73. Δαίμονος, θυμίαμα λίβανον.

To Daimonos[1]
Divine connection: libanon (frankincense)

 

Δαίμονα κικλήσκω μεγάλαν ἡγήτορα φρικτόν,

Daimona I call, mighty, shudder-invoking commander,

 

μειλίχιον Δία, παγγενέτην, βιοδώτορα θνητῶν,

Gentle Dia[2], parent of all, bestower of mortal life,

 

Ζῆνα μέγαν, πολύπλαγκτον, ἀλάστορα, παμβασιλῆα,

Mighty Zena[3], wide roaming and relentless Queen of all[4],

 

πλουτοδότην, ὁπόταν γε βρυάζων οἶκον ἐσέλθηι,

Giving wealth[5] when Ge’s[6] house swells under Selene[7] divine,

 

ἔμπαλι δὲ τρύχοντα βίον θνητῶν πολυμόχθων·

But then, in turn, bestowing exhaustion from mortal life’s many hardships.

 

ἐν σοὶ γὰρ λύπης τε χαρᾶς κληῖδες ὀχοῦνται.

In thou, grief, then too, the key to grace are found.

 

τοιγάρ τοι, μάκαρ, ἁγνέ, πολύστονα κήδε’ ἐλάσσας,

Therefore, then, blessed pure one, let the many cries of mourning release,

 

ὅσσα βιοφθορίην πέμπει κατὰ γαῖαν ἅπασαν,

Forewarn of life’s destruction, send by the favor of Gaia[8] all things

 

ἔνδοξον βιοτῆς γλυκερὸν τέλος ἐσθλὸν ὀπάζοις.

Honorable, life-sustaining, sweet, complete, and good.

 
[1] Daimonos means “divine power,” literally: “directed-trajectory (Δ) + arising (α) + divine-power (ί) + medium (μ) ονος.”

Jane Ellen Harrison writes: "Orphism tended rather to the worship of potencies (δαίμονες) than of anthropomorphic divinities (θεοί)." Jane Ellen Harrison, Prolegomena to the Study of Greek Religion (Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1908) 587.) http://levigilant.com/Bulfinch_Mythology/bulfinch.englishatheist.org/proleg/Chapter11.htm

Harrison says, “We now know, from a study of the customs and representations of primitive peoples, that, broadly speaking….a thing is regarded as sacred, and out of that sanctity, given certain conditions, emerges a daimon and ultimately a [G]od [or Goddess].” (Themis, 63.)

Daimones is a term also used in antiquity to refer to those who attend a deity, those who are in His or Her entourage. Harrison quotes Strabo as saying the Kouretes are “daimones or attendants [propoloi] on the [G]ods [and Goddesses].” (Jane Ellen Harrison, Themis (Cambridge: Cambridge UP, 1927) 14.)

A daimone may also be a manifestation or representation of a deity, such as a snake representing the healing powers of Earth.

[2] Dia means female Deity.

[3] According to the Liddell-Scoot Lexicon, Zena is another name for Zeus, the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life. However, the suffixes throughout this hymn indicate a feminine deity (Δαίμονα, ἡγήτορα, Δία, Ζῆνα, παμβασιλῆα).

Zenion (Ζήνιον) means rain. Zesis (ζησις) means vitalization. Ze (ζη) is the imperative of zo (ζω) (life). If Zeus is the God of the spark of fire/spark of life, then this daimona is perhaps the manifestation of the power to spark fire/life.

[4] Basileia means Queen.

[5] Plouto is the immortal God of the afterlife and wealth.

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

[7] Selene is the immortal Goddess of the moon, associated with plant growth and pregnancy.

[8] Gaia is another name for the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, June 23, 2015


26. Γῆς,
θυμίαμα πᾶν σπέρμα πλὴν κυάμων καὶ ἀρωμάτων.

To Ge[1]
Divine connection: all seeds, plentiful beans, and aromatic spices

 

Γαῖα θεά, μῆτερ μακάρων θνητῶν τ' ἀνθρώπων,

Gaia[2] divine, blessed Mother of immortals and mortals alike,

 

πάντροφε, πανδώτειρα, τελεσφόρε, παντολέτειρα,

Nurturing all, providing for all, bringing to fulfillment every marvel:

 

αὐξιθαλής[3], φερέκαρπε, καλαῖς ὥραισι βρύουσα,

The development of blooms, the bearing of fruit, the Seasons’[4] reeds’ teeming abundance.

 

ἕδρανον ἀθανάτου κόσμου, πολυποίκιλε κούρη,

Divine seat of the cosmos’ prolific and diverse offspring,

 

ἣ λοχίαις ὠδῖσι κύεις καρπὸν πολυειδῆ,

Where in the travail of parturition pregnancies’ fruits take many forms.

 

ἀιδία, πολύσεπτε, βαθύστερν', ὀλβιόμοιρε,

Eternal Lady of many heartfelt honors, grant a whole life fate.

