Secrets Of Greek Mysticism

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Secrets of Greek Mysticism

Author : George Lizos
Publisher : Hampton Roads Publishing
ISBN 13 : 1612834914
Total Pages : 258 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (128 download)

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Book Synopsis Secrets of Greek Mysticism by : George Lizos

Download or read book Secrets of Greek Mysticism written by George Lizos and published by Hampton Roads Publishing. This book was released on 2024-04-08 with total page 258 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Secrets of Greek Mysticism is a rare gem that marries scholarly wisdom with practical spirituality. George’s insightful approach unveils the gods’ profound essence, offering readers a transformative road map to inner growth and connection. This book is an invitation to weave the divine into our daily lives.” —Sophie Bashford, intuitive and bestselling author of You Are a Goddess A clear introduction to the spirituality, beliefs, rituals, and gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon from a modern practitioner. Secrets of Greek Mysticism is the first spiritual book about the Greek gods and goddesses written by a native, practicing priest of Hellenic Polytheism. It goes beyond the simplistic and archetypical representation of the Greek pantheon and instead introduces the gods and goddesses from a theological perspective. Secrets of Greek Mysticism teaches readers how to find each god or goddess within them. This is achieved through grounded insights on the gods’ virtues as they relate to modern life (i.e., practicing bravery with Ares, cultivating endurance with Demeter, and embodying love with Aphrodite), explaining the deeper spiritual meaning of popular myths, practicing guided meditations, activating the gods’ energies with mantras and hymns, and performing simple rituals. In helping readers build a spiritual connection with the gods and goddesses, Secrets of Greek Mysticism reveals the beginnings of the practice as well as practices for everyday life: The twelve gods’ birth stories, essences, and virtues The foundation of ancient Greek spirituality, cosmology, and theology How to live and work with the gods on a daily basis Setting up altars Symbols, hymns, and meditations to guide readers’ practice of connecting with the gods Secrets of Greek Mysticism also makes the claim that for the Divine Feminine to rise, the Divine Masculine needs to rise, too. Rather than solely focusing on female goddesses, it brings together the male and female deities of the Greek pantheon to help readers experience divine union.

Greek Mysteries

Author : Michael B. Cosmopoulos
Publisher : Routledge
ISBN 13 : 113453616X
Total Pages : 298 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (345 download)

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Book Synopsis Greek Mysteries by : Michael B. Cosmopoulos

Download or read book Greek Mysteries written by Michael B. Cosmopoulos and published by Routledge. This book was released on 2005-08-18 with total page 298 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Written by an international team of acknowledged experts, this excellent book studies a wide range of contributions and showcases new research on the archaeology, ritual and history of Greek mystery cults. With a lack of written evidence that exists for the mysteries, archaeology has proved central to explaining their significance and this volume is key to understanding a phenomenon central to Greek religion and society.

Ancient Greek Religion

Author : Jon D. Mikalson
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1119565626
Total Pages : 316 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (195 download)

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Book Synopsis Ancient Greek Religion by : Jon D. Mikalson

Download or read book Ancient Greek Religion written by Jon D. Mikalson and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2021-12-06 with total page 316 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Provides undergraduate students with a vibrant account of the religious world of ancient Greece, now in its third edition Ancient Greek Religion offers a detailed yet accessible introduction to the beliefs, myths, rituals, and deities of Greek religion. Author Jon D. Mikalson provides a vivid depiction of Greek religious practice in Athens, Delphi, and Olympia during the Classical period and in select other cities during the Hellenistic period. This reader-friendly textbook explains basic concepts of Greek polytheism, describes major deities and cults, and discusses various aspects of Greek religious life in the context of the city-state, the village, the family, and the individual. The revised third edition features new contributions by Andrej and Ivana Petrovic. It has two new chapters: one highlighting Roman, Christian, and modern scholars’ approaches to Greek religion and one identifying the types of sources used to understand and reconstruct ancient Greek religion. This edition also expands discussion of magic and personal practices and includes an updated and expanded bibliography for each chapter. This popular textbook: Offers thorough coverage of major Greek gods, heroes, myths, and cults Presents translations of ancient texts to promote reflection and discussion Features a glossary of recurring Greek terms and a wealth of high-quality color maps, images, figures, and illustrations Describes Greek religious practice from the perspectives of different worshippers, such as priests, slaves, family members, and public officials Discusses various interpretations of the gods and the afterlife, the nature of piety and impiety, and the larger social and political context of ancient Greece Ancient Greek Religion, Third Edition, remains the ideal introductory textbook for undergraduate courses including Greek Civilization, Greek Religion, Greek and Roman Religion, Ancient Religions, and Greek History. It is also an excellent source of reference for graduate students, instructors, and scholars studying religious life in Classical Greece.

