Asclepius and dream healing.

In the ancient world, the Greeks complimented an understanding of the scientific and their belief in the supernatural (or that which is beyond the rational). When medicine failed to help someone who was suffering, the physician would point the way towards Asclepius or the gods.

Asclepius was the Greek god of healing, he worked through dream healing. His healing sanctuaries were found throughout the Hellenic world. They were active for almost 2000 years from approximately 1300 BCE to 500CE. In times of illness and when the doctor was unable to help, one would turn to Asclepius for dream healing. Healing would come about through a visitation of the healing god (or one of his totems - the dog or snake) in a dream. The dream would then result in a spontaneous healing or it would present a solution the the dreamer had to follow.

People would go on a dream healing pilgrimage to these centres dedicated to Asclepius which were called Asclepions.. They would be offered bodywork, hydrotherapy, psychotherapy, good food and changes in their diet and also be provided an oppertunity to dream and refelct upon the. They also enjoyed theatre, music and poetry. Undoubtedly all the ancient Asclepions were in very beautiful natural settings that can also 'inspire' on a very deep level.

When the temple Therapeutes (therapists) considered a person was ready, they would be shown to the Abaton. The Abaton was an incubation room where the patient would pray to Asclepius, and then go to sleep to receive a dream - expecting a visitation from Asclepius in their dreams. At first the Abaton were just holy caves but later they were found within the temple. The patients' cure would be spontaneous or the answer to their healing would be found within the dream. The illnesses cured were recorded on the thousands of votive offerings that were given to the temples by those cured.

In many ways the life of Asclepius mirrors many of the features of Jesus' life. He was a mortal physician/healer born of a mortal woman and divine father. He was killed and became divine.

The Christian church incorporated many of the rituals around Asclepius. In the Greek Orthodox Church even now votive offerings are presented to particular healing saints, the Virgin Mary or Jesus Christ. Dreams are still held in high regard in Greek culture.

Modern dream healing does not mean that you have to believe in a Pagan god. We can pray to the healing benevolent god of our beliefs.

Once we commit ourselves to a dream healing pilgrimage then we start our journey of healing. We surround ourselves with things and people that nurture our soul and we slow down the pace and style of our lives. The beauty of nature, music, theatre and art can touch us at a very deep level that can be both cathartic and healing. These are all essential steps in the healing process.

The Spirit of Life Holistic Holiday Centre offer courses in Dream Healing, based in their healing centre in southern Greece.

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