 

ἡδυπνόοις χαίρουσα χλόαις πολυάνθεσι δαῖμον,

May sweet breezes grace tender sprouts’ many blooms divine,

 

ὀμβροχαρής, περὶ ἣν κόσμος πολυδαίδαλος ἄστρων

Rain-blessed; surrounded, indeed, by the many fiery stars of the cosmos,

 

εἱλεῖται φύσει ἀενάωι καὶ ῥεύμασι δεινοῖς.

Encircling Phusis’[5] everlasting and flowing power.

 

ἀλλά, μάκαιρα θεά, καρποὺς αὔξοις πολυγηθεῖς

And so, blessed Goddess, bring forth plentiful fruit of Ge divine,

 

εὐμενὲς ἦτορ ἔχουσα, σὺν ὀλβίοισιν ἐν ὥραις.

Good counselor, heart’s foundation, together with whole life blessings in due season.


[1] Ge is the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.


[2] Gaia is another name for Ge.


[3] Auxin is “a class of substances that in minute amounts regulate or modify the growth of plants, esp. root formation, bud growth, and fruit and leaf drop.” (Webster’s New Universal Unabridged Dictionary, New York: Random House, 1996)


[4] The Horai are the immortal Goddesses of the Hours, the Seasons, the times for things to naturally occur.


[5] Phusis is the immortal Goddess of Physics; of Nature.

This hymn appears to describe the transfer of clouds from the air to the ground as snow.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, June 22, 2015 
80. Βορέου, θυμίαμα λίβανον.

To Boreas, the North Wind
Divine connection: libanon (frankincense)

 

Χειμερίοις αὔραισι δονῶν βαθὺν ἠέρα κόσμου,

Wintry wind deeply shakes cosmic air

 

κρυμοπαγὴς Βορέα, χιονώδεος ἔλθ’ ἀπὸ Θράικης

Icing all, Boreas’[1] snow arrives from Thrace[2]

 

λῦέ τε παννέφελον στάσιν ἠέρος ὑγροκελεύθου

Liberated from clouds’ aerial stations’, the path of rain

 

ῥιπίζων ἰκμάσιν νοτεραῖς ὀμβρηγενὲς ὕδωρ,

Blows moist, damp southerly storm-born water

 

αἴθρια πάντα τιθείς, θαλερόμματον αἰθέρα τεύχων

Clearing all skies to establish flourishing aithereal creations

 

ἀκτίνες ὣς λάμπουσιν ἐπὶ χθονὸς ἠελίοιο.

Radiating light upon earth from Helios[3].


[1] Boreas is the immortal God of the north wind, literally “base (Β) + entity (ο) + flow (ρ) + essence (έ) + arising (α).”


[2] Thrace is a region northeast of Greece. Greece’s winter winds come out of the northeast.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thrace#/media/File:Thrace_and_present-day_state_borderlines.png


[3] Helios is the immortal God of the sun.

Prone on the bosom of my Mother Earth
Thence will I lift mine eyes unto the hills,
And bitterness shall turn a heart of peace
To the broad healing of the South-west wind.

  - Kate Bradbury Griffith

https://books.google.com/books?id=-aNBAQAAMAAJ&pg=PA14&lpg=PA14&dq=I+will+forsake+the+cuckoo-haunted+vale&source=bl&ots=4eyHMJsmYT&sig=Pj2Nrzo1AQmMXetTPtXQ26ZAjUo&hl=en&sa=X&ei=Ke-CVczNBInFsAWY063YBg&ved=0CBQQ6AEwAA#v=onepage&q=I%20will%20forsake%20the%20cuckoo-haunted%20vale&f=false

Translated by Catherine Proppe, June 18, 2015


55. Εἰς Ἀφροδίτην. 
To Aphrodite[1]

 
Οὐρανία, πολύυμνε, φιλομμειδὴς Ἀφροδίτη, 

Heavenly Lady of many songs, laughter-loving Aphrodite,

 

ποντογενής, γενέτειρα θεά, φιλοπάννυχε, σεμνή, 

Sea-born[2] life-giving[3] Goddess who loves nightlong festivities[4] and solemn

 

νυκτερία ζεύκτειρα, δολοπλόκε μῆτερ Ἀνάγκης 

Night’s joining[5] wonder, the alluring twining that gives birth to Necessity[6]

 

πάντα γὰρ ἐκ σέθεν ἐστίν, ὑπεζεύξω δέ <τε> κόσμον 

for all. For out of your essence, under your cosmic yoke,

 

καὶ κρατέεις τρισσῶν μοιρῶν, γεννᾶις δὲ τὰ πάντα, 

You rule the threefold Fates[7], originating from you all

 

ὅσσα τ' ἐν οὐρανῶι ἐστι καὶ ἐν γαίηι πολυκάρπωι 

You gaze upon: Ouranos’[8] hearths[9], and Gaia’s[10] plentiful fruits,

 

ἐν πόντου τε βυθωι τε, σεμνὴ Βάκχοιο πάρεδρε, 

And within Pontos’[11] depths, too. Revered Bacchian[12], the foundation of

 

τερπομένη θαλίαισι, γαμοστόλε μῆτερ Ἐρώτων, 

Delightful, blooming festivities and bridal gowns, O mother of the Erotes’[13]

