Topic: Psychopomp

Steven Crimey defines the role of Hermes within the Greek pantheon as the god of borders, travel, commerce, and thievery. As a "psychopomp," Hermes is the only deity capable of guiding souls between the realms of the living and the dead. Crimey argues that Hermes is the god most closely related to the human realm due to his involvement in the "Agora" or marketplace.

Mercury, or Hermes, is identified as a primary polar deity who acts as a messenger traveling up and down the central pillar of the world. This axis connects heaven and earth, serving as the path for the conductor of souls. The Vedic tradition's "Arctic Home" is cited as further evidence of a primordial migration away from this central northern location.

The term "psychopomp" is defined as a guide that escorts the deceased across the threshold of death, with examples ranging from the Grim Reaper to Anubis. Kutchin highlights the prevalence of animal psychopomps—specifically dogs, horses, and birds—and notes their frequent appearance in UFO lore. He cites the case of Snippy the horse and Buck Nelson's Venusian dog as examples of how these traditional death guides have been integrated into modern high strangeness accounts.

Hermanubis, a syncretic deity combining the Greek Hermes and the Egyptian Anubis, serves as a "way opener" and guardian of the border between life and death. This dog-headed form persisted in European folk tradition through figures like the dog-headed Saint Christopher, who was depicted as a protector of travelers until the late medieval period. The discussion warns against using such entities for simple financial success, suggesting instead that they facilitate deeper navigation of the spiritual landscape.