#hymn herder

[reanimationstation]

heres the mlp au toons! plus an ink sam who you will see more of in another post

#victors art #alice angel #alice alicorn #bendy the dancing demon #bendy the centaur #boris the wolf #boris the diamond dog #ink demon #sammy lawrence #hymn herder #batim mlp au #bendy and the ink machine #batdr #(for the second ink demon design)

[forthe-theoi]

★ Hekate's Deipnon ★

WHAT IS HEKATE'S DEIPNON?

Hekate's Deipnon (or Hekate's Supper), at its most basic, is described as a religious offering meal given to Hekate and the restless dead once every lunar month on the new moon.

However, there is more to the event than just that. The Deipnon itself contains about two events; the ritual purification (Oxuthumia) and the actual supper (Deipnon). As well as this, many modern polytheists will also do a physical cleaning of the house and ending things that were started the previous month (such as paying off bills, finishing projects, etc.).

OXUTHUMIA

Oxuthumia is the ritual purification of the home before the actual Deipnon.

This purification can include;

cleansing via smoke/incense

sweeping the home

physical cleaning and decluttering

cleaning of any altars/shrines

Many like to include house sweepings in the main offering for the Deipnon, so be sure to save them for that if you want!

THE DEIPNON

The Deipnon itself is the act of giving offerings to Hekate and the restless dead, usually at the crossroads, on the night of the new moon.

Traditionally this was done at some form of crossroads, but if you cannot do this outside for any reason, the offering can be left at the altar.

Usually, the offering consists of:

garlic or leek

a liquid libation, whether wine, honey, water, etc.

eggs

house sweepings (from the Oxuthumia)

You may be wondering, who are the restless dead?

The restless dead are essentially people who have died and not received a proper burial, died violently, or died prematurely. These are what you may see be called 'ghosts'.

One superstition about the Deipnon is, "once you give the offerings at the crossroads, walk back home and don't look back or you may see the restless dead, giving you bad luck". (unfortunately I cant find where I read this, so please take it with a grain of salt).

OTHER WAYS TO CELEBRATE

paying off all bills that need paying

paying off other debts, financial or otherwise

giving thanks or offerings to deities you forgot to during the past month

finishing projects

cleaning or other housework

writing out thank you cards, notes, etc.

getting rid of things no longer needed/wanted

emptying your Kathistkos, if you have one.

EXTRAS

Orphic Hymn to Hekate

translation by Apostolos N. Athanassakis, Benjamin M. Wolkow

Lovely Hekate of the roads and of the crossroads I invoke. In heaven, on earth, then is sea, saffron-cloaked, tomb spirit reveling in the souls of the dead, daughter of Perses, haunting deserted places delighting in deer, nocturnal, dog-loving, monstrous queen, devouring wild beasts, ungirt and repulsive. Herder of bulls, queen and mistress of the whole world, leader, nymph, mountain-roaming nurturer of youths, maiden, I beseech you to come to these holy rites, ever with joyous heart, ever favoring the oxherd.

SOURCES

Circle for Hekate - Volume I by Sorita D'Este

Hekate: Her Sacred Fires by Sorita d’Este, Raven Digitalis, Vikki Bramshaw

Hekate Liminal Rites by Sorita d’Este, David Rankine

#🏛️ : helpol #🏺 : theoi #hekate #hekate's deipnon #deipnon #hellenic deities #hellenic pagan #hellenic polytheism

[gwendolynlerman]

Deutschribing Germany

Literature

Middle Ages (5th-15th centuries)

Medieval German literature can be divided into two periods: Old High German literature (8th-11th centuries) and Middle High German literature (12th-14th centuries). The only surviving works from the first period are the Hildebrandslied (Lay of Hildebrand), which is the earliest poetic text in German and tells of the tragic encounter in battle between a father and a son, and Muspilli, which deals with the fate of the soul after death and at the Last Judgment.

Middle High German literature saw a 60-year golden age known as mittelhochdeutsche Blütezeit, in which lyric poetry in the form of Minnesang—the German version of courtly love—blossomed thanks to poets such as Walther von der Vogelweide and Wolfram von Eschenbach. Another important genre during this time was epic poetry, of which the most famous example is the Nibelungenlied (The Song of the Nibelungs), which narrates the story of prince Siegfried and princess Kriemhild, among other characters.

Renaissance (15th-16th centuries)

Early New High German literature includes works such as Der Ring (The Ring) by Heinrich Wittenwiler, a 9,699-line satirical poem where each line is marked with red or green ink depending on the seriousness of the material, and Das Narrenschiff (Ship of Fools) by Sebastian Brant, a satirical allegory that contains the ship of fools trope.

Other important authors are satirist and poet Thomas Murner, humanist Sebastian Franck, and poets Johannes von Tepl and Oswald von Wolkenstein.

Baroque (16th-17th centuries)

The Baroque period is characterized by works that reflected the experiences of the Thirty Years’ War and tragedies (Trauerspiele) on Classical themes, the latter were written by authors such as Andreas Gryphius and Daniel Caspar von Lohenstein. The most famous work is Der abenteuerliche Simplicissimus (Simplicius Simplicissimus) by Hans Jakob Christoffel von Grimmelshausen, a picaresque novel that narrates the adventures of the naïve Simplicissimus.

Enlightenment (17th-18th centuries)

The most important writers of the Enlightenment are Christian Felix Weiße, Christoph Martin Wieland, Gotthold Ephraim Lessing, and Johann Gottfried Herder.

The Age of Reason saw the emergence of two literary movements: Empfindsamkeit (sentimental style) and Sturm und Drang (storm and stress). The first one intended to express true and natural feelings and featured sudden mood changes. The latter movement was characterized by individual subjectivity and extremes of emotion in response to the rationalism imposed by the Enlightenment.

Weimar Classicism (18th-19th centuries)

The main drivers behind Weimar Classicism, which synthesized ideas from Classicism, the Enlightenment, and Romanticism, were Johann Christoph Friedrich von Schiller, and Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. 

During this period, Schiller published Die Bürgschaft (The Pledge), a ballad based on the legend of Damon and Pythias found in the Latin Fabulae, and Don Karlos (Don Carlos), a historical tragedy about Carlos, Prince of Asturias, while Goethe wrote Egmont, a play heavily influenced by Shakespearean tragedy, and Faust, a tragic play in which the main character sells his soul to the devil that is considered the greatest work of German literature.

Romanticism (18th-19th centuries)

Important Romantic writers include E. T. A. Hoffmann, author of Der Sandmann (The Sandman), a short story based on the mythical character of said name that puts people to sleep by sprinkling sand on their eyes; Heinrich von Kleist, who wrote Das Kätchen von Heilbronn (The Little Catherine of Heilbronn), a drama set in Swabia in the Middle Ages; Joseph Freiherr von Eichendorff, author of Das Marmorbild (The Marble Statue), a novella about a man who struggles to choose between piety and a world of art, and Novalis, author of Hymnen an die Nacht (Hymns to the Night), a collection of six poems.