 

Πειθοῖ λεκτροχαρής, κρυφία, χαριδῶτι, 

compelling[14] marriage-bed charms; concealed, giving grace, 

 

φαινομένη, τ' ἀφανής, ἐρατοπλόκαμ', εὐπατέρεια, 

Appearing in strength, and then, disappearing. Lovely-haired, noble Daughter[15],

 

νυμφιδία σύνδαιτι θεῶν, σκηπτοῦχε, λύκαινα[16], 

Residing with Nymphs divine, scepter-bearer releasing anew

 

γεννοδότειρα, φίλανδρε, ποθεινοτάτη, βιοδῶτι, 

the gift of generations, fond of men’s extensive desires, life-giving

 

ἡ ζεύξασα βροτοὺς ἀχαλινώτοισιν ἀνάγκαις 

center of the yoke to mortals’ unbridled necessity

 

καὶ θηρῶν πολὺ φῦλον ἐρωτομανῶν ὑπὸ φίλτρων· 

and of beasts’ of many species: Eros[17]-manic, under love’s spell.

 

ἔρχεο, Κυπρογενὲς θεῖον γένος, εἴτ' ἐν' Ὀλύμπωι 

Come, Kypros-born[18] Lady Divine, either from Olympia’s

 

ἐσσί, θεὰ βασίλεια, καλῶι γήθουσα προσώπωι, 

Hearth, Goddess Basileia[19], or from beautiful Ge’s[20] divine countenance,

 

εἴτε καὶ εὐλιβάνου Συρίης ἕδος ἀμφιπολεύεις, 

Or from the sweet frankincense of Syria’s throne and surrounding cities,

 

εἴτε σύ γ' ἐν πεδίοισι σὺν ἅρμασι χρυσεοτεύκτοις 

Or across fertile-plains’ driving your golden chariot,

 

Αἰγύπτου κατέχεις ἱερῆς γονιμώδεα λουτρά, 

Or within Egypt’s foundational, holy, fertile waters[21],

 

ἢ καὶ κυκνείοισιν ὄχοις ἐπὶ πόντιον οἶδμα 

Or yet upon swans[22] carried on Pontos’ swells.

 

ἐρχομένη χαίρεις κητῶν κυκλίαισι χορείαις, 

Come by divine means, grace the sea-creatures' circling chorus,

 

ἢ νύμφαις τέρπηι κυανώπισιν ἐν χθονὶ δίηι 

with Nymphs[23] delighting, cyan-blue, within earth’s two

 

θῖνας ἐπ' αἰγιαλοῖς ψαμμώδεσιν ἅλματι κούφωι· 

shores and upon shores’ sandy, salty reprieve.

 

εἴτ’ ἐν Κύπρωι, ἄνασσα, τροφῶι σέο, ἔνθα καλαί σε 

Then on Kypros, Anassa[24], nurture thou there the beautiful,

 

παρθένοι ἄδμηται νύμφαι τ' ἀνὰ πάντ’ ἐνιαυτὸν 

maiden, untamed Nymphs, too, give rise to all, annually

 

ὑμνοῦσιν, σέ, μάκαιρα, καὶ ἄμβροτον ἁγνὸν Ἄδωνιν. 

hymned, together with blessed and immortal pure Adonis[25].

 

ἐλθέ, μάκαιρα θεά μάλ' ἐπήρατον εἶδος ἔχουσα· 

Come, blessed Goddess, so lovely, appear and hold fast

 

ψυχῆι γάρ σε καλῶ σεμνῆι ἁγίοισι λόγοισιν. 

These souls[26] for thou with beautiful, solemn, pure words.


[1] Aphrodite is the immortal Goddess of sexual desire, the powerful and inexplicable “urge to merge.” 

Aphrodite’s name literally conveys love’s power to cause one to become detached from rational thought: arising above (Ἀ) + understanding, wisdom, knowledge (φρᾰδή). Note that aphroneo (ἀφρονέω) means “to be silly, act foolish; thoughtless.”


[2] Pontos is the primeval God of the Ocean. Aphrodite is said to be born of Ocean’s foam because Kronos, after castrating his father Ouranos (God of heaven), cast the genitals into the ocean whence arose the sea’s foam and the Goddess Aphrodite. (Hesiod, Theogony 176).  


[3] Aphrodite is the geneteira (γενέτειρα), Goddess of generation, because she inspires the desire for sexual intercourse.


[4] Greek wedding celebrations last throughout the night.


[5] Zeukteira (ζεύκτειρα) means joining, a euphemism for intercourse. Zeus is the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life.


[6] Ananke (Ἀνάγκης) is the immortal Goddess of Necessity, that which is necessary, required, unavoidable, “the universal generative cause” (Orphica, Theogonies, Fragment 54 from Damascius http://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Ananke.html), as in, for example, the pain of childbirth.


[7] The Moiroi are three Goddesses who oversee mortal fate: spinning (birth and genetic characteristics), weaving (circumstances of life), and cutting (death) the threads of life.


[8] Ouranos is the immortal God of the heavens. 


