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Nereus is often referred to as the 'Old Man of the
Sea', legends speak of him as a kindly, helpful
sea God, generally mortal-friendly and occasionally
offering wise or prophetic insights.
Classical mythology suggests he is the son of another sea God named
Pontus, and the Earth or Gaea; and was once a powerful
divinity before Poseidon established his overall rulership
of the seas and oceans. Since that time, it is said Nereus
remains in the depths of the Aegean sea with his Goddess
wife, Doris. From time to time either or both come to the
surface to help sailors in distress.
This may have been true in times past.
But not any longer.
In fact it is accurate to say that the seas and oceans are probably
more dangerous today than they have ever been. The reason
- humankind has managed to alienate every deity in the
oceans. If you do choose 'life on the ocean wave' you take
your chances with the sea Gods and Goddesses.
Even kind Nereus is now mighty angry and would be more
likely to pull down a mariner than keep him afloat.
On first encounter with Nereus the room filled with a blue-green
light and his croaky voice was heard:
"I hear my
name. I am a mighty God of the seas. Now it appears
we are remembered."
Nereus often carries team-members to witness brutal scenes of
whales and blood-soaked whaling ships, and trawlers with
drowning fish, and to see tankers and oil spillages. Several times he has
shown seal cullers clubbing to death baby seals.
Nereus also shows scenes of shipwreck - trawlers and ships
and broken human skeletons on the sea bed.
"They have no compassion for any sea creature, from the
smallest to the largest fish. We do not wish for
fish to be caught and those who do it for money, if not
punished in this life certainly will be in their next.
Those that do it for sport will realise in time this is not
the way to live. Ships sink.
Mortals!
Now the fish eat them."
So, when the perfect storm arrives off the port bow, who are
you going to call for help? Make peace with Nereus before
you leave the harbour. Or better still, stay on land.
Temple
Diaries: Nereus and the Ocean Gathering
Festival
of Nereus - 6th December |