#asklepia

[defenestratedcowloftelesphorus]

For Asklepia, a lovely print of Asclepius defending a patient by removing Death from a tent:

by Daniel Chodowiecki, 1792

reminds me of this quote from Hymn 4 to Asclepius, Hygieia, and Telesphorus:

“Paian of the uncut hair (i.e. Asklepios) is cheerful because he has you as a new shoot, Telesphoros, around whom Doom comes to a standstill, and many times, personally bringing a mortal from deep trouble into calm light with you”

edit: link to the hymn is in the comments

[templehyacinthus]

Asklepia - 03.19.2025

The Festival of Asklepios

Asklepia is the ancient Athenian festival that celebrates and honors Lord Asklepios, the God of Medicine and Doctors - the son of Lord Apollo and Princess Koronis.

Occurring annually on Herakleios 19, it is a festival that celebrates wisdom. Both that which is obtained through episteme, a word meaning knowledge or understanding, often synonymous with the modern concept of science (source: Wikipedia); and that which is obtained through gnosis, which can be defined as 'spiritual knowledge' or 'divine truth' (source: Merriam-Webster).

Symbols & Decore

Hair Binding/Veiling:

Recommended

Jewelry/Adornments:

Not Recommended​

Foods of Significance:

Bread

Orange Juice or Herbal Teas

Seasonal Fruit of Your Choosing

Colors of Significance:

Green

White

Symbols of Significance:

​Snakes and Serpents

Medical Symbols or Medical Objects

The Asklepian (The Staff/Rod of Aesculapius)

History vs Modern Day

Asklepia is an Athenian holiday that celebrates Lord Asklepios, and the intersection of episteme and gnosis.

From Hellenion, regarding Asklepia:

"Michael Lahanas notes that “In honor of Asclepius, snakes were often used in healing rituals. Non-poisonous snakes were left to crawl on the floor in dormitories where the sick and injured slept. Starting about 300 BC, the cult of Asclepius grew very popular. His healing temples were called asclepieion; pilgrims flocked to them to be healed. They slept overnight and reported their dreams to a priest the following day. He prescribed a cure, often a visit to the baths or a gymnasium.”"​

The Temple of Hyacinthus observes Asklepia as a time, yes, to honor Lord Asklepios; but also as a time to remember that our faith is not separate from science or fact. To reject episteme in favor of a contradictory gnosis is to brand yourself with moría, a word meaning folly or foolishness (source: logeion).

Eirene - peace and farewell,

- Aön & The Temple of Hyacinthus

[aceofcupsbiggestfan]

Asklepia

~ 8 Elaphebolion ~

Asklepia was first introduced to Athens as by the cult of Asklepios as an extension of City Dionysia.

Originally, the cult worshipped Asklepios near City Dionysia at a temenos (a carving of land meant for Kings or as holy land) to Apollo.

Asklepia allegedly grew to prominence due to the efforts of Sophocles.

Asklepios other festival day was nearing Eleusinian Mysteries, highlighting his importance as a first modern healer demigod, and the god of healing/health. It is said in his healing houses snakes were let loose to roam in honor of Asklepios.

Asklepios grew in popularity around 300 BCE. People flocked to his temples.

Though Asklepios is not involved within the Dionysos myths, because of the efforts and popularity of him, his festivals tended to fall around large festivals so that the polis might be in health for the upcoming days.

Ancient Greeks did not separate technology from the mystics and spirit.

It is known that they were intertwined, the gods aiding in healing as much as doctors.

Traditional Offerings:

- snake memorabilia

- health items

- gold or silver items

Traditional Acts:

- Praying for health

- Offering to Hygeia

- Learning medicinal herbs

- Cleansing your body and mind

[booitsthaclosetpagan]

Today (elaphebolion 8th) in the hellenistic calendar marks Asklepia, a sacred day to honor Asklepios, the god of healing.

I recited four hymns including Homeric Hymn 16 & Orphic Hymn 67 to Asklepios and poured a wine libation. This day is also good for dream communication and divination.

Two weeks ago I also took this photo with a statue of Asklepios when visiting Florence, Italy. 🐍

[hekateanfoodie]

Asklepia.pdf



 Today is the festival of Asklepios, son of Apollon, and the Greek God of medicine, healing, and medical arts. Since we don’t have a whole lot of information on how this day was celebrated, I decided to develop this congee/dakjuk recipe in His honour. I thought a good way to honour Asklepios is to nurse the ill back to good health. This recipe is designed to be easily digestible (five spice has ingredients that aid digestion!) and packed with nutrition (lemons, peppercorn, and ginger for an immunity boost) for the sick individual. Please follow along with this recipe on my TikTok!

[johnwire]

Parenting done right...

[templehyacinthus]

Praise be to Lord Asklepios - Blessed Asklepia to All!

Homeric Hymn 16 to Asclepius

"I begin to sing of Asklepios, son of Apollon and healer of sicknesses. In the Dotian plain fair Koronis, daughter of King Phlegyas, bare him, a great joy to men, a soother of cruel pangs. and so hail to you, lord: in my song I make my prayer to thee!"

Orphic Hymn 67 to Asclepius

"To Asklepios, Fumigation from Manna. Great Asklepios, skilled to heal mankind, all-ruling Paian, and physician kind; whose arts medicinal can alone assuage diseases dire, and stop their dreadful rage. Strong, lenient God, regard my suppliant prayer, bring gentle health, adorned with lovely hair; convey the means of mitigating pain, and raging deadly pestilence restrain. O power all-flourishing, abundant, bright, Apollon's honoured offspring, God of light; husband of blameless Hygeia, the constant foe of dread disease, the minister of woe: come, blessed saviour, human health defend, and to the mortal life afford a prosperous end."

*Found this cross-stitch pattern via Reddit (link) and I just had to make it for Asklepia this year!

[replacement-xenia-blog]

Happy Asklepia!

Wear your masks and take care of yourselves for the day!