Folk tales collected by the Brothers Grimm became very popular during the Romantic period, as they represented a pure form of national literature and culture.

Biedermeier and Young Germany (19th century)

The Biedermeier period contrasts with the Romantic era and is best exemplified by poets Adelbert von Chamisso, Annette von Droste-Hülshoff, and Wilhelm Müller.

Young Germany was a youth movement whose main proponents were Karl Gutzkow, Ludolf Wienbarg, and Theodor Mundt.

Realism and Naturalism (19th century)

The most representatives realist authors are Gustav Freytag, Theodor Fontane, and Theodor Storm, while Gerhart Hauptmann was the most important naturalist writer.

Weimar literature (20th century)

During the Weimar Republic, writers such as Erich Maria Remarque, Heinrich Mann, and Thomas Mann presented a bleak look at the world and the failure of politics and society.

Expressionism (20th century)

As a modernist movement, Expressionism presented the world solely from a subjective perspective, distorting it for emotional effect. Famous authors include novelists Alfred Döblin and Franz Kafka, playwrights Ernst Toller and Georg Kaiser, and poets August Stramm and Else Lasker-Schüler.

Neue Sachlichkeit (20th century)

Neue Sachlichkeit (New Objectivity) arose as a reaction against expressionism and was characterized by its political perspective on reality and portrayal of dystopias in an emotionless reporting style, showing cynicism about humanity. Authors associated with this movement include Erich Kästner, Hans Fallada, and Irmgard Keun.

Nazi Germany (1933-1945)

During the Nazi regime, some authors went into exile, while others submitted to censorship. The former, who either were of Jewish ancestry or opposed the regime for political reasons, include writers Alice Rühle-Gerstel and Anna Seghers, playwright Bertolt Brecht, and poet and novelist Hermann Hesse/Emil Sinclair.

Those who stayed and engaged in inner emigration include writer Friedrich Reck-Malleczewen, poet and essayist Gottfried Benn, writer Hans Blüher, and poet and novelist Ricarda Huch.

Post-war literature (20th century)

The most famous authors in West Germany were Edgar Hilsenrath, Günter Grass, Heinrich Böll, and Group 47, a group of participants in writers’ meetings invited by Hans Werner Richter.

East German writers include Christa Wolf, Heiner Müller, Reiner Kunze, and Sarah Kirsch.

Contemporary literature (21st century)

Fantasy and science fiction authors include Andreas Eschbach, Frank Schätzing, and Wolfgang Hohlbein. Some of the most important poets are Aldona Gustas, Hans Magnus Enzensberger, and Jürgen Becker. Thriller is best represented by Ingrid Noll. Fiction novelists include Herta Müller, Siegfried Lenz, and Wilhelm Genazino.

#langblr #german

[okaima]

Karelian words - Church

Alliluija - hallelujah

Altari - altar

Altariabuniekka - sexton (office)

Altaristola, pyhästola - altar table

Ambona - ambon, ambo

Amin, ämmin - amen

Anheli - angel

Antifona - antiphon

Antihristu - antichrist

Antiminssi, pyhästolanpaikka - antimins

Apostola - apostate

Arbaituspagin - allegory

Arhimandriitta - archimandrite

Arhijepiskoppu - archbishop

Biblii - the Bible

Blahvešen’n’a - Feast of the Annunciation to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Bohorodičča - Theotokos, Mother of God, title of Mary mother of Jesus

Bokku-ukset, diakonin ukset - doors of deacon

Časouna - eukterion

Diakona - deacon

Dikiri, Trikiri - dikirion and trikirion

Dogma - dogma

Dogmatiekka - Dogmatic theology, dogmatics

Ektenii - ectenia

Ekumenii - ecumenism

Epigonaatio, pualičča - epigonation, palitza

Epistolu - epistle

Epitrakiili - epitrachelion

Evangelii - the gospel, the Christian message

Evangelista - diciple of Jesus

Evangeliikniigu - book that includes only the canonical gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.

Ezipaimoi - "first, foremost shepherd", refers to priests work as herder to the souls of his congregation, as well as that of Jesus to Christians

Gimnugruafii - hymnography, specifically eastern orthodox hymnology

Feloni - phelonion

Muahpanendu, kalmuandu - burial

Sroičču, Sroičanpäivy - Pentecost

Harhaoppi - herecy

Hora - choir

Hospodi - the Lord, referring to the Christian God

Iisus - Jesus

Iguumen - hegumen, head of a monastery in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, similar to the title of abbot.

Iguumen’n’a - hegumenia, head of a nun monastery in the Eastern Orthodox and Eastern Catholic Churches, similar to the title of abbess.

Suuri ruado, Kummanruado - miracle

Iikossi - Icos, a church hymn that praises and glorifies the honored saint and church event.

Obraza - icon

Ikonokluazma, Obrazukluazma - Iconoclasm

Ikonostuazi, Obrazuseiny - Iconostasis

Iänenkandai - prophet

Jepiskoppa - bishop

Jiävindy - epiphany

Roštuo, rastavu, raštava - Christmas

Jumal - god, especially Christian God

Kirikkösluužba - Church service, worship

Emänpäivä - Feast of Dormition of the Mother of God

Bogorodičča, Neičyt Marian roindupruazniekka - Feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary

Veden’n’u - The Entry of the Most Holy Theotokos into the Temple,

Muanitus, Uadu - damnation

Pyhienmal’l’a - chalise used during the Eucharist 

Kanoni - A canon, a structured hymn used in a number of Eastern Orthodox services

Kanoniziiruičenda - canonization

Karjalan valistajien päivä - Remembrance Day of Enlightors of Karelia, a day of thanks unique to Karelian East Orthodox churches

Ristiendä - baptism

Ristiendäast’e - Baptismal font

Ristiendälipas - Baptismal box

Ristiendäsoba - Baptismal clothing

Ristiendästola - Baptismal table

Jepiskopan stuula - Episcopal see

Kadila - incense burner

Kadumus, Riähkilkäyndy - confession

Kaglarista - cross necklace

Keijäs - riatual knife used during Eucharist 

Heruvim - cherub

Heruvimpajo - cherubikon

Hristos - Christ

Kirikkö - church, also the Church

Kirikköleiby, proskuna - prosphora, a small loaf of leavened bread used in Orthodox Christian liturgies.

