Translated by Catherine Proppe  May 21, 2014


49. Ἵππας, θυμίαμα στύρακα. 
To Ipta
Divine connection/incense: styrax

Ἵππαν κικλήσκω, Βάκχου τροφόν, εὐάδα κούρην,

Ippa (sic)[1] I call, Bacchos-nurturing[2], kindly, youthful,


μυστιπόλον τελεταῖσιν ἀγαλλομένην Σάβου ἁγνοῦ

Of numerous mystic rites, glorious power of Sabos’[3] pure,


νυκτερίοις τε χοροῖσιν ἐριβρεμέταο Ἰάκχου.

Nightly chorused by powerful-roaring Iacchos[4].


κλῦθί μου εὐχομένου, χθονία[5] μήτηρ, βασίλεια,

Be open to me, kindly power, chthonic mother, Basileia[6]


εἴτε σύ γ' ἐν Φρυγίηι κατέχεις Ἴδης ὄρος ἁγνὸν

Yourself in Phrygia’s[7] foundation of Ida’s[8] mountain pure


ἢ Τμῶλος τέρπει σε, καλὸν Λυδοῖσι θόασμα·

Or delighting in Tmolos'[9] beautiful Lydian divine oasis.


ἔρχεο πρὸς τελετὰς ἱερῶι γήθουσα προσώπωι.

Come before these holy rites, Ge’s[10] divine countenance.


[1] Probably a transcribing error. Probably should be Ipta (Ἵπτα). Ipp- (Ἵππ-) is a prefix meaning “horse.” The line of the π and the τ likely blurred together to appear to be a double π.


[2] Bacchos is the immortal God of Wine and its effects.


[3] Sabos, also known as Sabazios, is considered a Phrygian name for Bacchos/Dionysos.


[4] Iacchos is a mystic name for Bacchos/Dionysos.  


[5] Chthonic means “of the Earth.”


[6] Basileia means Queen.


[7] Phrygia is modern day Turkey, in ancient times also called Anatolia, also called Lydia.


[8] Mount Ida in Phrygia, on the northwestern shore of ancient Turkey, near Troy (Troas), is considered to be the home of the immortal Mother of the Goddesses and Gods.


[9] Mount Tmolos, south of Sardis and just west of ancient Philadelphia, was the location of an important ancient temple of Kybele, the immortal Mother of the Goddesses and Gods (Herodotus Book V).


[10] Ge is another name for Gaia, the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.

Translated by Catherine Proppe  May 20, 2014


79. Θέμιδος, θυμίαμα λίβανον. 
To Themis
Divine connection/incense: libanon (frankincense)

Οὐρανόπαιδ’ ἁγνὴν καλέω Θέμιν εὐπατέρειαν,

Ouranos’[1] child pure, I call Themis[2], of a noble sire,


Γαίης τὸ βλάστημα, νέην καλυκώπιδα κούρην,

Gaia’s[3] offspring, young, beautiful daughter,


ἣ πρώτη κατέδειξε βροτοῖς μαντήιον ἁγνὸν

First to make known to humans divinations pure,


Δελφικῶι ἐν κευθμῶνι θεμιστεύουσα θεοῖσι

In Delphic[4] depths concealed divine laws channel divinities


Πυθίωι ἐν δαπέδωι, ὅθι Πύθων ἐμβασίλευεν·

At the Pythia’s[5] feet, where Python[6] rules


ἣ καὶ Φοῖβον ἄνακτα θεμιστοσύνας ἐδίδαξε·

And Phoibos[7] prevails over many laws made known.


πάντιμ’, ἀγλαόμορφε, σεβάσμιε, νυκτιπόλευτε·

All-honored, glorious-shaped, revered, night-ranger,


πρώτη γὰρ τελετὰς ἁγίας θνητοῖς ἀνέφηνας,

First to give rites holy to mortals from above the clouds,


βακχιακὰς ἀνὰ νύκτας ἐπευάζουσα ἄνακτα·

Bacchic[8] roused night inquiries prevailing.


