Greek Alphabet: Unlock the Secrets
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  • Learn about Delta: Δ (4)
  • Learn about E Psilon: Ε (5)
  • Learn about Wau: Ϝ (6)
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  • Learn about Heta: Η (8)
  • Learn about Theta: Θ (9)
  • Learn about Iota: Ι (10)
  • Learn about Kappa: Κ (20)
  • Learn about Lambda: Λ (30)
  • Learn about Mu: Μ (40)
  • Learn about Nu: Ν (50)
  • Learn about Ksi: Ξ (60)
  • Learn about O Micron: Ο (70)
  • Learn about Pi: Π (80)
  • Learn about Qoppa: Ϙ (90)
  • Learn about Rho: Ρ (100)
  • Learn about Sigma: Σ (200)
  • Learn about Tau: Τ (300)
  • Learn about U Psilon:Υ (400)
  • Learn about Phi: Φ (500)
  • Learn about Chi: Χ (600)
  • Learn about Psi: Ψ (700)
  • Learn about O Mega: Ω (800)
  • Learn about Parakuisma: ϡ (900)
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Ι ι  iota (ίῶτα)    divine-power                                              pronounce: long “e” as in see

The letter Ι means divine-power.

The invisible force of gravity, the invisible force that directs plant growth upward toward the sun, the invisible magnetic force of the moon that directs tides, the magnetic force that directs the dial of the compass are all examples of divine (immortal) power.

Iotees (ἰότης) means by the will of the Gods and Goddesses.

Ichor (ίχώρ) is the juice, not blood, that flows in the veins of Gods and Goddesses, literally “divine-power foundation.” (Ichor refers also to the “water” from women in childbirth.)

Iris (Ίρις) is the immortal messenger of the Gods and Goddesses amongst themselves, literally “divine-power flow.”

Ioudaikos (Ίουδαϊκός) means Joudaikos: Jewish. The letter Ι is often transliterated into the letter J.

The letter Ι, the tenth letter of the Greek alphabet, is associated with the tenth letter of the Hebrew alphabet, the letter ( י ) (Yōd), the first character in the Hebrew word for God (יהוה).

(http://www.theosociety.org/pasadena/etgloss/ya-yz.htm )

The divine power represented by the letter Ι is bipolar, that is, it both attracts and repels, it goes up as well as down. In describing the meaning of the Hebrew letter Yod, the Encyclopedic Theosophical Glossary says:

“The influence of this cosmic bipolar force is known everywhere, expressing itself as positive and negative . . .”

(G. de Purucker, Editor-in-Chief. “Yod, Yodh,” Encyclopedic Theosophical Glossary (Pasadena, CA: Theosophical University Press, 1999. Last Update: October 25, 2011. ) http://www.scribd.com/doc/14184137/Encyclopedic-Theosophical-Glossary

Io (Ίώ) is the immortal Goddess of the moon, a heavenly body with easily observed magnetic properties, literally “divine-power brings-forth.”  

Ino (Ίνω) is the immortal Goddess of the sea, an entity clearly impacted by the moon’s magnetic pull, literally “divine-power prevailing brings-forth.”



VERTICAL VECTOR

The letter Ι is represented as a vertical vector.

Vertical vectors for architectural, scientific, aesthetic, and other purposes are determined with a plumb line, a line regarded as directed exactly toward the earth's center of gravity.

A man uses a plumb line to determine the vertical line of a column.  

http://abcparish.blogspot.com/2010_07_04_archive.html

Istos (ίστός) means anything set upright, such as a mast or beam.

Ithu- (ίθύ-) is a prefix meaning straight; righteous; fair. Ithus (ίθύς) means straight; straight-forward; just; fair, literally “divine-power divine pure.”

A forest presents a panoply of vertical lines. Note that idee (ϊδη) means timber-tree, literally “divine-power directed-trajectory center.”

Forest. http://foundwalls.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/06/forest-tree-sun-ray-light-spruce.jpg

Plant stems. http://www.csiro.au/~/media/CSIROau/Images/Plants/PlantStems_Mat_set/Main.ashx 



GREEK TEMPLES

Ian (Ίάν), Ias (Ίάς), Iakos (Ίᾰκός), Ion (Ἵων), and Ionikos (Ίωνικός) mean Ionic.

The Ionic column is a style of architecture developed in Ionia circa 550 BCE. It is distinguished from other types of columns by the scroll, “volute,” at the top.

An Ionic capital on the Erechtheion, Acropolis, Athens, 421-407 BCE. 
http://www.sacred-destinations.com/greece/athens-erechtheion-temple/photos/ionic-capital-cc-Jorge-Orte-Tudela

Ionic columns.
http://www.aoc.gov/sites/default/files/styles/artwork-node/public/images/architecture/6322258583_73d2177976_o_0.jpg?itok=1Jr8RX5Y
 
Greek temples, sacred places of divine power, consist primarily of vertical columns.

