Translated by Catherine Proppe
March 30, 2015


85. Ὕπνου, θυμίαμα μετὰ μήκωνος.

To Hypnos

Divine connection: meta meekonos (opium poppy)

 

Ὕπνε, ἄναξ μακάρων πάντων θνητῶν τ’ ἀνθρώπων

Hypnos[1], ruler, blessing all mortals and immortals

 

καὶ πάντων ζώιων, ὁπόσα τρέφει εὐρεῖα χθών·

And all living beings, as many as are fostered on the wide earth

 

πάντων γὰρ κρατέεις μοῦνος καὶ πᾶσι προσέρχηι

Ruler over all alone and everything before commencing

 

σώματα δεσμεύων ἐν ἀχαλκεύτοισι πέδηισι,

The bodily chains of non-metallic fetters.

 

λυσιμέριμνε, κόπων ἡδεῖαν ἔχων ἀνάπαυσιν

Releasing cares wearisome, pleasing foundation of rest,

 

καὶ πάσης λύπης ἱερὸν παραμύθιον ἔρδων·

And for every grief holy surrounding mythological deeds

 

καὶ θανάτου μελέτην ἐπάγεις ψυχὰς διασώζων·

And mortal cares collected in Psyche[2] the salavation,

 

αὐτοκασίγνητος γὰρ ἔφυς Λήθης Θανάτου τε.

Sole brother from the mother[3] begetting Lethe[4] and Death,  

 

ἀλλά, μάκαρ, λίτομαί σε κεκραμένον ἡδὺν ἱκάνειν

But blessed one, with this simple prayer together mixed with pleasure, come

 

σώζοντ’ εὐμενέως μύστας θείοισιν ἐπ’ ἔργοις.

Heal illness, good power of the mystai’s sacred works.


[1] Hypnos is the immortal God of sleep.


[2] Psyche is the immortal Goddess of the soul.


[3] The Goddess Night is the mother of sleep.


[4] Lethe is the river of forgetting in the afterlife.

Translated by Catherine Proppe
March 25, 2015


68. Ὑγείας, θυμίαμα μάνναν.

To Hygeia

Divine connection: manna

 

Ἱμερόεσσ’, ἐρατή, πολυθάλμιε, παμβασίλεια,

Yearned for essence, beloved much-blooming all-Basileia[1]

 

κλῦθι, μάκαιρ’ Ὑγίεια, φερόλβιε, μῆτερ ἁπάντων·

I call blessed Hygieia[2], bearer of whole life blessings, Mother of all

 

ἐκ σέο γὰρ νοῦσοι μὲν ἀποφθινύθουσι βροτοῖσι,

From thou is generated illness’s power to waste humans

 

πᾶς δὲ δόμος θάλλει πολυγηθὴς εἵνεκα σεῖο,

And all households thrive with many of Ge’s[3] divine blessings because of thou

 

καὶ τέχναι βρίθουσι· ποθεῖ δέ σε κόσμος, ἄνασσα,

And technologies[4] heavy with longing for the Cosmos’ Anassa[5]

 

μοῦνος δὲ στυγέει σ’ Ἀίδης ψυχοφθόρος αἰεί,

Only despised by[6] Aidees’[7] Psyche[8]-destroying eternity.

 

ἀιθαλής, εὐκταιοτάτη, θνητῶν ἀνάπαυμα·

Eternally bloom, triumph over mortal’s coming repose

 

σοῦ γὰρ ἄτερ πάντ’ ἐστὶν ἀνωφελῆ ἀνθρώποισιν·

With thou boundless all essence buoy humanity

 

οὔτε γὰρ ὀλβοδότης πλοῦτος γλυκερὸς θαλίηισιν,

And extend whole life gifts extending wealth sweetly thriving

 

οὔτε γέρων πολύμοχθος ἄτερ σέο γίγνεται ἀνήρ·

And not old age’s many hardships boundless befalling humanity

 

πάντων γὰρ κρατέεις μούνη καὶ πᾶσιν ἀνάσσεις.