ἐκ σέο γὰρ τιμαὶ μακάρων μυστήριά θ’ ἁγνά.

From thou give honors, happily, mysteria divine, pure.


ἀλλά, μάκαιρ’, ἔλθοις κεχαρημένη εὔφρονι βουλῆι

But, with joy, come, rejoicing, give wise counsels


εὐιέρους ἐπὶ μυστιπόλους τελετὰς σέο, κούρη.

Holy, upon numerous mystical rites, thou, Daughter. 

 
[1] Ouranos is the immortal God of the Sky.


[2] Themis is the immortal Goddess of Divine Law; literally, divine (Θέ) + medium (μ).


[3] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.


[4] Delphi is the location of a famous seat of prophesy.


[5] The Pythia is the priestess who verbalizes Themis’ declarations.


[6] The Python was a serpent who guarded the Delphic shrine and was slain by the immortal God Apollo when he took providence of the site. http://www.theoi.com/Ther/DrakainaPython.html


[7] Phoibos is an epithet of Apollo as the God of Light.


[8] Bacchic means having to do with Bacchos, the immortal God of Wine.

Translated by Catherine Proppe  May 19, 2014


87. Θανάτου, θυμίαμα μάνναν.

To Thanos[1]
Divine connection/incense: manna (Fraxinus ornus)


Κλῦθί μευ, ὃς πάντων θνητῶν οἴηκα κρατύνεις

Be open to me, all mortals’ guiding ruler,


πᾶσι διδοὺς χρόνον ἁγνόν, ὅσων πόρρωθεν ὑπάρχεις·

All director of Chronos[2] pure, nostrils’ portal underlying[3].  


σὸς γὰρ ὕπνος ψυχὴν θραύει καὶ σώματος ὁλκόν,

Putting to Sleep[4] Psyche’s[5] throes and body trailing  


ἡνίκ’ ἂν ἐκλύηις φύσεως κεκρατημένα δεσμὰ

When arising out of Phusis’[6] hidden chains


τὸν μακρὸν ζώιοισι φέρων αἰώνιον ὕπνον,

Stretching the length of life, bearing eternal Sleeps’


κοινὸς μὲν πάντων, ἄδικος δ’ ἐνίοισιν ὑπάρχων,

Shared power over all, indifferent to Dike’s[7] power underlying,


ἐν ταχυτῆτι βίου παύων νεοήλικας ἀκμάς·

In swift extension arresting life newly in its prime.


ἐν σοὶ γὰρ μούνωι πάντων τὸ κριθὲν τελεοῦται·

Then thou alone gives all choices’ fulfillment[8]


οὔτε γὰρ εὐχαῖσιν πείθηι μόνος οὔτε λιταῖσιν.

Thou alone neither giving way to charming Peitho[9] nor prayer.


ἀλλά, μάκαρ, μακροῖσι χρόνοις ζωῆς σε πελάζειν

But, happily, extend our time of life, as we approach the


αἰτοῦμαι, θυσίαισι καὶ εὐχωλαῖς λιτανεύων,

Eternal tomb, may our sacrifices and votive entreaties


ὡς ἂν ἔοι γέρας ἐσθλὸν ἐν ἀνθρώποισι τὸ γῆρας.

Bring forth privileges beneficial in mortal old age.



[1] Thanos is the immortal God of Death, literally divinity/immortality (Θα) + prevailing (ν), that is, the tipping point between a mortal life and eternity.


[2] Chronos is the immortal God of Time. Death determines time in life.


[3] Death brings an end to the breath?


[4] Hypnos is the immortal God of Sleep.


[5] Psyche is the immortal Goddess of the Soul.


[6] Phusis is the immortal Goddess of Physics, of Nature.


[7] Dike is the immortal Goddess of Justice.


[8] At death life’s choices meet their fate.


[9] Peitho is the immortal Goddess of Persuasion. Death is not swayed by Persuasion or prayer.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, May 16, 2014  


22. Θαλάσσης, θυμίαμα λιβανομάνναν.