[9] Hestia is the immortal Goddess of hearth fires, altar fires; here, the Goddess of the fires of heaven, that is, the stars and planets.


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


[11] Potnos is the primeval God of the Sea. http://www.theoi.com/Protogenos/Pontos.html 


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


[13] The Erotes are immortal Gods of love. http://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/Erotes.html 


[14] Peitho is the immortal Goddess of persuasion and seduction.   


[15] Aphrodite is the daughter of Ouranos, the immortal God of the heavens. In some traditions, she is the daughter of Zeus, the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life.


[16] Lu- (λύ-) means release, liberate. Kain- (καιν-) means new, fresh, innovative.


[17] Eros is the immortal God of passionate love, a companion (in some accounts the son) of Aphrodite.


[18] Kypro- (Κυπρο-) means leading to pregnancy: pregnancy (Κυ) + precursor (προ-). “The Kyprian” is an epithet of Aphrodite.


[19] Basileia means Queen.


[20] Ge is another name for the immortal Goddess of generative Earth.


[21] The fertile Nile River is the basis of ancient Egypt’s culture and economy.


[22] Swans are sacred to Aphrodite.


[23] Nymphs are beautiful young Goddesses who prevail over a particular location, such as sources of fresh water.


[24] Anassa means Queen, Lady, Ruler.


[25] Adonis is the eternally dying and reborn God of Spring, beloved of Aphrodite.


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

Translated by Catherine Proppe, June 16, 2015


7. Ἄστρων, θυμίαμα ἀρώματα.


To Astron[1]
Divine connection: aromatics

 

Ἄστρων οὐρανίων ἱερὸν σέλας ἐκπροκαλοῦμαι

Starry, heavenly, holy light: emerge.

 

εὐιέροις φωναῖσι κικλήσκων δαίμονας ἁγ(ν)ούς.

Sacred phonics call on divinities pure.

 

Ἀστέρες οὐράνιοι, Νυκτὸς φίλα τέκνα μελαίνης,

Star-filled heavens, Night’s beloved children in black

 

ἐγκυκλίοις δίναισι περιθρόνια κυκλέοντες.

Encircled, whirling ‘round Her throne revolving,

 

ἀνταυγεῖς, πυρόεντες, ἀεὶ γενετῆρες ἁπάντων,

Refracting light, fired within, eternally giving birth to all

 

μοιρίδιοι, πάσης μοίρης σημάντορες ὄντες,

Destinies, all fates’ signaling entity,

 

θνητῶν ἀνθρώπων θείαν διέποντες ἀταρπόν,

Mortal humans’ divine director of paths,

 

ἑπταφαεῖς ζώνας ἐφορώμενοι, ἠερόπλαγκτοι,

Seven illuminated zones[2] tending aerial planets[3],

 

οὐράνιοι χθόνιοί τε, πυρίδρομοι, αἰὲν ἀτειρεῖς,

Heavenly; earthly, too; fiery courses eternally giving rise to portents,

 

αὐγάζοντες ἀεὶ νυκτὸς ζοφοειδέα πέπλον,

Illuminated zones of eternal Night’s[4] dark peplos[5],

 

μαρμαρυγαῖς στίλβοντες, ἐύφρονες ἐννύχιοί τε

Sparkle, glitter, and gladden the night,

 

ἔλθετ' ἐπ' εὐιέρου τελετῆς πολυΐστορας ἄθλους

Bring holy fulfillment to many challenging inquiries

 

ἐσθλὸν ἐπ' εὐδόξοις ἔργοις δρόμον ἐκτελέοντες

Noble, honorable works’ courses bring to completion.


[1] The starry night sky: arising above (ἀ) + spread/strewn (στρων); basis for the word astronomy.


[2] The seven classical planetary zones:

“For the moon [1. Io (Ίώ) (Moon)] completes its own circle in a month, waxing and waning and vanishing, the sun [2. Helios (Ήλιος) (Sun)] and the stars which accompany it in its course, the so-called Morning Star  [3. Aphrodite (Άφροδίτη) (Venus)], and the star of Hermes [4. Hermes (Έρμῆς) (Mercury)], in a year, the Fiery Star [5. Ares (Ἅρης) (Mars)] in double of that period, the star of Zeus [6. Zeus (Ζεύς) (Jupiter)] in six times that again (i.e. twelve years), and last of all, the star of Kronos [7. Kronos (Κρόνος) (Saturn)], so-called, in two and a half times the period of the star next below it.” (Sir Thomas L. Heath, Greek Astronomy , quoting De Mundo (from Aristotelian corpus cc. 5-6) (New York: Dover Publications, 1991) 159-160.


[3] The planets paths’ are wandering, irregular (πλαγκτοι).


[4] The immortal Goddess of Night was the third deity to emerge from Chaos at creation. In Hesiod’s Theogony (123-124) (trans. Evelyn-White), circa 750 BCE, at the beginning of creation Chaos first brought forth Earth, then Darkness, and Night:

“Verily at the first Chaos came to be, but next wide-bosomed Earth…[then] from Chaos came forth Erebus and black Night…”


[5] A peplos is a robe.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, June 10, 2015


67. Ἀσκληπιοῦ,
θυμίαμα μάνναν.

