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Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 26, 2013 at 3:36am

In Africa, the Horns are everywhere to be found ~ from the most distant mists of time...

A Zulu ceremonial mask

Ritual masks such as these have been used in spiritual ceremonies and worn by shamans, witchdoctors and royalty as well as by warriors .

Horned helmets and masks symbolise the sacred Bull, Nandi; and the crescent Moon ~ the regiments of Shaka Zulu used to encircle their enemies on either side and then, "pierce" both sides at once with the "horns" when the timing was right. This would distract the enemy troops, and the more experienced Indunas from the battle-hardened regiments  forming the head of the Bull would crush the enemy forces from behind. This classic Zulu tactic previously invented by the first great Chief of the unified Zulu Kingdom, Dingane  and was used to defeat and absorb many smaller tribes into the greater Zulu nation.

Masks from Central Africa from an unknown antiquity

Igbo ritual mask

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 26, 2013 at 3:36am

Throughout the ancient world, the wearing of horns was a sign of power. Many Pagan Deities are depicted with them; and the peoples of all cultures celebrated the Horned God and Goddess of many Names by also wearing them!

The Samurai warriors of Japan ~

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 21, 2013 at 6:03am

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 21, 2013 at 5:57am

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 21, 2013 at 5:44am

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 21, 2013 at 5:36am

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 19, 2013 at 12:35am

Dionysus is also called Bacchus; and although this God is associated mainly with wine and the vineyard, which is a metaphor for fertility; Dionysus is the spirit of vegetation, generation and fertility, presiding over matters of life and death.

Dionysus is the Green Man!

Marija Gambutas is of the opinion that Dionysus is one of the most ancient pre-Indo-European God, and was initially the spirit of Botany.

Dionysian rites were later on associated with Witchcraft, as descriptions of a circle of wild haired women dancing around a central male Horned God were termed the Devils sabbat in medieval Europe.

Dionysus was mainly served by women, and although men did take part the rites were led and orchestrated by women called Maenads .

Dionysus taught viticulture and the art of horticulture and agriculture wherever he travelled with his assorted retinue, which includes panthers, snakes and a riotous and merry carnival- type processional following. 

Actually it is believed by some that the Dionysian processions were the distant ancestor of modern day Carnivals .

Dionysus became Apollo's equal and other half in later times, when at Delphi, He shared the altar, representing  the ecstasy and passion which counterbalanced the rationalism of Apollo.

Dionysus manifests as a giant Phallus; a man; a Bull or a Goat.

Deities allied to Dionysus include Pan, Demeter, Kybele, Hecate and Apollo.

His symbol is the thyrsus, a reed or stalk topped by a pinecone.

So the next time you enjoy a glass of wine, think a little on the God who made it all happen:); as when a sip is taken, it is a sacrament, for He is wine!

Three cheers to the Great Dionysus!

and,

Blessed Be )O(

Dionysus is also known as The Night-Prowler. His Magick includes creativity, healing, intoxication, shamanism and both joy and madness.He represents the untamed wilderness and male virility and sexual energy.

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 19, 2013 at 12:04am

Dionysus and Ariadne

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 18, 2013 at 11:59pm

Min, Egyptian God of Fertility

Comment by Zephonith Serpent Woman on May 18, 2013 at 11:58pm

Dionysus, God of Fertility and the Vine

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