Light and Darkness in Ancient Greek Myth and Religion

Author : Menelaos Christopoulos
Publisher : Lexington Books
ISBN 13 : 0739139010
Total Pages : 326 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (391 download)

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Book Synopsis Light and Darkness in Ancient Greek Myth and Religion by : Menelaos Christopoulos

Download or read book Light and Darkness in Ancient Greek Myth and Religion written by Menelaos Christopoulos and published by Lexington Books. This book was released on 2010-09-25 with total page 326 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Light and Darkness in Ancient Greek Myth and Religion is a ground-breaking volume dedicated to a thorough examination of the well known empirical categories of light and darkness as it relates to modes of thought, beliefs and social behavior in Greek culture. With a systematic and multi-disciplinary approach, the book elucidates the light/darkness dichotomy in color semantics, appearance and concealment of divinities and creatures of darkness, the eye sight and the insight vision, and the role of the mystic or cultic.

Understanding Greek Myths

Author : Natalie Hyde
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9780778745099
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.7/5 (45 download)

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Book Synopsis Understanding Greek Myths by : Natalie Hyde

Download or read book Understanding Greek Myths written by Natalie Hyde and published by . This book was released on 2012 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Presents an introduction to Greek mythology, discussing the history of ancient Greece, its gods and goddesses, the myths associated with the natural world, and the legacy of Greek culture on the modern world.

Greek Magick Rediscovered

Author : Celeste Silverbrook
Publisher : Independently Published
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 0 pages
Book Rating : 4.8/5 (648 download)

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Book Synopsis Greek Magick Rediscovered by : Celeste Silverbrook

Download or read book Greek Magick Rediscovered written by Celeste Silverbrook and published by Independently Published. This book was released on 2023-10-19 with total page 0 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Journey back in time to the enchanting world of ancient Greece with "Greek Magick Rediscovered: Unlocking the Secrets of Hellenistic Sorcery." This captivating exploration takes you on a mystical odyssey through the depths of Hellenistic magick, offering an in-depth look at its origins, practices, and enduring legacy. The Origins of Greek Magick: Begin your voyage by uncovering the historical roots of Greek magick, tracing its development from antiquity to the present day. Delve into the mystical traditions that influenced its evolution. The Influence of Ancient Greek Mythology: Greek mythology provides a rich tapestry of archetypal deities and symbols, serving as the backbone of Hellenistic sorcery. Explore the profound influence of Greek gods and goddesses on magickal practices. Uncovering Ancient Greek Grimoires: Unlock the secrets hidden within ancient Greek grimoires and magical texts, discovering the spells, rituals, and enchantments practiced by the magicians of the past. Decoding the Symbols and Sigils of Greek Magick: Decode the intricate symbols and sigils that played a pivotal role in Greek magick, gaining a deeper understanding of their significance and power. The Role of Magick in Ancient Greek Religion: Delve into the interconnected relationship between magick and religion in ancient Greece, where spiritual practices and the supernatural were intertwined. The Practice of Greek Ritual Magick: Learn about the rituals and ceremonies employed by Hellenistic sorcerers, and uncover the sacred and mystical aspects of their magickal traditions. Exploring the Tools and Objects of Hellenistic Sorcery: Examine the tools and objects used in Greek magick, from wands to amulets, and understand their ritualistic importance. The Invocation of Greek Deities in Magickal Practices: Discover how magicians invoked Greek deities in their practices, forging connections with powerful entities to influence the physical and spiritual realms. Spells and Incantations in Ancient Greek Magick: Explore the wide array of spells and incantations used in Greek magick, from love charms to curses, and gain insights into their efficacy. Healing and Divination in Hellenistic Sorcery: Witness the ancient Greek traditions of healing and divination through magick, offering glimpses into the methods used for physical and spiritual well-being. Love and Sex Magick in Ancient Greece: Delve into the realm of love and sex magick in ancient Greece, discovering the rituals and spells used to inspire desire, passion, and romance. Protection and Warding in Greek Magick: Uncover the practices of protection and warding, essential for safeguarding against negative influences and entities. Uncovering the Secrets of Greek Necromancy: Explore the enigmatic world of Greek necromancy and the communication with spirits of the deceased. The Role of Astrology in Hellenistic Sorcery: Understand the integral role of astrology in Greek magick, where celestial movements guided magicians in their practices. Modern Applications of Greek Magick: Discover how the ancient wisdom of Hellenistic sorcery can be integrated into modern spirituality and magickal practices. "Greek Magick Rediscovered" serves as a portal to a world where mysticism and magick intertwined seamlessly with the daily lives of the ancients. Whether you're a seasoned practitioner or a curious seeker, this book offers a profound and enlightening journey into the heart of Hellenistic sorcery. Unearth the treasures of ancient Greece and experience the transformative power of Greek magick, reignited for the modern era.

