Rachel Alexander's Blog, page 26
November 1, 2021
a-gnosis:
13: The descent of Nergal to the Underworld
Ner...
13: The descent of Nergal to the Underworld
Nergal set his face towards Kurnugi,
to the dark house, dwelling of Erkalla’s god,
to the house which those who enter cannot leave,
on the road where travelling is one way only,
to the house where those who enter are deprived of
light,
where dust is their food, clay their bread.
They are clothed, like birds, with feathers.
They see no light, they dwell in darkness.
Nergal and Ereshkigal, translated by Stephanie Dalley.
If you are wondering why Nergal is holding a chair, his father Ea instructed him to make one and bring it with him to Erkalla (I forgot that it’s supposed to be painted in bright colors). According to Stephanie Dalley it may be explained by reference to a particular piece of furniture called a ‘ghost’s chair’ in lexical texts; it’s purpose is explained in a ritual text as preventing seizure by ghosts. “Thus Nergal takes the chair down in an attempt to ensure that he can escape from the Underworld and elude death.”
a-gnosis:
14: Transition
Hekate of the shining headband c...
14: Transition
Hekate of the shining headband came near them
and many times lovingly touched the daughter of pure Demeter.
From then on this lady became her attendant and follower.
From The Homeric Hymn to Demeter, translated by Apostolos N. Athanassakis.
“This is our first evidence of what was to become Hekate’s most important role, as a deity who provided protection during transitions of all kinds, which were by nature perilous. It was in the interstices between safely defined territories (home, sanctuary, city) and times (new and old month) that dangerous spirits were emboldened to attack the unwary. Her very power to protect, of course, derived from her intimacy with and control over these spirits, the untimely and restless dead.”
Ancient Greek Cults: A Guide by Jennifer Larson.
lzrdprsn:mutuals, I am dropping full sized candy bars in ...
mutuals, I am dropping full sized candy bars in your pumpkin shaped pail.
October 31, 2021
sartorialadventure:
Ancient Greek fashions by Tom Tierney...
Ancient Greek fashions by Tom Tierney
1-3. chiton
4. feast guest and dancer
5-6. himatius
7. mantle
8. peplos
9. warriors
11. woman in Phrygian cap, traveler
huariqueje:
Pomegranates - Wu Guanzhong, 1974-75.
Ch...
Pomegranates - Wu Guanzhong, 1974-75.
Chinese , 1919-2010
Oil on board
October 30, 2021
kecharitomene:
“open your thighs to fate” — e.e. cummings...
“open your thighs to fate”— e.e. cummings (via thechocolatebrigade)
aiastelamonian:La Charogne by Jane Graverol, 1966
La Charogne by Jane Graverol, 1966
October 29, 2021
nocnitsa:Otakar Nejedlý -Early Evening by the Water, 1932.
Otakar Nejedlý -Early Evening by the Water, 1932.