To Asklepios
Divine connection: manna[1]


Ἰητὴρ πάντων, Ἀσκληπιέ, δέσποτα Παιάν,

Healer of all, Asklepios[2], all-powerful physician,

 

θέλγων ἀνθρώπων πολυαλγέα πήματα νούσων,

Soothing humanity’s many ailments, miseries, and disease,

 

ἠπιόδωρε, κραταιέ, μόλοις κατάγων ὑγίειαν

Gently giving powerful means for prevailing Hygieia[3]

 

καὶ παύων νούσους, χαλεπὰς κῆρας θανάτοιο,

And ending nauseous agonies of mortal hearts.

 

αὐξιθαλής, ἐπίκουρ’, ἀπαλεξίκακ’, ὀλβιόμοιρε,

Increase prosperity and youthfulness, stave off evil, give a whole life fate

 

Φοίβου Ἀπόλλωνος κρατερὸν θάλος ἀγλαότιμον,

O bright Apollo’s mighty bloom[4], gloriously honored

 

ἐχθρὲ νόσων, Ὑγίειαν ἔχων σύλλεκτρον ἀμεμφῆ,

Enemy of illness, Hygieia’s firm partner above reproach.

 

ἐλθέ, μάκαρ, σωτήρ, βιοτῆς τέλος ἐσθλὸν ὀπάζων.

Come, blessed savior, life-completing and welcome companion.


[1] The Manna ash tree, Fraxinus Ornus.


[2] Asklepios is the immortal God of healing, medicine, and surgery.

“…he healed many sick whose lives had been despaired of, and for this reason it was believed that he had brought back to life many who had died.” (Diodorus of Sicily, Library of History 4.71.3 (trans. Oldfather))

“To Apollo and Coronis was born Asclepius, who learned from his father many matters which pertain to the healing art, and then went on to discover the art of surgery and the preparations of drugs and the strength to be found in roots, and, speaking generally, he introduced such advances into the healing art that he is honoured as if he were its source and founder." (Diodorus of Sicily, Library of History 5.74.6 (trans. Oldfather))


[3] Hygieia is the immortal Goddess of health.


[4] Asklepios is a son of Apollo.

Translated by Catherine Proppe
June 8, 2015




36. Ἀρτέμιδος
θυμίαμα μάνναν

To Artemis[1]
Divine connection: manna[2]

 

Κλῦθί μου, ὦ βασίλεια, Διὸς πολυώνυμε κούρη,

I call my Basileia[3], Dios’[4] many-realmed Daughter,

 

Τιτανίς, βρομία, μεγαλώνυμε, τοξότι, σεμνή,

Titan[5] of resounding, massive realm, archer most solemn,

 

πασιφαής, δαιδοῦχε, θεά Δίκτυννα, λοχείη,

All-illuminating torch-bearer[6], Goddess Diktynna[7], in childbirth’s

 

ὠδίνων ἐπαρωγὲ καὶ ὠδίνων ἀμύητε,

Travail you aid and in travail cause to open,

 

λυσίζωνε, φίλοιστρε, κυνηγέτι, λυσιμέριμνε,

Releasing the zone[8] to favor history’s web[9], O Huntress, release distress,

 

εὔδρομε, ἰοχέαιρα, φιλαγρότι, νυκτερόφοιτε,

Swift-coursing archer, lover of the wilds, night-roamer,

 

κληισία, εὐάντητε, λυτηρία, ἀρσενόμορφε,

Unlock opposition, deliver a manly form,

 

Ὀρθίη, ὠκυλόχεια, βροτῶν κουροτρόφε δαῖμον,

Bring a straight, swift birth, humanity’s child-nurturing deity,

 

ἀμβροτέρα, χθονία, θηροκτόνε, ὀλβιόμοιρε,

Immortal earthly Lady, animal-slayer, grant a whole-life fate,

 

ἣ κατέχεις ὀρέων δρυμούς, ἐλαφηβόλε, σεμνή,

Rain your favor upon mountain forests and the deer-hunt, Solemn

 

πότνια, παμβασίλεια, καλὸν θάλος αἰὲν ἐοῦσα,

Potnia[10], Queen of All, beautiful bloom, eternally young

 

δρυμονία, σκυλακῖτι, Κυδωνιάς, αἰολόμορφε·

Forest-dweller, pup-nurturing Kydonian[11], eternally changing form.

 

ἐλθέ, θεὰ σώτειρα, φίλη, μύστηισιν ἅπασιν

Come, Goddess Savior, beloved Lady, every mystae[12]

 

εὐάντητος, ἄγουσα καλοὺς καρποὺς ἀπὸ γαίης

Greet kindly, bring-forth the bloom of fruits from Gaia[13],

 

εἰρήνην τ' ἐρατὴν καλλιπλόκαμόν θ' ὑγίειαν·

Eirene[14], too, and lovely beautifully-crowned Goddess Hygiea[15].

 

πέμποις δ' εἰς ὀρέων κεφαλὰς νούσους τε καὶ ἄλγη.