All giving power alone and ruler of all

 

ἀλλά, θεά, μόλε μυστιπόλοις ἐπιτάρροθος αἰεὶ

Goddess, bestow the mystic rites upon preservation eternal

 

ῥυομένη νούσων χαλεπῶν κακόποτμον ἀνίην.

Protect against disease grievous and ill-fated: release.

 



[1] Basileia means Queen, Ruler, literally “basis (βα) + synchronized (σ).”


[2] Hygieia is the immortal Goddess of health, the source of the word “hygiene,” literally “pure (Ὑ) + generative (γ) + divine power (ί).”


[3] Ge is the immortal Goddess of generative earth.


[4] Technologies refers to the arts of healing.


[5] Anassa means Goddess, Queen, Lady, literally “arising above (ἄ) + prevailing (ν).”


[6] Stygian means pertaining to the River Styx, the river of the afterlife.


[7] Aidees is also known as “Hades,” the immortal God of the afterlife.


[8] Psyche is the immortal Goddess of the soul.

72. Τύχης, θυμίαμα λίβανον.

To Tyche

Divine connection: libanon (frankincense)

 

Δεῦρο, Τύχη· καλέω σ’, ἀγαθὴν κράντειραν, ἐπ’ εὐχαῖς,

Come, Tyche[1], I call thou good sovereign foundation,

 

μειλιχίαν, ἐνοδῖτιν, ἐπ’ εὐόλβοις κτεάτεσσιν,

Sweetly convey pure whole life prosperity

 

Ἄρτεμιν ἡγεμόνην, μεγαλώνυμον, Εὐβουλῆος

Artemisian’[2] leader, mighty-realmed Good Counselor,

 

αἵματος ἐκγεγαῶσαν, ἀπρόσμαχον εὖχος ἔχουσαν,

Let this blood offering elicit unassailable prayers held fast

 

τυμβιδίαν, πολύπλαγκτον, ἀοίδιμον ἀνθρώποισιν.

Entombing many wandering songs of humanity

 

ἐν σοὶ γὰρ βίοτος θνητῶν παμποίκιλός ἐστιν·

In sync with generating life, mortality’s all-variable essence,

 

οἷς μὲν γὰρ τεύχεις κτεάνων πλῆθος πολύολβον,

Indeed build wealth in abundance, many whole life blessings

 

οἷς δὲ κακὴν πενίην θυμῶι χόλον ὁρμαίνουσα.

And not evil poverty, passion’s wrath, or anxiety

 

ἀλλά, θεά, λίτομαί σε μολεῖν βίωι εὐμενέουσαν,

But, Goddess, I pray your arrival in life brings steadfast

 

ὄλβοισι πλήθουσαν ἐπ’ εὐόλβοις κτεάτεσσιν.

Whole life wellness plentiful upon a good whole life’s prosperity.


[1] Tyche is the Goddess of fortune, good or bad.


[2] Artemis is the immortal Goddess of independence. (Her hunting skills, virginity, and role in childbirth are emblematic).

52. Τριετηρικοῦ, θυμίαμα ἀρώματα.

To the Triennial Festival of Bacchos

Divine connection: aromatics

 

 

Κικλήσκω σε, μάκαρ, πολυώνυμε, μανικέ, Βακχεῦ,

I call the blessed many-realmed manic[1] Bacchian

 

ταυρόκερως, ληναῖε, πυρίσπορε, Νύσιε, λυσεῦ,

Bull-horned wine-press[2], fire-seeded[3] Nysian[4], released

 

μηροτρεφής, λικνῖτα, πυριπόλε καὶ τελετάρχα,

Thigh-nurtured[5], liknite[6] fire-pole and completion rites’ foundation

 

νυκτέρι', Εὐβουλεῦ, μιτρηφόρε, θυρσοτινάκτα,

Night-loving Good Counselor, mitra-bearer[7], thyrsos-shaker[8]

 

