The mythology of Delphi is that the Greek God Zeus let two eagles loose and they both flew back to this very spot. It was then decided that this was the center of the world. As acknowledged holy ground, people would come from near and far to visit this sacred spot to find long sought after answers to their important questions.
We arrived on a day that was cool, with brief sun showers and then miraculously the heavens opened up and brought us the sun. Upon entering the site, pieces of ruined stone pillars are strewn across the landscape and then as you walk further along and up the path you start to see upright pillars still intact. An idea of the temple is starting to form.
This site is thousands of years old, and like many other ancient sites, you can almost hear the faint echoes of the past wayfarers who traversed those large distances and then finally arriving here, overwhelmed by this stunning scenery and the mini city built on the mountainside.
It was known far and wide that an oracle dwelled in the temple above and when she inhaled the vapors of the mountain, she could see and convey the answer you seek. Of course she was high on ether and probably had no idea what she was saying, but her role was to offer wisdom and the priest who was present would translate her ravings.
The Greeks, a race of deep thinkers, proclaimed to all who entered this site, “know thyself” and “everything in moderation.” Once these grounding thoughts were in your mind, the answer you sought would come more quickly, you merely needed to be open to it. You were the creator of your own destiny, the oracle was merely a reflection of what you already knew and everything you need to know is already inside you.
As you continue to hike up the serpentining path past a small temple and beyond the Temple of Delphi, you will see an amphitheater. The views from above are of mountains and they drop down to the valley below. It’s stunning scenery, magical in the sun and I really can’t do it justice in writing. You have to be there to really experience this magical place.
We continued to hike up and up to the top where you finally come upon a stadium with a long running track for games. It’s said that the games and celebration of them was always paired with celebration of the gods. And what a majestic place to hold them. Delphi is a gorgeous spot and a once in a lifetime experience.
It was the highlight of my trip to Greece and know if you visit there, you will feel a bit of what those ancient seekers felt as you peer across the canyon to the mountains beyond and those that surround you. Maybe you’ll even see those eagles soaring high and landing in the trees above and perhaps you’ll find some answers to questions you’d didn’t even know to ask.