To Thalassa[1]
Divine connection/incense: libano (frankincense) manna (Fraxinus ornus)


Ὠκεανοῦ καλέω νύμφην, γλαυκώπιδα Τηθύν,

Ocean’s[2] beautiful nymph[3], grey-springing Tethys[4],


κυανόπεπλον ἄνασσαν, εὔτροχα κυμαίνουσαν,

Cyan-robed Anassa[5], pure-wheeling, pregnant-swelling essence


αὔραις ἡδυπνόοισι πατασσομένην περὶ γαῖαν,

Exhaling sweet breath, beating powerfully all around Gaia[6],


θραύουσ' αἰγιαλοῖσι πέτρηισί τε κύματα μακρά,

Dissolving on the sea-shore rocky in offspring’s lengthy,


εὐδίνοις ἁπαλοῖσι γαληνιόωσα δρόμοισι,

Pure-whirling, gentle, peaceful course,


ναυσὶν ἀγαλλομένη, θηροτρόφε, ὑγροκέλευθε,

Nautical glorious mighty beast-nurturing watery wayfarer,


μήτηρ μὲν Κύπριδος, μήτηρ νεφέων ἐρεβεννῶν

Mother of mighty Kyprian[7], Mother of Nephele[8] woolly,


καὶ πάσης πηγῆς νυμφῶν νασμοῖσι βρυούσης·

And all fresh water Nymphs’ flowing streams bursting forth.


κλῦθί μου, ὦ πολύσεμνε, καὶ εὐμενέουσ' ἐπαρήγοις,

Be open to me, bring forth great solemnity and goodwill upon aiding


εὐθυδρόμοις οὖρον ναυσὶν πέμπουσα, μάκαιρα.

A good, straight course with a fair wind, nautical-conducting essence, happily.

 
[1] Thalassa literally means: divine (Θ) + sea (αλ).


[2] Oceanos is the immortal God of the Ocean.


[3] A Nymph is an immortal Goddess who prevails over a particular location.


[4] Tethys is the immortal Goddess of the Sea and Sources of Fresh Water.


[5] Anassa means Queen, Lady.


[6] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.


[7] The Kyprian is Aphrodite, the immortal Goddess of Love, the urge to merge.


[8] Nephele are the immortal Goddesses of Clouds.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, May 15, 2014


66. Ἡφαίστου, θυμίαμα λιβανομάνναν. 
To Hephaistos
Divine connection/incense: libano (frankincense) manna (Fraxinus ornus)


Ἥφαιστ’ ὀμβριμόθυμε, μεγασθενές, ἀκάματον πῦρ,

Hephaistos[1] raining hot, majestically strong, untiring fire,


λαμπόμενε φλογέαις αὐγαῖς, φαεσίμβροτε δαῖμον,

Powerful lamp, blazing arising light, shining upon mortals, power


φωσφόρε, καρτερόχειρ, αἰώνιε, τεχνοδίαιτε,

Phosphorescent, violent-handed, eternally techno-regimented,


ἐργαστήρ, κόσμοιο μέρος, στοιχεῖον ἀμεμφές,

Workshop of the cosmos, destiny elemental, flawless,


παμφάγε, πανδαμάτωρ, πανυπέρτατε, παντοδίαιτε,

All-devouring, all-dominating, all-superior, all-regimented,


αἰθήρ, ἥλιος, ἄστρα, σελήνη, φῶς ἀμίαντον·

Aeither, Helios[2], stars, Selene[3], light undefiled--


ταῦτα γὰρ Ἡφαίστοιο μέλη θνητοῖσι προφαίνει.

In the same way, generative Hephaistos’ brings light to sweet mortals,


πάντα δὲ οἶκον ἔχεις, πᾶσαν πόλιν, ἔθνεα πάντα,

All households’ foundation, all cities’, all ethnicities’,


σώματά τε θνητῶν οἰκεῖς, πολύολβε, κραταιέ.

