Working with Ares: Complete Guide to the God of Courage

Who Is Ares?

Ares is the ancient Greek god of war, courage, bloodlust, and the raw, primal violence of battle. Son of Zeus and Hera, he is one of the twelve Olympian gods and represents the brutal, chaotic, and passionate aspects of warfare—in stark contrast to his sister Athena, who embodies strategic, disciplined combat. Ares is the god of the battlefield's fury, the warrior's rage, and the courage required to face death.

Ares embodies raw masculine power, physical strength, aggressive energy, and the will to fight and survive. He is not refined or strategic—he is pure, unfiltered combat energy. He represents standing your ground, fighting for what's yours, channeling anger constructively, and the courage to face conflict head-on. While often portrayed negatively in mythology, Ares teaches that sometimes aggression, anger, and the willingness to fight are necessary and sacred.

Working with Ares is a journey of reclaiming your warrior spirit, channeling anger and aggression healthily, developing physical courage, standing up for yourself, and understanding that sometimes you must fight to protect what matters.

Ares's Domains and Powers

• War and Battle: Combat, warfare, fighting, military might
• Courage: Bravery, fearlessness, facing danger
• Physical Strength: Bodily power, athleticism, martial prowess
• Aggression: Assertiveness, fighting spirit, primal energy
• Anger and Rage: Righteous fury, channeled wrath
• Protection: Defending through force, warrior guardianship
• Passion: Intense emotions, fiery energy, desire
• Survival: Fighting to live, primal instincts
• Masculinity: Raw masculine energy, virility, power
• Bloodlust: The thrill of combat, warrior ecstasy

Ares's Symbols and Correspondences

Sacred Symbols

• Spear: His primary weapon, offensive power, aggression
• Sword: Combat, cutting through obstacles, warrior tool
• Shield: Defense, protection, standing ground
• Helmet: Warrior identity, protection, readiness for battle
• Armor: Defense, preparation, warrior's gear
• Chariot: Speed in battle, power, dominance
• Vulture: Battlefield scavenger, death, war's aftermath

Sacred Animals

• Vulture: Battlefield bird, death, war
• Dog: Loyalty, aggression, protection, war companion
• Serpent: Danger, striking power, primal energy
• Boar: Fierce, aggressive, dangerous when provoked
• Woodpecker: Associated with Mars (Roman equivalent)

Sacred Plants

• Oak: Strength, endurance, warrior's tree
• Ash: Spear wood, strength, protection
• Thorns: Defense, aggression, protection
• Nettle: Stinging, defensive, warrior plant

Colors

• Red: Blood, passion, anger, war, life force
• Black: Power, aggression, warrior energy
• Bronze/Copper: Armor, weapons, ancient warfare
• Silver: Steel, blades, metallic warrior energy

Crystals and Stones

• Red Jasper: Warrior stone, courage, strength, grounding aggression
• Bloodstone: Courage, protection, warrior energy, vitality
• Carnelian: Courage, passion, action, physical energy
• Garnet: Passion, strength, survival, life force
• Hematite: Grounding, strength, protection, warrior grounding
• Black Tourmaline: Protection, boundaries, defensive energy
• Tiger's Eye: Courage, confidence, warrior focus, protection

Numbers

• Five: Associated with Mars (Roman equivalent), conflict
• Nine: Completion, mastery, warrior achievement

Why Work with Ares?

Ares calls to those who are:

• Needing to develop courage and bravery
• Learning to channel anger and aggression healthily
• Standing up for themselves or setting boundaries
• Facing conflict or confrontation
• Developing physical strength and martial skills
• Protecting themselves or others
• Reclaiming warrior spirit and fighting energy
• Working through anger issues constructively
• Needing to be more assertive or aggressive
• Engaging in competitive sports or martial arts

He is especially powerful for:

• Courage development: Facing fears, being brave, warrior spirit
• Anger work: Channeling rage constructively, healthy aggression
• Physical training: Martial arts, combat sports, strength building
• Protection: Defending yourself and others through force
• Boundary setting: Aggressive boundary enforcement when needed
• Assertiveness: Standing your ground, fighting for what's yours
• Survival: Fighting spirit, will to live and win

Signs Ares Is Calling You

You may be called by Ares if you experience:

