Communication and Manifestation:
While mortals couldn't directly perceive the gods in their divine nature, they believed the gods could communicate and interact with them through various means:
1. Apparitions: The gods might appear to chosen individuals or heroes, often in the guise of human form or natural objects (zoomorphism), to convey messages or provide guidance. These appearances were often seen as fleeting moments or visions.
2. Dreams: The gods could communicate with mortals through vivid and symbolic dreams, conveying prophetic insights or warnings.
3. Oracles: Oracular sites like Delphi and Dodona were believed to house the voice of deities such as Apollo and Zeus. Priests and priestesses would interpret cryptic pronouncements or oracle utterances, considered messages from the gods.
4. Signs and Portents: Ancient Greeks believed that certain natural phenomena or unusual events were divine signs from the gods. A thunderclap might be interpreted as a god's endorsement, while an extraordinary weather event might signal divine displeasure.
5. Visions through Heroes and Prophets: Some individuals, like heroes or legendary figures, were said to have exceptional relationships with the gods and could communicate with them directly or receive visions.
Sacred Places:
Certain places, such as sacred groves, temples, or mountains, were considered especially attuned to the presence of the gods. Worshipers would visit these sites to offer prayers and libations, hoping for divine favor or communication.
Temples and Statues:
Temples were built in honor of the gods, but the divine figures usually remained unseen. Instead, elaborate statues of gods were placed within temples as embodiments of their presence. These statues were adorned, adorned honored, and seen as conduits for divine interaction.
Overall, while mortals didn't directly observe the gods in their true divine forms, their belief in divine intervention and communication through various channels was integral to the practice of ancient Greek religion.