The body too of mortals’ homes, plentiful blessings mighty.


κλῦθι, μάκαρ, κλήιζω σε πρὸς εὐιέρους ἐπιλοιβάς,

I call, happily, in praise together before holy drink-offerings


αἰεὶ ὅπως χαίρουσιν ἐπ’ ἔργοις ἥμερος ἔλθοις.

Eternally, so that, delighted by day’s work, come, 


παῦσον λυσσῶσαν μανίαν πυρὸς ἀκαμάτοιο

Pause the furious manic fire untiring


καῦσιν ἔχων φύσεως ἐν σώμασιν ἡμετέροισιν.

Caustic foundation of Phusis’[4] body maternal. 

 
[1] Hephaistos is the immortal God of Volcanoes.


[2] Helios is the immortal God of the Sun.


[3] Selene is the immortal Goddess of the Moon.


[4] Phusis is the immortal Goddess of Physics, of Nature.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, May 15, 2014



16. Ἥρης[1], θυμίαμα ἀρώματα.

To Hera
Divine connection/incense: aromatics


Κυανέοις κόλποισιν ἐνημένη, ἀερόμορφε,

Cyanic[2], enfolding, calm-aired, aerial-formed,


Ἥρη παμβασίλεια, Διὸς σύλλεκτρε μάκαιρα,

Hera[3], all-Basileia[4], Dios’[5] happy bed-partner,


ψυχοτρόφους αὔρας θνητοῖς παρέχουσα προσηνεῖς,

Psyche[6]-nurturing, exhalation of mortals, foundation of wind,


ὄμβρων μὲν μήτηρ, ἀνέμων τροφέ, παντογένεθλε·

Stormy powerful mother, gale-nourisher, all-birthgiving.


χωρὶς γὰρ σέθεν οὐδὲν ὅλως ζωῆς φύσιν ἔγνω·

Alone generating together not one[7] whole life[8] from Phusis’[9] egg.


κοινωνεῖς γὰρ ἅπασι κεκραμένη ἠέρι σεμνῶι·

In partnership generating all mixing[10], aerial, solemn.


πάντων γὰρ κρατέεις μούνη πάντεσσί τ' ἀνάσσεις

All-generating power alone, over all four[11] extending Queen,


ἠερίοις ῥοίζοισι τινασσομένη κατὰ χεῦμα.

Aerial-whistling, shaking-mightily, catlalyst of flow. 


ἀλλά, μάκαιρα θεά, πολυώνυμε, παμβασίλεια,

But, happy Goddess of many realms, all-Basileia,


ἔλθοις εὐμενέουσα καλῶι γήθουσα προσώπωι.

Come with goodwill, beautifully rejoicing, come before us.


[1] Literally “shared center (Ἥ) + flow (ρ).”


[2] Cyan is lapis lazuli, a dark-blue stone historically considered holy. Lapis lazuli is associated with the sky because of its deep blue color and sparkling, star-like crystals. http://www.answers.com/topic/lapis-lazuli#ixzz2g0dbIWD1 


[3] Hera is the immortal Goddess of Air, one of the four elements, as cited by Empedocles, below (Zeus=Fire, Hera=Air, Aidoneus=Earth, Nestis=Water):

“τέσσαρα γάρ πάντων ῥιζωματα πρῶτον ἅκουε.

Ζεύς άργής Ἥρη τε φερέσβιος ήδ' Άιδωνεύς

Νῆστίς θ', ἥ δακρύοις τέγγει κρούνωμα βρότειον.

“And first the fourfold root of all things hear! –

White gleaming Zeus, life-bringing Hera, Dis [sic],

And Nestis whose tears bedew mortality.”

(Empedocles. Poeta Philosophus 6.1, cited in The Fragments of Empedocles, translated by William Ellery Leonard (Chicago: Open Court Publishing, 1908) 17.)

Also see: Empedocles, Physics (7(6).2-3); H.J. Rose, Handbook of Greek Mythology, Introduction).


