V. Concerning the first Cause. After this, it is requisite that we should know the first cause, and the orders of gods posterior to the first, together with the nature of the world, of intellect, soul, and essence; likewise that we should speculate providence, fate, and fortune, virtue and vice, and the good and evil … Continue reading Sallust: On the Gods and the Worlds V
Tag: polytheism
PIE in the Sky: Interpretatio and Divine Uncertainty
In which I talk about polytheism, interpretatio, the number of gods, and uncertainty. Also, I make too many PIE jokes.
Menstruation is not miasmic.
When I posted "On approaching polytheism as a system," I promised that I would start with a post on menstruation. This is that post, and its structure is as follows: Some term definitions and history Source materials and process Comparative praxis A look at the source materials Positional statement Definitions and History Menstruation impacts more … Continue reading Menstruation is not miasmic.
Sights and Sounds of Ancient Ritual
Today, I went to see "Sights and Sounds of Ancient Ritual," and since it is Anthesteria, I was delighted that so many things in it told visual stories of jubilance and of honoring the dead. The exhibit at the Yale University Art Gallery presents a narrative about sensory religious experiences that incorporates ritual objects from … Continue reading Sights and Sounds of Ancient Ritual
Some Updates and 2018’s Most Popular Posts
As 2018 comes to a close, I just want to say four things … This semester was very intense at work. I was the chair of an internal conference that happened on November 30th, and while I learned a lot and was very pumped the day of, I'm really looking forward to the campus's winter … Continue reading Some Updates and 2018’s Most Popular Posts
My Religious Rings
The first religious ring I wore for a Hellenic god was a ring for Apollon. I purchased it from a store in Ithaca, NY. It is a snake. When I was younger, I was struck by the imagery of the snakes kissing Cassandra's ears, especially since she goes on in life to not be believed. … Continue reading My Religious Rings
What Images We Make
The strongest agalma is the amalgam of the mind contemplating divine images with the senses. Here we mix the prayers, thoughts, and offerings. A god is the lock; the mind-in-pattern its key. The images the mind makes welcome in the Twins drawing back their bows or the keen-sighted Guide. A god flows into any space … Continue reading What Images We Make
