The God Who Comes : Dionysian Mysteries Revisited

The mystical, ecstatic religions of the Greco-Roman culture were a direct threat to the newer Judeo-Christian movements, and had to be obliterated. But what were the Mysteries? Here, the veil is lifted, revealing traces of cultural conflicts at the root of Kosher law and other religious prescriptions that are still with us today. This solidly researched text will serve as an important resource for those interested in Classical Greek culture and the roots of modern Western civilization, including the symbolic meaning of many references in Greek art and literature. The book also examines the roots of human spirituality, the questions and the quest that lie at the foundation of the precursors to today's religions. The most widely acclaimed and influential religious cult in the ancient Greek world, for almost 2000 years, was the Eleusinian Mysteries, the Mystery Rites of Dionysos and associated Hellenic deities. Drawing participants from Rome, Egypt and all around the Mediterranean, the Mysteries influenced and inspired many of the greatest minds including Aristotle, Homer and Plutarch. But initiates were sworn to secrecy; and with the advent of Christianity, the Roman Empire stamped out this "cult." How did adherents of Hellene Mystery Deities performed their worship? What was the symbolism of the sacred objects and the actions performed? The God Who Comes is a meticulously researched exploration of how and why these rites were performed, based upon archaeological, scholarly, and iconographic evidence - a refutation of facile New Age inventions. Cicero said, "Athens never created anything nobler than those sublime Mysteries through which we became gentler and have advanced from a barbarous and rustic life to a more civilized one, so that we not only live more joyfully but also die with a better hope." The author traces how the rituals were related chronologically; why it seems that many aspects of ritual action are unclear or appear transposed; and why no scholar intent upon probing the hows and wherefores of ancient Mystery rites had ever presented them in any sort of chronological, easily-understood manner. She examines parallels in diverse civilizations including the use of hallucinogens in religious rites, and archetypal deities such as shape-changers (like the Navajo Coyote). The book includes an index, Greek-to-English glossary, extensive footnotes and bibliography. Deitch offers a look at major events in U.S. and world history as they influenced, and as they may have been influenced by, the cultivation and use of hemp. The author discusses the differences between hemp grown for use as a popular smoke, the stronger type known as marijuana, and hemp as it has been grown throughout the history of civilization for its tough and versatile fiber. He joins other hemp fans in decrying the entrenched business interests that, they say, conspired in the 1930s to make the fiber-producing hemp illegal by associating it with marijuana -- and demonizing the latter. His take on history is entertaining and easily accessible; he discusses several of the potential areas where hemp could be re-introduced as a raw material and reduce our dependence on petroleum products and trees The Eleusinian Mysteries were the most widely acclaimed and influential religious cult in the ancient Greek world. For almost 2000 years, the Mystery Rites of Dionysos and associated Hellenic deities drew participants from Rome, Egypt and all around the Mediterranean, influencing and inspiring many of the greatest minds including Aristotle, Homer and Plutarch. The God Who Comes is a meticulously researched exploration of how and why these rites were performed, based upon archaeological, scholarly, and iconographic evidence - a refutation of facile New Age inventions.

the Author Attempts To Reconstruct The Activities And Meanings Of Dionysian And Other Hellenic Rituals. She Explores The Festivals, Rites, And Other Activities Of Dionysian Worshipers And Attempts To Put Them In Proper Chronological Order. She Also Relates The Meanings And Activities To Other Religious Worship Through History. The Motivation From The Work Came From A Desire To Actually Participate In The Rituals And Those With Similar Desires Are The Primary Intended Audience. Annotation ©2003 Book News, Inc., Portland, Or

The mystical, ecstatic religions of the Greco-Roman culture, direct threats to the newer Judeo-Christian movements, were obliterated. Here is a thorough description of the Eleusian mysteries, and traces of cultural conflicts at the root of Kosher law and Hellenic Mystery Deities -- Brief Overview Of All Major Athenian Festivals -- The Lenaia -- The Anthesteria -- Agrai -- The Sacred Mystery Rites Of Eleusis. Rosemarie Taylor-perry. Includes Bibliographical References (p. 187-199) And Index. Hellenic mystery deities A brief overview of all major Athenian festivals The lenaia The anthesteria Agrai Eleusinia.