Parthenon, Temple of Athena on the Acropolis, Athens, Greece, 447-432 BCE. http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/

Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, circa 550 BCE-150 CE. http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/

Temple of Poseidon at Sounion, circa 440 BCE. http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/

Temple of Aphrodite, the Tetrapylon, Aphrodisias, Turkey, circa 150 CE. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/aphrodisias

Side-view of the façade of the Library of Celsus, Ephesus, circa 150 CE. http://www.sacred-destinations.com/turkey/ephesus-library-of-celsus.htm

Temple of Zeus at Cyrene (modern Libya), circa 450 BCE. http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/

Temple of Apollo Epicurius, Peloponnese, circa 450-400 BCE. http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/            

Temple of Segesta, Sicily, circa 450 BCE.            http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/


Temple of Hera Paestum, southern Italy, circa 550 BCE. http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/

Temple of Hephaestus, northwest of the Acropolis, Athens, circa 450 BCE. http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/

Temple of Concordia, Sicily, circa 450 BCE. http://www.touropia.com/famous-greek-temples/

The Cardo “Colonnaded Street,” Jerash (in modern Jordan), circa 150 CE. http://www.atlastours.net/jordan/islamic.html

Temple of Artemis, Jerash (in modern Jordan), circa 150 CE. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Temple_of_Artemis_(Jerash)



SACRED, HOLY: DIVINE-POWER ESSENCE FLOW

Ier- (ίερ-) is a prefix meaning sacred, holy. Ierizo (ίερίζω) means consecrate, purify.

Ieraomai (ίεράομαι) and ireeteuo (ίρητεύω) mean to be a priest, iereus (ίερεύς), or a priestess, iereia (ίερεια).

Many, many Greek words begin with the prefix ier- (ίερ-), including:

- ierageo (ίερᾱγέω): to carry holy offerings

- ierateion (ίερᾱτεῖον): a sanctuary

- ieraphoria (ίερᾱφορία): bearing of holy vessels

- ieraphoros (ίερᾱφόρος): bearer of holy vessels

- iereia (ίερεία): sacrifice; festival; sanctuary

- iereion (ίερεῖον): animal for sacrifice; offering for the dead; of suckling-pigs.

Ieros (ίερός) means filled with or manifesting divine power; holy, hallowed, consecrated.

Iero- (ίερο-) is a prefix meaning sacred, holy, divine. It is a prefix for many Greek words, including:

- ieroglossos (ίερογλωσσος): of prophetic tongue; sacred formula

- ierogluphikos (ίερογλῠφικός): hieroglyphics, sacred writings

- ierotheekee (ίεροθήκη): depository for holy things, sanctuary

- ierologia (ίερόλογία): inspired, mystical language

- ieronoumeenia (ίερονουμηνία): feast of the new moon

- ieropolis (ίερόπολις): holy city

- ierophanteo (ίεροφαντέω): to initiate or instruct in the Mysteries

- ierophantees (ίεροφαντης): hierophant, one who teaches the rites of sacrifice and             worship

- ierophonos (ίεροφωνος): make a holy utterance, with sacred voice, utterer of oracles

- ierochthon (ίεροχθων): hallowed soil

- ieropsuchos (ίεροψῡχος): a holy, pious soul

- ieropsaltees (ίεροψάλτης): singer in the temple

- ieroo (ίερόω): consecrate, dedicate.

Ieroma (ίερωμα) means sacred image.

Ieronumos (ίερώνῠμος) means of hallowed name.

Greek religious festivities, such as the Nemean and Olympic games, included physical contests.

Ierodromos (ίεροδρομος) means sacred race-course, race, foot-race.

Ieromeenia (ίερόμηνία) means sacred month, during which the great festivals are held and hostilities suspended, of the Nemean games; sacrifices offered during the sacred month.

Ieronikees (ίερονίκης) means conqueror/victor in the games.



INSPECTION OF SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS

Ieroskopia (ίεροσκόπία) is divination by inspection of the entrails, especially the liver, of sacrificial animals. The ieroptees (ίερόπτης), haruspex, is trained in ieroskopeomai (ίεροσκοπέομαι), the inspection of animals’ entrails. This practice was employed by practitioners in Babylon (Iraq), the Hittite empire (Turkey), and Etruscan society (Italy).

Model of a sheep's liver, used in divination. http://www.wisdomlib.org/uploads/images/tmpC20-2.jpg 

Clay model of a sheep's liver circa 1900-1600 BCE, inscribed with the significance of marks found on different parts of its surface. © The British Museum. View large image on the British Museum's website.

The Etruscans developed an elaborate understanding of the sheep's liver, its various parts being related to the heavens, and the outer edge of the liver was divided into the same 16 divisions as the sky. Special attention was paid to the lobe or head, the part described in modern anatomy books as the processus pyramidus, its absence or malformation was generally regarded as a bad omen.

The Liver of Piacenza with its Etruscan inscriptions.

Liver of Piacenza, Italy, circa 250-150 BCE. Markings indicate interpretations of various parts of the liver.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Liver_of_Piacenza.png

The Liver of Piacenza is an Etruscan artifact found on September 26, 1877 near Gossolengo, in the province of Piacenza, Italy. It is a life-sized bronze model of a sheep's liver covered in Etruscan writings. The writings on the liver are names of Etruscan deities. It is believed that the bronze model served as a tool for haruspicy. It has been dated to the 2nd-3rd century BCE. [1] The bronze liver is now on display in the Municipal Museum of Piacenza, in the Palazzo Farnese.