Kirikkömuuzikku - church music

Kirikölliskerähmö - synod

Kontakki - kontakion

Kokkamatto - eagle rug

Kuajie - to bless with church incense

Streiten’n’a - Candlemas

Kuningahanukset - the royal doors, holy doors, beautiful gates

Käzirista - blessing cross

Käzipaikku - a type of Karelian ryshnyk

Lahjustola - table on which proskomedia is carried out

Lampatka - small oil lamp burned in front of icon or iconostasis

Liturgii, liturgie - liturgy

Loadana - church incense

Lugija - the reader

Luzikka, pyhienluzikka - spoon used to feed sacramental wine to people with special requirements

Malittu - prayer

Manasteri - monastery

Manuahu - monk, especially Eastern Orthodox one

Mustelenda, Panihida - Memorial service in the Eastern Orthodox Church

Muučenniekku, Marttyyri - martyr

Messii - messiah

Metropoliitta - metropolitan bishop

Mirha - myrrh

Mirhalvoijanda - chrismation 

Mirhasudi - myrrh brush

Mitra - mitre

Mägipagin - Sermon on the Mount

Puametti - little notebook in which are written names of those who are to be remembered on the day

Neičyt Marija - Virgin Mary

Omofori - Omophorion

Opastuspagin - sermon

Orari - orarion

Pravoslaunoi - person of Eastern Orthodox faith

Pyhienstorielkka, diskos - a paten, diskos

Pyhä - lent

Pappevus - Sacrament of priesthood

Pappi - priest

Ozakas - blessed, blissfull, glorified

Paha Hengi - demon, Evil Spirit (as counterpart to Holy Spirit)

Paimoisavakko, Jepiskopan savakko - crosier

Patriarha - pathriarch, the highest-ranking bishops in Eastern Orthodoxy.

Patriarhuatta - the patriarchate

Pokrova - Protection of Our Most Holy Lady Theotokos and Ever-Virgin Mary

Prokimeni - prokeimenon, a psalm or canticle refrain sung responsorially at certain specified points of the Divine Liturgy or the Divine Office, usually to introduce a scripture reading.

Prihoda - church congregation

Psalma - psalm

Pyhienkate - aër

Pyhä Hengi - Holy Spirit

Pyhä Kolminažus, Troičča - Holy Trinity

Pyhä Sinoda - ecumenical council

Pyhä vero, Ehtuolline, Eukaristii - Holy Communion

Relikvii - holy relic

Ripidi - ripidion, liturgical fan in Eastern Orthodoxy

Ripityslipas - a small postable tabernacle in which Holy Gifts are stored and transported

Rista - cross

Ristahnuaglinda - crucifixion

Ristanmerkki, silmienristindä - sign of the cross, crossing oneself

Ristimä, imma - godmother

Ristitty - Christian

Ristižä, titti - godfather

Ristusuatto - Eastern Orthodox procession

Riähkä - sin

Ruaja - the paradise

Sattan, Pahalaine - Satan

Sakkos - sakkos, a vestment worn by Orthodox bishops instead of the priest's phelonion.

Sakramentta - sacrament

Sakramenttalipas - east orthodox tabernacle 

Seiččie-šuarahine lampatka - seven-pronged oil lamp

Serafi - seraphim

Sluavimin’e - moleben, Eastern Orthodox equivalent of a Paraklesis

Spuasanpäivä - Feast of the Transfiguration

Spuassu, Piästäi - Redeemer

Srašnoipiätteniččä - Good Friday

Stikari - sticharion, a liturgical vestment of the Eastern Orthodox

Sviižoi - Feast of the Cross

Suuri Pyhä - the Great lent

Škuat’eri - corporal

Teologa - theologian,  title designed only to recognize someone who spoke from personal experience of the vision of God

Teolougii - theology

Tiähti - asterisk

Traditsii - tradition

Tropari - troparion

Tuohus - church candle

Uskonlevitysmatku - Christian mission

Uskontunnustus - Confession of faith

Uuzi Sana - New Testament

Vahnu Sana - Old Testament

Veinpyhitys - the Great- or Lesser Blessing of Waters

Venččuanda - sacrament of marriage

Vieristy, Teofania - Theophany 

Viero, Uskondo, Religii - religion

Vigilii - the All-night vigil

Vihmin, Vihkoin’e - Eastern Orthodox aspergillum, a brush-like liturgical implement used to sprinkle holy water

Virboivičča - A small decorated pussy-willow branch used in Karelian Easter traditions

Voimattomanvoidelu, voimattomanvoijanda - Anointing of the sick

Voznusen’n’u - Feast of the Ascension

Ylianheli - archangel

Ylähnouzenda - resurrection

Äijäpäivän jäiččä - Easter egg

Äijypäivä - Easter

#east orthodoxy #christianity #karjala #karelia #karjal #karjalan kieli #Карельский язык #pravoslavnoi

[volumina-vetustiora]

Morrowind: Words of the Wind - in Latin

in pulverem contrahar in frigidis, ferisque Vastitatibus tuis, atque lingua mea loquatur ultimum carmen ad ventos.

pro pastore precor guaribus ludentibus sibilante. pro venatore pecor ambulatores albos insidiante. pro sapienti precor sub colle petente, atque uxore quae cupit unum ultimum tactum infantis mortui manus.

pro eo quod perdidi non precabor cum cor meum enascetur e solo tuo, sicut granum, atque denuo subter solem crastinum florebit.

May I shrink to dust In your cold, wild Wastes, And may my tongue speak Its last hymn to your winds.

I pray for the herder That whistles to his guar at play. I pray for the hunter That stalks the white walkers. I pray for the wise one That seeks under the hill, And the wife who wishes For one last touch of her dead child's hand.

I will not pray for that which I've lost When my heart springs forth From your soil, like a seed, And blossoms anew beneath tomorrow's sun.

#the elder scrolls #latin #translation #morrowind #ashlander #elder scrolls #tes #tesblr #tes iii #tes morrowind #languages #de dunmerum natura

[royal-wren]

Hey I noticed one of your posts tbh at mentioned Artemis and Hermes being the Mistress and Master of animals respectively. I’ve been seeing some sources that say the Master is Hermes, and others Apollo, which one is it really? 😅

It's both and more than just Hermes and Apollon since the concept and title are widespread as far as a descriptor either to a more important and prevalent aspect/domain or to a smaller one. In Apollon's case it's relating to flocks and cattle, and hunting, he's just more commonplace as a city deity in a similar manner to Athene (in my opinion).

Hermes on the other hand from all the hundreds and hundreds of hours I've researched about him has more prevalence with nature and animals down to his place as god of fertility, birds of omen, mountains, hunting, sacrifices (and sacrificial animals) especially as a god that created the way to make fire by hand, the common man (shepherds, those that toil, all of whom he's incredibly popular with and depended on), and with a very heavy association with the Nymphai. He's also a god of animal husbandry, herds, and their predators. It's something he's known for and is one of the earliest features of his worship, especially as a pre-hellenic deity in connection to the earth/wilderness/fertility

Homeric Hymn 4 to Hermes 560 ff : "[Hermes] tends the wild roving, horned oxen and horses and patient mules . . . Zeus himself . . . commanded that glorious Hermes should be lord over all birds of prey and grim-eyed lions, and boars with gleaming tusks [i.e. the predators of herds], and over [herder's] dogs and all the herds and flocks that the wide earth nourishes, and over all sheep."

