Something I have often taken a bit of pleasure in, is finding the 'echoes' of underlying archaic Indo-European symbolism amidst the wreckage of the modern world. In various cases, these are 'traces' that were probably not consciously intended as such by their contemporary authors - and yet which nevertheless have some fundamental, recurring resonancy back … Continue reading Red Bull – The Indo-European Sky Father And A Certain Empowering Brew
RigVeda
On Athena Storm-Bringer And The Thunderbolt Also Of Zeus
There is a rather interesting line in Aeschylus' Eumenides concerning Athena -" I alone of the Gods know the keys to the house where His Thunderbolt is sealed." This is Athena speaking to the Erinyes - the Furies - and stating quite directly that She and She Alone is in possession to 'the keys' to … Continue reading On Athena Storm-Bringer And The Thunderbolt Also Of Zeus
Glorious Rudra Devotional (A)Art(I) For Woden’s Day
Now this is Woden's Day devotional posting ! JAI SRI RUDRA !!! THE STORM WIND WELCOMES US HOME A rather excellent RigVedic Rudra hymnal follows, but before we get to that .. a few points of interest to note therein:i) respect is absolutely paramount. There's a line in here asking for the Great God not … Continue reading Glorious Rudra Devotional (A)Art(I) For Woden’s Day
On The Indo-European Symbolism Of The Ash Tree – And The Ensuing Origins Of The Spear-Race Of Man
Often in the course of work, we begin writing about one topic - only to find that it has serious and substantial bearing upon another. Thus was the case when I sat down to pen "WORLD-SPEAR", looking at the iconic weapon of the Sky Father. I'd known that there would be significant salience for the … Continue reading On The Indo-European Symbolism Of The Ash Tree – And The Ensuing Origins Of The Spear-Race Of Man
Furor Teutonicus And Furor Poeticus – The Furious Goddess-Given Power Of Both Barbarian And Brahmin Alike
Something I have long advocated, is that the two forms of 'Furor' spoken about - "Furor Teutonicus" ('Germanic Fury' - Berserk Battle-Rage) and "Furor Poeticus" (The 'Fury of the Poet' - Artistic Inspiration of a certain all-consuming caliber) are, in essence, the same quality. Just differently expressed. On the surface, this can sound curious. After … Continue reading Furor Teutonicus And Furor Poeticus – The Furious Goddess-Given Power Of Both Barbarian And Brahmin Alike
The Cyclopes And The Ribhus Elves – Solar Smiths of the Sky Father
One of the most iconic creatures from Greek mythology must surely be the Cyclopes. Best known from Odysseus' encounter with Polyphemus during the course of the Odyssey, the Cyclopes is one of those classic mythic tropes - the big, brutish monster who must be defeated via cunning and guile lest he devour the hero and … Continue reading The Cyclopes And The Ribhus Elves – Solar Smiths of the Sky Father
Foe-Slayer Claims Our Eulogy – Understanding RigVeda VIII 100: Indra, Vak
Every so often, we come across a Hymnal that really really deserves a broader audience. In this case, RV VIII 100 - which details a rather lesser-known element to the Slaying of Vritra by Indra. Namely, the salient role of Vak Devi (Saraswati) in this conflict. It therefore seemed most appropriate to prepare a brief … Continue reading Foe-Slayer Claims Our Eulogy – Understanding RigVeda VIII 100: Indra, Vak
Hail Hydra-Slayer: On The Mythic Combat Of Herakles And Athena – Indra And Vak Saraswati, Against The Demon-Dragon Of The Water
Herakles against the Hydra, Indra against Vritra - these are surely some of the best-known mythic combats in each of the Greek/Classical and Vedic/Hindu legendariums. Similarities immediately begin to suggest themselves - clearly, each is a fight of the Thunderer/Striker against a Demon-Dragon that is to be found 'midst waters. However, there is another, less … Continue reading Hail Hydra-Slayer: On The Mythic Combat Of Herakles And Athena – Indra And Vak Saraswati, Against The Demon-Dragon Of The Water
Arya Akasha Arka – Lighting The Flamethrower of Faith
"तवमग्ने रुद्रो असुरो महो दिवः ""You, O Agni, are Rudra - The Mighty Heavenly Sire [Dyaus Pitar]" RigVeda II 1 6 "We are judged in life for the evil we destroy. It is a bleak truth, that there is nothing but blood awaiting us in the gaps between the worlds. But ISHVARA sees all that … Continue reading Arya Akasha Arka – Lighting The Flamethrower of Faith
Shravan Maas – The Shaivite Holy Month, The Samudra Manthan, and The Self-Sacrifice of Yama and Odin
Today marks the start of the Shaivite holy month of Shravan Maas [at least, according to my Mandir's Gujarati derived calendar. In various other parts of India it's already been going for two weeks]. I say 'Shaivite holy month', but it is not only Shiva-oriented observances that take place during this time. Other prominent occasions … Continue reading Shravan Maas – The Shaivite Holy Month, The Samudra Manthan, and The Self-Sacrifice of Yama and Odin
arya-akasha 