Hi! I have a question for either the blog or your youtube channel, whichever you feel it fits more. I noticed on your website that you worship Lady Hera and Lady Leto as a combined goddess, and Lord Apollon and Lady Artemis not as divine twins. I would love to know more about this view but I haven't found any other resources about it. Does it come from ancient cult worship? I can see how they would be syncretised due to their similarities. I am inclined more to view them as equal spouses of Lord Zeus, rather than wife and mistress as the myths portray them, but having them combined as Lady Leta is super interesting and I'd love if you could share more if you're comfortable.
Khaire Anon,
Thank you for your question. For more about Lady Lêta, we would recommend you check out the Lady Lêta page on our website. There is actually a little historical precedent to this synchronization!
Regarding Lord Apollo and Lady Artemis - we actually got a somewhat similar question earlier, so we decided to create a blog post on our main website that explains the situation in detail. To the best of my knowledge, our reinterpretation of Apollo's birth myth and him being transgender is a purely modern interpretation. However, there is historical precedent for Apollo being worshipped as a singleton (non-twin) that we reference in the post!
If you have any follow up questions regarding any of this please let us know! We love discussing our unique Temple teachings and traditions.
An Alternative Interpretation of Pseudo-Apollodorus' Bibliotheca 1. 21 - The Birth of Artemis and Apollo
The following is not meant to be taken as holy writ or a universal truth believed by all Hellenic Polytheists, but instead as a Temple Teaching - as well as an alternate interpretation/reinterpretation of Pseudo-Apollodorus' account of the birth of Artemis and Apollo.
"Of the daughters of Koios (Coeus), Asteria in the form of a quail threw herself into the sea while fleeing a sexual union with Zeus. A polis was originally named Asteria after her : later on it became Delos. The other daughter Leto had relations with Zeus, for which she was hounded by Hera all over the earth. She finally reached Delos and gave birth to Artemis, who thereupon helped her deliver Apollon."
- Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 1. 21
Historical & Academic Context:
According to our research, this passage from the Bibliotheca appears to be the only mythic account in which Artemis is explicitly described as being born before Apollo. It may also be the only narrative that recounts Artemis acting as midwife to Lêto during Apollo's birth. When examining this unique narrative, it's important to remember that Hellenic Polytheism has no "bible" - no singular source of myth that establishes "cannon" or "correct" interpretation. The mythic traditions that have trickled down to us through history are sometimes consistent - but more often than not are contradictory. There is no "right" or "wrong"; there is simply variation in faith and belief.
Something that accentuates this point is the fact that Apollo's mythos did not always position him as Artemis' twin. Historical and anthropological evidence suggests that Apollo was worshipped independently of Artemis before the twin narrative emerged.
"In some of these local traditions Apollo is mentioned alone, and in others together with his sister Artemis."
- Theoi.com
Temple Teachings & Mythic Interpretation:
At The Temple of Hyacinthus has chosen to align our Temple's teachings with this particular passage from the Bibliotheca, but through an alternative interpretation of the text quoted above.
In our interpretation, Artemis and Apollo are not twins - but the same entity.
When Apollo was born to Lady Lêta - he was given the name of Artemis and regarded as a Goddess. She was granted domains such as hunting, the wilderness, and wild animals.
However, as time went on, Artemis came to understand that she was in fact - not a Goddess of the Moon, but a God of the Sun. Then, with the love and blessing of his mother and father, he assisted in the "birth" of Apollo.
Thus, Lord Apollo emerged: a deity who was born and given a name, only to be reborn by his own hands. A transmasculine, transgender, transcendent divinity - and Patron of The Temple of Hyacinthus.
Under this interpretation, and within the Temple, we did not wish to erase Artemis. We instead meant to reinterpret Apollo's mythos in a way that honored the divinity inherent in being transgender. So, in an effort to not erase Artemis, we worship and reattribute the domains, myths, and practices associated with Artemis to Diana Nemorensis, the primordial Italic Goddess. While still holding space for Lord Apollo's story as a transgender God.
Theogamia-Eukleia or more simply, Euklemia, the anniversary celebration of King Zeus and Queen Lêta's mythic marriage. Occurring on Bysios 15, it occurs the day after the modern holiday of 'Valentine's Day'.
The festival is one of joy, but also respect and reverence. It is important that on this holy day we remember that Zeus and Lêta are divine royalty, and that their positions in the cosmos command respect.
Symbols & Decore
Hair Binding/Veiling:
Recommended
Jewelry/Adornments:
Recommended
Foods of Significance:
Wedding Cakes
Large Feasts
The Evening Meal Should be Preceded by Hors Devours of Your Choosing
Colors of Significance:
Red
Yellow
Silver
Gold
Symbols of Significance:
Wedding Imagery (Ancient or Modern)
Torches
Celestial Imagery, for the God and Goddess of the Heavens
History vs Modern Day
Euklemia is a syncretism of the Athenian festival Theogamia and the Delphic festival of Eukleia - both festivals honor themes of marriage and matrimony.
From Hellenion, regarding Theogamia:
"The anniversary of the marriage (gamos) of Zeus Teleios (authority, head of the family) and Hera Teleia, giving the month its name. Not much is known about this festival except that it was celebrated with great feasting. Because the sacred marriage was commemorated this month, the month became the ideal time to marry, perhaps because of the imminent arrival of spring (Parke 104)."
From Pythio.Notion, regarding Eukleia:
"The Eukleia [...] is likely marriage/wedding-related and is connected to torch races and athletic competitions. Eukleia is linked to musical and theater events in other parts of Greece, which may have been reflected in the Delphic celebrations. Many other traditions and rituals related to marriage are associated with the epithet "Eukleia", emphasizing its connection with marital customs, and its special importance for young unmarried women."
The Temple of Hyacinthus observes Euklemia as the anniversary of the mythic marriage between the divine; Queen Lêta and King Zeus. It is celebrated on the day following Valentine's day to serve as a reminder that all love (romantic or otherwise) is a connection to divinity.