Hesiod, Theogony 444 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or 7th B.C.) : "She [Hekate] is good in the byre with Hermes to increase the stock.The droves of kine and wide herds of goats and flocks of fleecy sheep, if she will, she increases from a few, or makes many to be less."

Pausanias, Description of Greece 2. 3. 4 (trans. Jones) (Greek travelogue C2nd A.D.) : "Hermes is the god who is thought most to care for and to increase flocks, as Homer puts it in the Iliad:--‘Son was he of Phorbas, the dearest of Trojans to Hermes, rich in flocks, for the god vouchsafed him wealth in abundance.’"

For me -- in my personal practice Hermes just has a bigger slice and importance put behind every single part of him that falls into that category. If you want to learn more Theoi's pages for the two are a good start, and you can dm me for all the other papers/information I have on it.

What's important is what you connect with and have a preference for to lean any way you want and any way that fits better for you.

#asks #hopefully this helps at all anon #hermes forever and always will be my lion man #sorry this is late -- my power was out last night

[indianetzone336]

A UNIQUE CASTE HIERARCHY IN ANCIENT  INDIA

Caste System in Ancient India

Caste system in ancient India is defined as the hierarchical order of the social structure. The origin of caste system in ancient India and how it was conceived is not very clear. The earliest reference to it is found in the Rig Veda. It represents the hierarchy of castes - the Brahmins occupying the topmost position and the rest namely Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudras coming in descending order. From this it has been concluded that the Sudra caste was born out of the union of Aryans and non-Aryans.   There were four classes in the caste system: Brahmins (priests and scholars), Kshatriyas (kings, governors, and warriors), Vaishyas (cattle herders, agriculturists, artisans, and merchants), and Shudras (laborers and service providers). 'Varna' defines the hereditary roots of a newborn, it indicates the colour, type, order or class of people.  It reinforced the idea that lifestyles, occupations, ritual statuses, and social statuses were inherited. http://tinyurl.com/mr2sntad, https://shorturl.at/rsLOZ

Caste System in Vedic Age

The Vedas were ancient scriptures, written in the Sanskrit language, which contained hymns, philosophies, and rituals handed down to the priests of the Vedic religion. The low position, accorded to people like blacksmiths, tanners, butchers in the Smriti literature, are not found in the Vedas. The term 'dasa' seems to be the designation of a section of powerful non-Aryans who used to cause trouble to the Aryans. Dasas are stated to have been wealthy and lived in cities. In Atharva Veda, various classes of people of the society pursuing different vocations can be found. Dasas appear to have been engaged in agriculture. As per the Vedas, it is the ideal duty of a human to seek freedom from subsequent birth and death and rid oneself of the transmigration of the soul, and this is possible when one follows the duties and principles of one's respective Varna.The low position, accorded to people like blacksmiths, tanners, butchers in the Smriti literature, are not found in the Vedas. For more info - http://tinyurl.com/mr2sntad, https://shorturl.at/rsLOZ

Caste System in Age of Brahmanas

The Brahmanas confirm the fact that Sudras were called dasas. Those among them who did not surrender to the Aryans were termed dasyus (robbers). In the Brahmanas it has been found that Sudras were servants by occupation and that he could be ejected from a place or even slain at will. The study of the Veda and the performance of Vedic sacrifices were denied to Sudras. Brahmins were revered as an incarnation of knowledge itself, endowed with the precepts and sermons to be discharged to all Varnas of society. Priests, gurus, rishis, teachers, and scholars constituted the Brahmin community. They would always live through the Brahmacharya (celibacy) vow ordained for them. Even married Brahmins were called Brahmachari (celibate) by virtue of having intercourse only for reproducing and remaining mentally detached from the act.

Kalpasutra states the disabilities of Sudras. According to these works they had no right to Vedic study. In their sacrifices, the recitation of Vedic mantras was forbidden. All Samskaras were prohibited for them. A particular section of Sudras had to live outside the village; because Vedic study was prohibited for a Brahmana living in the same village with them. However, in comparison with the earlier ages, the Kalpasutras appear to have allowed certain privileges to Sudras. Kshatriyas constituted the warrior clan, the kings, rulers of territories, administrators, etc. It was paramount for a Kshatriya to be learned in weaponry, warfare, penance, austerity, administration, moral conduct, justice, and ruling. For more info - http://tinyurl.com/mr2sntad, https://shorturl.at/rsLOZ

Caste System in Age of Epics

In the Ramayana, Sudras appear as labourers and domestic servants.  A number of subcastes have been mentioned in the Mahabharata. Ramayana clearly indicates the Aryan expansion into South India and also hints at the use of military force in this process. The epic also makes it clear that the Dravidian culture was also equally superior. The Mahabharata shows that by that time the whole of India was Aryanised. It also provides us information regarding the various states existing at that time. In the Mahabharata all the Indian princes are shown as taking part in the great struggle.

The life of the Epics tells us that the Aryans were no longer divided into small clans or tribes, and powerful states like Panchalas, Pandus, Kosalas, Kashih had come into existence. The rulers of these states assumed the title of Samarats and lived in big cities. The king stood at the head of the general administration and carried on the same with the assistance of Ministers and other officials.

Agriculture continued to be the main occupation of the people in the epic age and made further progress. The private ownership of the land was recognised and the state claimed one sixth to one-tenth of the produce as its share. Both internal and external trade flourished during the epic period. Most of the businessmen lived in cities. The merchantmen were organised in guilds which were controlled by the Mahajanas. The growth of a large number of cities or ‘nagars’ as testified by the epics further shows that the commercial activities were on the increase.

Far reaching changes took place in the religion of the people during the Epic period. The Vedic god and goddesses receded to the background and new gods and goddesses began to worshipped. Important’ god and goddesses of the Epic age were Brahma, Vishnu, Siva, Ganesh, Lakshmi and Parvati. By this time the people had also given up the nature worship. However, they still continued to worship Surya.

The members of four castes were no doubt barred from inter-marriage, inter-dining and other intimate associations with these people. In Smriti sashtra too many references to Sudras and the various disabilities and derogatory treatment. For more info - http://tinyurl.com/mr2sntad, https://shorturl.at/rsLOZ

#arts and culture #indian religion #hinduism

[walterfriendly]

Orphic Hymn to Hekate

Author: Cory C. Childs

1. To Hekate

Incense: None

Lovely Hekate of the roads and crossroads I invoke;

In heaven, on earth, and in the sea, saffron-cloaked,

Tomb spirit, reveling in the souls of the dead,

Daughter of Perses, haunting deserted places, delighting in deer,

Nocturnal, dog-loving, monstrous queen,

Devouring wild beasts, ungirt, of repelling countenance.

