Yoginis, Valkyries, Maenads – The Sky Father’s Mesocosmic Female Retinue In Brief [Arya Akasha Arka]

Very cool. Originally posted by Manasataramgini, who had captioned the image: "The shaiva shrine of kukaDeshvara showing the niches with the yoginI-s in rudra's retinue" https://twitter.com/blog_supplement/status/1752177832258626011 Now, a brief word on the comparative Indo-European theology from me … In broader IE terms a similar pattern of association is observed with Dionysus and His Maenads (inter … Continue reading Yoginis, Valkyries, Maenads – The Sky Father’s Mesocosmic Female Retinue In Brief [Arya Akasha Arka]

The Divine Roadway of the Underworld – Oaths, Liminality & Law [The Indo-European Propitiation Of Persephone-Kali – Part  Four] 

In the preceding part, we had explored a most remarkable situation - attested and occurrent amidst both Hellenic and Hindu spheres - for the Goddess in relation to a certain Water of the Underworld; this (Blue-Black) pathway opening up at the behest (and, indeed, Spear) of Her Husband, the Sky Father (Hades & Shiva, respectively). … Continue reading The Divine Roadway of the Underworld – Oaths, Liminality & Law [The Indo-European Propitiation Of Persephone-Kali – Part  Four] 

On The Sky Father As Dragon Destroyer

Something we have often had cause to make reference to is the fact that this most prominent of Indo-European mythemes, the Smiting of the Demon-Dragon, is NOT exclusive in commissioning to the Striker/Thunderer deific. But is, rather, a case of 'Like Father - Like Son'. As with, perhaps uncoincidentally, the wielding of Thunder in various … Continue reading On The Sky Father As Dragon Destroyer

The Crow-Accompanied Goddess Of Violent Death

The Fierce Warrior-Destroyer Goddess Chandika is depicted in the Kadambari of Banabhatta (and Son) as being accompanied by a most remarkable coterie of worshippers. To quote from my own translation: “Being worshipped from all sides by the Retinue of Crows both razor sharp and unyielding Who sang Her Glories” The Sanskrit reads: “ārādhyamānāṃ sarvataḥ kaṭhoravāyasagaṇena … Continue reading The Crow-Accompanied Goddess Of Violent Death

Chamunda – Brief Conceptual Resonancies For The Storm Facing Of Wrathful Sky Divinity

It is Friday - Devi's Day - And so therefore, as has become our custom, we present a brief commentary to go with a beautiful work of (A)Arti-fice ... In this case, a fine sandstone sculpture, about a thousand years old. Something which manages to convey a sense of Her 'Forcefulness', Her 'Essence' ... even … Continue reading Chamunda – Brief Conceptual Resonancies For The Storm Facing Of Wrathful Sky Divinity

‘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 Indo-European Solar Warfare – An Over-View

This week just gone marked Diwali (Deepavali) - the rather aptly translated 'Festival of Lights'. Which, as seemingly every once-over-lightly-for-a-Western-audience writeup seeks to swiftly remind us, exalts the 'Victory of Light over Darkness". It's a simple enough concept - and has near-infinite potential saliency (c.f., for instance the Solar Eclipse occurring in Svati immediately the … Continue reading On Indo-European Solar Warfare – An Over-View