ὄργιον ἄρρητον, τριφυές, κρύφιον Διὸς ἔρνος,

Mysteries[9] not to be spoken of, tri-natured hidden[10] Dios’[11] sprout

 

πρωτόγον', Ἠρικεπαῖε, θεῶν πάτερ ἠδὲ καὶ υἱέ,

Firstborn early seed heralded, the Gods’ and Goddesses’ father and son

 

ὠμάδιε, σκηπτοῦχε, χοροιμανές, ἁγέτα κώμων,

Shouldering the scepter, chorus manic[12] leader of revelling

 

βακχεύων ἁγίας τριετηρίδας ἀμφὶ γαληνάς,

Bacchian holy tri-annual surrounding peace

 

ῥηξίχθων, πυριφεγγές, ἐπάφριε, κοῦρε διμάτωρ,

Rending the earth, firelight grazing, son of two mothers[13]

 

οὐρεσιφοῖτα, κερώς, νεβριδοστόλε, ἀμφιέτηρε,

Flow-roaming horn fawnskin robed annually

 

Παιὰν χρυσεγχής, ὑποκόλπιε, βοτρυόκοσμε,

All-heralded golden spear ‘neath folds of grape-clustered cosmos

 

Βάσσαρε, κισσοχαρής, πολυπάρθενε καὶ διάκοσμε

Fox-skinned ivy charming many maidens across the cosmos

 

ἐλθέ, μάκαρ, μύσταισι βρύων κεχαρημένος αἰεί.

Come blessed mystae[14] full to bursting, rejoice eternal.


[1] In the classic sense, “manic” means to become a medium (μ) of the divinity, in this case Bacchos, the immortal God of wine and its effects.


[2] The Lenaea is a festival of Bacchos held in the month of Lenaion (January) to celebrate the pressing of the grapes, lenaie (ληναῖε). The festival included dramatic contests where a goat (tragos) was sacrificed, hence the term “tragedy.”  

“The poet who wished his (sic?) play to be brought out at the Lenaea applied to the second archon, who had the superintendence of this festival as well as the Anthesteria [February] , and who gave him (sic?) the chorus if the piece was thought to deserve it.” Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities, p.364, William Smith, Harper & Bros, New York, 1843.


[3] Zeus, the God of lightning, is Bachos’ father. Zeus’ fire is the cause of Bacchos’ premature birth when it incinerated his mortal mother, Semele.


[4] Nysia is the name of several mountains sacred to Dionysos/Bacchos. The word means “turning-point,” “starting point,” or “finishing-post,” suggesting that Bacchos is a God of transitions, beginnings, endings. 


[5] Zeus, the God of lightning storms and the male fertilizing principle, sewed the fetal Dionysos into his thigh to complete gestation after Dionysos’ mortal mother was consumed in the fire of Zeus’ lightning.

It is interesting to note that in Oregon, a mountainous state in the U.S., grapes grow more prosperously after mild fires, suggesting that perhaps the Bacchos fire legend reflects agricultural practices: 
"The percent cover of Oregon-grape was greater after prescribed spring and fall fires in 1973 compared to a control site on the Bridger-Teton National Forest, Wyoming [127]."

http://www.fs.fed.us/database/feis/plants/shrub/berrep/all.html



[6] The liknite is a broad basket used for threshing corn (and perhaps containing a fire?) The root word for "fire" and "wheat" are the same in ancient Greek.


[7] A mitra is either a type of girdle worn in battle or a ceremonial head-dress.


[8] A thyrsus is the pinecone-tipped staff carried by Bacchos and his devotees.


[9] Orgia means rites, sacrifices, mysteries.


[10] Bacchos was raised in secret to protect him from the fury of Zeus’ wife (Hera, the Goddess of air and wind).


[11] Presumably Dios refers to Zeus, Bacchos’ father.


[12] The Lexicon translates this as “furious dancing.”


[13] Bacchos’ two mothers are Semele (mortal) and Zeus (divine).


[14] Mystae are initiates in the Mysteries.