You, herder of bulls, queen and mistress of the whole world,

Leader, nymph, mountain-roaming nurturer of youth, maiden,

I beseech you to come to these holy rites,

Ever with joyous heart and ever favoring the oxherd.

1. Ἑκάτης.

Εἰνοδίην Ἑκάτην κλῄιζω, τριοδῖτιν, ἐραννήν,

οὐρανίαν χθονίαν τε καὶ εἰναλίαν, κροκόπεπλον,

τυμβιδίαν, ψυχαῖς νεκύων μέτα βακχεύουσαν,

Περσείαν, φιλέρημον, ἀγαλλομένην ἐλάφοισι,

νυκτερίαν, σκυλακῖτιν, ἀμαιμάκετον βασίλειαν,

θηρόβρομον, ἄζωστον, ἀπρόσμαχον εἶδος ἔχουσαν,

ταυροπόλον, παντὸς κόσμου κληιδοῦχον ἄνασσαν,

ἡγεμόνην, νύμφην, κουροτρόφον, οὐρεσιφοῖτιν,

λισσόμενοις κούρην τελεταῖς ὁσίαισι παρεῖναι

βουκόλωι εὐμενέουσαν ἀεὶ κεχαρηότι θυμῶι.

#esoterism #hekate #hymn #poetry

[cavorta]

For the New Moon in July 2023, a Hecate devotional.

Text of the Orphic Hymn to Hecate Lovely Hecate of the roads and crossroads I invoke; In heaven, on earth, and in the sea, saffron-cloaked, Tomb spirit, reveling in the souls of the dead, Daughter of Perses, haunting deserted places, delighting in dear, Nocturnal, dog-loving, monstrous queen, Devouring wild beasts, ungirt, of repelling countenance. You, herder of bulls, queen and mistress of the whole world, Leader, nymph, mountain-roaming nurturer of youth, maiden, I beseech you to come to these holy rites, Ever with joyous heart and ever favoring the oxherd. (translated by Apostolos N. Athanassakis) Music: "On the Shore" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0 License Artwork of Hecate: Medusa Dollmaker https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/MedusaDollmaker

#orphic hymn to Hecate #Hecate #Hekate #hekatean #goddess of witches #goddess of the underworld and so much more #dark goddesses #new moon #Youtube

[reanimationstation]

finally the angels <3 and sam, buddy, henry, and tom ig /j

#victors art #body horror #face horror #batim mlp au #bendy and the ink machine #malice angel #twisted alice #malicorn #allison angel #oh i dont have a good pony name for her #sammy lawrence #hymn herder #henry stein #sketchlines #tom the wolf

[matriarchsdevotee-archive]

This would not be her first night staying in the Gerudo Fortress, but she had certainly gotten more comfortable being here. Nabooru had offered to harbor her on more than one occasion at this point, enough that she was nearly accustomed to the fortress and the Gerudo Sage’s space. From the spot where Zelda stood, she peered out the window, looking out over the desert before back to the room, the smaller details becoming more noticeable each time as she became more familiar. “Thank you, Nabooru, for allowing me to stay here once more.” A soft smile. “What was it like growing up in the desert?” She couldn’t help but to be curious, knowing the climate and way of life was much different than that of Hyrule.

It was no easy feat to convince her countrywomen to allow Zelda to walk among them at first. A common complaint about their former king had been how much time he spent in Hyrule - anti-hyrulean sentiments had cooled since he was deposed, but many were still suspicious of their neighbors. Visiting without guard helped her case, as well as Nabooru reminding disgruntled citizens that they owed reparation, and allowing the queen to visit meant she could remain with them. She deeply appreciated the latter. Nabooru never spent much time in Hyrule, and beyond the general homesickness she felt, she'd discovered she was allergic to damn near everything in the country. Nabooru's room was spare, especially compared to her sisters. She had a woven rug spread out next to her cot, which was carved from the stone itself with a woolen mattress beneath it. The rug as well as the blanket on the cot were woven with sun motifs, and followed the rest of the room in warm orange and yellow tones. Against the wall facing the windows were two desks, or rather, one desk and one table with scrolls piled taller than Nabooru on top of it. She seemed to be able to find what she was looking for, but she was alone in that measure. The other desk was neater, with a small hand mirror and Nabooru's makeup tabs squared in the corner. Next to it were a travel notebook, a hairbrush, a devotional book of hymns, and a small metal tin with Hylian script on the side. Nabooru opened the box when she stepped beside the queen, spooning two lumps of dried green tea leaves into two ceramic mugs. "Don't worry about it," she replied, closing the box and continuing the quiet ritual of making tea for company. "Makes things easier on me anyway. It's a bear trying to leave right now - the horses just started foaling and the sheep are still lambing." It took her a minute to respond to the question, swirling the leaves in her cup thoughtfully. "You'd get a different answer from anybody else here. My mother made me a temple attendant the second I could memorize lines." She drank a bit, offering the other to her companion. "A lot of it depends on what your mother does. Smiths' daughters learn the trade, along with herders, and so on. We look forward to festivals, we play games, we watch out for cliff lions. The usual." "I'd imagine the differences start when basic training does. All able-bodied Gerudo children go through two years of military training when they're fourteen. It's self-defense, combat tactics, wilderness survival... What you need to learn to live here." She turned to look out the window, the sun setting the horizon ablaze in pinks and orange hues that put her room to shame. She smiled to herself fondly. "I wouldn't give it away for anything."

#answered asks #sapientiiae #Despot Deposed #whoops this got long

[patiusarchivist]

I am glad you all have been enjoying the Mourner, or Angerlopes as they are rightfully called by yall so far, and the implications. This one in particular is becoming a quick favorite and character.

I thought; what if the Mantelopes survived. If not all devolved further into their painful existence until they truly came nothing but the animals they've been shaped into. Instead, they climbed the agonies by pure human spite. As many of their species manage to survive evolution and become something more, the Mantelopes hobbled and fought with every inch of their being until they became one of the great superpowers in the galaxy. With memories long sung in painful accuracies, by the remembrance of the Star People they were before and the cruel whispers of their Qu tormentors, the grazers carried on.

