LIBATION IN HELLENISMOS - ΣΠΟΝΔΗ HellenicGods.org
Why do we make offerings to Gods? Libations are offerings to Gods, usually in formal ritual. Before we can discuss libations, we need to have an idea of why we would want to make any kind of offering to Gods at all.
In Ællinismόs (Hellenismos; Gr. Ἑλληνισμός), the ancient Greek religion, the progressed soul is attracted to the great beauty and goodness of the Gods. This attraction is called Ǽrohs (Eros; Gr. Ἔρως). Our Ǽrohs immediately gains the attention of the Gods, who have been awaiting our invitation. Why do the Gods await our invitation? It is because there is a great law that the Gods do not violate our freedom and our conscience; they do not impose themselves on us. But when the Gods feel our Ǽrohs, this is an invitation to enter into our life, and there is an immediate flow of Ǽrohs back from the Gods to us. When we make offerings to Gods, the offering actually represents the Ǽrohs flowing back and forth between Gods and men. We make the offering because we desire to honor them express our love and appreciation for them. And this is also the reason why we drink some of the libation or eat some of the food offerings, to represent the Ǽrohs
which we receive from the Gods . Without Ǽrohs, our offerings are meaningless, the smoke from our incense blows about and wine falls to the ground and never is savored by the Gods. Pl átohn (Plato; Gr. Πλάτων) identifies Ǽrohs as a special Daimohn (Daemon; Gr. Δαίμων):
Perhaps the most common offering to the Gods is the venerable libation, the Spondí(Sponde; Gr. Σπονδή). The libation is a measure of some liquid offered, usually during ritual, such as wine, milk and honey, even fine oil, poured out ceremoniously on the ground, or to a receptacle on the altar, or cautiously into a fire.
There are differing opinions about how to make libations. Some people pour out most of the libation, and then drink the remaining, similar to an animal sacrifice (the meat being consumed by the participants while the fat and bones are given to the Gods). But other people disagree and pour out the entire libation to the Gods. Although there are exceptions (libations to the dead), this author was taught that generally, we dedicate the libation, make the libation saving some, and finally drink the remaining. This seems to be confirmed by Iámvlikhos (Iamblichus; Gr. Ἰάμβλιχος):
As outlined in the introduction to this essay, offerings of any kind symbolize the radiation of Ǽrohs between Gods and the mortals who love them. They represent a type of communion with the Gods. Libations are made in the offering section of ritual. If possible, the participant should be standing up, out-of-doors and the libation poured to the ground. Alternately, it can be made indoors into a receptacle. The general procedure is to pick up the libation bowl with the right (receptive) hand. Next we address and pray while holding up the cup with both hands, dedicating it to the God or Gods you are addressing, saying something like this: To Phívos Apóllohn and Æléfthærefs Diónysos [3] and to all the Blessed Gods we dedicate this libation! We drink the blood of Diónysos! May the Aithír of Zefs intoxicate our souls and transform us! The libations made at a meal or sympósion
A very traditional group of libations are those made at a meal or sympósion (symposium; Gr. συμπόσιον), where the libation is made first to Æstía (Hestia; Gr. Ἑστία), next to the Agathós Daimon (Gr. Ἀγαθὸς Δαίμων), and a third libation (called "the lucky one") to Zefs Sohtír (Soter or Savior; Gr. Σωτήρ):
Eat the meal and at its conclusion, the final libation is made to Æstía.
Libations to the dead or the khthonic deities Yet another type of libation is the Khoí (Choe; Gr. Χοή, Χοἁς, Χοαί), a libation made to the dead or to khthonic (chthonic; from the Greek χθών) deities, usually milk and honey, or sweet, dark-red wine. The libation to the dead is never consumed by those who make the offering.
This can be compared to the Spondí where the libation is made in a controlled fashion, slowly pouring to the ground from a bowl or jug.
Wine Wine in general is symbolic of the divine Aithír (Aether; Gr. Αἰθήρ), which is the influence of Zefs' (Zeus: Gr. Ζεύς) on our soul. The wine represents Zefs and Water-Fire-Aithír, the Synækhís Ousía (Synechis Ousia; Gr. Συνεχής Οὐσία), the continuous kozmogonic substance. In ancient times, wine was mixed with water to reduce the alcohol content. There appeared to be conventions concerning how the wine was mixed. This author only mixes wine if one of the participants in ritual is a teetotaler, adding some honey to make it palatable. Honey
Honey is golden, the color associated with all the Gods, because this color is like the sun which shines on the solar system just as the enlightenment of the Gods illuminates the entire Kózmos (Cosmos; Gr. Κόσμος). Further, you can preserve things in honey and, therefore, it is symbolic of the immortality of the Gods. Honey is produced by bees, symbolic of the Nýmphai (Nymphs; Gr. Νύμφαι). A drink-offering of honey is called Mælísponda (Melisponda; Gr. Μελίσπονδα). Milk Milk represents Queen Íra (Hera; Gr. Ήρα), as explained in the following mythology. While Íra was asleep, Zefs (or Ærmís [Hermes; Gr. Ἑρμῆς] in another version of the myth) conspired to have the infant Iraklís (Herakles; Gr. Ἡρακλῆς) suckle her breast, but she awoke, and suddenly beholding the infant, she was startled and flung milk throughout the universe, forming the galaxy, the Kozmic forces. [7] Milk represents Íra and Earth, the Mæristí Ousía (Gr. Μεριστἠ Οὐσίἁ), the divisible kozmogonic substance.