[4] Basileia means Queen.


[5] Dios is Zeus, the immortal God of Rainstorms, Lightning, and the male fertility principle. Hera is wedded to Zeus.


[6] Psyche is the immortal Goddess of the Soul.


[7] Hera generates life through combining the elements, alone she produces no life.


[8] Zo means life: spark (ζ) + egg (ω).


[9] Phusis is the immortal Goddess of Physics, of Nature (the phusion of force and matter).


[10] Hera is also the Goddess of Marriage/Generative Mixing.


[11] The four elements: earth, air, fire, water.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, May 15, 2014


12. Ἡρακλέος, θυμίαμα λίβανον.

To Herakles
Divine connection/incense: libanon (frankincense)

Ἥρακλες[1] ὀμβριμόθυμε, μεγασθενές, ἄλκιμε Τιτάν,

Herakles, powerful, passionate, majestically strong, courageous Titan[2],


καρτερόχειρ, ἀδάμαστε, βρύων ἄθλοισι κραταιοῖς,

Mighty-handed, indominatable, bursting with athleticism powerful,


αἰολόμορφε, χρόνου πάτερ, ἀίδιέ τε ἐύφρων,

Ever-changing, father Chronos[3], eternally good and wise,


ἄρρητ', ἀγριόθυμε, πολύλλιτε, παντοδυνάστα,

Merit-earning, wildly passionate, enormously humble, all-dynastic,


παγκρατὲς ἦτορ ἔχων, κάρτος μέγα, τοξότα, μάντι,

All-powerful heart, foundation of power, great archer, prophet,


παμφάγε, παγγενέτωρ, πανυπέρτατε, πᾶσιν ἀρωγέ,

Devouring all, generating all, above all, helping all,


ὃς θνητοῖς κατέπαυσας ἀνήμερα φῦλα διώξας,

Causing mortal cessation of fate[4], generations dividing[5],


εἰρήνην ποθέων κουροτρόφον, ἀγλαότιμον,

Peace[6]-desiring child-nurturer, gloriously revered,


αὐτοφυής, ἀκάμας, γαίης βλάστημα φέριστον,

Self-born, unbending, Gaia’s[7] offspring-bearing grower[8],


πρωτογόνοις στράψας βολίσιν, μεγαλώνυμε Παιών[9],

Protogonos[10]-twisting ballistic[11], majestic-realmed Paion,


ὃς περὶ κρατὶ φορεῖς ἠῶ καὶ νύκτα μέλαιναν,

Encompassing power bearing Eos[12], black Night[13],


δώδεκ' ἀπ' ἀντολιῶν ἄχρι δυσμῶν ἆθλα διέρπων,

The twelve[14]-springing from the east spreading to the west,


ἀθάνατοις, πολύπειρος, ἀπείριτος, ἀστυφέλικτος·

Immortal, multiply-pierced[15], invulnerable, astral-floating.


ἐλθέ, μάκαρ, νούσων θελκτήρια πάντα κομίζων,

Come, happily, incline toward soothng all life’s cares,


ἐξέλασον δὲ κακὰς ἄτας κλάδον ἐν χερὶ πάλλων,

Expel the evil, the ruinous, club in hand brandish,


πτηνοῖς τ' ἰοβόλοις κῆρας χαλεπὰς ἀπόπεμπε.

Let fly poison arrows at painful Kar[16] from your hand. 