On their shoulders, they carried the anger and sorrows of a wronged species that may never be the same ever again. However, they refused to die. That would have been the last victory by the Eternal Enemy, the name of the Qu forever damned. With hooves that were once great fingers, they dug and pushed. Hardened nails stomping and kicking. Teeth pulling and screaming backs as they broke underweight. Crude tools are made by the physical pain of many. Try and try again. They hacked and smashed. Into ancient pyramids and cities that have long been abandoned in a world once ruled by their Masters. These 'harmless herders'. These 'domesticated remembrancers'. A species meant to die as the last scream of a beaten species took tools left behind. Over the ages, these stubborn herds stretched across the planet. Clans that sung their songs until they became parts of a single great voice. "We Live." The taboo of the same fleshcraft was used over and over until limbs regained resemblance of taloned fingers. Thumbs, once thought to be vestigial, regained use. Yet, their bodies remained. The one memory is long gone. They were new people. One that sees a new dawn. Homely caves became huts. Huts became stable-houses. Stable-houses became cities-states. Cities-states arose ships. Over millennia of a singular desire to be done by a thousand ways. A thousand vengeances cried out to each other, wars were made and alliances were forged until finally a global empire was born. The Mourners stretched from their cradle-world, occupying worlds and found scattered herds of their species. Dumb and lost, this only became kindle to their flames. They've tried to restore sentience with their powerful technology. After several herds were resurrected to be known as the 'Forsaken', who emerged nihilistic and apathetic. With agony, the Mourners took their brothers to be labourers and recorders to the herds. Mantelopes afterwards, were put out of their misery by a long historical debate in the Council of the Imperial Choir. It is recent to the meeting of the second Human Empire have there been signs that the Forsaken was regaining emotional cognition.

With a spanning empire that had dotting jewels of restored cities and spliced technology that took after the Qu and Star People, the Mourners will become one of the most powerful among the Posthuman civilizations. Something that the Gravitals in the far future would learn with grievous consequence.

The Mourners' language is that of the Song. With vocalizations that were powerful and carried in various distances, their dialects were plentiful and each as woefully beautiful as the last that were different among the clan-herds but their bridge language is known as the 'Imperial Hymn'. Furthering it was the use of their sensory whiskers that have evolved into a further emotional expression and, some rumors - poison barbed weapons. As militarily competent as they are, the former Mantelopes were noticeable in their affinity to artisanries. From tattoos to decored appearance, even the use of dumb robotics to further assist them in their doings.

There is more lore to think of, but I shall not smother your eyes with it all.

#mantelopes #angerlopes #mourners #all tomorrows #fan species #all tomorrows oc #lore dump #worldbuilding

[hindumyththoughts]

Essomenic- Sahadev, and Patration for Arjun, please?

Hi @ambidextrousarcher (I love the new url and header 💙)

Essomenic: showing things as they will be in the future

Sahadev

Sometimes, ignorance is bliss, its veil covers the undesirable, allows the smiles to live on for a little longer. But that luxury was not one bestowed to him in the charity of fate. Unbridled knowledge, lacking any mercy, was an inseparable share of his life now. And if it spared the ones he loved from bearing any more pain, he would choose this fate again and again, for all his lives. To see them smiling together was enough to provide him with newfound resolve. The sight of the entire Indraprastha, thriving and joyful, was the proof that many times, ignorance really was bliss. Never in his dreams he would want to shatter this beautiful, breathtaking sight, their perfect and carefree home.

He loved the sight of Panchaali laughing lightly, he treasured each one of those in his mind. She would often be puzzled by his steady glances, but still humored his behaviour. She and Bhraata Bheem would be sharing an inside joke about Bhraata Arjun, and then instantly dissolved into laughter, tears glistening in their eyes, those ones of pure joy, which he would reverently preserve in his palms, if he could. If he could, he would lock this blessed time within his heart, away from the cruelty of fates. And then his musings would be disturbed, for it would be time for Krishnaa to feed the needfuls that they welcomed as their guests, before the royal family accepted any meals for themselves. No one left her presence with any want in their hearts. No one ever will.

Their beloved Abhimanyu used to run around all of them, trying to hide from his mothers, and more often than not, he would hide his nephew in his arms. A master in evasion, he passed through the rooms as a breeze, slipping through their hands. Whenever he got a hold of his little nephew, he would show a toothy, guilty smile, one which made him weak. And the little menace knew that. The only words he could manage to whisper, inaudible to their little prince, were a request and a blessing, "may the valorous Saubhadra always remain elusive to the ones who wished him ruin, untouched from the malicious clutches of the vengeful".

Nakul used to laugh, because he would sometimes spend his free hours under the guidance of the royal herder, learning about how to attend to the large population of cattle under the ownership of the palace and how best to provide for their welfare. His twin would tremble with humorous chuckles and tease him about the absolute uselessness of this kind of knowledge for a Kshatriya prince, joking about the times when the advisor of the Samrat will have the absolute need to milk a cow. When he retorted back, about how Nakul himself was spending a bit much time in the stables, he would defend himself by explaining that a prince should have mastery in the art of horse riding, a skill too useful for a warrior. His mind reflected on the cruelty of fate, for this interest would certainly be of service to his twin, in the future that stormed nearer. He himself encouraged his brother to hone this skill of his but, on the outside, he would pout a little in return, tell him off or threaten to tell Bhraatashree about his unmannerly teasing, and their childish squabbles would continue. He relished every moment of it, he loved when Nakul complained about petty matters, because it meant that he was happy, he was comfortable, that he was still optimistic...

He buried back the immense remorse in his heart, whenever the king played a harmless game of dice, only a mere diversion from the daily duties. His family tried to distract him from his habit, but only a halfhearted attempt. When invited for a round, he would try to lead the king's mind away from that weakness of his. "Any riches of the world would turn to dirt if obtained through a mode so neglectful." he used to advise respectfully, "Only a coward would attempt to seize anything precious and worthwhile from behind the shelter of a game so trivial" always countered the Samrat, his belief immovable in all Kshatriyas always adhering to their morals. So their game would continue, and he would try to prevent his mind from wondering mirthlessly about how it would feel to be in the place of one of those bags of gold, a general possession, only on display to be gambled away...

Patration: perfection or completion of something

Arjun

Draw the string of the bow, and lose it again. The routine may feel mechanical, soulless to anyone on the sidelines, but it feels like a prayer to the one practicing. The whistling arrows are singing the hymns in his stead, the blood drawn from his hands is the sacrifice to the holy fire, every arrow finding it's mark is one cycle of chanting complete. There is no one else present in that world in which the devotee Paarth worships his gods, the bow and arrow. The center of the target beckons to him as his moksha, and as certain as an ancient sage meditating for centuries, he attains it.

His was the aim to master the art of archery, and thus Savyasachi was born into the world, the one who wields the flame-blessed Gandiva with dexterity of both his hands; the Gudakesha who lords above the constraints of sleep. His was the aim to raise Indraprastha as a part of the heavens, and so Dhananjaya was brought into existence, the winner of absolute wealths in the four directions and all the three worlds, the very one called Kiriti who graced the crown gifted by Devendra.

His was the aim to become stronger for retribution, for their tears and their scars. And for that wish, born was the warrior Jishnu, the unsurpassed, uncontrollable one who subdued his opponents, the Vijaya who defeated all in the fields of war, the one who was blessed with the feared Pashupatastra by Mahadeva. In his name-fellow Krishna's words, he was the Parantapa who scorched his enemies. But, even then he didn't relinquish the title of Vibhatsu, whether referring to the honorable one or the one who incited terror in the hearts of his foes, all the difference lied in the eyes of his beholder.

