#hellenic polythism

[dionysianfreak]

my drawing of Dionysos in a traditional Hindu style. I've felt quite inspired by how the Hindu Deities are represented, especially the diversity in symbolism between each worshiper. I can't remember if I posted this on tumblr or not, but here it is now.

I'm unsure if I'll ever color it. for now, i love it as it is. enjoy, and happy Dionysia !

symbolism, left to right :

a snake coiled around Their arm. the snake is sometimes considered sacred to Dionysos. it holds onto Them similarly to the snake of Asklepios, representing the healing of both body and mind

the thrysos gripped in their hand. the thrysos is a widely recognized, unique symbol of Dionysos. it represents my personal relationship with Them as I have a thrysos tattooed on my left arm.

Their hand extended in Gyan Mudra. this Mudra is often associated with wisdom or sharpening the mind. it represents the knowledge and peace of mind Dionysos grants us

a bundle of grapes cradled in their palm. wine grapes are very sacred to Dionysos, representing fruitfulness and being a little "fruity". it also encompasses Their connection with agriculture and the earth.

a pitcher of wine endlessly pouring. i can't do a symbolism-heavy drawing without including wine. it represents abundance and divine intoxication, the gift of alcohol that They have given humanity.

a shallow cup that does not spill a single drop. this represents the deliverance of prosperity, the lack of wastefulness, and shows that They reward the worthy and strike down the bigoted.

They sit peacefully with us, a God who is close and personal with Their followers.

there is a sun on Their forehead because i associate Them with the warmth and radiance of sunlight

top surgery scars show Them to be the God of transsexuals and a welcomer of all who live outside any "norm". a God who discriminates against no one.

[hotstepping]

Καλον ευ λεγε - praise the good

[delightingintragedy]

Day 9: Kerberos Kuna tou Aidou

Kerberos, the Kuna tou Aidou, snarling Hound of Hades, Terrible and fearsome dog of the depths. Echoed growls of 50 heads, the hiss of 100 snakes, To terrify the shades from approaching, With innumerable eyes, watching every movement In every darkest corner before the gate. None shall find escape. None. To only Hades do you bow your heads And sheath your claws of a lion, A loyalty lasting eons and more. Great Kuna tou Aidou, when I die Do allow me to pass the gates with ease. I shall cause you no trouble, And I shall play you no tricks, Raise not your hackles, Ready not your poison bite, I am merely here to find a rest most peaceful, painless, and serene. Allow me this and I shall be most grateful. Thank you, Mighty Kerberos, for hearing my prayer. May it appease your dreaded wrath.

divider credit: [x][x]

[dionysianfreak]

On the Homeric Hymns to Demeter (i) // Introduction, Charles Boer's translations of the Homeric Hymns, 1987

Everyone is hurting now that Demeter is mad, and that seems to be Her purpose — there is no food to be had from Her earth. A deal is made and She gets Her way, She gets Her daughter back, but not before Persephone is given a pomegranate seed to eat by Her new husband, requiring Her to return to Hades for one winter season each year, when Demeter will again withhold Her crops. Some might say Hades is too generous; most husbands would not go so far to comfort the pathology of their mothers-in-law. But it is Demeter's point of view that we must take through this Hymn, Her feelings, Her attitudes, Her sufferings that we share.

To the extent that we share them, we are Her followers. She gives our suffering meaning. She shows us the way

[dionysianfreak]

praise be to Zeus and Hera, beloved and righteous are thee

Zeus is called King of men and a just ruler of mortals—Hera is called Queen of Kings and guides the highest of mortals

Hera is called the Queen of the heavens and the weaver of the clouds—Zeus is called the thunderer and wrings the life-giving rains for all of earth to drink

Zeus is the protector of humanity, the beaten down and the lost, whom punishes cruelty towards the vulnerable—Hera is the protector of the most vulnerable in ancient hellenic society, women and children. She who looks softly upon the young and He who strikes without mercy

Zeus is the supreme God and King of life, mortal or not, on our lovely planet—Hera is His closest advisor, whose wisdom and words are trusted undoubtedly

I trust the Gods who cultivate Their love and extend it to Their admirers. Khaire Zeus and Hera ⚡🦚🌿

[dionysianfreak]

a smol Apollon to brighten your day 🌻

☀︎︎ my doodle, so please don't repost for any reason <3 !

[dionysianfreak]

happy Anthesteria, my fellow fiends 🍷