 
[1] Herakles (Roman: Hercules). Herakles was a strong, athletic man who completed 12 labors ordered by the oracle. The creatures were then made into constellations. (This may have been a way to claim Greek origin for the naming of constellations.) Herakles was subsequently transformed into a God.    Herakles is revered as the God of Turning Points, the Savior God who turns the situation. Herakles is considered by some to be originally an Egyptian God. The Orphica equates Herakles with Chronos, the God of Time. http://www.theoi.com/Cult/HeraklesCult.html

The 12 Labors of Herakles:

1.     Slay the Nemean Lion-The lion was impervious to arrows and terrorizing the area. Herakles clubbed it on the head and then choked it to death, wearing the lion’s skin as a trophy. (Theocritus, Idylls 25. 132 ff)

2.     Slay the nine-headed Lernaia Hydra (water snake)-Each time a head was cut off the snake, two more grew back, so Herakles applied burning brands to the severed stumps, cauterizing the wounds to prevent regeneration. (Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 2. 77 – 80; Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 11. 5) http://www.theoi.com/Ther/DrakonHydra.html

3.     Capture alive the Kerynitis Deer-Herakles chased the golden-horned deer for a year and finally captured it on Mount Artemsion, sacred to the Goddess Artemis. http://www.theoi.com/Ther/ElaphosKerynitis.html

4.     Capture alive the Erymanthios Boar- Herakles wearied the boar by chasing it through snow. http://www.theoi.com/Ther/HusErymanthios.html

5.     Clean the cattle stables of King Augeias-Herakles did so by diverting the waters of the Alpheios and Peneios Rivers through the plain, washing the manure away. http://www.theoi.com/Heros/Augeas.html 

6.     Slay the man-eating Stymphalian Birds-Herakles roused them with a rattle and then shot them down one by one. http://www.theoi.com/Ther/OrnithesStymphalides.html

7.     Capture the Kretan Bull-Herakles carried the bull back on his shoulders. http://www.theoi.com/Ther/TaurosKretaios.html

8.     Capture the flesh-eating horses of Diomedes-Herakles did so and fed Diomedes to his own horses, sating their appetite for human flesh. http://www.theoi.com/Heros/DiomedesThrakios.html

9.     Capture the belt of Hippolyte, Queen of the warrior Amazon tribe of women-Herakles killed Hippolyte in battle and took her belt. (Apollodorus (2.5.9))

10. Capture the cattle herd of the three-headed giant Geryon-Herakles slew the cattle herder, the guard dog, and Geryon and brought the cattle back by ship. http://www.theoi.com/Gigante/GiganteGeryon.html

11. Fetch the apples of the Hesperides, Goddesses of the Sunset-Herakles slew the serpent who guarded the apples and stole the fruit. http://www.theoi.com/Titan/Hesperides.html

12. Fetch Kerberos, the guard dog of the afterlife-Herakles captured the dog with the permission of Persephone, Goddess of the Afterlife. (Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 4. 25. 1 ; Plutarch, Life of Nisias 1. 3) http://www.theoi.com/Ther/KuonKerberos.html 


[2] The Titan deities reside in Tartaros, the lowest point beneath the earth, whereas the Olympic deities reside in Olympia, the highest known point on earth.


[3] Chronos is the immortal God of Time. According to Orphica, Herakles is the same as Chronos (Orphica, Theogonies Fragment 54 (from Damascius) and Orphica, Theogonies Fragment 57 (from Athenogoras)). These passages depict Chronos/Herakles as forming the egg from which Ouranos (Sky/Egg White) and Gaia (Earth/Yolk) come forth when squeezed.

http://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Khronos.html


[4] Time eventually causes death.


[5] Death/Time creates the phenomena of generations because mortals don’t live forever.


[6] Eirene is the immortal Goddess of Peace.


[7] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of Earth.


[8] Life on Earth grows over time.


[9] Paion means Savior.


[10] Protogonos means born first, an epithet of the primordial bi-sexual God/dess Phanes.


[11] May refer to Chronos/Herakles squeezing the primordial egg to bring forth Sky and Earth.


[12] Eos is the immortal Goddess of Dawn.


[13] Night is the immortal Goddess of Night.


[14] Probably refers to the 12 constellations which each appear for approximately 30 days and emerge in the east, setting in the west, comprising a year’s time.


[15] The stars may be viewed as piercing the black blanket of the sky.


[16] Kar is the immortal Goddess of Death.

Translated by Catherine Proppe  May 14, 2014


78. Ἠοῦς, θυμίαμα μάνναν.