His was the aim to finish their Agyatavas successfully, so came Brihannala into creation, for achieving that target. Each movement of the teacher who taught Matsya's princess was a precise and well-crafted one, never spurred in a moment; each gesture sharper than the finest of blades, the disciplined motions preconceived even before the melodies flowed into the air, leaving the spectator entranced beyond mere words. The gracefulness mesmerized all before they could grow any suspicions. The princess adored her mentor and the prince realized all too late why he was so affected by the sways of that dancer, flaring like the fierceness of the one who was perfected by the heat of wars. When the prince was finally blessed with knowledge about their guests, it all became too clear.

All these thoughts flashed by Uttar's mind in mere moments. In his eyes, the Arjun whose charioteer he had the honour of becoming was the essence of excellence, the flawless, pure white one, the white horses of Shvetavahana's chariot being very fitting for his stature. He was standing in the presence of perfection itself and so multitudes of feelings were storming inside his mind, all names of Phalguna falling short in describing his greatness. Maybe it was his incredulous countenance, or the awe in his eyes that Arjun noticed, for he smiled at the young prince- a knowing smile. "I am just a man who wants to protect my loved ones, don't you want to protect princess Uttara, your parents and your kingdom too, Prince?" He asked good-naturedly and received a nod in reply. With kind eyes came the explanation, "So there you go, we are both not so different then. We both have somethings we cherish and want to protect, and if there are obstacles in the path we have chosen, then?" "We will best them and forge ahead?" answered the young prince hesitantly. "Exactly," encouraged Arjun "what we seek is not perfection but fulfillment of our aims, our wishes. We desire the bird's eye only, so we only follow the path that leads to it, unwaveringly, and the perfection of piercing through that target will follow in our steps as a result". Uttar smiled in response, with the resolve that one day he would surely justify the words that Arjun has said to him. That one day, he would proudly declare to the world that he and The Archer were the ideal warriors of one kind..

#lost words drabble ask #answered asks #asks #mahabharata rambles #sahdev #arjun #mahabharata #mahabharat #uttar #nakul #draupadi #bheem #yudhishthir #ask prompts

[ealkan]

                𝚒’𝚍  𝚔𝚎𝚎𝚙  𝚊𝚗  𝚎𝚢𝚎  𝚘𝚗  𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚖  ;   that  there  is  EMRE  ALKAN   ,  notorious  for  being  (  restless  )  and  (  blunt  )  ,  but  there  are  times  when  he  can  be  (  resourceful  )  and  (  cunning  )  .   i've  heard  that  he  could  pass  as  a  ALPEREN DUYMAZ  doppelganger  ,  but  i  don't  see  it  .   the  (  thirty-two )  year - old  male  has  been  in  town  for  (  three  weeks  )  and  they  are  a  (  true  crime  podcast  host  )  by  day  and  murder  suspect  by  night  .   they  tend  to  spark  images  of  ripped  and  faded  ironic  band  t-shirts   (   a  satanic  hannah  montana  gettup:  NOBODY’S  PERFECT  FUCKFACE   )    ,   drawing  elaborate  doodles  on  the  back  of  your  hand  using  sharpie   ,   and  wearing  thick  ,  arguably  vintage  headphones  around  your  neck  .   you’ll  know  when  they  walk  by  because  they  always  seem  to  be  blasting  hypa  hypa  by  ESKIMO  CALLBOY .   it  truly  explains  why  they're  known  as  THE  MURDERINO  .

hiya  fellow  rp  addicts  !   this  here  is  emre  alkan  .   he  is  trash   ...   but   ,   like  ,   he’s  my  trash   ?   anyway   ,   down  below  is  a  little  look  into  his  history  and  personality   .  

READY   ...   SET   ...   GO  !

emre  alkan  always  connected  easier  with  the  darker  side  of  life.  when  asked  about  it  ,  he  would  shrug  ,  sigh  ,  and  point  to  the  pasty  hue  of  his  skin  .  he  wasn’t  meant  to  be  out  in  the  light  .   that  was  how  people  got  burned  .  

he  was  the  proverbial  snake  in  the  garden  ,   charming  and  manipulative  to  an  almost  lethal  degree   .   with  a  mysterious  air  surrounding  him   ,    any  word  uttered  was  presented  as  a  gift   ;    one   ,   because  he  had  chosen  to  speak  to  you   ,    and  two   ,   because  his  silence  was  chilling  to  the  bone  and  unnerving  at  the  best  of  times   .    and  his  voice  ?   the  kind  that  was  made  to  be  heard   .   made  for  radio   ,   some  people  would  say   .

though  to  call  him  goth  or  punk  would  be  something  of  a  misnomer   .   he  was  addicted  to  cream  soda  ,  favored  the  color  purple  ,  and  found  comfort  in  old  weird  al  yankovic  albums   .   he  could  quote  almost  every  billy  madison  movie  and  he  suffered  from  a  slight  case  of  arachnophobia   .   he  was  also  asthmatic  .  

emre  alkan  was  not  hardcore   .   he  just   ...   was  .

he  developed  a  distaste  for  the  white  picket  fence  life  at  a  very  young  age   ,   opting  out  of  church  in  favor  of  smoke-filled  sighs  shared  outside  the  local  gas  station   .  always  craving  the  thrill  of  scary  movies   ,   horror  novels   ,   and  even  seedy  establishments   ,   it  was  no  surprise  when  he  found  interest  in  the  murder  of  chastity  costello   .

the  devil  was  genetic   ,   living  in  every  member  of  the  alkan  family   .    his  parents  were  two  reformed  outlaws  who  found  jesus  at  the  bottom  of  a  vodka  bottle  .  they  would  sing  hymns  while  swatting  away  the  sins  of  their  children  with  tennis  rackets  and  braided  leather  belts  .   they  were  all  fighting  their  darker  instincts   ,  an  inner  contempt  that  wouldn’t  go  away   .

emre  hid  away  the  bullshit  with  books  and  newspaper  articles   .   murder  after  murder  caught  his  attention  and   ,  while  he  was  never  fascinated  with  the  concept  of  killing  someone   ,   he  was  captivated  by  the  mystery  of  it  all  ;   and  for  the  first  time   ,   he  understood  why  people  wanted  to  be  around  him   .

the  idea  to  create  a  podcast  was  abrupt  and  not  very  well  thought  out   .   he  just  needed  an  outlet  ,   a  way  to  express  his  thoughts  without  losing  them  over  time   ,  much  like  he  did  with   childhood  memories  or  funny  quips  said  in  passing.   the  thought  that  hundreds   ,   if  not  thousands  of  people  would  download  it  within  the  first  weekend  was  ridiculous   .   unheard  of  .

