Protection From Harm

What kind of practice or practices exist in Hellenism to protect oneself from harmful energies, beings or negativity? For example, someone tries to curse you. When I was heavy into Magick, we used things like energetic protection shields, house cleansing, banishment, things of that sort.

The Derveni Papyus may be of help… that is, if you're able to somehow practice thaumaturgy in a way that is not hubristic, or if such practice is even possible.

I, personally, am skeptical as to whether such things exist.

Walter Burkert does talk about the use of magic in Greek religion in his book, but I don't know to what degree it was used.

For the sake of argument, if I pull out a sword to protect myself as the ancients did all the time, I don't see how that would be any different than putting a protection shield around myself to protect me from harmful energy. I am using my own power in both cases.

AgathonZante wrote:For the sake of argument, if I pull out a sword to protect myself as the ancients did all the time, I don't see how that would be any different than putting a protection shield around myself to protect me from harmful energy. I am using my own power in both cases.

Well, using as sword and attempting to alter the fabric of reality in some manner are hardly the same. That said, what you're referring to, if it exists, I do not believe would qualify as thaumaturgy, per se… my father believes in these sorts of things, he calls the "manipulation of the subtle energies in the human system" psionics, or some such term. I don't think this could technically qualify as the kind of workings most people think of when the term "magic" is used (i.e. Quoting incantations and trying to beseech or compel a god/force to do something in accordance with the person's will), as it's more akin to practices such as Reiki... But I am admittedly working from a very small amount of knowledge on this.

As stated before, I'm very skeptical about all this.

Now, sorry to end a discussion before it's had a chance to take off, but I have to go stand a four hour watch :/ my apologies. Military can be annoying like that

Granted, but I don't think that a simple protection shield is altering anything, it is to prevent something else from altering you.

And I too have found myself growing skeptical of such things. The only person you hurt with hate and negativity is yourself. I've seen it happen so many times. If you believe they can hurt you, then they will. But if you give them no power over you, they can't.

There is no such thing as a 'protection shield' other than the sort you would use to deflect a sword blow. There is no such thing as an 'evil eye' and 'curses' are foolish superstitions. You are in no danger of being cursed by anyone. Do not worry yourself over empty superstition.

Further, any hostile daemon is repelled by virtuous conduct and the presence of divine numen in your life and doings.

The sorcery of human beings, however, cannot harm you unless you believe it can. It only poisons the fool doing it. The greatest shield against it is simply to realize that it is powerless. Its power is only inside your own head.

I'd like to explain more about Classical thaumaturgy here, but I'm typing on a phone, and haven't much power left, so it'll have to wait until later.   

"The sorcery of human beings, however, cannot harm you unless you believe it can. It only poisons the fool doing it. The greatest shield against it is simply to realize that it is powerless. Its power is only inside your own head."


I have found myself in agreement with this over the years, friend.

I just ask the gods to keep me safe. I pray to Apollo & Asklepios for the sake of my health, to Hermes for a safe ride, for Ares for protection against crime and fire, for Hephaestos for protection against tech hazard and to Zeus for a general protection. Nothing strange!

I do as well, Linda. Nothing any mortal can do is a match for the Gods.