ORPHIC HYMN TO GODDESS HEKATE

 Hekate is one of the most well-known Goddesses of the Greek Religion. A Goddess of Crossroads,Hekate is linked with witchcraft, the Underworld and at the same time She protects the household and watches over newborns. Here you can read Her Orphic Hymn, both in Ancient Greek and English.The English translation is by Adam Forrest. You will also find a video of  the band Daemonia Nymphe, who have created a lovely, shortened version of the Hymn.

Orphic Hymn To Hekatê

Hekatê of the Path, I invoke Thee, Lovely Lady of the Triple Crossroads,

Celestial, Chthonian, and Marine One, Lady of the Saffron Robe.

Sepulchral One, celebrating the Bakchic Mysteries among the Souls of the Dead,

Daughter of Persês, Lover of Solitude, rejoicing in deer.

Nocturnal One, Lady of the Dogs, invincible Queen.

She of the Cry of the Beast, Ungirt One, having an irresistible Form.

Bullherder, Keeper of the Keys of All the Universe, Mistress,

Guide, Bride, Nurturer of Youths, Mountain Wanderer.

I pray Thee, Maiden, to be present at our hallowed rites of initiation,

Always bestowing Thy graciousness upon the Boukolos*.

( Boukolos,literally meaning herdsman. Ηere the term refers to a devotee of the Mysteries. )

The Hymn in Ancient Greek

Εἰνοδίην Ἑκάτην κλῄιζω, τριοδῖτιν, ἐραννήν,   1

οὐρανίην, χθονίαν τε, καὶ εἰναλίην κροκόπεπλον,

τυμβιδίην, ψυχαῖς νεκύων μέτα βακχεύουσαν,

Πέρσειαν, φιλέρημον, ἀγαλλομένην ἐλάφοισιν,

νυκτερίην, σκυλακῖτιν, ἀμαιμάκετον βασίλειαν,   5

ταυροπόλον, παντὸς κόσμου κληιδοῦχον ἄνασσαν,

ἡγεμόνην, νύμφην, κουροτρόφον, οὐρεσιφοῖτιν,

λισσόμενοις κούρην τελεταῖς ὁσίαισι παρεῖναι

βουκόλῳ εὐμενέουσαν ἀεὶ κεχαρηότι θυμῷ.

Nocturnal Hekate by Daemonia Nymphe

Sources: Hermetic Fellowship , HellenicGods.org , YouTube

2,400 - YEAR - OLD MASK OF GREEK GOD DIONYSUS DISCOVERED IN WESTERN TURKEY

 

In 2020, archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a terracotta mask of the Greek God Dionysus. This wonderful artifact dates back 2,400 years and has been found during excavations in western Turkey.

Archaeologist Kaan Iren, head of excavations in the ancient city of Daskyleion in the western Balıkesir province, told Anadolu Agency that the mask of  Dionysus was found in the city's acropolis,and "it is one of this year's most interesting findings. ". He also believes that the mask was offered as a gift to God Dionysus during winemaking rituals.

Apart from being the God of wine and ecstasy, Dionysus is also the God of theatre. Ancient Greek theatre involved the use of masks and it is believed that wearing a mask of Dionysus as a means of paying homage to Him, could help the worshipper attain freedom from all inhibitions, thus reaching ecstasy. Dionysus Himself is said, upon different circumstances, to have 'masked' both His identity and His power.

The city of Daskyleion, where the mask was found, is located on the shore of Lake Manyas in the Bandırma district of Balıkesir, in modern-day Turkey. 

Edited from dailysabah.com and hyperallergic.com