The Eleusinian Mysteries

Author : Charles River Editors
Publisher : Createspace Independent Publishing Platform
ISBN 13 : 9781542534116
Total Pages : 60 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (341 download)

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Book Synopsis The Eleusinian Mysteries by : Charles River Editors

Download or read book The Eleusinian Mysteries written by Charles River Editors and published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform. This book was released on 2017-01-15 with total page 60 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: *Includes pictures *Includes ancient accounts describing the Mysteries *Includes online resources and a bibliography for further reading Ancient Greece and its mythology has fascinated people for thousands of years, and few elements have intrigued people quite like the Eleusinian Mysteries, which the Greeks believed transformed the initiates and gave them knowledge that eased both the living of life on earth and allayed fears of death, allowing an acceptance of their ultimate fate. The influence of the Eleusinian Mysteries was also far reaching; for example, the Telesterion is reminiscent of the labyrinthine, symbolic structures that can be found all over pre-historic Europe, ranging from those in Ireland to Malta and Crete to the Shetlands. The larger precinct of Eleusis, combining as it did caves, terraces and buildings carved into the rock again, all echo that ancient past. The external journey of the initiate is mirrored in his internal journey, and what can be seen is that the spiritual torch of classical Greece, as exemplified in these rites, hides the much older worship of deities. It was the spirit of those older gods and goddesses that ultimately pervaded Eleusis. However, it would be unwise to see the Eleusinian Mysteries as something separate from the other aspects of the Greek belief system, or even worse, seeing them as somehow more spiritual than the others. The fact that a considerable element of the Eleusinian Mysteries suggests a tendency towards spiritual monotheism has led to many false conclusions about their nature. They were not a unique phenomenon in Greek religious tradition, and the concepts of secrecy and revelation of mysteries only to initiates had parallels in the cults of Dionysius and Cybele. Similarly, the mystical dimensions of the rites, with their emphasis on a personal encounter with the deity, can be found in other cultic activities. Nonetheless, for the ancient Greeks the vital issue was that only through the Mysteries could they escape the miserable eternal fate ascribed for them if they were not initiated. Sophocles summed it up neatly, declaring, "Oh thrice blessed the mortals who having completed the Mysteries have descended to the underworld for those only will there be a future life of happiness, for the others there will find nothing but suffering." The rites comprising the Eleusinian Mysteries formed a Panhellenic event that attracted visitors from all over the Greek world, including Sicily and Cyrene. Ultimately, anyone who spoke Greek, male, female, free or slave, could present themselves as a candidate for initiation, provided that they were free of any sacrilege or untainted by a heinous crime such as murder. The Mysteries became the most sacred of the mystical celebrations that took place in Greece, and today the rites and rituals that made up what was a huge event are still the subject of academic controversy and religious debate. What makes the Eleusinian Mysteries so important for people studying ancient Greece is that they survived for hundreds of years, well into the Christian era. They celebrated Demeter, a hugely important figure in Greece (particularly in both Athenian and Roman worship), and the whole Festival was celebrated by the state with pomp. Most of all, however, the aura of mystery that has surrounded the famous rites, and the lack of absolutely incontrovertible information about what exactly went on in some of the most secret parts of the rites, has ensured that they have remained enigmatic and have thus continued to be intriguing throughout history. The Eleusinian Mysteries: The History of Ancient Greece's Most Famous Religious Rites looks at some of the ancient Greeks' most important religious practices. Along with pictures depicting important people, places, and events, you will learn about the Eleusinian Mysteries like never before.