Translated by Catherine Proppe
March 16, 2015


37. Τιτάνων, θυμίαμα λίβανον.
To the Titans
Divine Connection: libanon (frankincense)
 

Τιτῆνες, Γαίης τε καὶ Οὐρανοῦ ἀγλαὰ τέκνα,

Titans[1], Gaia’s[2] and Ouranos’[3] glorious children

 

ἡμετέρων πρόγονοι πατέρων, γαίης ὑπένερθεν

Our forebears paternal, Gaia underlying,

 

οἴκοις Ταρταρίοισι μυχῶι χθονὸς ἐνναίοντες,

Housed in Tartaros[4] innermost chthonic[5] dwelling,

 

ἀρχαὶ καὶ πηγαὶ πάντων θνητῶν πολυμόχθων,

Foundation and font of all mortals’ many hardships

 

εἰναλίων, πτηνῶν τε καὶ οἳ χθόνα ναιετάουσιν·

On the seas, in the air, and on the ground prevailing extend

 

ἐξ ὑμέων γὰρ πᾶσα πέλει γενεὰ κατὰ κόσμον.

Whence comes forth all that is born by the favor of the cosmos

 

ὑμᾶς κικλήσκω μῆνιν χαλεπὴν ἀποπέμπειν,

Hymns release wrath grievous and send far off

 

εἴ τις ἀπὸ χθονίων προγόνων οἴκοις επελάσθη.

Whenever vengeance springs from chthonic forbears’ homes drive on.


[1] The Titans are the first generation offspring of the parents Gaia (Earth) and Ouranos (Sky).  They are:

- Theia (Sight and Light) and Hyperion (Sun)

- Phoibe (Inspiration, Prophecy) and Koios (North Pole of Heaven)

- Rhea (Flow) and Kronos (Time)

- Tethys (Water) and Okeanos (Water)

- Mnemosyne (Memory)

- Themis (Divine Law)

- Krios (Ram/Aries/Spring equinox and new year)

- Iapetos (Mortality).


Titaino (τῑταίνω) means stretch, stretch out.


[2] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of generative earth.


[3] Ouranos is the immortal God of the sky.


[4] The Titans reside in Tartaros, the deepest realm beneath the earth, the cosmic inverse of heaven.  (Hesiod Theogony 715).


[5] Chthonos means beneath the earth, literally foundation (χ) + divine (θ)ονὸς.

Translated by Catherine Proppe
March 12, 2015


22. Θαλάσσης, θυμίαμα λιβανομάνναν.

To Thalassa[1]

Divine connection: frankincense manna

 

Ὠκεανοῦ καλέω νύμφην, γλαυκώπιδα Τηθύν,

Ocean[2] call forth the Nymph of silver springs, Tethys[3],

 

κυανόπεπλον ἄνασσαν, εὔτροχα κυμαίνουσαν,

Cyan-robed Anassa[4], wheeling, swelling,

 

αὔραις ἡδυπνόοισι πατασσομένην περὶ γαῖαν,

Auras’ sweet breaths strike mightily around Gaia[5]

 

θραύουσ' αἰγιαλοῖσι πέτρηισί τε κύματα μακρά,

Breaking seashore’s rocks with waves enormous

 

εὐδίνοις ἁπαλοῖσι γαληνιόωσα δρόμοισι,

On a whirling swirling gentle peaceful course,

 

ναυσὶν ἀγαλλομένη, θηροτρόφε, ὑγροκέλευθε,

Nautical glorious beasts foster on their watery vogage

 

μήτηρ μὲν Κύπριδος, μήτηρ νεφέων ἐρεβεννῶν

Mother of the Kyprian[6], mother of clouds dark

 

καὶ πάσης πηγῆς νυμφῶν νασμοῖσι βρυούσης·

And all running water of Nymphs’[7] flowing abundance.

 

κλῦθί μου, ὦ πολύσεμνε, καὶ εὐμενέουσ' ἐπαρήγοις,

Be open to me, O much-honored and gracious power come to our aid

 

εὐθυδρόμοις οὖρον ναυσὶν πέμπουσα, μάκαιρα.