Milk and Honey The offering of milk and honey is called Mælíkraton (Melikraton; Gr. Μελίκρατον). While milk and honey is an appropriate offering for Gods in general, it is also a traditional offering to the dead and, when used in that way, should not be consumed by those making such a libation. The milk and honey is libated in hopes of giving immortality to those who have passed. It is also offered to the Gods in funerary offerings. Honey is called the food of the Gods:
Honey preserves, hence represents immortality. In the Odýsseia (Odyssey; Gr. Ὀδύσσεια) of Ómiros (Homer; Gr. Ὅμηρος), the Mælíkraton is one of a number of substances used to revive the dead:
What should we do with the libations after ritual is over? Please visit this page: Proper Care of Offerings in Hellenismos GLOSSARY OF WORDS ASSOCIATED WITH LIBATIONS
Æpiliví - (Epiloivi; Gr. Ἐπιλοιβή, ΕΠΙΛΟΙΒΗ) An Æpiliví is drink-offering, Epic.Alex.Adesp.9 vi 26 (pl.), Orph.A. 547,603 (both pl.). (L&S p. 644, left column)
Khoí - (Choe; Gr. Χοή, ΧΟΗ. Also Χοἁς, Χοαί.) Khoí are libations made to the khthonic deities or to the dead. - Lexicon entry (edited for simplicity): pouring out of liquid, drink-offering, esp. made to the dead or over their graves (opp. λοιβή, σπονδή made to the Gods), χοὴν χεῖσθαι νεκύεσσιν (where it is mixed with milk), of honey, wine, and water, poured out in succession, Od.10.518. 2. rarely of libations in general. II. generally, stream—Mostly poet. (L&S p. 1996, left column)
Liveion - (Loibeion; Gr. Λοιβεῖον, ΛΟΙΒΕΙΟΝ) The Liveion is a cup for pouring libations. (L&S p. 1060, left column, within the entries beginning with λοιβ-αῖος) Liví - (Loibi; Gr. Λοιβή, ΛΟΙΒΗ) The Liví is a religious pouring, a drink offering or libation. (L&S p. 1060, left column, within the entries beginning with λοιβ-αῖος) Mælíkraton - (Melikraton; Gr. Μελίκρατον, ΜΕΛΙΚΡΑΤΟΝ) The Mælíkraton is a libation of milk and honey made to the khthonic deities or to the dead. - Lexicon entry (edited for simplicity): drink of honey and milk offered as a libation to the powers of the nether world; also, a mixture of honey and water. (L&S p. 1097, right column) Mælísponda (Melisponda; Gr. Μελίσπονδα, ΜΕΛΙΣΠΟΝΔΑ) - The Mælísponda is a libation of honey. - Lexicon entry: μελίσπονδα, drink offerings of honey, μ. θύειν Plu.2.464c, 672b, cf. Porph. Abst.2.20. (L&S p. 1097, right column) Phiale Mesomphalos; Gr. Φιάλη Μεσόμφαλος, ΦΙΑΛΗ ΜΕΣΟΜΦΑΛΟΣ) libation bowl. It has a central area which is raised so that the fingers fit underneath to hold better.Spondeion - (Gr. Σπονδεῖον, ΣΠΟΝΔΕΙΟΝ)The Spondeion is the cup from which the Spondí (the libation) is poured. (L&S p. 1629, left column)Spondí (sponde or spondi; Gr. Σπονδή, ΣΠΟΝΔΗ ) - The Spondíis the general name used for a libation. Lexicon entry: σπονδἠ, ἡ, (σπένδω) drink-offering, of wine poured out to the Gods before drinking; a drink-offering to a God. 2. pl., σπονδαί a solemn treaty or truce (because solemn drink-offerings were made on concluding them. b) esp. the Truce of God during the Olympic games; during the Eleusinian Mysteries. (L&S p. 1629, right column)Spóndix - (Gr. Σπόνδιξ, ΣΠΟΝΔΙΞ) The Spóndix is one who offers a Spondí (libation). (L&S p. 1629, right column, within the entries beginning σπονδ-ή) Cf. Spondophóros and Spondopiós. Spondokhóï - (Gr. Σπονδοχόη, ΣΠΟΝΔΟΧΟΗ) The Spondokhóï is a vessel used for making libations. [16] Spondopiós - (Spondopios; Gr. Σπονδοποιός, ΣΠΟΝΔΟΠΟΙΟΣ) The Spondopiós is one who offers libation. (L&S p. 1629, right column, within the entries beginning with σπονδο-ποιέομαι) Cf. Spóndix and Spondophóros.
