high on prophecy

“Know thyself” (gnothi seauton)

“Nothing in excess” (meden agan)

—Inscription from a column at the entrance of the Temple of Apollo in Delphi

The Delphic Oracle was one of the most renowned and influential oracles in ancient Greece. Located at the sanctuary of Apollo in Delphi, it held immense religious, political, and cultural significance, functioning as a place of prophecy and divination.

Believed to have been established around the 8th century BCE, the Oracle was consulted by individuals, city-states, and even powerful leaders seeking guidance on various matters, including wars, colonization, laws, and personal affairs. The priestess, known as the Pythia, served as the medium through whom Apollo, the god of prophecy, communicated his messages.

The process of consulting the Oracle involved elaborate rituals. Seekers would present offerings, usually in the form of animal sacrifices, and pose their questions to the Pythia. Her responses were often cryptic and ambiguous, delivered in a trance-like state induced by inhaling vapors rising from a chasm in the temple. It's believed that these vapors might have contained natural gases, like ethylene, affecting the Pythia's state of consciousness.

Recent studies have continued to explore the geological origins of the ancient Delphic oracle in Greece, focusing on the role of natural gas emissions in inspiring the prophesies made at Delphi. This ongoing research into the geological and historical aspects of Delphi underscores the fascinating intersection between natural phenomena and ancient cultures.

"Know thyself" (gnothi seauton) and "Nothing in excess" (meden agan) are two famous inscriptions that adorned the forecourt of the Temple of Apollo at Delphi. These maxims were attributed to the Seven Sages of Greece and were an integral part of the philosophical and ethical teachings associated with the Oracle at Delphi.

The Oracle's responses were interpreted by priests and translated into verse or prose. These answers could significantly impact decisions made by individuals, leaders, or states. Famous leaders like Croesus of Lydia and King Leonidas of Sparta, among others, sought guidance from the Oracle.

Are you in need of guidance in 2024? Consult the Delphic Oracle with us on our Greek Odyssey!