Cast to the highest mountain peaks disease and distress.


[1] Art- (άρτ-) is a prefix meaning fresh, new, young; complete, perfect; literally “arising outflow extend.”

Artemis is the immortal Goddess of independence as exemplified by her hunting skills and virginity, which enable a lifestyle free from societal obligations. In addition to her skill in hunting, she tames wild animals, further extending her power in the wilds.

Artemis is often depicted as a warrior and is closely associated with the female Amazon warriors who lived in a society independent of men.

Artemis’ role in aiding the process of childbirth enables the independent existence of both the child and the mother from one another.

Artemis is closely associated with the moon, a heavenly body that exists alone in a realm of the sky separate from that of the sun, planets, and stars. The moon is linked to procreation and childbirth because its 28- day cycles correspond with women’s 28-day menses (moon) periods.


[2] The Manna ash tree, Fraxinus Ornus.


[3] Basileia means Queen; basis of rule.


[4] Dios refers to Zeus, the immortal God of lightning storms and the spark of fire/spark of life.


[5] Artemis’ mother, Leto, is a Titan. Her father, Zeus, is an Olympian. The Titans reside in Tartaros, the depths of the Earth, as contrasted with the Olympians, who reside at the heights of Mount Olympus. Titan means stretch/extend.


[6] Artemis is a torchbearer because of her association with the moon which gives light at night.


[7] Diktynna is the immortal Goddess of hunting and fishing nets, a regional name for Artemis. Dikt- (Δίκτ-) means net.


[8] The zone of pregnancy.


[9] Life and a person’s portion of life are woven and portioned out by the immortal Goddesses of Fate.


[10] Potnia is a title of honor meaning revered, august, Queen.


[11] Kydonia is a town on the island of Crete, named for the quince, a fruit resembling a pear.


[12] Mystae are initiates in the Mysteries.


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


[14] Eirene is the immortal Goddess of Peace.


[15] Hygiea is the immortal Goddess of Health.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, June 4, 2015


65. Ἄρεος, θυμίαμα λίβανον.

To Ares
Divine connection: libanon (frankincense)


Ἄρρηκτ’, ὀμβριμόθυμε, μεγασθενές, ἄλκιμε δαῖμον,
Arising above the wreckage; torrential, impassioned, majestic, mighty Deity

ὁπλοχαρής, ἀδάμαστε, βροτοκτόνε, τειχεσιπλῆτα,
Armor-rejoicing, untamed, mortal-slaying stormer of walls

Ἆρες ἄναξ, ὁπλόδουπε, φόνοις πεπαλαγμένος αἰεί,
Ares![1] Commander of clashing armor, slaughtering ripening strength forevermore

αἵματι ἀνδροφόνωι χαίρων, πολεμόκλονε, φρικτέ,
Gory man-slayer, rejoicing in polemic turmoil’s frisson,

ὃς ποθέεις ξίφεσίν τε καὶ ἔγχεσι δῆριν ἄμουσον·
He who longs for sword ravaging and who finds hand-to-hand combat amusing,

στῆσον ἔριν λυσσῶσαν, ἄνες πόνον ἀλγεσίθυμον,
Bring on strife’s release! Relax grievous painful passions!

εἰς δὲ πόθον νεῦσον Κύπριδος κώμους τε Λυαίου
Incline yearnings toward the Kyprian’s[2] revels, then, too, set free an

ἀλλάξας ἀλκὴν ὅπλων εἰς ἔργα τὰ Δηοῦς,
Exchange of prowess in weapons for the work of Deos[3],

εἰρήνην ποθέων κουροτρόφον, ὀλβιοδῶτιν.
Eirene’s[4] peaceful yearning to nurture children, and whole life blessings.


[1] Ares is the immortal God of war, destruction, plague, and ruin.


[2] The Kyprian is Aphrodite, the immortal Goddess of love and sexual desire.


[3] Deos is Demeter, the immortal Goddess of agriculture.


[4] Eirene is the immortal Goddess of peace.

Translated by Catherine Proppe, June 1, 2015


34. Ἀπόλλωνος, θυμίαμα μάνναν.

To Apollo[1]
Divine-connection: manna[2]

 

Ἐλθέ, μάκαρ Παιάν, Τιτυοκτόνε, Φοῖβε Λυκωρεῦ,

Come Blessed Healer, Tityos’[3] Slayer, Enlightened One[4], Lycian-tended[5],

 

Μεμφῖτ', ἀγλαότιμε, ἰήιε, ὀλβιοδῶτα,

Memphis’[6] gloriously honored divinity, whole life-giving,

 

χρυσολύρη, σπερμεῖε, ἀρότριε, Πύθιε, Τιτάν,

Golden-lyred[7] seed-plough[8], Pythian[9] Titan[10],

 

Γρύνειε,  Σμινθεῦ, Πυθοκτόνε, Δελφικέ, μάντι,

Grynion[11], Smintheion[12], python-slayer[13], Delphi’s[14] mantic[15]

 

ἄγριε, φωσφόρε δαῖμον, ἐράσμιε, κύδιμε κοῦρε,

Agrarian light-bearer, divine beloved celebrated son,

 

Μουσαγέτα, χαροποιέ, ἑκηβόλε, τοξοβέλεμνε,

The Muses’ charming archer, bow launcher to the

 

Βράγχιε καὶ Διδυμεῦ, ἑκάεργε, Λοξία, ἁγνέ,

Branchidae[16] of Didyma,[17] out of stillness, oblique, pure

 

 

Δήλι' ἄναξ, πανδερκὲς ἔχων φαεσίμβροτον ὄμμα,

Delian[18] Commander, all-seeing foundation, mortal light’s eye,

 

χρυσοκόμα, καθαρὰς φήμας χρησμούς τ' ἀναφαίνων·

Gold-crowned[19], pure, prophetic chreesmos[20] bring to light.