The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Rhapsodic Theogony. We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology. Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology. Introduction to the Thæí (the Gods): The Nature of the Gods. How do we know there are Gods? Experiencing Gods. NOTES:
[1] Platóhn Sympósiun (Symposium; Gr. Συμπόσιον) 202-203, translated by Benjamin Jowett, 1892; found in the 1937 Random House edition of The Dialogues of Plato, Vol. I, p. 328.
[2] Iámvlikhos (Iamblichus; Gr. Ἰάμβλιχος)from The Life of Pythagoras, translated in 1818 by Thomas Taylor, edited for readability by Kenneth Sylvan Guthrie in The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library, 1988 Phanes Press, p. 78. [3] These two Gods, Apóllohn and Diónysos, are, respectively, the voice and the action of Zefs (Zeus; Gr. Ζεύς) on earth.
[4] The Sacred Bee in Ancient Times and Folklore by Hilda M. Ransome, Dover, 2004, p. 120.[5] Walter Burkert, Greek Religion, 1985, Blackwell Publishing Ltd., p. 70.
[6] The Greek Way of Death by Robert Garland, 1985, Cornell University Press, p. 115
[7] Hyginus Astronimica II:43. [8] Porphýrios (Porphyry; Gr. Πορφύριος) The Cave of the Nymphs, 7, trans. Thomas Taylor, Thomas Rodd Publ., London England, 1823, pp. 181-182. [9] Ómiros (Homer; Gr. Ὅμηρος) Odýsseia (Odyssey; Gr. Ὀδύσσεια) Book 10.519 (10.571 Fagles numbering), trans. A.T. Murray 1919, found here in the 1976 Harvard (Cambridge, MA) and Heinemann (London, England) edition entitled Homer: The Odyssey, Vol. I, LCL 104, on pp. 381-383. The logo to the left is the principal symbol of this website. It is called the CESS logo, i.e. the Children of the Earth and the Starry Sky. The Pætilía (Petelia; Gr. Πετηλία) and other golden tablets having this phrase are the inspiration for the symbol. The image represents this idea: Earth (divisible substance) and the Sky (continuous substance) are the two kozmogonic substances. The twelve stars represent the Natural Laws, the dominions of the Olympian Gods. In front of these symbols is the seven-stringed kithára (cithara; Gr. κιθάρα), the lyre of Apóllohn (Apollo; Gr. Ἀπόλλων). It (here) represents the bond between Gods and mortals and is representative that we are the children of Orphéfs (Orpheus; Gr. Ὀρφεύς). PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the pages of this HellenicGods.org, you will find fascinating stories. These narratives are known as mythology, the traditional stories of the Gods and Heroes. While these tales are great mystical vehicles containing transcendent truth, they are symbolic and should not be taken literally; a literal reading will frequently yield an erroneous result. The meaning of the myths is often concealed in code. To understand them requires a key. For instance, when a God kills someone, this usually means a transformation of the soul to a higher level. Similarly, sexual union with a God is a transformation. The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic Rhapsodic Theogony. We know the various qualities and characteristics of the Gods based on metaphorical stories: Mythology. Dictionary of terms related to ancient Greek mythology: Glossary of Hellenic Mythology. SPELLING: HellenicGods.org uses the Reuchlinian method of pronouncing ancient Greek, the system preferred by scholars from Greece itself. An approach was developed to enable the student to easily approximate the Greek words. Consequently, the way we spell words is unique, as this method of transliteration is exclusive to this website. For more information, visit these three pages: PHOTO COPYRIGHT INFORMATION: The many pages of this website incorporate images, some created by the author, but many obtained from outside sources. To find out more information about these images and why this website can use them, visit this link: Photo Copyright Information DISCLAIMER: The inclusion of images, quotations, and links from outside sources does not in any way imply agreement (or disagreement), approval (or disapproval) with the views of HellenicGods.org by the external sources from which they were obtained. Further, the inclusion of images, quotations, and links from outside sources does not in any way imply agreement (or disagreement), approval (or disapproval) by HellenicGods.org of the contents or views of any external sources from which they were obtained. For more information: Inquire.hellenicgods@gmail.com For answers to many questions: Hellenismos FAQ © 2010 by HellenicGods.org. All Rights Reserved. |