag along for a funfilled journey. A journey to the center of the world.....


After the Acropolis, Delphi is the most popular archaeological site in Greece.

Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, the town and ancient site are as awe-inspiring now as it most likely was three thousand years ago, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth and a valley filled with olive and cyprus trees.

Delphi in ancient times was considered the center of the known world, the place where heaven and earth met. This was the place on earth where man was closest to God. In Mythology, Delphi was the meeting place of two eagles, released by Zeus and sent in opposite directions. Where they met indicated the center of the earth also known as the belly button of the world.



Delphi is known as the center of worship for the God Apollo, son of Zeus who embodied moral discipline and spiritual clarity

The oracle of Delphi was a spiritual experience whereby the spirit of Apollo was asked for advice on critical matters relating to people's lives or affairs of the state.

Built on the slopes of Mount Parnassos, the town and ancient site are as awe-inspiring now as it most likely was three thousand years ago, overlooking the Gulf of Corinth and a valley filled with olive and cyprus trees.

The temple walls used to be inscribed with words of wisdom such as "Know Thyself", "Nothing in Excess" and "Don't take any Wooden Drachma", which are as meaningful today as they were when they were written.

Beyond is the Gymnasium and the Paliastra which were used to train the athletes who competed in the Pythian games, held every four years to commemorate Apollo's victory over Python. The Castelian spring is where pilgrims washed themselves before consulting the oracle and the crystal clear water still flows from it has it has for thousands of years.

The priestess of the oracle at Delphi was known as the Pythia. Apollo spoke through his oracle, woman of blameless life chosen from among the peasants of the area. The sibyl or prophetess took the name Pythia and sat on a tripod seat over an opening in the earth. Intoxicated by the vapors, the sibyl would fall into a trance, allowing Apollo to possess her spirit. In this state she prophesied. It has been postulated that a gas came out of this opening that is known to produce violent trances, though this theory remains debatable. People consulted the Delphic oracle on everything from important matters of public policy to personal affairs.

The Oracle exerted considerable influence throughout the Greek world, and she was consulted before all major undertakings: wars, the founding of colonies, and so forth.

Their stadium... and the limit to my climbing. I decided to call it a day and head back to the hillside and back to the cafe. I sipped on my Diet Coke and waited for the rest of the guys to make their way back.

The view was amazing... here is the banks. Theie version of the Federal Reserve.

here's the Bank of Athens. They kept their money close... to pay off the Oracle.

Just some text lying on the ground. This would ever hapeen in the States. We would have this behind glass and only viewable for an addtional charge!

We had an amazing time.... the Barker's are wonderful traveling partners.

I wonder if the oracle could tell me when our orders are coming?

Blessings,

Kristie