Greek Mythology and Religion

Author : Maria Mavromataki
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9789608284609
Total Pages : 256 pages
Book Rating : 4.2/5 (846 download)

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Book Synopsis Greek Mythology and Religion by : Maria Mavromataki

Download or read book Greek Mythology and Religion written by Maria Mavromataki and published by . This book was released on 2005-01-01 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

Magika Hiera

Author : Christopher A. Faraone
Publisher : Oxford University Press, USA
ISBN 13 : 0195111400
Total Pages : 313 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (951 download)

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Book Synopsis Magika Hiera by : Christopher A. Faraone

Download or read book Magika Hiera written by Christopher A. Faraone and published by Oxford University Press, USA. This book was released on 1997 with total page 313 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Annotation This collection challenges the tendency among scholars of ancient Greece to see magical and religious ritual as mutually exclusive and to ignore "magical" practices in Greek religion. The contributors survey specific bodies of archaeological, epigraphical, and papyrological evidence formagical practices in the Greek world, and, in each case, determine whether the traditional dichotomy between magic and religion helps in any way to conceptualize the objective features of the evidence examined. Contributors include Christopher A. Faraone, J.H.M. Strubbe, H.S. Versnel, Roy Kotansky, John Scarborough, Samuel Eitrem, Fritz Graf, John J. Winkler, Hans Dieter Betz, and C.R. Phillips.

The Secret of Pandora's Box

Author : Saviour Pirotta
Publisher :
ISBN 13 : 9781843628095
Total Pages : 29 pages
Book Rating : 4.6/5 (28 download)

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Book Synopsis The Secret of Pandora's Box by : Saviour Pirotta

Download or read book The Secret of Pandora's Box written by Saviour Pirotta and published by . This book was released on 2005 with total page 29 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: King Midas's greatest wish is to be the richest king in the land, but when his wish is granted, he realises it isn't his heart's desire after all. But is it too late to change? And Pandora's excessive curiosity causes trouble beyond her worst nightmares. This set of accessible Greek Myth retellings has clear type is well-illustrated.

Enraged

Author : Emily Katz Anhalt
Publisher : Yale University Press
ISBN 13 : 0300231768
Total Pages : 250 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (2 download)

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Book Synopsis Enraged by : Emily Katz Anhalt