• Feeling called to develop physical strength or martial skills
• Experiencing intense anger that needs channeling
• Needing to stand up for yourself or fight back
• Being drawn to weapons, armor, or warrior imagery
• Dreams of battles, combat, or warrior figures
• Feeling your warrior spirit awakening
• The number 5 or 9 appearing repeatedly
• Seeing vultures, dogs, or boars as significant
• Feeling a pull toward aggressive, assertive action
• Sensing a fierce, masculine, warrior presence

Learn more about deity signs: How to Know Which Deity Is Calling You

Ares's Personality and Energy

Ares is:

• Aggressive and fierce: Raw, unfiltered warrior energy
• Passionate: Intense in all emotions—anger, love, desire
• Courageous: Fearless in the face of danger
• Impulsive: Acts on instinct, not always strategic
• Protective: Defends fiercely, especially lovers and children
• Physical: Embodies bodily strength and prowess
• Honest: Direct, blunt, no pretense
• Sometimes reckless: Charges in without always thinking

Important: Ares is raw, primal, and aggressive. He's not refined or gentle. Work with him if you need warrior energy, but balance his influence with wisdom and strategy. Don't let aggression become destructive.

How to Build an Ares Altar

Essential Items

• Statue or image: Ares in armor, with spear and shield
• Weapons: Miniature swords, spears, or daggers (safely displayed)
• Candles: Red or black candles
• Offering bowl: For wine, meat, or warrior offerings
• Crystals: Red jasper, bloodstone, carnelian, hematite
• Altar cloth: Red, black, or bronze/copper tones
• Armor pieces: Miniature helmet, shield, or armor
• Warrior imagery: Battle scenes, soldiers, martial symbols

Optional Items

• Dog imagery or figurines
• Vulture feathers (ethically sourced)
• Thorns or nettle (dried, safely contained)
• Athletic or martial arts equipment
• Competition trophies or medals
• Red wine or strong spirits
• Oak or ash wood pieces

Altar Placement

• In your workout or training space
• Near your martial arts or athletic area
• In a space where you feel strong and powerful
• Facing south (direction of fire, passion, action)

Complete altar guide: How to Build a Deity Altar

Offerings for Ares

Traditional Offerings

• Red wine: Blood-like, passion, warrior libation
• Meat: Protein, strength, warrior sustenance
• Bread: Sustenance, soldier's rations
• Weapons: Miniature or symbolic weapons
• Armor pieces: Helmets, shields, protective gear
• Blood: Historically animal sacrifice (modern: symbolic only)

Modern Offerings

• Athletic achievements: Victories, personal records, competition wins
• Martial training: Time spent in martial arts or combat sports
• Physical strength: Workout accomplishments, strength gains
• Standing your ground: Acts of courage and assertiveness
• Protecting others: Defending the vulnerable
• Channeled anger: Using rage constructively, not destructively
• Competition: Engaging in competitive sports or challenges

Acts of Devotion

• Training in martial arts or combat sports
• Building physical strength and endurance
• Standing up for yourself and others
• Channeling anger into productive action
• Competing with honor and courage
• Protecting the vulnerable through force when necessary
• Developing warrior discipline and courage
• Facing fears head-on

Full offerings guide: Deity Offerings Guide: What to Give

How to Work with Ares

Step 1: Approach with Respect and Strength

Ares respects strength and courage. Approach him as a warrior, not a supplicant.

Step 2: Set Up Your Altar

Create a powerful, martial space with weapons, armor, red and black, and warrior symbols.

Step 3: Make Your Introduction

Light red candles, offer wine and meat, and speak:

"Ares, god of war, embodiment of courage and strength, fierce protector and warrior—I come to you seeking to develop my warrior spirit, to channel my anger and aggression constructively, and to stand strong in the face of conflict. Teach me courage, grant me strength, and help me fight for what matters. Ares, I honor you."

Step 4: Listen for His Response

Pay attention to:

• Increased physical energy and aggression
• Feeling braver and more assertive
• Opportunities to stand up for yourself
• Anger rising that needs channeling
• Feeling drawn to physical training or combat
• Increased confidence and warrior spirit

Step 5: Train Your Body

Ares values physical strength and martial prowess. Train regularly.