SUPPLIANTS

Iktar (ίκτήρ) means suppliant, a word also applied to one who comes to seek purification, and to pilgrims who come to a healing shrine.

Ikesia (ίκεσία) is the prayer of a suppliant; supplication.

Iketeia (ίκετεία) means supplication; beseech a deity’s aid, entreat.

An iketeeria (ίκετηρία) is the olive branch the suppliant holds as a symbol of his/her condition; the suppliant represents him/herself as an olive branch.

Iketosuna (ίκετώσυνα) means purification.

The platform, stage, and benches in a theatre where religious rites took place are the ikria (ἵκρια).

Ikano (ίκάνω) means to come (to), reach, attain, fulfill.

Iketees (ίκετης) means one who comes to seek aid or protection, suppliant; one who comes to seek for purification after killing someone; pilgrims to a healing shrine. 

“The Priestess of the Pythian Apollo speaks: ‘I was on my way to the inner shrine, decked with wreaths; I saw on the center-stone a man defiled in the eyes of the [G]ods [and Goddesses], occupying the seat of suppliants. His hands were dripping blood; he held a sword just drawn and an olive-branch.’”

(Aeschylus (circa 450 BCE). Eumenides, translated by Herbert Weir Smyth, Loeb Classical Library Volumes 145 & 146, (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press, 1926.))

Note: “Center-stone: omphalos “navel” is the name given by the Delphians to a white stone (in Aeschylus' time placed in the inmost sanctuary of Apollo) regarded as marking the exact center of the earth.

Ikneomai (ίκνέομαι) means come, arrive at, approach as a suppliant, supplicate, beseech; that which is fitting, proper.

Iko (ἵκω) means to come.

Ilaos (ϊλαος) refers to propitious, gracious Gods and Goddesses.

Ilas- (ίλᾰσ-) is a prefix meaning appease, conciliate, expiate, be merciful, gracious; atonement, sin-offering; propitiatory gift or offering.



HEALING: DIVINE-POWER ARISING

Healing is a realm of divine supplication, with prayers employed in seeking relief and cures.

Ia- (ίά-) is a prefix meaning healing, heal.

Iaino (ίαίνω) means heat; warmth; cheer; heal; save.

Iaomai (ίάομαι) means attempt to cure, treat, repair, heal.

Iama (ϊᾱμα) is a remedy; medicine. Iamai (ϊαμαι) means heal, cure.

Iasis (ϊᾱσις) means healing, remedy.

Iaso (Ίᾱσώ) is the immortal Goddess of healing and health.  

Iaso with mirror, Athenian
red-figure amphora, circa 450 BCE,
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston.

http://www.theoi.com/Ouranios/AsklepiasIaso.html

Iasimos (ίάσιμος) and iatos (ίᾱτός) mean curable.

Iasionee (ίάσιώνη) is bindweed, Convolvulus sepium, the root of which is strongly purgative. http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/c/calystegia-sepium=hedge-bindweed.php

Iasmee (ίάσμη) is jessamine, Jaminum officinale; oil of jasmine.

Iaspis (ίασπῐς) is jasper, a quartz stone with medicinal properties. http://www.mrbead.com/MrBead/stonelist6.htm#jasper

Iateira (ίάτειρα) means healing.

Iatos (ίᾱτός) means curable.

Iaton (ίᾱτον) is a drink prepared from honey, wine, and violets. Ia (ϊα) means violet. Io- (ίο-) is a prefix meaning violet. Ion (ϊον) means violet.

http://www.statesymbolsusa.org/Illinois/flower_purple_violet.html

Iatr- (ϊατρ-) is a prefix meaning one skilled in curing; surgeon; midwife.

An iatra (ἵατρα, ἵητρα) is a medical fee, a thank-offering for a cure.

An iatrinee (ἵατρίνη) or iatromaia (ίατρομαια) is a midwife.

An iatros (ίᾶτρός) is one who heals, a physician, surgeon, midwife; medicine.

Iauo (ίαύω) means sleep, a regenerative source of energy and healing.

Idio (ϊδίω) means sweat, perspiration. Idos (ΐδος) means sweat, warmth, violent heat, fever.

The mortar (bowl) is the igdis (ϊγδις). The pestle (pounding tool) is the igdokopanon (ίγδοκόπᾰνον). These tools for grinding medicinal herbs and other elements are a symbol of pharmacy.

Iera (ίερά) is a kind of serpent; also, a name for many medicines in the Greek pharmacopoeia; also, of a plaster, especially aloes.

Ios (ίός) means poison, as of serpents, venom.

Iotokos (ίοτόκος) means poison-bearing, venomous.

The mortar and pestle decorated with the hawk and serpent, a symbol of medicine/pharmacy. The hawk is symbolic of the divine power of the sky, while the serpent is an ambassador of the divine power of the earth.  http://www.istockphoto.com/stock-illustration-11118226-mortar-and-pestle.php



HAWK

The hawk or falcon, ieraks (ίέραξ), is a sacred animal. Ierak- (ίερᾱk-) is a prefix meaning hawk.