To Eeous
Divine connection/incense: manna (Fraxinus Ornus)


Κλῦθι, θεά, θνητοῖς φαεσίμβροτον ἦμαρ ἄγουσα,

Welcome, Goddess, mortals’ light in a human day, arising above earth,


Ἠὼς λαμπροφαής, ἐρυθαινομένη κατὰ κόσμον,

Eos’[1], lamplight, reddening-divine power, catalyst of the cosmos,


ἀγγέλτειρα θεοῦ μεγάλου Τιτᾶνος ἀγαυοῦ,

Heraldic deity, majestic Titan glorious,


ἣ νυκτὸς ζοφόεντα κελαινόχρωτα πορείην

Slayer of black-skinned Night[2], conveying


ἀντολίαις ταῖς σαῖς πέμπεις ὑπὸ νέρτερα γαίης·

The East’s appointed dispatching to below Gaia’s[3] netherworld.


ἔργων ἡγήτειρα, βίου πρόπολε θνητοῖσιν·

Task-guider of life before death.


ἧι χαίρει θνητῶν μερόπων γένος· οὐδέ τίς ἐστιν,

Or, charming mortal’s fated genus. But, from this, Hestia


ὃς φεύγει τὴν σὴν ὄψιν καθυπέρτερον οὖσαν,

Escapes, then, in sync, seeing the highest vantage of immutable-reality,


ἡνίκα τὸν γλυκὺν ὕπνον ἀπὸ βλεφάρων ἀποσείσηις,

When then sweet sleep springs from eyelids opened,


πᾶς δὲ βροτὸς γήθει, πᾶν ἑρπετὸν ἄλλα τε φῦλα

All humanity rejoices, all crawling-creatures, yet, too, the tribes of


τετραπόδων πτηνῶν τε καὶ εἰναλίων πολυεθνῶν·

Four-footed, winged, too, and the seas many mortal creatures.


πάντα γὰρ ἐργάσιμον βίοτον θνητοῖσι πορίζεις.

Over all generating work’s livelihood on the mortal path.


ἀλλά, μάκαιρ’, ἁγνή, μύσταις ἱερὸν φάος αὔξοις.

Then, happily, purely, mystae[4]: holy light arises. 


 
[1] Eos is the immortal Goddess of Dawn.


[2] Night is the immortal Goddess of Night.


[3] Gaia is the immortal Goddess of Earth.


[4] Mystae are candidates for initiation in the holy Mysteries.

Translated by Catherine Proppe  May 13, 2014


8. Εἰς Ἥλιον, θυμίαμα λιβανομάνναν.

Enter Helios
Divine connection/incense: libanon (frankincense) manna (Fraxinus Ornus)


Κλῦθι μάκαρ, πανδερκὲς ἔχων αἰώνιον ὄμμα,

I call happy, all-seeing foundation’s eternal eye,


Τιτὰν χρυσαυγής, Ὑπερίων, οὐράνιον φῶς,

Titan[1] of golden dawn, Hyperion’s[2] heavenly light’s


αὐτοφυής, ἀκάμας, ζώιων ἡδεῖα πρόσοψι,

Only son, arising arc, life-giving welcome sight before us,


δεξιὲ μὲν γενέτωρ ἠοῦς, εὐώνυμε νυκτός,

On the right[3] giving birth to dawn, on the left[4], Night[5]


