Hermes is the multifaceted messenger of the Gods. He is the Watcher at the Gates, a Thief in the Night, the mischievous God of Luck and the Psychopomp who guides souls to the afterworld, and, according to some traditions, also guides us through dream space and the astral plane.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
God Hermes, a prominent figure in Greek mythology, is primarily known as the messenger of the gods.
He facilitated communication between the divine realm and mortals, using his winged sandals and helmet for swift delivery.
Hermes was also revered as the god of travel, commerce, and eloquence, safeguarding travelers and guiding souls to the afterlife.
His playful, trickster nature coexisted with his protective role for those in need.
Recognized by symbols like the caduceus and the tortoise, Hermes was a multifaceted deity with a significant presence in Greek culture.
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Who is Hermes?
Hermes is the fleet-footed messenger of the gods, a liminal deity who dances between realms with ease and charm.
He is the one who speaks when others remain silent, who guides when paths are unclear.
Known for his trickster nature, quick wit, and protective spirit, Hermes is a guide of souls, a weaver of messages, a guardian of travelers, and an initiator into deeper mysteries.
With winged sandals and a mind as fast as lightning, he is the divine communicator who connects gods to mortals, mortals to each other, and the living to the dead.
Birth
Hermes was born on Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. His mother is Maia, eldest of the Pleiades, a daughter of the Titans Atlas and Pleione, and, by some accounts, His father is said to be Zeus.
According to the Homeric Hymns, Hermes was born at dawn on the fourth day of the month and by midday had invented the lyre, blessing the tortoise for the gift of its shell, from which the lyre was made, so that the tortoise should be a protectant against malignant magic.
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By evening, Hermes had stolen the cattle of Apollo. He drove them backward to a hiding place so that Apollo would have difficulty following their trail. Once the cattle were secure, he invented fire and divided two of the beasts into 12 portions to make the first offering to the the Olympian Gods. Then, the next morning before dawn, He ran back to his mother’s cave and wrapped Himself back up and tucked Himself into His cradle. But His mother was not fooled!
When Maia and Apollo both accused Him before Zeus, He spoke so eloquently in His own defense that no one could find it in their hearts to blame Him and He was forgiven. He gave the lyre to Apollo, and Apollo gave Hermes the Kerykion (aka caduceus), the gifts to seal their bond of friendship. Hermes later invented the pipes to play, since he’d given his lovely lyre away.
What is Hermes a god of?
Hermes governs over communication, messages, commerce, roads, dreams, boundaries, and transitions. He is the god of language and symbolism, of trade and wit, of travelers and the liminal spaces where one thing becomes another. As a psychopomp, he guides souls to the afterlife, offering protection and safe passage.
He is also a god of invention—credited with creating the lyre, pipes, and fire—and a divine teacher of augury and signs, especially through birds and subtle natural cues. His domain includes both the sacred and the profane, both marketplace and crossroads, both word and silence.
How do you know that Hermes is calling you?
Hermes often calls with synchronicities: the same symbol appearing repeatedly, a message delivered at just the right moment, or a sudden pull to explore a new place or idea.
Dreams, particularly vivid or symbolic ones involving travel, wings, roads, or unexpected encounters, may bear his signature.
You might find yourself more alert to omens, or developing a fascination with language, codes, riddles, or ancient signs.
His call is often playful but unmistakable—things may move mysteriously, keys may appear or go missing, or animals such as birds, snakes, or dogs may cross your path with an unusual sense of meaning.
Best ways to connect with Hermes
- Walk unfamiliar roads or forest paths and speak aloud to him as a guide.
- Keep a travel altar or a small bag with items sacred to him: feathers, coins, a small wing charm, or a piece of tortoiseshell.
- Observe bird flight patterns and journal about omens or signs you receive.
- Practice dreamwork—before sleep, invite Hermes to walk with you through dream space.
How do you honor Hermes?
- Light a candle at a crossroads or leave an offering at your front door or boundary space.
- Write a poem, riddle, or secret letter in his honor.
- Study oracles and signs in nature—Hermes appreciates your effort to understand subtle messages.
- Honor him through generosity, helping travelers or those in need.
What are Hermes’ favorite offerings?
- Honey and milk
- Olive oil
- Fresh bread or cakes with sesame seeds
- Coins or small tokens placed at a crossroads
- Messages or prayers written on paper and tucked into shoes or bags
- Feathers, especially from birds sacred to him
Prayer for Hermes
“Swift-footed Hermes, watcher at the gates,
Guide of dreams and speaker of truths,
You who walk between the worlds with grace—
Open the path before me.
Bring clarity where there is confusion.
Bless my steps with purpose and laughter.
Let your words flow through mine,
And your wit inspire my journey.
In your name, I listen, move, and trust.
So be it.”
What are Hermes’ symbols?
- Caduceus (Kerykion): A staff with two intertwined serpents, a symbol of balance and mediation.
- Winged sandals (Talaria): Representing swiftness and divine movement.
- Petasos: A winged traveler’s hat or wide-brimmed sun hat.
- Tortoise and lyre: His invention, linked to creativity and harmony.
- Rooster: A herald of the dawn and sacred to Hermes.
- Snake, dog, and ram: Other animals linked to his guiding and protective aspects.
My favorite books about Hermes
The Homeric Hymns
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A poetic and mythic collection, especially the Hymn to Hermes, which recounts his birth and youthful adventures with wit and charm.
Hermes: Guide of Souls by Karl Kerényi
- Kerényi, Karl (Author)
- English (Publication Language)
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A deep, psychological and spiritual analysis of Hermes as psychopomp and divine messenger.
My favorite ritual with Hermes
Create a small altar with a yellow or white candle, a coin, a feather, and a written question or intention.
Light the candle and say:
“Hermes, opener of the way,
I ask your guidance today.
Show me the road that leads me true,
In thought, in word, in all I do.“
Spend a few minutes in silence or journal what comes up.
Leave the coin at a crossroads or donate it to a cause in his honor.
Conclusion
Creating a connection with Hermes is powerful, useful for your craft but also a special tool for you to grow and become more aware of your spirituality. Knowing more about him is a precious first step to make the most of it.
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