Words pertaining to the sacred hawk reveal that it was domesticated, revered, and honored with burial rites:

- ierakeion (ίερᾱκεῖον): shrine of the hawk

- ierakidion (ίερᾱκίδιον): statuette of a hawk

- ierakizo (ίερᾱκίζω): behave like a hawk

- ierakion (ίερᾱκιον): hawk-weed, Urospermum picroides, Hymenonema graecum, a compound eyesalve

- ierakisti (ίερᾱκιστί): in hawks’ language

- ierakoboskos (ίερᾱκοβοσκός): hawk-feeder, falconer

- ierakotaphos (ίερᾱκοτάφος): one who buries sacred hawks.

Another bird revered as sacred is the ibis (ϊβις), an Egyptian bird of which there are two species, white ibis (Ibis religiosa) and black ibis (Plegadis falcinellus). This bird received burial honors and has a flower named for it, the hibiscus (ίβίσκος):

- ibion (ίβιών): chapel of the sacred ibis

- ibiauboskos (ίβῐοβοσκός): keeper of the sacred ibis

- ibiostolistas (ίβῐοστολιστής): maker of shrouds for the sacred ibis

- ibiotapheion (ίβῐοτᾰφεῖον): tomb of the sacred ibis

- ibiostaphos (ίβῐοστάφος) ibis-burier.

Herodotus reports that the ibis is revered by Egyptians because it kills poisonous snakes, protecting the people of Egypt.

“. . . winged serpents fly from Arabia toward Egypt, but at this mountain pass they encounter ibis birds, which not only do not let them pass but which kill them. Because of this service, the Arabians say, the ibis is highly honored by the Egyptians, and the Egyptians agree that this is why they hold these birds in such high esteem."

(Herodotus (circa 450 BCE). The Landmark Herodotus: The Histories, edited by Robert. B. Strassler, translated by Andrea L. Purvis (New York: Anchor Books, div. of Random House, 2007) 150.)



FORCE

Force is inherent to the meaning of the letter Ι. For the Greeks, ultimately, all power/force is divine.

Ithi (ἵθῐ) means both “come” and “go,” literally “divine-power divine divine-power.”

Ithma (ϊθμα) means step, motion.

Ia (ίά) means arrow.

Iallo (ίάλλω) means send forth, put forth, set down, send, dispatch; send oneself from, flee, run.

Ieemi (ϊημι) is a word that conveys motion, it means press forward, desire; release, let go; let hang, let fall, let loose; throw, hurl, shoot; let flow, spout forth, send; hasten, rushing; of sounds, utter, speak.

Iapto (ίάπτω) means send, drive on (of missiles), send forth, shoot.

Iaphetees (ίαφέτης) means archer (of Apollo); aphetees (αφέτης) means ballistics, let loose.

Iesis (ϊεσις) means going.

Iko (ϊκω) means come, attain to, reach.

Illas (ίλλάς) means rope, band. Illo (ϊλλω) means plait, braid.

An imas (ίμάς) is a leather strap or thong, reins, lash, rope, leash, whip.

Imao (ίμάω) means draw up (water from a well), tapped of, yield. Imonia (ίμόνιά) is a well-rope.

Iptomai (ϊπτομαι) and iposis (ϊπτωσις) mean to press hard, squeeze.

Is (ϊς) means sinew, tendon, fibrous vessels in the muscles; strength, force.

Ischas (ίσχάς) means that which holds, anchor. Ischo (ϊσχω) means to keep back, restrain. Ischanao (ίσχᾰνάω) means hold back, stay, wait, cling to. Ischano (ίσχάνω) means to check. Ischi- (ίσχῐ-) is a prefix meaning hips.

Ischus (ίσχύς) means strength, power, force.

Ischuros (ίσχῠρός) means strong, powerful.

Iphi (ῑφι) means by force or might. Iphthimos (ϊφθῑμος) means stout, strong, powerful.

Iksis (ϊξις) means coming, passage through; direction, straight line; in line with.



IDEA: DIVINE-POWER DIRECTED-TRAJECTORY

Ide (ἵδε, ίδέ) means behold.

Idea (ίδέα) means idea; ideal form, archetype; mode, form, shape, style, nature, outward appearance.

Ideros (ίδέρως) means one who loves at first sight: behold (ίδ-) + eros/passion (έρως).

Ideskon (ἵδεσκον) means to know.

Idman (ίδμάν) means one who knows.

Idmon (ϊδμων) means having knowledge of, skill.

Idreia (ίδρεία) means knowledge, skill.

Idris (ϊδρις) means experience, knowing, skilled.

Indalma (ϊνδαλμα) means form, appearance, image.



IDIOSYNCRASY

Idios (ϊδιος) means one's own, pertaining to oneself, private, personal; natural; separate, distinct, peculiar, the basis for the word idiosyncrasy.

Idikos (ίδικός) means special; one's own.

Idiotees (ἵδῐοτης) means individuality, the basis for the word idiot.



LOVELY, JOYFUL

Idanos (ίδᾰνός) means fair, comely, lovely.

Idon (ίδών) means joy.

Iladon (ίλᾰδόν) means in abundance.

Ilaros (ίλᾰρός) means cheerful, merry; gracious; gaiety, the basis for the word hilarity.

Ilaro (ίλᾰρόω) means gladden, brighten.

Imero- (ίμερό-) is a prefix meaning lovely, desirable, charming.



EQUAL

Is- (ισ-) is a prefix meaning equal, literally “divine-power synchronized.”

