Miracles (Long before Jesus)

Visiting the temple, the sick were welcomed and then made comfortable sleeping overnight; whilst intoxicated by sleep most reported a visitation by the god who was often accompanied by a couple of helpers. They then administered the necessary healing, whether an operation or some medication. The inscriptions seldom mention bad or painful experiences, only the joyous relief at being cured. Whether Asclepios worked these miracles or not is incidental; suffice it to say that the sick and diseased received help and left feeling a whole lot better.

Logic dictates that the inscriptions are representative of the wealthy not the poor, for they wanted to reward the temple. Certain inscriptions tell of recipients being directed in dream toward a suitable donation, and encouraged no doubt to have their miraculous experiences carved into stone to endure for eternity. Unlike his miracles, Asclepios has endured, albeit in very discrete circles, as the ‘father of medicine.' Young doctors learn about their Asclepian forbearers, and the roots of present day medicine.

So may I boldly suggest that as children of the world we unilaterally reclaim our right to self determine what is and isn't miracle. These special happenings that bear witness to Divine intervention or assistance are precipitated by the belief of the individual or individuals, and should thus be interpreted with the same unique criteria. They are not the property of the pope, nor the property of Christianity, nor any modern dogma. And furthermore they do not need verification by ‘Big Brother' in Rome.

Just like the beautiful and emotive song from Disney's Prince of Egypt "there can be miracles if you believe"; they are examples of pure healing love, gifts given from the Spirit world unto this physical one.

And it would seem that the hope of the future lies within our pagan children, and it is our unmitigated duty to educate and teach them but not to indoctrinate them. As Gran would always say, ‘Two wrongs don't make a right."

This article was first published at Witchvox and is reprinted with permission.

Eve the Talogwitch has a degree in archaeology, a master's degree in the Classics (Ancient Myths and Societies), and teaches at Cherry Hill Seminary. Visit her websites at The Talogwitch and Handfasting.