Among Satyrs and Nymphs: A Devotional to Hellenic Nature Spirits

By Zachariah Shipman, Amanda Artemisia Forrester, Ashley Dioses and 15 more

Satyrs. Panes. Silenoi. Kouretes. Anthusae. Naiads. Dryads. Nymphs.

 

Do you sense the sacred on the shores of the ocean or the banks of a river? Do you see the divine in the craggy slopes of a mountain or under the light of the midnight moon? 

 

Reverence for and worship of nature is humanity's oldest religion, from a time before that word even existed. Humanity saw Gods and Goddesses and spirits and Powers in the trees and the rivers, in the vastness of the sky and the ocean, in the tiniest buds and blooms. We don't know what the earliest humans called their Gods and the spirits of the natural world, but we do know the terms and titles used by the ancient Greeks; terms that are still used by their spiritual descendants today.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Bibliotheca Alexandrina
• Release date: Mar 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9798201895136

Book preview

Nyads and Dryads

by Walter Crane

Invocation

Physis, mother of all creation,

O’ Gaia, mother of Gods and men,

mother of all things lovely and sacred.

We revere your holy name,

Your body is our home, our hearth.

The flame on our altar burns for you

and all the lovely Nymphai on Earth,

The dancing Satyroi,

and the loud and clamorous Kouretes!

From the heavenly Pleiades

to the ghastly train of immortal Hekate,

None of this on Earth could be ours without you.

Editor’s Note

The terms Nymphs (Nymphai) and Satyrs (Satyroi) used throughout this anthology refer strictly to the deities of the ancient Greek religion and have no affiliation with the addiction to sex. However fitting the term might be, nymphomania and satyriasis have no official place within this devotional. 

Many terms are used interchangeably throughout this anthology. For example:

Nymphs - Nymphai

Panes - Satyrs - Satyroi

Dionysus - Dionysos

Apollon - Apollo

Though somewhat mythically inaccurate, the terms Korybantes, Kouretes, Kabeiroi, and Dactyloi are sometimes used interchangeably within this edition.

Table of Contents

Nyads and Dryads

by Walter Crane

Invocation

Editor’s Note

Table of Contents

Forward

~Akhilleus Lykios

Introduction

Zachariah Shipman

Nature and Her Spirits

Diana of Ephesus as Allegory of Nature

by Joseph Werner

What the Heck is a Nature Spirit?

by Zachariah Shipman

Making Sacred Incense

by Zachariah Shipman

Honoring the Nymphai

by Anonymous

To the Nymphs

by Amanda Artemisia Forrester

A Prayer of Gratitude

by Rev. Amber Doty

Every Soul

by Daniel Culver

Orphic Hymn to Physus

translated by Sara L. Mastros

To Earth and Nature

by Ariadne Rainbird

Virgin Nymphs and Horny Satyrs

by Zachariah Shipman

Panes and Satyrs and Sileni! Oh My!

by Zachariah Shipman

Gaea, Mother of All

by Rebecca Buchanan

To Gaia

by Ariadne Rainbird

Blessed be the Nymphs Who Assist Ceres  (Ara Pacis)

by Lucia Maria Silvana

Tellus Mater relief, Ara Pacis

Sonata

Spirits of Mountain and Forest

Daphne

by Hubert von Herkomer

To the Honeyed Melissai

by Akhilleus Lykios

Vignette VII: Melissae

by Rebecca Buchanan

To the Melissae for the Kronia

by Ariadne Rainbird

Honey, Light, and the Sacred Bee:

