Why We Offer To The Gods [Part Two: Irrigating The Worlds With Blood-Dimmed Tide]

As you can see there from the title, our intent with these linked pieces has been to take a look at one of the more foundational questions to the Indo-European theology. Namely, why it is that we carry out rites of sacrifice and offering to the Gods in the first place. I suspect that for … Continue reading Why We Offer To The Gods [Part Two: Irrigating The Worlds With Blood-Dimmed Tide]

On Ritual Substitution And Traditional Offerings [Part Two: When In Rome…]

Practicing an Indo-European religion amidst the Modern Age is no easy thing. One seems endlessly caught between the twin considerations of 'Authenticity' contrasted with 'Accessibility'. The former correlates to the quite righteous desire to 'do things properly' (and so they actually work) - customarily by seeking to follow reasonably closely within the foot-tracks of one's … Continue reading On Ritual Substitution And Traditional Offerings [Part Two: When In Rome…]

Roudran Worship Of Ganesha Afore Winning The Three Worlds

We've written a fair amount in relation to Rudra's mighty deed as Tripurantaka - the Destroyer of the Three Forts (and, implicitly, [Re-]Conqueror of the Three Worlds given what said Three Fortifications are locking up in Demonic usage, per the Aitareya Brahmana's presentation as to the issue viz. the Upasads : the Rites of Siege). … Continue reading Roudran Worship Of Ganesha Afore Winning The Three Worlds

‘For Want Of A Horse’ – On The Proper Perspective Upon Ritual Offerings And Why The ‘Asva’ Of ‘Asvamedha’ Is Held To Be Necessary As Same

Over the weekend, we had received a question from a reader as to the reasoning underpinning the Asvamedha - the Horse Sacrifice. Specifically, why would one offer a horse given the high value of such a creature in the late Bronze Age / early Iron Age milieu.  Now, several people proffered suggestions as to the answer here, … Continue reading ‘For Want Of A Horse’ – On The Proper Perspective Upon Ritual Offerings And Why The ‘Asva’ Of ‘Asvamedha’ Is Held To Be Necessary As Same

On Prayer – An Indo-European Commentary Upon Purported Germanic ‘God-Bothering’ With Same

Recently, our attention was drawn to a post from a "Reconstructionist Germanic Heathenry" page which made some claims about prayer that we feel deserve a bit of a closer look. The post itself had been taking aim at "Christian Baggage" in Germanic revivalist adherents - and had singled out … well, we'll quote for you: … Continue reading On Prayer – An Indo-European Commentary Upon Purported Germanic ‘God-Bothering’ With Same

Calling Down The Thunder – On The Immanentization Of The Demon-Slaying Divine Voice Through Manifest Action

I'm a great believer. In many things - but in this particular case, well … you'll see what I mean in due course. Earlier this week whilst researching the recent Sacral Cow piece, I happened across the following verse from the Shatapatha Brahmana. And it … resonated with me.  Here's the section of text: "14 … Continue reading Calling Down The Thunder – On The Immanentization Of The Demon-Slaying Divine Voice Through Manifest Action

On The Nature Of Stories (viz. Myth and Mythic Resonance) – From Terry Pratchett

"Because stories are important.People think that stories are shaped by people. In fact, it's the other way around. Stories exist independently of their players. If you know that, the knowledge is power. Stories, great flapping ribbons of shaped space-time, have been blowing and uncoiling around the universe since the beginning of time. And they have … Continue reading On The Nature Of Stories (viz. Myth and Mythic Resonance) – From Terry Pratchett

On Wyrd Women Dwelling In Waters Handing Out Swords As The Supernal Basedness For A System Of Government – Part 2 – The Coronation Of The DemiGod King : Hercules, Indra-Varuna And Those Rendered Alike To Him

If you've just joined us ... a brief catch-up on The Story So Far.  A few days ago, an associate asked about the relationship of the Goddess to the coronation of a King in comparative Indo-European terms. Me being me, this lead to ... the dedicated need for an (A)Arti-cle upon the subject. Several, in … Continue reading On Wyrd Women Dwelling In Waters Handing Out Swords As The Supernal Basedness For A System Of Government – Part 2 – The Coronation Of The DemiGod King : Hercules, Indra-Varuna And Those Rendered Alike To Him

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

Two Operations For Ritual Purification – The Invocation Of The Seven Rivers & The All-Conditions Purification Mantra

As we have often observed, purity is a foundation for good piety. By which we (also) mean - the acts of purification are a necessary predicate for engaging in proper formalized ritual worship.After all, one would hardly seek to petition and to honour the rulers of the cosmos in a manner that might seem 'lacking in … Continue reading Two Operations For Ritual Purification – The Invocation Of The Seven Rivers & The All-Conditions Purification Mantra