Coursing flow nautical, send essence of blessings.

 



[1] Thalassa means rich, plentiful, blooming (Θαλ) + in motion, gliding about (ἀΐσσω).


[2] Ocean is the primeval Titan God Okeanos, the font of all the earth's fresh-water. Tethys is his female counterpart.


[3] Tethys is the Titan Goddess of the sources of fresh water such as rivers, springs, streams, fountains, and clouds. Her name is very similar to the term for aunt: tethis (τηθίς) and grandmother, tethee (τήθη). Titheeneo (τῐθηνέω) means to tend, take care of, nurse, foster. Teeros (τηρός) means to guard, watch over, keep safe. These words all start with the letters τ (stretch, extend) and η (shared center) and convey the sense of nurturing and keeping safe something or someone mutually valued. As the Goddess of fresh water sources, Tethys nurtures humanity, plants, and animals.


[4] Anassa means Queen, Lady.


[5] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of generative earth.


[6] The Kyprian is the Goddess of love, Aphrodite; “then Aphrodite emerged from Thalassa (τὴν Ἀφροδίτην ἐκδοῦναι τῆς θαλάσσης)"  Philostr. Im.2.1 [6]


[7] Nymphs are beautiful young Goddesses who prevail over particular locations in nature, often fresh water sources. 

54. Σιληνοῦ Σατύρου Βακχῶν, θυμίαμα μάνναν.

To Silenos Satyr of Bacchos

Divine connection: manna

 

Κλῦθί μου, ὦ πολύσεμνε τροφεῦ, Βάκχοιο τιθηνέ,

Hear me O much-honored foster father, Bacchos’[1] nurse

 

Σιληνῶν ὄχ' ἄριστε, τετιμένε πᾶσι θεοῖσι

Silenos[2], ox[3] eminent, extending honor over all Deities

 

καὶ θνητοῖσι βροτοῖσιν ἐπὶ τριετηρίσιν ὥραις,

And mortal humans upon the tri-ennial Seasons[4]

 

ἁγνοτελής, γεραρός, θιάσου νομίου τελετάρχα,

Pure holy rites’ elder, religious guild prevailing first to complete holy rites

 

εὐαστής, φιλάγρυπνε σὺν εὐζώνοισι τιθήναις,

Crying “euai!”[5], fond of curves and well-girded nurses, 

 

Ναΐσι καὶ Βάκχαις ἡγούμενε κισσοφόροισι·

Naiads’[6] and Bacchantes’[7] hegemonic leader ivy-bearing

 

δεῦρ' ἐπὶ πάνθειον τελετὴν Σατύροις ἅμα πᾶσι

Come forth upon all Deities’ completion rites, Satyr as one for all,

 

θηροτύποις, εὔασμα διδοὺς Βακχείου ἄνακτος,

Beastly shouts of “euai!” offer Bacchantes full circle

 

σὺν Βάκχαις Λήναια τελεσφόρα σεμνὰ προπέμπων,

Together Bacchian Lenaia[8] rites bear with honor, send forth

 

ὄργια νυκτιφαῆ τελεταῖς ἁγίαις ἀναφαίνων,

Orgia[9] nightlit completion rites, consecrate, bring to light

 

εὐάζων, φιλόθυρσε, γαληνιόων θιάσοισιν.

Euai zone, fond of the thyrsus, calming religious gatherings.

 



[1] Bacchos is the immortal God of wine and its effects.


[2] Silenos is an elder companion of Bacchos, the father of the “satyrs.” Satyrs are depicted as men with horns and a tail who live a drinking, carousing life in the wilds. Note that atyranneutos (άτῠράννευτος) means arising above tyrants, free from tyrants, so that Saturos (Σάτῠρος) could be translated as “synchronized above tyranny,” descriptive of the lifestyle of one who lives in the wilds and mocks the establishment. Sillos (σίλλος) is a “satirical” poem or lampoon, mockery, something silly. Sillographeo (σιλλογρᾰφέω) is satirical poetry. http://www.theoi.com/Georgikos/Seilenos.html


[3] The ox is the designated stud animal of the herd. Silenos is considered the father of the Satyrs.