Iso- (ισό-) is a prefix meaning equal; like; similar; balanced.

Isazo (ίσάζω) means equality, make equal, balance, of a person holding scales; to be made equal or to be equal; to be even, normal.

Isee (ίσὴ) means equality, an equal share.

Isos (ϊσος) means equal; equality; equal in rights; equal in force; two sides equal; equilibrium; fairness; justice. Isoo (ίσόω) means make equal.

There are many, many Greek words with the prefix is- (ίσ-).

Iseemeria (ίσημερία) (equal portions) and isounuktion (ίσονύκτιον) (equal night) mean equinox.

The prefix ίσ- figures prominently in Greek words pertaining to politics, mathematics, and knowledge.

The Greeks are revered as pioneers of the democratic form of government, which gives equal rights and equal voice to all citizens. Words pertaining to the equalizing, democratic form of government include:

- iseegaria (ίσηγαρία): equal right of speech, political equality

- isokratees (ίσοκρᾰτής): of equal power, possessing equal rights with others; evenly balanced

- isologia (ίσόλογία): counterbalancing arguments

- isonomia (ίσονομία): equal distribution, equilibrium, balance; equality of political rights

- isopoliteia (ίσοπολῑτεία): equality of civic rights granted to individuals or to communities

- isopseephia (ίσοψηφία): equality of votes; equal right to vote.

In mathematics, squared or cubed numbers are called isakis (ίσάκῐς). Other mathematical words employing the ίσ- prefix include:

- isoglochin (ίσογλώχῑν): equiangular shapes

- isodiastos (ίσοδιάστος): equal in dimension, such as the surfaces of a cube

- isopleuros (ίσόπλευρος): equilateral, with equal sides

- isotacheia (ίσοτάχεια): equal velocity.



HISTORY

Ismee (ίσμή) means knowledge. Isma (ϊσμα) means foundation, seat.

One who knows law and right, a judge, one who is knowledgeable or learned is an istor (ἵστωρ), the basis for the word history.

Istorikos (ιστορικός) means to be historical, exact, precise, scientific.

Istoreo (ιστορέω) means history; to inquire, examine, observe, be informed about, or to give an account of what one has learned.

 
ISIS

Isis (Ἶσις) is the immortal Goddess of Egypt. 

“As for Isis, the Egyptians say that she was the discoverer of many health-giving drugs and was greatly versed in the science of healing; consequently, now that she has attained immortality, she finds her greatest delight in the healing of mankind and gives aid in their sleep to those who call upon her, plainly manifesting both her very presence and her beneficence towards men who ask her help . . .

“… and many who have been despaired of by their physicians because of the difficult nature of their malady are restored to health by her, while numbers who have altogether lost the use of their eyes or of some other part of their body, whenever they turn for help to this [G]oddess, are restored to their previous condition. Furthermore, she discovered also the drug which gives immortality . . .”

(Diodorus of Sicily. Diodorus Siculus Library of History 1 .25: 2-6, translated by C. H. Oldfather, Loeb Classical Library (Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press; London: William Heinemann Ltd.,1933) 81.)

A temple of Isis is an Iseion (Ίσεῖον, Ίσιεῖον, Ίσεῖa, Ίσιεῖa). The keeper of the temple of Isis is the Isiounomos (Ίσιονόμος).

Temple of Isis at Philae, Egypt.   http://opportunitiestoday.files.wordpress.com/2010/09/philae-temple-of-isis.jpg
 
Iskos (Ίσκός) means priest of Isis.

An ancient text dated prior to 1400 BCE describes the power of Isis:

“Saith Osiris Ani, triumphant: ‘The blood of Isis, the charms of Isis, the power of Isis, are a protection unto me, the chief, and they crush that which I abhor.’”

(E. A. Wallis Budge, translator. The Book of the Dead: The Papyrus of Ani (circa 1500 BCE.-1400 BCE), Plate XXXIII, Chapter CLVI. (1) The Chapter of the Buckle of Carnelian (made of carnelian, red jasper, re porphyry, red glass, or red faience) (New York: Dover Publications, 1967) 358.)

An image of Isis, below, predates 1400 BCE.

Isis at Abydos. Isis wears a vulture headdress (symbol of death and renewal) topped by the horns of a bull. The bullhorns cradle the disc of the sun. Isis holds the ankh, the symbol of life, in her right hand. In her left hand, she holds the was scepter, symbol of authority, circa 1371 BCE. 

image at: www.kenseamedia.com/ egyptian_gods/isis.htm

Diodorus of Sicily describes Isis as the discoverer of grains and the establisher of laws, which suggests strong similarities between the Egyptian Isis and the Greek Demeter.

 “ . . . after Isis had discovered the fruit of both wheat and barley which grew wild over the land along with the other plants but was still unknown to man . . . all men were glad to change their food, both because of the pleasing nature of the newly-discovered grains and because it seemed to their advantage to refrain from their butchery of one another.

“As proof of the discovery of these fruits they offer the following ancient custom which they still observe: Even yet at harvest time the people make a dedication of the first heads of the grain to be cut, and standing beside the sheaf beat themselves and call upon Isis, by this act rendering honour to the [G]oddess for the fruits which she discovered, at the season when she first did this.

