The Temple of Athena at Delphi

Half a mile below the Sanctuary of Apollo was the circular Temple of Athena, which was built as the gateway to Delphi. It was dedicated to the goddess Athena, whose duty was to protect the sacred sanctuary of her half-brother Apollo. She performed her task well, because in 480 B.C. invading Persians were stopped in their tracks by an earthquake on their way to pillage the Delphi. Today, it is the second most photographed ancient temple in Greece next to the Parthenon. Oddly, the three reconstructed pillars have a militaristic "camouflaged-look" to them.



However, prior to descending down to Athena's temple, my eyes riveted to a stately olive tree that was estimated to be over 600 years old! Ironically, the olive tree is one of Athena's symbol.

What was interesting about this site was that I felt more of a mystical aura there, real or imagined, than at the Sanctuary of Apollo. I later discovered that this site had been occupied during the Neolithic period (5000-3000 B.C.), and may have predated the Delphi as a sacred place, by serving as a place of worship to the Earth Goddess. Regardless, the tiny hairs on the back of my neck were raised the entire time I was there. Too Spooky!

The Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi

The drive up Mount Panassus was so therapeutic. The mountain air was clean and crisp, and the chill of autumn was advancing... but the energy there was inexplicable. There certainly was an aura of mystique at Delphi. I can see why it was built in 400 B.C. for Apollo and his most famous Oracle. Mythology contends that Apollo traveled to Delphi, which Ancient Greeks considered to be the "navel" or the center of the Earth. He killed the half-serpent god Pytho who territorially stood watch over Delphi for many centuries. Because he had been a worthy adversary, Apollo revered him by naming the priestess, Pythia (Oracle of Delphi), after him. The Oracle of Delphi was internationally sought far and wide for her telling prophesies at Apollo's sanctuary. At that time, no major Greek endeavor was launched without first consulting the Oracle of Delphi. For me, it was a trip well worth undertaking.

The view was breathtaking, and the visit spiritual.

Mountain Shadows at Dawn

Last Sunday I rose at dawn to travel NW towards the Gulf of Corinth to the mountainous regions of Mount Parnassus home of the Sanctuary of Apollo at Delphi and the Temple of Athena. The former was the famous site for the Oracle of Delphi whom many traveled far to seek her prophesy. What I seeked was still ahead.

Greece is the word.

It's got groove. It's got meaning... Greece is the time, is the place, is the motion... Greece is the way [I was] feeling....

I left Athens, the capital of Greece and the birthplace of Western Civilization, with these indelible images. I was quite proud of myself. I finally got around to playing with all the bells and whistles on my camera. Now, if only I could remember how I did it! LoL. Regardless, all these images are mine. Please Enjoy!