Step 6: Channel the Warrior

Ares expects you to:

• Develop physical courage and strength
• Channel anger and aggression constructively
• Stand your ground and fight when necessary
• Protect yourself and others
• Face conflict directly and honestly
• Train your warrior skills

Ares's Sacred Times

• Tuesday: Mars day (Roman equivalent), war day
• Before battles: Literal or metaphorical conflicts
• During competitions: Sports, martial arts tournaments
• Spring: Traditional war season in ancient times
• When angry: Channel rage through ritual to Ares
• Training sessions: Martial arts, combat sports, strength training

Magic and Rituals with Ares

Courage Invocation Ritual

1. Before facing something that scares you
2. Light a red candle
3. Hold red jasper or bloodstone
4. Invoke Ares: "God of war, grant me your courage and strength"
5. Visualize yourself in warrior armor, fearless
6. Speak: "I am brave. I am strong. I face this without fear."
7. Offer wine to Ares
8. Face your challenge with warrior spirit

Anger Channeling Ritual

1. When experiencing intense anger
2. Set up your Ares altar
3. Light black and red candles
4. Hold hematite for grounding
5. Invoke Ares as master of rage
6. Express your anger physically (punch bag, intense workout, scream safely)
7. Channel the energy into productive action
8. Offer the transformed anger to Ares

Warrior Protection Ritual

1. When needing fierce protection
2. Light red candles
3. Hold black tourmaline and carnelian
4. Invoke Ares as protector and defender
5. Visualize yourself in full armor, surrounded by his warrior energy
6. Speak: "Ares protects me. I am defended. None shall harm me."
7. Carry the crystals as warrior talismans
8. Offer wine and meat in gratitude

Physical Strength Blessing

1. Before training or competition
2. Light a red candle at your altar
3. Hold tiger's eye or garnet
4. Ask Ares to bless your training
5. Visualize red warrior energy filling your muscles
6. Train with intensity and focus
7. Offer your achievements to Ares

Working with Ares: Warnings and Cautions

• He amplifies aggression: Be prepared for increased anger and assertiveness
• Balance with wisdom: Don't let aggression become destructive
• Channel constructively: Use anger for positive action, not harm
• Physical safety: Train safely, don't be reckless
• Not for everyone: If you struggle with anger issues, approach carefully
• Respect his power: Warrior energy is potent and can be overwhelming
• Honor Aphrodite: His lover—balance war with love

Read the warning signs: Warning Signs You Should NOT Work with a Deity

Ares in Mythology

Key Myths

• Affair with Aphrodite: His passionate relationship with the goddess of love
• Trapped by Giants: Imprisoned in a bronze jar for thirteen months
• Trojan War: Supported the Trojans, fought against Athena
• Cadmus's Dragon: His sacred serpent killed by Cadmus
• Trial for Murder: First trial for homicide on the Areopagus

Epithets and Titles

• Ares Enyalios (Warlike)
• Ares Hippios (Of Horses)
• Ares Theritas (Beastly/Savage)
• Ares Gynaikothoinas (Feasted by Women)

Crystals for Ares Work

• Red Jasper: Warrior courage, strength, grounding aggressive energy
• Bloodstone: Courage, protection, warrior vitality, life force
• Carnelian: Courage, passion, action, physical power
• Garnet: Passion, strength, survival instinct, warrior fire
• Hematite: Grounding, strength, protection, warrior stability
• Black Tourmaline: Protection, boundaries, defensive warrior energy
• Tiger's Eye: Courage, confidence, focus, warrior determination

Final Thoughts

Ares is the god of raw warrior energy, primal courage, and the fierce will to fight and survive. He teaches that aggression and anger are not inherently bad—they are tools that, when channeled properly, can protect, defend, and empower. He shows that sometimes you must fight, that courage means facing fear, and that warrior spirit is sacred.

Working with Ares means:

• Developing physical courage and bravery
• Channeling anger and aggression constructively
• Standing your ground and fighting when necessary
• Building physical strength and warrior skills
• Protecting yourself and others fiercely
• Embracing your warrior spirit

If you hear his call—if you need courage, if you must fight, if you're ready to be a warrior—answer it. Ares is offering you the spear of action and the shield of protection.

You are strong. You are brave. You are a warrior.

Explore more Greek deities: Greek Deities Magic: Complete Guide

New to deity work? Start here: Deity Work Basics: What You Need to Know