Recently, as has often become the case, a few 'threads' converged. In this instance, around the situation Rudra (Shiva) as Sky Father - Dyaus Pitar. It always seems to come back down to theonyms. We can put forward the comparative theological evidence for how strongly Shiva adheres to the Sky Father deific complex … but … Continue reading In Search Of Shiva As Dyaus In Subsequent Scripture
Indo-European
Skanda Mars
[Author's Note: As we had said - it'll be awhile before I'm fully operational again. So, in the mean-time, here's a half-completed draft looking at the prominent figure of Lord Skanda. We had sought to set out the various refractions as to the origin-mythology around this most eminent of 'Charger-Skewerer' figures of the Sky Father's … Continue reading Skanda Mars
Glory, Even Amidst Ruins – The Lessons Of Some Previous Historic Resistances To Foreign Dominions
[Author's Note: This piece was originally intended for India's 2022 Independence Day observances. However, ill-health and fatigue on my part meant that it could not be completed in time. I therefore present the finished half today - and shall follow up with the subsequent portion and conclusion as and when it is ready.] And so … Continue reading Glory, Even Amidst Ruins – The Lessons Of Some Previous Historic Resistances To Foreign Dominions
“Our Mother, Who Reigns Supreme – A Western Reflection of Indian Independence Observance
Where do you come from, Indo-European Man? The Steppe or the Indus Valley? This is a question that has some serious resonancy both in the West and in India, for reasons that are somewhat similar and somewhat different. The answers to that question also differ, driven more or less by the similar reasons. Now, I … Continue reading “Our Mother, Who Reigns Supreme – A Western Reflection of Indian Independence Observance
On The True Meaning Of Kali Standing Above Shiva – The ‘Dark’ Devi Uber Alles
This style of Kali depiction is probably one of the most familiar forms of Hindu deific representation to many of us here in the West. It's remarkably prevalent - and along with it comes a curiously insistent similarly 'pop-culture' perspective as to what's represented there within. To paraphrase the sort of thing I'm referring to … Continue reading On The True Meaning Of Kali Standing Above Shiva – The ‘Dark’ Devi Uber Alles
On Strengthening The Gods Through Pious Action – The Indo-European View
We were asked to weigh in on this tweet by The_Hellenist … and the ensuing controversy it's kicked up on Twitter. So … here goes: Simple answer is: "Kinda"In relative terms to the Divine and the immanency / saliency of Cosmic Order (Rta, Orlog) , at any rate. You can see this in the Nordic … Continue reading On Strengthening The Gods Through Pious Action – The Indo-European View
Brief Points Viz. The Half-Humanization And Apotheosis Of The Striker/Thunderer Deific Amidst The Classical Sphere
Here's some very, very cool Herakles art we saw recently (artist is one Javier Charro ) … And, because we wouldn't feel right just posting some art - a slightly edited transcript of me ranting to a comrade [Y. Allen] about the curious situation of the Classical perception of the Indo-European Striker/Thunderer deific. Namely, the … Continue reading Brief Points Viz. The Half-Humanization And Apotheosis Of The Striker/Thunderer Deific Amidst The Classical Sphere
The Divine Family Of Lord Shiva Sheltered In Demon-Hide – A Parable For Mahadev’s Miraculous Transmutation Of Difficulties To Boons
It's the last Monday night of the Shaivite Holy Month of Shravan Maas tonight, and I've had this image upon my mind. The sage Manasataramgini captioned it thusly: "Rudra's clan all huddled in an elephant hide for the cold Himalayan night". I think that's a pretty touching description. And most definitely apt. Yet in truth … Continue reading The Divine Family Of Lord Shiva Sheltered In Demon-Hide – A Parable For Mahadev’s Miraculous Transmutation Of Difficulties To Boons
The Wolf-Headed Aita / Hades and Serpent-Crowned Phersipnei / Persephone of the Tomb of Orcus ; The Wolf as Indo-European Regent of the Twilight Between Worlds
Detail from the incredible painting of a figure meeting with Aita and Phersipnei [Hades and Persephone] in the 'Tomb of Orcus'. Now 'Aita' or 'Eita' and 'Phersipnei' are, of course, Etruscan theonyms. Yet it would be entirely peculiar to look upon these names - and the Deifics attached to them - and not see our … Continue reading The Wolf-Headed Aita / Hades and Serpent-Crowned Phersipnei / Persephone of the Tomb of Orcus ; The Wolf as Indo-European Regent of the Twilight Between Worlds
Upon The Erinyes As ‘Sentinel Serpents’ – And Athena As ‘Dragon Queen’
With Naga Panchami - the Celebration of Serpents - just concluded, it seemed an admirable time to return to something we have oft mentioned in passing in the past. That being the most implacable figures of the Erinyes … and the perhaps lesser-known deific that is at Their Head. And, because this is an Arya … Continue reading Upon The Erinyes As ‘Sentinel Serpents’ – And Athena As ‘Dragon Queen’
arya-akasha 