Download or read book Enraged written by Emily Katz Anhalt and published by Yale University Press. This book was released on 2017-08-22 with total page 250 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: “Anhalt’s contribution is building an overarching narrative of how the Greeks engaged problems of anger—problems that continue to provoke.”—Choice Millennia ago, Greek myths exposed the dangers of violent rage and the need for empathy and self-restraint. Homer’s Iliad, Euripides’ Hecuba, and Sophocles’ Ajax show that anger and vengeance destroy perpetrators and victims alike. Composed before and during the ancient Greeks’ groundbreaking movement away from autocracy toward more inclusive political participation, these stories offer guidelines for modern efforts to create and maintain civil societies. Emily Katz Anhalt reveals how these three masterworks of classical Greek literature can teach us, as they taught the ancient Greeks, to recognize violent revenge as a marker of illogical thinking and poor leadership. These time-honored texts emphasize the costs of our dangerous penchant for glorifying violent rage and those who would indulge in it. By promoting compassion, rational thought, and debate, Greek myths help to arm us against the tyrants we might serve and the tyrants we might become. “An engaging and sometimes inspiring guide to the rich complexities of the Iliad . . . Her underlying point is that, from its earliest origins, Western literature questioned the values of the society that produced it.”—The New York Times Book Review “Anhalt has taken on three of history’s most important works of literature and applied their lessons to the present day. Enraged is an important reminder that reflection, dialogue, and empathy have no boundaries or time limits.”—Amanda Foreman, Whitbread Prize-winning author of Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire “[Anhalt’s study is] rewarding and unnerving . . . A call to arms.”—Bryn Mawr Classical Review

The Cambridge Handbook of Western Mysticism and Esotericism

Author : Glenn Alexander Magee
Publisher : Cambridge University Press
ISBN 13 : 1316679357
Total Pages : 820 pages
Book Rating : 4.3/5 (166 download)

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Book Synopsis The Cambridge Handbook of Western Mysticism and Esotericism by : Glenn Alexander Magee

Download or read book The Cambridge Handbook of Western Mysticism and Esotericism written by Glenn Alexander Magee and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 2016-04-18 with total page 820 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Mysticism and esotericism are two intimately related strands of the Western tradition. Despite their close connections, however, scholars tend to treat them separately. Whereas the study of Western mysticism enjoys a long and established history, Western esotericism is a young field. The Cambridge Handbook of Western Mysticism and Esotericism examines both of these traditions together. The volume demonstrates that the roots of esotericism almost always lead back to mystical traditions, while the work of mystics was bound up with esoteric or occult preoccupations. It also shows why mysticism and esotericism must be examined together if either is to be understood fully. Including contributions by leading scholars, this volume features essays on such topics as alchemy, astrology, magic, Neoplatonism, Kabbalism, Renaissance Hermetism, Freemasonry, Rosicrucianism, numerology, Christian theosophy, spiritualism, and much more. This Handbook serves as both a capstone of contemporary scholarship and a cornerstone of future research.

A Companion to Greek Mythology

Author : Ken Dowden
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1118785169
Total Pages : 672 pages
Book Rating : 4.1/5 (187 download)

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Book Synopsis A Companion to Greek Mythology by : Ken Dowden

Download or read book A Companion to Greek Mythology written by Ken Dowden and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2014-01-28 with total page 672 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A Companion to Greek Mythology presents a series of essays that explore the phenomenon of Greek myth from its origins in shared Indo-European story patterns and the Greeks’ contacts with their Eastern Mediterranean neighbours through its development as a shared language and thought-system for the Greco-Roman world. Features essays from a prestigious international team of literary experts Includes coverage of Greek myth’s intersection with history, philosophy and religion Introduces readers to topics in mythology that are often inaccessible to non-specialists Addresses the Hellenistic and Roman periods as well as Archaic and Classical Greece

Exploring Greek Myth

Author : Matthew Clark
Publisher : John Wiley & Sons
ISBN 13 : 1444362135
Total Pages : 231 pages
Book Rating : 4.4/5 (443 download)

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Book Synopsis Exploring Greek Myth by : Matthew Clark

