By Eirini Tsotsou on March 02, 2018
In this article are presented the characteristics of the priests of the Gods and the responsibilities of the priest in Eleusinian Mysteries. The Priests of the Gods should be able-bodied, having deep knowledge and venerable so that they inspire reverence and not lough. On the inside, they should be well-educated and adept of the mysteries and every theology because it was their job to teach others the mysteries, how to pray, how to believe and how to do offerings and sacrifices. They had to live a pure bios, be abstemious and sensible. They used to avoid meat and other inimical habits to the health.
By Constantinos Nt... on March 01, 2018
According to the arcaeological evidence Eleusis was inhabited at 1900 b.C. Houses have been found at the southwest area of Thriassio Pedio. At 1850 b.C. many houses are built and the kingdom of Keleos is starting to arise. His kingdom expanded to Kithairon, Parnetha and Aigaleo. Eleusis was a crossroads between Athens, Pelopponese and Thebes. Due to her position, the Atheneans wanted to incorporate Eleusis to their demos (municipality).
By Constantinos Nt... on March 01, 2018
Introduction
The sacred place of Eleusis, is today the archaeological place of the city, in which in ancient times the Mysteries of Eleusis took place, offering ceremonies, magickal rituals, religious rituals etc. Inside of the arcaeological place there is the hill of Acropolis of Eleusis. In that hill the first houses of Eleusis were built and after many other houses close to them. I am going to describe the main sites of the place with few words, but have in mind that you will not see the 16 meters buildings, because all kind of barbarians have destroyed the place. Walk with me in this tour.
By Constantinos Nt... on March 01, 2018
The Temple
Goddess Demeter was invited by the friends of the king's daughter to the palace. She started working to find comfort after the abduction of Persephone. She was repeating a ritual to make the son of the king Keleos, immortal. One day, his mother, Metaneira entered the room and saw Demeter holds the key over the fire. Metaneira started shouting. Demeter left the palace, she got angry. She ordered Keleos to built a temple in her honour under Eleusis with stone walls and in a high level over Kallichoron Frear. Demeter entered in her place and caused limos, famine. After the return of her daughter, she taught to the Eleusineans, her Mysteries.
By Constantinos Nt... on March 01, 2018
Pictures that follow have been shot in September of 2015 from the Archaeological Museum of Eleusis. We encourage the devotee of the Goddess to visit Eleusis when he/she will visit Hellas, as in antiquity was a main place for religion and the mysteries. You can find more information on Eleusis to our articles. We suggest Carl Kerrenyi's book and George Mylona's book on Eleusis. Both have been translated in Hellenic.
By Constantinos Nt... on March 01, 2018
Eleusinia
The oldest celebration in Eleusis. Some people think that Eleusina and Mysteries of eleusis are the same celebration. Eleusinia were the oldest and biggest celebration of Hellas. Aristotle writes that Eleusinia were a big event before all the other events of his time. When Eleusinia started they were organized every five years. Then, three more years added and they were called Big Eleusinia. Sport games, musical competitions, horse races were a part of the celebration in order to honor and thank the Goddess for the food she gave to people through the land.
Sports was a main way to honor a Goddess in ancient times. So athletes were honoured. The winners earned ear from Rhario Pedio,the first place that Triptolemos had cultivated.
It amazes me how so many traditions follow these ancient protocols and roles,