“Moreover in some cities, during the Festival of Isis as well, stalks of wheat and barley are carried among the other objects in the procession, as a memorial of what the [G]oddess so ingeniously discovered at the beginning.

“Isis also established laws, they say, in accordance with which the people regularly dispense justice to one another and are led to refrain through fear of punishment from illegal violence and insolence . . .”

(Diodorus of Sicily. Diodorus Siculus Library of History, Book I, 14: 1-4) 49.)

“The Praises of Isis,” found in Cyme in Asia Minor [Turkey] circa 200 CE, describes Isis as having profound, wide-ranging powers:

“I am Isis, the mistress of every land, and I was taught by Hermes, and with Hermes I devised letter, both the sacred [hieroglyphs] and the demotic (writing for documents), that all might not be written with the same [letters].

I gave and ordained laws for men (sic), which no one is able to

            change.

I am the eldest daughter of Kronos.

I am the wife and sister of King Osiris.

I am she who findeth fruit for men (sic) .

I am mother of King Horus.

I am she that riseth in the Dog Star.

I am she that is called [G]oddess by women.

For me was the city of Bubastis built.

I divided the earth from the heaven.

I showed the paths of the stars.

I ordered the course of the sun and the moon.

I devised business in the sea.

I made strong the right.

I brought together woman and man.

I appointed to women to bring their infants to birth in the

            tenth month.

I ordained that parents should be loved by children.

I laid punishment upon those disposed without natural affec-

            tion toward their parents.

I made with my brother Osiris an end to the eating of men (sic).

I revealed mysteries unto men (sic).

I taught [men] (sic) to honor the images of the [G]ods [and Goddesses].

I consecrated the precincts of the [G]ods [and Goddesses].

I broke down the governments of tyrants.

I made an end to murders.

I compelled women to be loved by men.

I made the right to be stronger than gold and silver.

I ordained that the true should be thought good.

I devised marriage contracts.

I assigned to Greeks and to barbarians their languages.

I made the beautiful and the shameful to be distinguished by

            nature.

I ordained that nothing should be more feared than an oath.

I have delivered the plotter of evil against other men (sic) into the

            hands of the one he plotted against.

I established penalties for those who practice injustice.

I decreed mercy to suppliants.

I protect [or honor] righteous guards.

With me the right prevails.

I am the Queen of rivers and winds and sea.

No one is held in honor without my knowing it.

I am the Queen of war.

I am the Queen of the thunderbolt.

I stir up the sea and I calm it.

I am in the rays of the sun.

I inspect the courses of the sun.

Whatever I please, this too shall come to an end.

With me everything is reasonable.

I set free those in bonds.

I am the Queen of seamanship.

I make the navigable unnavigable when it pleases me.

I created walls of cities.

I am called the Lawgiver [Thesmophoros, a classical epithet of Demeter].

I brought up islands out of the depths into the light.

I am Lord [note masculine form] of rainstorms.

I overcome Fate.

Fate hearkens to me.

Hail, O Egypt, that nourished me!”

(Fredrick C. Grant, Heleinistic Religions: The Age of Syncretism (Indianapolis: Bobbs-Merrill, Liberal Arts Press, 1953) 131-133. Bulletin de Correspondance Hellenique, LI (1927), 379 f. (Text in W. Haussman, editor, Pantheion, 1948) 37.) Werner Peek, Der Isishymnus von Andros und verwandte Texte (Berlin 1930); cf. Karl Kundsin, Charakter and Ursprung der Johanneischen Reden (Riga, 1939), 291-293. A recension found in Cyme in Asia Minor [Turkey] circa 200 CE.)

Isis is depicted in texts and ancient art as bestowing the breath of life:

“[Isis saith:] ‘I waft unto thee air for thy nostrils . . . I have made whole thy lungs.”

(E. A. Wallis Budge, The Book of the Dead: The Papyrus of Ani, Plates XXXIII and XXXIV, Chapter CLI. (New York: Dover Publications, 1967) 360.)

The Blood of Isis icon, the tit amulet below, resembles the modern tampon.

Blood of Isis, British Museum, from Egypt
New Kingdom, circa 1250-1100 BCE.

http://www.britishmuseum.org/explore/highlights/highlight_objects/aes/r/red_jasper_tit_amulet_of_nefer.aspx

“The tit amulet was one of several which was placed on the neck of the deceased at the time of burial. It is first mentioned in funerary papyri and first appears on mummies in the mid-Eighteenth Dynasty (circa 1550-1295 BCE.). From then on it was considered vital.

“This Blood of Isis icon, above, is made of red jasper, as prescribed in the Book of the Dead, though many examples were of other red materials such as glass or carnelian. Some were also made of green faience or glass. In ancient Egypt, green was symbolic of regeneration. The amulet was linked with the [G]oddess Isis, and also known as the knot-amulet or girdle of Isis. It consists of a loop of cloth, from the tied lower end of which hung two folded loops.

“According to Spell 156 of the Book of the Dead the amulet bestowed the protection of Isis against 'whoever would commit a crime against him'. The spell, invoking the [G]oddess' blood, power, and magic, was to be recited over the amulet, which was moistened with the juice of various fruit. This example is inscribed with Nefer's name, to ensure that the spell would be specifically applied to him.”