100%  accurate   .  

he  hadn’t  expected  the  podcast  to  be  as  popular  as  it  was   .   desperate  to  escape  the  crazy  of  his  family   ,   he  went  and  found  another  in  the  comfort  of  his  followers   ,   and  emre  couldn’t  help  but  wonder  if  it  was  the  very  definition  of  a  self-fulfilling  prophecy   .  

leaving  home  was  never  a  question  of  if   ,   but  when  .   following  graduation   ,   he  used  the  earnings  of  his  podcast  to  travel  america  and  visit  the  locations  of  famous  murders   ,   meeting  with  fans  and  recording  new  episodes    .   years  stretched  on  and  led  to  more  and  more  success   .   he  went  on  tour   ,   had  two  books  out   ,   and  an  insatiable  thirst  for  more  interesting   ,   more  gruesome  stories    .   he  was  becoming  restless    .   ravenous   .

no  one  was  surprised  when  he  decided  to  visit  taunwick  .   emre  needed  something  big  for  his  listeners   .   something  new    ...   and  why  not  visit  the  location  that  started  everything   ?

MURD HERDERS

his  podcast  is  called  the  murd  herd   (  pronounced  murdered  when  said  quick  enough   )   .   it  is  very  well  known  ,  especially  do  to  the  attention  taunwick  received  when  it  first  began   .   that  being  said  ,   it  IS  a  podcast   ,   so  his  face  is  not  as  recognizable  as  his  voice  is   .   a  very  h.  jon  benjamin  type  situation   .

TIED  TO  THE  MURDER:

he  has  researched  the  murders  to  an  almost  pathological  degree   .   it  could  be  argued  that  he  knows  as  much  as  some  of  the  detectives  who  worked  on  the  case  do  .   he  was  meticulous   ,   wanting  to  give  his  listeners  the  best  information  he  could   .   and  his  placement  in  town  when  the  fourth  murder  occurred  is  certainly  suspicious   (   something  he  is  entirely  aware  of   )   .

ALIBI:

emre  was  in  a  completely  different  state  when  chastity  was  murdered   .   however   ,   he  arrived  to  taunwick  a  week before  harley  died   .   he  claimed  he  was  at  the  bar   ,    but  this  is  difficult  to  prove  as  most  people  don’t  recognize  his  face  .    it  is  also  difficult  to  prove  as  it  was  a  lie   .   emre  was  actually  in  harley’s  neighborhood  ,   hoping  to  get  a  quote  from  the  best  friend  of  the  deceased   .  they  had  been  in  contact  since  his  arrival   ,   so  there  are  most  likely  messages  between  the  two  on  her  phone  .   people  have  most  likely  seen  them  together  as  well  .

#taun.intro #yikes #here is this fool

[nehetisingsforhekate]

Epithets: Erannos

Lovely

Lovely Hekate of the roads and of the crossroads I invoke. In heaven, on earth, then in the sea, saffron-cloaked tomb spirit reveling in the souls of the dead, daughter of Perses, haunting deserted places, delighting in deer, nocturnal, dog-loving, monstrous queen, devouring wild beasts, ungirt and repulsive. Herder of bulls, queen and mistress of the whole world, leader, nymph, mountain-roaming nurturer of youths, maiden, I beseech you to come to these holy rites, ever with joyous heart, ever favoring the oxherd. -Athanassakis, The Orphic Hymns: to Hekate.

Hekate of the Path, I invoke thee, Lovely Lady of the Triple Crossroads, Celestial, Chthonian, and Marine One, Lady of the Saffron Robe. Sepulchral One, celebrating the Bakchic Mysteries among the Souls of the Dead, Daughter of Perses, Lover of Solitude, rejoicing in deer. Nocturnal One, Lady of the Dogs, invincible Queen. She of the Cry of the Beast, Ungirt One, having an irresistible Form. Bullherder, Keeper of the Keys of All the Universe, Mistress, Guide, Bride, Nurturer of Youths, Mountain Wanderer. I pray thee, Maiden, to be present at our hallowed rites of initiation, Always bestowing Thy graciousness upon the Boukolos. - Forrest version of the Orphic Hymn to Hekate.

Most translations of the Orphic Hymn to Hekate vary a good bit in tone and cadence, so I have elected to share one academic understanding and one spiritualist. The Orphic Hymns were mostly written in the Roman era, and this is the clearest description of Hekate as Erannos. As a descriptor, it simply suggests that she is attractive. It seems to carry no other import, nor does it suggest Her other attributes.

At times, scholars have assumed that spirits and Gods like Hekate, particularly those who are understood to be monstrous or “dark” or associated with Death, were sometimes described as lovely, good, and kind, as a means of placating them. In this theory, the praxis was one of flattery to convince the deity to stay their wrath.

In Hekate’s case, I waver as to whether that is the case. My experiences with Her lead me to think that rather than flattery, Hekate truly is lovely when She wills it, heart-breakingly beautiful. She can also appear fearsome, but my intuition is that She is sublime and overwhelming and as lovely as the flame. Even in the forms that people describe as monstrous, I find something beautiful in Her. And in Her, I have learned to see loveliness in many things that are also “dark” or terrible.

 Sources:

Athanassakis, Apostolos N. The Orphic Hymns, Johns Hopkins, 2013.

Forrest, Adam. “The Orphic Hymn to Hekate,” on the Hermetic Fellowship website: https://www.hermeticfellowship.org/OrphicHymnHekate.html

West, David R. Some cults of Greek goddesses and female daemons of Oriental origin, Butzon & Bercker, 1995.

Images:

Hogarth, William. “The Analysis of Beauty, plate 1,” etching and engraving, 1753, now in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Via wikicommons: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Analysis_of_Beauty_Plate_1_by_William_Hogarth.jpg

#Hekate #Hecate #erannos #epithets #beauty #placating the gods #orphic hymn to hekate

[ragewrites]

already the orchards of Death have grown heavy with the honey of firstflowers; and the bees have flocked to them as cattle to the herder, when the flute is eve-a-calling — i their mistress am singing, a hymn for rot and all its' alms. i drink the wine we'd barrelled for Saint Demetrios' Fire — o, blessed is Decay, fey-fingered she who sweetens the ripened crop once reap'd; praises i sing her, invoking Elysium to accompany me: and as if rousing from deep sleep the glad dead hymn her with me, Morpheus of the Oneiroi joining in with his pan- flute. faintly, i hear the bees raising their lily-trumpets — o, such music haunts the dusked aftermath of our mortal impermanence!

  in the gardens of Death   april 15th, 2019  / /  lianna schreiber

#lookaimi #useraya #spilled ink #writers on tumblr #poets on tumblr #poetry #poem #free verse #freeverse #freeform #free form #inkstain #quotidie #2019 #alternate title: i miss autumn #also the fire of st. demetrios is definitely like. a thing only my region does #we just love bonfires! and drinking!