Also called Argeiphontes, Psychopompos, Hermes Agoraios, Messenger of the gods.
Their story
On the very day he was born, Hermes slipped from his cradle, made the first lyre from a tortoise shell and stole fifty of Apollo's cattle, walking them backwards to hide their tracks. When Apollo caught him, Hermes charmed him with the lyre, and the two became friends.
Their day
Wednesday. Wednesday is the day of the planet Mercury, the Roman name for Hermes.
Best times to give to them
- the fourth day of each lunar month, his birthday
- Wednesdays
- before a journey
- before sending an important message or signing a deal
What they like being given
- a small coin
- honey
- milk
- frankincense
- a stone added to a wayside cairn
- a libation of wine or grape juice
How to honour them
- Say a short prayer to Hermes before any journey, long or short.
- Place a stone on a cairn or at a path junction as ancient travellers did at his herms.
- Put a coin on his shrine when money comes in unexpectedly.
- Keep your word in business and trade honestly.
How they can help you
- safe travel
- clear communication
- business and luck with money
- quick thinking
- finding lost things
Symbols
- kerykeion (herald's staff)
- winged sandals
- travelling hat
- tortoise and lyre
- herm (boundary pillar)
Festivals
- Anthesteria The 11th to 13th of the Athenian month Anthesterion, usually late February or early March
More Greek gods
- Zeus King of the gods and keeper of oaths
- Apollo Lord of light, music and prophecy
- Hades Lord of the underworld and giver of wealth
- Dionysus Twice-born god of wine, theatre and ecstasy
- Poseidon Earth-shaker and lord of the sea
- Helios The all-seeing sun who crosses the sky
- Pan Goat-footed god of shepherds and wild places
- Ares The storm of battle