(C.A.R. Andrews, Amulets of Ancient Egypt (London, The British Museum Press, 1994). 


IONIA

Ian (Ίάν), Ias (Ίάς), Iakos (Ίᾰκός), Ion (Ἵων), and Ionikos (Ίωνικός) mean Ionian.

Ionia comprised the central west coast of modern Turkey, including the city o f Ephesus.

Ionia is the central west coast of modern Turkey.

http://www.travellinkturkey.com/ionia.html


 Ancient Ionia/Modern Turkey is east of modern Greece.

http://www.greece-map.net/

The Ionian sea is west of Greece and southeast of Italy.

Ionian Sea. http://www.worldatlas.com/aatlas/infopage/ioniansea.htm

The Ionian dialect was one of the three major Hellenic/Greek dialects (Ionian, Dorian, Aeolian).

Ionizo (ίωνίζω) means to speak in the Ionian dialect.

The Ionian school of philosophy refers to scientific and philosophical writers from Ionia during the period circa 625-475 BCE.

The following description of Ionian philosophers is from New World Encyclopedia http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Ionian_school.

“The Ionian philosophers . . . sought to explain the material universe as it could be perceived by the physical senses, in terms of matter, movement, and energy . . .”

Iastti (Ίαστί) means in the Ionic mode of music. Iastios (Ίάστιος) means Ionic Music.



IAMBIC

Iambeios (ίαμβεῖος) means iambic, iambic verse.

An iambos (ϊαμβος) is a metrical foot containing two syllables: one short + one long. Note that αμ means up, while βος means basis/down. In modern verse, this can also be expressed as a foot containing “one unstressed + one stressed” syllable.

Iambic pentameter has five sounds of two syllables each, alternating short/long or unstressed/stressed:

ba-BUM / ba-BUM / ba-BUM / ba-BUM / ba-BUM.

William Shakespeare wrote plays and poems in iambic pentameter. In Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night (Act 1, Scene 1: 1-3), Duke Orsino says :

“If mu- / -sic be / the food / of love, / play on.”



IAKCHOS

Iakchos (Ἳακχος) is described in the Lexicon as a mystic name of Dionysos, the immortal God of wine.  

It is worth noting that the similar-sounding Iakos (Ίᾰκός) means “from Ionia.”

In Aristophanes play The Frogs, the Chorus of the shades of Eleusinian initiates sing:

“‘O Iakchos! power excelling,

here in stately temples dwelling.

‘O Iakchos! O lakchos!’”

Aristophanes, Frogs 316 ff (trans. O'Neill) (Greek comedy circa 450-350 BCE http://aristophanes.classicauthors.net/FrogsThe/FrogsThe3.html  :

Herodotus has Dikaios (an Athenian) describe to Demaratos (a Lacedaemonian) the cry of “Iakchos!”:

"’. . . that cry is divine, and comes from Eleusis . . . The Athenians celebrate a festival each and every year in honor of the Mother [Demeter] and Kore [the Daughter/Persephone], and any of the Athenians or other Hellene who want to are initiated. The sound you hear is the Iakhos hymn they sing at this festival."

(Herodotus (circa 450 BCE), The Histories 8. 65. 4, translated by Andrea L. Purvis (New York: First Anchor Books, Random House, 2009) 627.)

An image of Iakchos (circa 350 BCE), below, depicts Iakchos holding two torches: one pointing upward, and the other pointing down.

Detail of Hekate and Iakchos from a painting depicting the Gods and Goddesses of Eleusis. Hekate stands between the enthroned Goddesses, Demeter and Persephone, holding a pair of burning torches in her hands. Iakchos holds one upturned and one downturned torch. 


State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg, Russia 
Catalogue Number: St Petersburg PAV8
Beazley Archive Number: 230341
Ware: Attic Red Figure
Pelike
Painter: Name vase of the Eleusinian Painter, circa 350 BCE http://www.theoi.com/Gallery/T16.8.html NOTE This is a drawing of the vase rather than a photographic representation.



IPTA

Ipta (Ἵπτα) is Ipta, defined in the Lexicon as the nurse of Dionysos.

Orphic Hymn 48 to the “nurse of Bacchus” is addressed (possibly in error: the prefix ipp- (ίππ-) means horse) “To Ippa (Ἵππας),” with a note from Thomas Taylor, the translator, that “Ippa according to Proclus is the same with Juno (Hera).” Geographical references in the hymn suggest that Ippa/Ipta is the Great Phrygian Mother of the Gods:

“Great nurse of Bacchus, to my pray'r incline,

For holy Sabus' secret rites are thine,


The mystic rites of Bacchus' nightly choirs,

Compos'd of sacred, loud-resounding fires:


Hear me, terrestrial mother, mighty queen,

Whether on Phrygia's holy mountain seen,


Or if to dwell in Tmolus thee delights,

With holy aspect come, and bless these rites.”

Note: Sabus is another name for Bacchus/Dionysos. Phrygia is in Turkey, its holy mountain is Mount Ida. Tmolus is a mountain in Lydia (Turkey).

(Orpheus. The Hymns of Orpheus (circa 200 BCE), translated by Thomas Taylor, introductory preface by Manly P. Hall (London: Printed for the Author, 1792. Reprinted Los Angeles, CA: The Philosophical Research Society, 1981) 180.)

