A prayer to the god Hermes I wrote and dedicated to the same, because why not?  Starting a devotional practice to the god will have me writing at least one of these, and though this is a simple thing, it’s a decent start.  I took my inspiration mostly from the Homeric and Orphic Hymns, along with common notions of his works, jobs, and assistance he provides to the world.  The only structure it has is that it’s split into four stanzas with four lines each, capped with an invocation and salutation to the god; there’s no rhyme or meter to speak of, except by accident.  If you ever need to call on the god or forces of Hermes, feel free to use, share, and spread it around as you will.  It’s up to you, I mean, don’t feel obliged or anything.  It’s not like I’m taking you out on a date tonight or anyth…

…um, anyway.  On this day of Mercury, in the dawning hour of Mercury, when I have transiting Mercury conjunct my natal Sun, I present to you this prayer to Hermes as an offering to the God, god, and spirits of that sphere.  Enjoy!

Iō Hermēs!  Iō Hermēs!  Iō Hermēs!  Iō Hermēs!

Hermes, draw near, and my plain prayer hear!
Hear me, swift god, o you of the winged sandals!
Hear me, bright god, o you holding the kerykeion!
Hear me, sly god, o you of thieves and robbers!
Hear me, wise god, o you leading men, spirits, and gods!
Iō Hermēs!

Gracious lord Hermes, guide and traveler!
Born of beautiful Maia and almighty Zeus, destined for great works,
child of mighty Mount Kyllene, scheming and knowing from the crib,
Born on the fourth of the month at dawn, made the lyre at noon,
Stole Apollo’s cattle at night, gaining guidance and foresight as a babe!
Iō Hermēs!

I call upon your many names, great god; hear me, and answer in kind!
Athanatos, Aglaos, Kydimos, Krateros!
Pompaios, Diaktoros, Angelos, Mastērios!
Klepsiphrōn, Mēkhaniōtēs, Polytropos, Euskopos!
Kharidōtēs, Poneomenos, Eriounēs, Khrysorrhapis!
Iō Hermēs!

Be gracious to me, lord Hermes, and guide me in my paths!
Lead me to my destinations swiftly, secretly, safely, and speedily.
Teach me in all studies, sciences, skills, and crafts.
Warn me from all theft, deceit, wiles, and robbers.
Quicken me in speech, conversation, commerce, and cognition.
Iō Hermēs!

Iō Hermēs!  Iō Hermēs!  Iō Hermēs!  Iō Hermēs!

The epithets of Hermes used in the third stanza are all traditional from ancient and classical Greek times, and translate roughly as follows:

1. Athanatos: Immortal
2. Aglaos: Bright
3. Kydimos: Glorious
4. Krateros: Strong
5. Pompaios: Leader
6. Diaktoros: Guide
7. Angelos: Messenger
8. Mastērios: Of Searchers
9. Klepsiphrōn: Deceiver
10. Mēkhaniōtēs: Trickster
11. Polytropos: Shifty
12. Euskopos: Keen-sighted
13. Kharidōtēs: Giver of Joy
14. Poneomenos: Busy One
15. Eriounēs: Luck-bringing
16. Khrysorrhapis: Of the Golden Wand