ORPHIC FRAGMENT 156
OTTO KERN
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SUMMARY: In this fragment, Zeus is exhorted to bring purification from Crete.
156. (183) σχόλιον Πρόκλου επὶ Τιμαίου Πλάτωνος 22 d. e (I 118, 21 Diehl):
καὶ γὰρ καθαρμὸς ὃ μὲν γίνεται δί ὕδατος, ὃ δὲ διὰ πυρός, πανταχοῦ δὲ ἡ καθαρότης τοῖς δευτέροις ἀπὸ τῶν πρώτων, διὸ καὶ παρὰ τῶι Ὀρφεῖ τὰ καθάρσια κομίζειν ὁ Ζεὺς ἀπὸ τῆς Κρήτης παρακελεύεται·τὴν γὰρ Κρήτην ἀντὶ τοῦ νοητοῦ τάττειν εἰώθασιν οἱ θεολόγοι.
“For purification is at one time effected through water, and at another through fire. But every where purification to secondary is from primary natures. Hence, likewise in Orpheus, Jupiter (Ζεὺς) is exhorted to bring purification from Crete (Κρήτη). For it is usual with theologists to arrange Crete for the intelligible.” (trans. Thomas Taylor 1820)
Kern Herm. LI 1916, 564.
The story of the birth of the Gods: Orphic 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.
This logo 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, 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, κιθάρα), the the lyre of Apóllôn (Apollo, Ἀπόλλων). It (here) represents the bond between Gods and mortals and is representative that we are the children of Orphéfs (Orpheus, Ὀρφεύς).
PLEASE NOTE: Throughout the pages of this website, you will find fascinating stories about our Gods. 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 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.
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.
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