κρᾶσιν ἔχων ὡρῶν, τετραβάμοσι ποσσὶ χορεύων,

Mixes with foundation’s horizon, four pillars of the circling[6],


εὔδρομε, ῥοιζήτωρ, πυρόεις, φαιδρωπέ, διφρευτά,

Coursing, rushing, fiery, light-giving chariot,


ῥόμβου ἀπειρεσίου δινεύμασιν οἶμον ἐλαύνων,

Four-sided without intermission, on a whirling path set in motion,


εὐσεβέσιν καθοδηγὲ καλῶν, ζαμενὴς ἀσεβοῦσιν,

Honorably guided, beautiful, mighty, revered,


χρησολύρη, κόσμου τὸν ἐναρμόνιον δρόμον ἕλκων,

Golden lyre of the cosmos, then, too, harmony’s course follows,


ἔργων σημάντωρ ἀγαθῶν, ὡροτρόφε κοῦρε,

Work-signaling, good, hour-turning son,


κοσμοκράτωρ, συρικτά, πυρίδρομε, κυκλοέλικτε,

Cosmos ruler, synchronized, fiery-course circular,


φωσφόρε, αἰολόδικτε, φερέσβιε, κάρπιμε Παιάν,

Light-bringing, changeful dictator, bearing life, fruitful Paian[7], 


ἀιθαλής, ἀμίαντε, χρόνου πάτερ, ἀθάνατε Ζεῦ,

Ethereal, blameless, time’s father, immortal spark-of-life,


εὔδιε, πασιφαής, κόσμου τὸ περίδρομον ὄμμα,

Easily seen by all of the cosmos, all-around coursing eye,


σβεννύμενε λάμπων τε καλαῖς ἀκτῖσι φαειναῖς,

Quenching the lamp, then releasing noonday light,


δεῖκτα δικαιοσύνης, φιλονάματε, δέσποτα κόσμου,

Shining a light on Dike[8], thou loving prevailing despot of the cosmos,


πιστοφύλαξ, αἰεὶ πανυπέρτατε, πᾶσιν ἀρωγέ,

Trusted sentinel, eternally all-encompassing, all-helping,


ὄμμα δικαιοσύνης, ζωῆς φῶς· ὦ ἐλάσιππε,

The eye of Dike, thou life illuminator. Bring forth thou steeds,


μάστιγι λιγυρῆι τετράορον ἅρμα διώκων,

Whip sharply thou four-horsed chariot into motion,


κλῦθι λόγων, ἡδὺν δὲ βίον μύστηισι πρόφαινε.

Call forth with words sweet life’s mystic light before us. 

 
[1] The Titans are the immortal deities who reside in Tartaros, the deepest realm beneath the earth, in contrast to the Olympians who reside on Mount Olympos, the highest known place on earth.


[2] Hyperion is the immortal God of earth’s Light,  father of the Sun (Helios), Dawn (Eos/Auge), and the Moon (Selene).


[3] Facing north the right side is the east.


[4] On the left is west.


[5] Night is the immortal Goddess of Night.


[6] Choral means circling.


[7] Paian means Savior.


[8] Dike is the immortal all-seeing Goddess of Justice.

Translated by Catherine Proppe,  May 12, 2014




81. Ζεφύρου, θυμίαμα λίβανον.

Zephyros
Divine connection/incense: libanon (frankincense)

Αὖραι παντογενεῖς Ζεφυριτίδες, ἠεροφοῖται,

Auras’[1] all-generative Zephyros[2], air-roaming,


ἡδύπνοοι ψιθυραί, θανάτου ἀνάπαυσιν ἔχουσαι,

Sweet-breathed, whispering, death’s relaxation[3], founding


εἰαριναί, λειμωνιάδες, πεποθημέναι ὅρμοις,

Spring-time meadows, ripening strings


σύρουσαι ναυσὶ τρυφερὸν ὅρμον, ἠέρα κοῦφον·

Of reeds nautical, gently moored, Hera’s[4] nimble


ἔλθοιτ’ εὐμενέουσαι, ἐπιπνείουσαι ἀμεμφεῖς,

Plant-loosening power, exhaling flawless


ἠέριαι, ἀφανεῖς, κουφόπτεροι, ἀερόμορφοι.

Mornings, invisible, light-winged, air-formed.



[1] In this sense, an aura is a breeze, the wind.


[2] Zephyros is the immortal God of the generative springtime West Wind, also, an epithet for the month of March, literally “spark essence (Ζε) + mix (φυρ).”   


[3] Death’s relaxation is spring renewal.


[4] Hera is the immortal Goddess of Air.