Download or read book Exploring Greek Myth written by Matthew Clark and published by John Wiley & Sons. This book was released on 2012-03-02 with total page 231 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Exploring Greek Myth offers an extensive discussion of variant forms of myths and lesser-known stories, including important local myths and local versions of PanHellenic myths. Clark also discusses approaches to understanding myths, allowing students to gain an appreciation of the variety in one volume. Guides students from an introductory understanding of myths to a wide-ranging exploration of current scholarly approaches on mythology as a social practice and as an expression of thought Written in an informal conversational style appealing to students by an experienced lecturer in the field Offers extensive discussion of variant forms of myths and many lesser known, but deserving, stories Investigates a variety of approaches to the study of myth including: the sources of our knowledge of Greek myth, myth and ritual in ancient Greek society, comparative myth, myth and gender, hero cult, psychological interpretation of myth, and myth and philosophy Includes suggestions in each chapter for essays and research projects, as well as extensive lists of books and articles for further reading The author draws on the work of many leading scholars in the field in his exploration of topics throughout the text

Mysteria

Author : Otto Henne am Rhyn
Publisher :
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 372 pages
Book Rating : 4.F/5 ( download)

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Book Synopsis Mysteria by : Otto Henne am Rhyn

Download or read book Mysteria written by Otto Henne am Rhyn and published by . This book was released on 1895 with total page 372 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt:

The Secret History of Western Sexual Mysticism

Author : Arthur Versluis
Publisher : Simon and Schuster
ISBN 13 : 1594779864
Total Pages : 151 pages
Book Rating : 4.5/5 (947 download)

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Book Synopsis The Secret History of Western Sexual Mysticism by : Arthur Versluis

Download or read book The Secret History of Western Sexual Mysticism written by Arthur Versluis and published by Simon and Schuster. This book was released on 2008-03-25 with total page 151 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The first book to reveal the history of Western sexual mysticism • Reveals the secret sexual practices that have been used since ancient Greece to achieve mystical union with God • Details the sects and individuals who transmitted the radical sexual practices that orthodox Christianity never completely silenced • Distinguishes between sexual magic and sexual mysticism Beginning with the ancient Greek Mystery traditions, Gnosticism, and the practices in early Christianity, Arthur Versluis uncovers the secret line of Western sexual mysticism that, like the Tantra of the East, seeks transcendence or union with God through sexual practices. Throughout antiquity, and right into the present day, sexuality has played an important, if largely hidden, role in religious traditions and practices. This includes not only Christian but also kabbalistic and hermetic alchemical currents of sexual mysticism, many discussed together here for the first time. In the Mystery tradition of hieros gamos (sacred marriage) and the Gnostic tradition of spiritual marriage, we see the possibility of divine union in which sexual union is the principal sign or symbol. Key to these practices is the inner or archetypal union of above and below, the intermingling of the revelatory divine world with the mundane earthly one. Versluis shows that these secret currents of sexual mysticism helped fuel the rise of the troubadours and their erotic doctrine, the esoteric teachings of Jacob Böhme in the late 16th century, the 19th-century utopian communities of John Humphrey Noyes and Thomas Lake Harris, the free love movement of the 20th century, and the modern writings of Denis de Rougemont and Alan Watts.

Savage Energies

Author : Walter Burkert
Publisher : University of Chicago Press
ISBN 13 : 9780226080857
Total Pages : 140 pages
Book Rating : 4.0/5 (88 download)

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Book Synopsis Savage Energies by : Walter Burkert

Download or read book Savage Energies written by Walter Burkert and published by University of Chicago Press. This book was released on 2001-04 with total page 140 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: We often think of classical Greek society as a model of rationality and order. Yet as Walter Burkert demonstrates in these influential essays on the history of Greek religion, there were archaic, savage forces surging beneath the outwardly calm face of classical Greece, whose potentially violent and destructive energies, Burkert argues, were harnessed to constructive ends through the interlinked uses of myth and ritual. For example, in a much-cited essay on the Athenian religious festival of the Arrephoria, Burkert uncovers deep connections between this strange nocturnal ritual, in which two virgin girls carried sacred offerings into a cave and later returned with something given to them there, and tribal puberty initiations by linking the festival with the myth of the daughters of Kekrops. Other chapters explore the origins of tragedy in blood sacrifice; the role of myth in the ritual of the new fire on Lemnos; the ties between violence, the Athenian courts, and the annual purification of the divine image; and how failed political propaganda entered the realm of myth at the time of the Persian Wars.