 

κλῦθί μευ εὐχομένου λαῶν ὕπερ εὔφρονι θυμῶι·

Called forth via pure foundational divine means, release from above your kindly-disposed spirit

 

τόνδε σὺ γὰρ λεύσσεις τὸν ἀπείριτον αἰθέρα πάντα

Reach out, look upon us, extend unbroken and aetherial over all of

 

γαῖάν τ' ὀλβιόμοιρον ὕπερθέ τε καὶ δι' ἀμολγοῦ,

Gaia[21], the blessed Fates[22] above, too, and from starry

 

νυκτὸς ἐν ἡσυχίαισιν ὑπ' ἀστεροόμματον ὄρφνην

Night[23] within the silence above, starry Mother’s darkness

 

ῥίζας νέρθε δέδορκας, ἔχεις δέ τε πείρατα κόσμου

The root of Earth’s sight, foundation of the pierced cosmos[24]

 

παντός· σοὶ δ' ἀρχή τε τελευτή τ' ἐστὶ μέλουσα,

Over all. Together from origin to completion let festal melodies

 

παντοθαλής, σὺ δὲ πάντα πόλον κιθάρηι πολυκρέκτωι

Gladden all, synchronizing all poles, your kitharas’[25] plentifully-strummed

 

ἁρμόζεις, ὁτὲ μὲν νεάτης ἐπὶ τέρματα βαίνων,

Harmonies[26], when the lowest[27] string turns the dance,

 

ἄλλοτε δ' αὖθ' ὑπάτην, ποτὲ Δώριιον εἰς διάκοσμον

And then, alone, the highest, bestowed throughout the cosmos

 

πάντα πόλον κιρνὰς κρίνεις βιοθρέμμονα φῦλα,

Over all poles mixing separate life-nurtured tribes

 

ἁρμονίηι κεράσας τὴν παγκόσμιον ἀνδράσι μοῖραν,

Harmonically mix, then, all of the cosmos’ human fate

 

μίξας χειμῶνος θέρεός τ' ἴσον ἀμφοτέροισιν,

Mix winter, summer too, then, equally both of the two

 

εἰς ὑπάτας χειμῶνα, θέρος νεάταις διακρίνας,

The height of winter, summer’s depth through separation

 

Δώριον εἰς ἔαρος πολυηράτου ὥριον ἄνθος.

Give early Spring’s plentifully-loved season of blooms.

 

ἔνθεν ἐπωνυμίην σε βροτοὶ κλήιζουσιν ἄνακτα,

Thence named, mortals herald the revival of

 

Πᾶνα, θεὸν δικέρωτ', ἀνέμων συρίγμαθ' ἱέντα·

Pan[28], divine Dike’s[29] rotation, the winds’[30] piping[31] tune.

 

οὕνεκα παντὸς ἔχεις κόσμου σφραγῖδα τυπῶτιν.

On your account all foundation of the cosmos consign their forms.

 

κλῦθι μάκαρ, σώζων μύστας ἱκετηρίδι φωνῆι.

Be open, Blessed Savior, to the mystic suppliants’ voices.


[1] The prefix apo- (άπό-) means to spring from. Apollo is the immortal God of inspiration.


[2] The Manna ash tree, Fraxinus Ornus.


[3] Tityos is a Giant who attacked Apollo’s mother, Leto, and was killed by the arrows of Artemis or Apollo. Tityos is stretched out in Tartaros (the deepest realm beneath the earth) for eternal punishment.


[4] Phoibe means prophesy; inspire; bright; pure; radiant.  Apollo is often referred to by the name of the immortal Goddess Phoibe who bequeathed inspiration for the Delphic “oracle” to Apollo, her grandson. (Aeschylus, Eumenides I)


[5] Apollo was born in Lycia (south shore of modern Turkey near Rhodes) and traces his “oracular” lineage maternally through Leto (mother), Phoibe (grandmother), and Gaia (great-grandmother). http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lycia_locator_map.svg

The Xanthos (Ξανθός) River of Lycia is so-named because of its yellow/gold-tinged water, said to have arisen from Leto's birth travail. The Temple of Leto, the Letoon, is located nearby.

Quintus Smyrnaeus, Fall of Troy 11. 21 ff (trans. Way) (Greek epic c350 CE) :

"Xanthos' stream, the stream revealed to men by Leto . . . when Lycia's stony plain was by her hands uptorn mid agonies of travail-throes wherein she brought to light mid bitter pangs those babes of birth divine (Apollo and Artemis)."

