Earlier this week, one of our associates - who's a good guy, although we don't always agree - put up a thought about comparative Indo-European theology. It included the following: "All IE religions have a sky father, Earth mother and twin Gods. But, that doesn't mean those Gods aren't sovereign entities, uniquely different from … Continue reading “Einu nafni hétumk aldregi / síz ek með folkum fór” – “By one name I have never been known / since I went among the people”
Religion
Immortalizing, Through Pitru Paksha
"'Some people say you achieve immortality through your children,' said the minstrel. ‘Yeah?’ said Cohen. ‘Name one of your great-granddads, then.'" - Terry Pratchett Sunday marked the start of Pitru Paksha - the Fortnight of the Ancestors, wherein the borders between worlds are regarded as being thinner and more insubstantial than usual; and the Pitrs … Continue reading Immortalizing, Through Pitru Paksha
“HERE BE INDO-ARYANS?” On the Vedic Gods of the Mitanni
I've had this document on my mind for quite awhile now. Not just because of what it is (which we'll get on to in just a moment), but also because of what it *represents*. See, this is one of the world's oldest surviving international peace-treaties. Dating from the mid-14th century B.C., it seeks to solemnize … Continue reading “HERE BE INDO-ARYANS?” On the Vedic Gods of the Mitanni
For Friday & For Full Moon – MahaGauri Devi
In light of the full moon, and also that it is Friday - Devotional (A)Art(I) posting of Devi as (Maha)Gauri. Direct meaning of Gauri, is "fair", "brilliant", "white", "radiant", "beautiful", and also, the Moon. MahaGauri, then, is the most brilliant, the great white one, the radiant splendour, the full moon. I have written elsewhere, as … Continue reading For Friday & For Full Moon – MahaGauri Devi
Skanda in Kushan [Afghani Arte-Facts Posting #2]
This Is #GangSteppe - a fine 2nd century AD Kushan depiction of Lord Skanda, from Gandhara in present-day Afghanistan/Pakistan. Something I find pretty cool about this particular rendering, is that the well-known Hindu deity has been presented in a manner that doesn't simply 'update' the features of the representation to be more in-line with Kushan mores and … Continue reading Skanda in Kushan [Afghani Arte-Facts Posting #2]
Interpretatio Steppona
Strange thought that I may do some more work upon: If you've spent pretty much *any time at all* around the field of comparative mythography .... then you'll almost certainly have run into the phrase "Interpretatio Romana". And despite it getting a lot of criticism these days for being .. blatantly not quite accurate, at … Continue reading Interpretatio Steppona
Return To The Future Through Your Heritage, Your Past – Always, Always Back To The Well
"A people without the knowledge of their past history, origins and culture is like a tree without roots." - Marcus Garvey Also, while it is not ... *quite* of identical sentiment to the above, from Njal's Saga: "Ber er hver að baki nema sér bróður eigi." - "Bare is the Back of the Brotherless Man". … Continue reading Return To The Future Through Your Heritage, Your Past – Always, Always Back To The Well
“What’s The Magic Word?” – A Brief Primer On Practical Indo-European Prayer
Ignition - Introductions This piece is going to be very different from much of our previous output. Most of the time, when we put out material through Arya Akasha, it's pretty high-minded and somewhat theoretical stuff. In-depth etymology and theological inquiry that's fascinating - and, for those outside a certain sphere of interest, perhaps seemingly … Continue reading “What’s The Magic Word?” – A Brief Primer On Practical Indo-European Prayer
Give Me Bhaga
This Is #GangSteppe - a trio of Scythians, circa the 4th century B.C. Now, what is going on here is the warrior to the right (the bare-chested chap equipped with the arrows and bow) is presenting the head of a slain foe (likely a Macedonian, going by the Vergina Sun emblem on the pauldron of … Continue reading Give Me Bhaga
Aum Gananam Tva Ganapatim…
Ganesh Chaturthi began yesterday, and as one should properly expect, this has been accompanied by a considerable escalation in expressions of piety towards the deity in question. Frequently, these have included a particular and rather prominent verse of Sanskrit, drawn from the RigVeda, and attributed as a prayer to Him: गणानां तवा गणपतिं हवामहे कविं … Continue reading Aum Gananam Tva Ganapatim…
arya-akasha 