Some days ago I had run into a rather … bemusing take on twitter (where else), which had sought to insist that "in Western myths, Gods are self-centered and egotistical, willing to punish you or even put a curse on you and get away with anything." Now, there are … several things one might say … Continue reading Arachne Contra Minerva Contra Modern Misotheism – The Tapestry Of Falsehood Torn Through !
Justice
A Friday For Nemesis
Friday, as we all know by now, is Devi's Day - and in light of some fortuitous events, I think it is an apt Friday for Nemesis ( Νεμεσις ) - The Inexorable, The Inescapable One, Adrasteia ( Αδραστεια ) This beautiful rendition of Her is by Yliade - and I have to say, I … Continue reading A Friday For Nemesis
‘Send the Wolves’ – Demons And Demon-Worshippers Driven Out From The Vedic Sacred Space By The Howling Hounds Of Heaven : An Exaltation !
Ever since I first read of it, this Vedic myth (and ritual operation) has resonated most potently within my mind. It deals with an 'exorcism' of sorts. One wherein a coterie of 'priests of demons' being fought by Indra are hurled into the howling demesne that is as the 'Gates of the Underworld' - the … Continue reading ‘Send the Wolves’ – Demons And Demon-Worshippers Driven Out From The Vedic Sacred Space By The Howling Hounds Of Heaven : An Exaltation !
On The Army of Kali
Finger-Snapping Intensifies Kali - and Dakinis , striding forth from the Smashana (Cremation Ground). We would, perhaps, suggest that this is a 'Smashana *krewh₂-' As in a 'Crew' … but using that particular Proto-Indo-European term which stands for 'Cold Blood' (in contrast to *h₁ésh₂r̥ - 'hot-blood', 'alive-blood'). This informs Sanskrit 'Kravya' (क्रव्य - 'raw flesh', … Continue reading On The Army of Kali
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’
Shani Jayanti – Graha Adrasteia
Today marks Shaani Jayanti ! Who is Lord Shani ( शनि ) ? An Archer, Crow-associated, Son of the Sky Father ; an Enforcer of Divine Justice and the Cosmic Order. He of the Dread Glare, and the Inevitability - not so much of Time (Kala), but rather of Consequence. This is what 'Shani' means … Continue reading Shani Jayanti – Graha Adrasteia
On Sin
Recently, we were asked to weigh in on this perennially popular style of claim that there's no such thing as 'Sin' in Indo-European religion, or European (IE) religion pre-Christianity. We shall quote our (brief) reply, with some minor additions: "Ultimately, the way to argue it is quite simple. The existence of Cosmic Order as a-priori … Continue reading On Sin
On Persephone As “Iron Queen”
I've been meaning to post this for some time - because it's an interesting perspective which I think is a useful part of countering the Victorian-era 're-characterization' of Persephone. But, as is my proclivity, I felt I had to check out some of the claims made herein … to make sure that things hadn't gone … Continue reading On Persephone As “Iron Queen”
Do Hindus Have A Monopoly On Dharma – Or Is It A Broader Indo-European Notion ?
If you asked many Hindus to identify a cornerstone concept to our faith, I have no doubt that they would cite one word: "Dharma". Fantastically complex in its applications both theoretical and tangible/practical, there is no getting around its saliency - not just for the Hindusphere, but also for those other religions which have their … Continue reading Do Hindus Have A Monopoly On Dharma – Or Is It A Broader Indo-European Notion ?
THE WAGES OF SIN – NEMESIS Coin from the reign of Marcus Aurelius – Arte-Facts #8
Every so often, I see a coin of the Ancient World - and something about it resonates with me strongly. They may or may not be the most aesthetic or best-preserved numismatic … but it always turns out that there's something powerful to them which is worth sharing to a broader audience. This particular drachma … Continue reading THE WAGES OF SIN – NEMESIS Coin from the reign of Marcus Aurelius – Arte-Facts #8