Note that amniotic fluid is clear or tinted yellow, so the implication could be that the Xanthos River is Leto’s amniotic fluid when her “water broke” in the process of giving birth to Artemis and Apollo. Note also that Xanthos (Ξανθός) literally translates, "detached from (Ξ) + arising (α) + prevailing (ν) + divine (θ) + entity (ός)."

Herodotus (The Histories 1.173, trans. Purvis) describes Lycia as a matriarchal society:

“They (the Lycians) name themselves after their mothers and not their fathers. If one person asks another who [s]he is, [s]he will recite his[/her] maternal lineage, recounting his[/her] mother and grandmother and the mothers before her.”


[6] Memphis, a major capital of ancient Egypt, occupied a strategic position along the Nile River adjacent to Alexandria. The sacred uncastrated Apis bull of Memphis fertilized the herd. http://www.dipwiki.com/?title=Ancient_Mediterranean


[7] Chryso means “golden.” Apollo the musician is closely associated with the Muses and Charites (Graces).

Pindar, Pythian Ode 1. 1 ff :
"O glorious lyre, joint treasure of Apollon, and of the Mousai (Muses)."

Hesiod, Theogony 92 ff (trans. Evelyn-White) (Greek epic C8th or C7th BCE) :
"It is through the Mousai (Muses) and far-shooting Apollon that there are singers and harpers upon the earth."


[8] “Seed-plough” may refer to Apollo as planting the seeds of inspiration and may also refer to his association with the sacred Apis bull of Memphis.


[9] Pytho is the ancient name of Delphi. Pyth- (πύθ-) means base, foundation, essence, pith.


[10] The Titans reside in Tartaros in the depths of the Earth, while the Olympians reside at the heights of Mount Olympus. Apollo’s mother, Leto, is a Titan. (His father, Zeus, is an Olympian.) Titan (Τιτάν) means stretch, extend.


[11] Grynion (Γρύνιον) was an Aeloian city near Myrina (modern Turkey) hosting a sanctuary of Apollo. Grunos (γρῡνός) means torch.


[12] Sminthe was a city near Troy (modern Turkey) (Hom. Il. i. 3.9; Ov. Fast. vi. 425, Met. xii. 585; Eustath. ad Hom. p. 34). Sminth- (Σμινθ-) means mouse, an animal associated with Apollo.


[13] Upon taking province of the “oracle” at Delphi, Apollo killed the python (serpent, dragon) who guarded it.


[14] Delph- (δελφ-) is a prefix meaning womb; pig; dolphin; and tripod. Literally: directed (Δ) + essence (ε) + release (λ) + divinely-animated-entity (φ) + divine-power (ι) + core (κ) + essence (έ).


[15] “Mantic” means capable of channeling/inspiring.


[16] Apollo’s sanctuary at Didyma (modern Turkey) was referred to by Herodotus (1.46.2, 1.92.2) as the Branchidae.

(H.W. Parke, “The Massacre of the Branchidae, The Journal of Hellenic Studies, Vol. 105 (1985), pp. 59-68, http://www.jstor.org/stable/631522?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents )

The sanctuary at Didyma was named for the Branchidae family, the male and female family of priests who administered the “oracular” facility.

“Oracular responses were given by a priestess esconced above a sacred spring.” http://www.jstor.org/stable/639826?seq=1#page_scan_tab_contents

Four of the Branchid statues in which Hittite influence is apparent and which have been dated back to the 6th century BCE, are on display in the museum in nearby Miletus.


[17] Didyma means “twin” and refers to Apollo and his twin sister Artemis who had a major sanctuary nearby. The twin sanctuaries were connected by a Sacred Road. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Didyma


[18] Delos Island is the birthplace of Apollo and Artemis. Delos literally means “disclose, make manifest.”


[19] Chryso- means “golden.”


[20] Chreesmos means “oracle, message from the divine.”


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


[22] The Moirai (Μοῒραι) are the immortal Goddesses who transmit a person’s fate or “portion” of life.


[23] Night is a primordial Goddess, the mother of Day (Hesiod, Theogony 123-124).


[24] The night sky appears to be pierced with stars. According to Hesiod, Earth is the mother (without paternity) of the Heavens/Stars. (Hesiod, Theogony 123-124).


[25] A kithara is a lyre, a seven-stringed musical instrument.


[26] Apollo is believed to harmonize the cosmos with his music.


[27] The lowest three strings provide the highest pitch.


[28] Pan is the immortal God of "All," depicted as a musical, comical, rural, dancing figure.


[29] Dike is the immortal Goddess of Justice, the “wheel” of justice.


[30] Anemones are scarlet, spring-blooming flowers associated with Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, and Adonis, God of rebirth.  Poppy anemone, Anemone coronaria; scarlet wind-flower, Anemone fulgens; mountain wind-flower, Anemone blanda; ἀνέμ is a prefix that means “wind, winds, windy”


[31] The syrinx is a flute, “Pan-pipe” made of reeds.