The Oracle of Delphi
What to do, what to do? That seems to be the persistent and universal question that we humans share. The ancient Greeks had a singular method for making decisions: they consulted an oracle.
What It Is
The term “oracle” refers to both the shrine where a prophet or prophetess channeled advice from a god, and to the prophet or prophetess who administered that advice. The most famous of them all (in the ancient world and in the present day) is the Oracle of Delphi. Her advice didn’t come cheap: it could cost the typical Greek two days’ wages, plus offerings and expenses, to visit the Delphic Oracle, and the fee was much higher for representatives of State or government.
The impressive site included the temple of Apollo, a grand theatre, a stadium, a treasury, and the Tholos, and is one of the most important and visited archeological sites in Greece today.
The Delphic Oracle is situated on the hillsides of Mount Parnassus, not far from Athens, in a location that was considered by the ancient Greeks to be the center of the world. Indeed, the site–encircled by mountains and overlooking a valley—has a distinct mystique about it. When we visited, however, we were travelling from Corinth and made our way there via the narrow, winding roads along the sparkling blue waters of the Gulf of Corinth. So, when we arrived at the ruins enshrouded by mountains, I couldn’t help thinking, “Hey, ancient Greeks! This is a cool spot, but there’s such a better view just around that bend—why didn’t you build there?” Yet, I know they had their reasons (mostly having to do with Zeus and a pair of eagles).
The Delphic Oracle hung out at the Temple of Apollo. It is widely believed that there was a fissure in the rocks from whence hallucinogenic fumes emerged. The prophetess, called the Pythia, sat on a type of throne above these vapors and served as a medium for the Greek god Apollo, while inhaling deeply (and I’ll bet that this was the best gig for a woman in ancient Greece). She babbled in her hallucinated frenzy, and these mumblings were interpreted by a priest as direction or prophesy to those who came seeking advice. So, the way I see it, it was ultimately that interpreter who directed the future of states and individuals. Then again (and I research these things, you know), there are some scholars who believe that there were no vapors, interpreters, or unintelligible utterings at all, but that the Pythia was lucid and straightforward the whole time. It remains an ancient mystery.
Bring It Home
And this brings me to a question: how do you make decisions? Do you seek counsel from a friend, a confident, a spiritual director? Do you read the Bible or religious writings? Do you pray for signs or guidance or for a path to be revealed to you? Do you listen to your instincts, your gut, the ailments of your body..?
How do you hear the voice of God speaking to you?
- Cartoon: The Delphic Oracle (englishblog.com)
- Socrates as entrepreneur: a story in five parts (philosophyforchange.wordpress.com)
- Todd Hoff: Search engines can use their Pythiac powers to surreptitiously nudge a population in one direction or another. (friendfeed.com)