HAPPY NEW YEAR ~ 2795 YEARS AFTER THE FIRST OLYMPIC GAMES

The Ancient Greeks measured the passage of years through the Olympic Games- one of the most important events throughout the  ancient civilized world. Zeus, the Father and Leader of the Gods,was greatly honoured during the Games. This event which brought truce in the midst of warfare and celebrated the human body, was so significant that it marked the passing of time ,up until the establishment of christianity. So, in the Spirit of the Hellenic Religious Tradition, we wish you a Happy New Year!  

ORPHIC HYMN TO THE STARS

One of the most beautiful Orphic Hymns is the one dedicated to the Stars. 

English translation ( by THomas Taylor ) : 

With holy voice I call the Stars on high, pure sacred Lights and genii of the Sky. Celestial Stars ,the Progeny of Nyx, in whirling circles beaming far Your light, refulgent rays around the Heavens You throw, eternal fires, the Source of all below. With flames significant of Fate You shine, and aptly rule for men a path divine. In seven bright zones You run with wandering flames, and heaven and earth compose Your lucid frames; with course unwearied, pure and fiery bright, forever shining through the veil of Night. Hail, twinkling,joyful, ever-wakeful fires! Propitious shine on all my just desires; these sacred rites regard with conscious rays, and end our works devoted to your praise.

Les 9 Muses

Les muses sont les filles que Zeus a eu avec Mnémosyne, la déesse de la mémoire.

Calliope, Muse de l’éloquence et de la poésie épique.

Clio, Muse de l’histoire.

Erato, Muse de l’art lyrique et de la poésie.

Euterpe, Muse de la musique.

Melpomène, Muse de la tragédie.

Polymnie, Muse de la rhétorique.

Terpsichore, Muse de la danse.

Thalie, Muse de la comédie.

Uranie, Muse de l’astronomie (et de l’astrologie).

HYMN TO THE MUSE CALLIOPE

Calliope is the First of the Nine Muses. She is the protector of epic poetry and rhetoric, and of all the fine arts. The following is a hymn dedicated to Her, written in the 2nd century A.C.E., by Mesomedes the Cretan. 

The English translation goes as follows :

Sing ,Dearest Muse, and help me start my song. Let the breeze coming through Your forests make my soul vibrate! 

Oh, Wise Calliope, You the Leader of the Gracious Muses, and You Wise  Initiator of the Mysteries, Latona's Son*, Delian, Paean ,offer Your help being favourable to me!

*This refers to the God Apollo.

Singer : Daphne Panourgia
Orchestration: Petros Tabouris
Video creation : Heliodromion

The lyrics are also available in Ancient Greek:

Άειδε, Μούσα μοι φίλη, μολπής δ' εμής κατάρχου, αύρη δε σων απ'άλσεων εμάς φρένας δονείτω.

Καλλιόπεια σοφά, προκαθαγέτι τερπνών, και σοφέ Μυστοδότα, Λατούς γόνε, Δήλιε, Παιάν, ευμενείς πάρεστέ μοι.

ORPHIC HYMN TO MNEMOSYNE

Mnemosyne is one of the most significant Goddesses in the Hellenic Pantheon. She is the Goddess of memory and the One that the initiates invoke, in order to help them gain knowledge and understanding of the sacred Mysteries. Moreover, she is the Mother of the Nine Muses. 

The following translation is by Thomas Taylor :

I invoke Mnemosyne, the consort of Jove Divine, Source of the Holy, sweet-speaking Nine; Free from the oblivion of the fallen mind, By whom the soul with intellect is joined; Reason's increase and thought, to Thee belong, All-powerful, Pleasant, Vigilant and Strong; 'Tis thine to waken from lethargic rest all thoughts deposited within the breast; And nought neglecting, Vigorous to excite the mental eye from dark oblivion's night. Come, Blessed Power, the mystic's memory wake to holy rites, and Lethe's fetters break. 

The video below includes the original hymn in ancient Greek. The invocation begins at 1.04. 

IMAGES OF THE GREEK GODS ON FRENCH SCRATCH TICKETS

It goes without question that the Greek Gods are some of the most easily recognizable in the world- and it is very interesting to see how their images are utilized. France issued a series of scratch lottery tickets ,where the presence of the Hellenic Pantheon is prevalent, along with familiar symbols of the Ancient Greek civilisation. 

ORPHIC HYMN TO HECATE

Hecate is one of the most intringuing Goddesses of the Hellenic Pantheon. She is a Titaness who decided to support Zeus in His battle against Cronus and the other Titans. Her image, along with Hermes, often stood as a symbol of protection in the entrances of homes. She is the Goddess of the Crossroads, the One who protects the innocent and at the same time She commands all things nocturnal, including ghosts and restless spirits. Her power, as the Orphic hymn dedicated to her mentions, expands to all three realms of the earth. 

Here is an English translation of the Orphic hymn :

Hecate of the Path, I invoke Thee, Lovely Lady of the Triple Crossroads, Celestial, Chthonian and Marine One, Lady of the Saffron Robe. Sepulchral One, celebrating the Bacchic Mysteries among the souls of the dead, Daughter of Perses,Lover of Solitude, rejoicing in deer. Nocturnal One, Lady of the Dogs, Invincible Queen. She of the Cry of the Beast, Ungirt One, having an irresistible form. Bullherder, Keeper of the Keys of all the Universe, Mistress, Guide, Bride, Nurturer of Youths, Mountain Wanderer. I pray to Thee, Maiden, to be present at our hallowed rites of initiation, always bestowing Thy Graciousness upon the shepherds. 

The following is a song by the Greek band 'Daemonia Nymphe' ,where some of the lyrics of the Orphic Hymn to Hecate are sung. 

HERACLES ON FOREIGN COINS

Heracles is probably the most famous Demigod Hero of the Hellenic Tradition. Son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene, Heracles has been renowned for his 12 Labours and his many other brave deeds, which incuded his various campaigns to different nations. Ancient Greeks and Romans worshipped him as a God- and His achievements have been immortalized in many forms of art all over the world, up until the contemporary times. 

50- franc French Banknote, where Heracles is depicted between Virtue and Vice.

The following  are from a series of 2-pound coins for Gibraltar, a place which is still known as one of The Pillars of Heracles. He reached these parts of Europe in his journeys.