[4] The Horai are the immortal Goddesses of the seasons, the natural time for things to occur, the Hours. Triennial may refer to the three seasons: Spring, Summer, Winter; or to a triennial festival that occurs every third (every other) year.


[5] Literally essence (e) + pure (u) + arising (a) + divine power (i).


[6] Naiads are beautiful young Goddesses who preside over particular locations in nature.


[7] Bacchantes are female devotees of Bacchos.


[8] The Lenaia was an Athenian and Rhodian festival held in the month Lenaion (Gamelion/January) in honor of Dionysos at which there were dramatic contests.


[9] Orgia means secret rites, secret worship, mysteries, literally entity (ὄ) + flow (ρ) + generative (γ) + divine power (ι) + arising (α).

Translated by Catherine Proppe
March 3, 2015


44. Σεμέλης, θυμίαμα στύρακα.

To Semele[1]

Divine connection: styrax/storax

 

Κικλήσκω κούρην Καδμηίδα παμβασίλειαν,

I call daughter of Kadmeia[2], all-Basileian[3]

 

εὐειδῆ Σεμέλην, ἐρατοπλόκαμον, βαθύκολπον,

Beautifully-shaped Semele[4], lovely-braided, deep-bosomed

 

μητέρα θυρσοφόροιο Διωνύσου πολυγηθοῦς,

Mother of thyrsus-bearer[5] Dionysos’ many earth’s blessings

 

ἣ μεγάλας ὠδῖνας ἐλάσσατο πυρφόρωι αὐγῆι

The great travail driven by fire-bearer dawning

 

ἀθανάτου φλεχθεῖσα Διὸς βουλαῖς Κρονίοιο

Immortal blaze-slayer Dios[6], as counseled by Kronos[7],

 

τιμὰς τευξαμένη παρ' ἀγαυῆς Περσεφονείης

Honored creative power for august Persephone

 

ἐν θνητοῖσι βροτοῖσιν ἀνὰ τριετηρίδας ὥρας,

In mortal humans giving rise to three yearly Seasons[8].

 

ἡνίκα σοῦ Βάκχου γονίμην ὠδῖνα τελῶσιν

When thou Bacchos’ birth travail completes

 

εὐίερόν τε τράπεζαν ἰδὲ μυστήριά θ' ἁγνά.

The holy altar forms mysteries divine, pure,

 

νῦν σέ, θεά, λίτομαι, κούρη Καδμηίς, ἄνασσα,

Here, thou Goddess, simple daughter of Kadmos, Anassa[9],

 

πρηύνοον καλέων αἰεὶ μύσταισιν ὑπάρχειν.

Gentle, beautiful, eternal, mysterious underlying foundation.


[1] Semnos (σεμνός) means revered, august, exalted, honored, solemn.


[2] Kadmeia is the acropolis of ancient Greek Thebes, founded by Kadmos.


[3] Basileia means ruler, Queen.


[4] Semele is the mortal mother of Dionysos, the immortal God of wine and its effects. While pregnant Semele was consumed by flame when Zeus came to her as the God of lightning. Zeus sewed the fetus of Dionysos into his thigh to complete gestation.

The name “Semele” is associated with the word for “toad (φρύνη).” It is interesting to note that some toads lay their eggs in bunches like grapes and the male “common midwife toad” twines the eggs around his thighs until they are ready to hatch.  (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphibian#mediaviewer/File:Alytes_obstetricans_almogavarii_-_male_with_eggs_2.jpg )


[5] The thysus is the pinecone-tipped staff associated with Dionysos.


[6] Dios is another name for Zeus, the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life.


[7] Kronos is the immortal God of time, father of Zeus.


[8] The Horai are the immortal Goddesses of the seasons and the natural time (hour) for things to occur. The three season are, perhaps, spring (growth), summer (fruition), winter (decline).


[9] Anassa means Queen, Lady.