[Author's Note: This work brings together several (my)themes close and dear to my heart. It had been intended to be published upon MahaShivRatri - the 1st of March in 2022 - however, Time waits for no man (other than Her Husband); and my continuing to find further elements which cried out to be included resulted … Continue reading RudraGanika – A Study In Eternal Return As Manifested Through The Sky Father’s Female Retinue Across The Indo-European World
Piety
The Shivling – A Video Commentary
It's Pradosha Vrat tonight (a great opportunity for Shaivite observance) - so therefore, a video on the Indo-European saliency and cognates of the ShivLing. I recorded this for Kalashtami earlier.ॐ नमः शिवाय https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PDjZvn0aXhw
Daily prayers to Indo-Aryan deities – explicated on the example of prayers to Lord Shiva
[Editor's Note: this document represents a 'team effort' by Arya Akasha - with much of the work being done by O. Rapace, who has written all of this up. Everything in here has been compiled and cross-checked with Brahminical oversight to ensure that this represents not only an 'accessible' approach to home piety - but … Continue reading Daily prayers to Indo-Aryan deities – explicated on the example of prayers to Lord Shiva
Somavati Amavasya – Worship of Shiva and the Ancestors on the Monday of the Dark Moon
Today is Monday - Lord Shiva's Day; however it is also Amavasya - a day with special significance and potential for observances for the Dead (as we have covered in some of our previous pieces looking at the Libations to the Ancestors). What Amavasya means is the 'Dark' point of the Moon's 28-day cycle - … Continue reading Somavati Amavasya – Worship of Shiva and the Ancestors on the Monday of the Dark Moon
Divine Play – The Unfurling Mythic Universe As Wargame And Drama In Nordic And Hindu Perception
As we move toward the close of 2021, there's something I feel is relevant to share. It uses the Binding of Fenrir as a framing device, but has a far broader saliency. And far more personal relevance and application. I've had a rather … difficult - indeed, downright tempestuous, in some respects - last few … Continue reading Divine Play – The Unfurling Mythic Universe As Wargame And Drama In Nordic And Hindu Perception
We Bow Before The Lion Throne
It is said of Devi Durga that She rules from the Lion Throne Hence our statements: "We Bow Before The Lion Throne", "We Serve The Lion Throne". And, of course, from the Lalita Sahasranama [The Thousand-Names (Sahasra-Nama) of The Goddess]: श्री महाराज्ञी , श्रीमत् सिंहासनेश्वरी , भुवनेश्वरी, देवी दुर्गा Sri MahaRajni , Srimat SinhAsanEshvari , … Continue reading We Bow Before The Lion Throne
Good Yule, God Jól, and the God of Jöl
God Jól … and, the God - Jölnir / Jölföðr Now, this is something of a tautology - as in fact, we find Jóln utilized as a term to mean "Gods", itself. Indeed, presuming that one speculative Proto-Indo-European etymology for Jóln and Jól is correct - that it derives from a term for 'uttering', putting … Continue reading Good Yule, God Jól, and the God of Jöl
The Hanuman Of My Home Shrine
It is Tuesday - Hanuman's Day. And therefore … This is the Hanuman of my Household Shrine. And as you'll immediately note, it's a bit of a different style to the other deific representations. Both because of its style, as well as its form. For you see - it is a Balinese shadow-puppet. One that … Continue reading The Hanuman Of My Home Shrine
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
“Not without pains are the Gods made friends”
"Not without pains are the Gods made friends" Kaegi / Arrowsmith translation (1886) A line from RV IV 33 11, in the words of the Rsi Vamadeva Gautama, that has stuck with me this morning. For additional clarity - here's three further translations from the past century and a half of the same verse. "Not … Continue reading “Not without pains are the Gods made friends”
arya-akasha 