Idogenas (Ίδογενής) means born on Mount Ida. Mount Ida is a mountain near Troy (northwest Turkey) sacred to the immortal Mother of the Gods.

Mount Ida, east of the island of Lesbos, home of the immortal Mother. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Troas.png



MOIST, WET

Ikm- (ικμ-) is a prefix meaning moist, wet, damp, full of fluid.

Ikmas (ίκμάς) means moisture. Ikmios (ϊκμιος) means moist.

Iks- (ίξ-) is a prefix meaning sticky/icky. Ikso (ίξο) is bird-lime, an adhesive substance used in trapping birds. Iksos (ίξός) is mistletoe; any sticky substance.

Ilus (ίλύς) means mud, slime.

Iluo (ίλύω) means cover with slime or dirt, muddy, slimy.



OTHER

Ignua (ίγνύα, ίγνύη) is the part behind the thigh and knees, the ham.

Ignus (ϊγνυς) and iknus (ϊκνυς) mean dust, ashes.

Izo (ϊζω) means make to sit, seat, place; set-up and dedicate; sit, sit down; take up a position; settle down.

Ithris (ϊθρῐς) means eunuch.

Imat- (ίμᾰτ-) is a prefix meaning clothes, apparel.

Imeiro (ίμείρω) means to long for, desire, wish to do. Imeros (ἵμερος) means longing, yearning after, literally “divine-power meta,” suggesting that the longing is the medium of communication between the macro (divine) and micro (individual).

Ina (ἵνα) means in that place, there.

Ioulos (ϊουλος) means down (of a chick/duckling); the first growth of whiskers or beard; also, corn-sheaf, whence the immortal Goddess Demeter is said to be named Ioulo (Ίουλώ). Ioulo is a song sung in honor of Demeter as Goddess of the sheaves. The prefix oul- (ουλ-) means whole, perfect, complete; also, barley.

Ipnos (ίπνός) means oven.  The prefix pno- (πνό-) means wind, blow.

Ippos (ϊππος) means horse. Ipp- (ίππ-) is a prefix meaning horse, a prefix for many Greek words.

Ichthu- (ίχθῠ) is a prefix meaning fish (ίχθῦς).

Ichn- (ίχν-) is a prefix meaning track, hunt after. Ichnos (ϊχνος) means track, footstep, trace, trail.

Ipsos (ἵψος) means cork-oak.



PLACES

Interestingly, Greek names for many major countries surrounding the Greek mainland begin with the letter Ι, including Ionia (coast of Turkey), Ilios (Troy), Illyria/Istria (Croatia/Serbia), India, Ispania (Spain), and Italia (Italy).

Ilios (Ἲλιος) means Ilios or Ilium, the city of Ilus, Troy. Ilias (Ίλιάς) is a woman of Ilios (Troy).

Ilios (Troy) is located at the mouth of the Hellespont in ancient Phrygia (Turkey), near Mount Ida.

http://www.mlahanas.de/Greeks/Mythology/HistoricityOfTheIliad.html

Illyrioi (Ίλλῠριοί ) means Illyrian. Illyria is (roughly) present-day Croatia and Serbia.

Croatia and Serbia comprise Illyria.

http://www.paradoxplace.com/Perspectives/Sicily%20&%20S%20Italy/History/Normans%20in%20Italy.htm



Istros (Ἲστρος) means Ister (the Danube River); of or from Istria. The Ister/Danube River originates in Germany and flows east until it empties into the Black Sea.

Map of the Ister/Danube River. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Danube

Istria. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Istria.png

Indos (Ίνδός) means Indian. India is to the far east of Greece and Turkey.

Map showing India’s relation to Turkey and Greece. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/forwood/mytrip.shtml

Ispania (Ίσπᾱνία) means Hispania; Spain.

Spain. http://www.ling.gu.se/projekt/sprakfrageladan/images/europe_map.gif

Italia (Ίτᾰλία) means Italy. Italy is west of Greece.

Map of Italy.  http://www.lonelyplanet.com/maps/europe/italy/

Several Greek islands and cities begin with the letter Ι.

Ialusos (Ίᾱλυσός) is one of the three Dorian cities of the island of Rhodes.

Rhodes is off the southwest shore of Turkey.

http://www.rhodes.world-guides.com/rhodes_maps.html

Ialysos is near the north shore of Rhodes. http://www.rodos.com/map-rh.htm

The district of Ialysos encompasses the northern part of the island.  

Ialyssos, Rhodes Island, archaeological site of temple of Polias Athena.

http://www.hotels.gr/greek_island_hotels/dodecanese_islands_hotels/archaeology.asp

Ithaki/Ithakee (Ίθάκη) is Ithaca, one of the Ionian islands west of central Greece.

Ionian islands west of Central Greece.

http://www.rhodes-greece.info/Categoriesview.asp?Category=1043&Lang=EN&loc=30

Icarios (Ίκάριος) means Ikarian, from the island of Ikaria off the coast of Turkey.

Ilisos (Ἲλῑσός) is the Ilissus in Attica. The Lesser Mysteries of Demeter were celebrated at Agrae In Ilisos, south-east of the Acropolis of Athens. http://www.theoi.com/Text/DiodorusSiculus4A.html

 


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