by Zachariah Shipman

Vignette I: Anthusae

by Rebecca Buchanan

Maia of the Mountain, We Praise You

by Melia Orlando

To Maia

by Ariadne Rainbird

Hymn to Maia I

by Rebecca Buchanan

Oread

by Ariadne Rainbird

Hymn to Maia II

by Rebecca Buchanan

Hymn to Makris

by Denny

Lament of Echo's Daughters

by Rebecca Buchanan

Afternoon With a Faun

by J.K. Bywaters

Hamadryad

by Ariadne Rainbird

Hymn to the Satyrs

by Rebecca Lynn Scott

After Ida

by Rebecca Buchanan

Hymn to Artemis of the Poisoned Earth

by Rebecca Buchanan

To Artemis

by Ariadne Rainbird

Invocation of the Forest Lady

by Rebecca Buchanan

Hymn to Artemis III

by Rebecca Buchanan

Prayer to the Mistress of Animals

by Rebecca Buchanan

To Apollon Karneios

by Ariadne Rainbird

To Kheiron

by Amanda Artemisia Forrester

Andante

Spirits of Sea and Sky

Cave of the Storm Nymphs

by Sir John Poynter

The Arrival: The Train of Poseidon

by Zachariah Shipman

Hymn to Triton

by Zachariah Shipman

Hymn to Nereus I

by Rebecca Buchanan

Phorcys: Primordial Guardian  of the Threshold of Reality?

by Darius Matthias Klein

Hymn to Poseidon II

by Rebecca Buchanan

Hymn to Poseidon, Lord of Polluted Waters

by Rebecca Buchanan

Prayers to the Hyades

by Rebecca Lynn Scott

Silver Limnad

by Alexeigynaix

Vignette II: Aurae

by Rebecca Buchanan

Rhea, Hera, and the Starry Cosmos:  An Essay on Generational Flow

by Zachariah Shipman

Vignette V: Hyades

by Rebecca Buchanan

Hymn to Zeus VII

by Rebecca Buchanan

A Hymn to Eurybia

by Zachariah Shipman

Run, Britomartis!

by Lucia Maria Silvana

Diktynna of Aigina

by Lucia Maria Silvana

Lures

by J.K. Bywaters

Vignette III: Eleionomae

by Rebecca Buchanan

Galatée

by Gustave Moreau

Vignette IV: Haliae

by Rebecca Buchanan

Deep in the Dark

by Suz Thackston

To Poseidon

by Ariadne Rainbird

Scherzo I

Spirits of the Underworld

Die Seelin des Acheron

by Adolf Hiremy Hirschi

Hymn to Melinoe I

by Rebecca Buchanan

Hymn to Melinoe II

by Rebecca Buchanan

Orphic Hymn to Melinoe

Translation Derived from Thomas Taylor

Vignette VI: Lampades

by Rebecca Buchanan

Scherzo II

Dionysus, Pan, and Other Madnesses

The Magic of Pan’s Flute

by John Reinhard Weguelin

To Watchful Nysos and the Celebrant of Wine

by Akhilleus Lykios

Maenad Meditation

by Rev. Donna Swindells

Maenads

by Ashley Dioses

Hymn to Methe

by Denny

Hymn to the Satyroi

by Akhilleus Lykios

Hymn to Rhea-Kybele, the Earth Mother

by Akhilleus Lykios

An Account of the Challenge and Duel of Pan Aegocerus and Apollo Khrysolyris, as Witnessed by Seilenos, Son and Apostle of Pan

by J. K. Bywaters

Hymn to Pan V

by Rebecca Buchanan

Hymn to Pan VI

by Rebecca Buchanan

Panic

by Ashley Dioses

Dionysus

by Ariadne Rainbird

Satyroi Hermeides

by Rebecca Lynn Scott

They Sing in Whispers

by Ashley Dioses

Satyroi in the Dionysian Mysteries and the Phallos

by Zachariah Shipman

Prayer to Priapos for Garden Fertility

by Akhilleus Lykios

The Warrior

by Suz Thackston

What Is the Difference Between the Kabeiroi, the Kouretes, the Korybantes, and the Dactyloi?

by Zachariah Shipman

The Dance of The Kouretes

by Akhilleus Lykios

Shamanic Trance and Dance: A Guide to Ecstatic Trance in the Mysteries of Rhea-Kybele and Dionysos

by Zachariah Shipman

To Dionysos Eleftherios

by Ariadne Rainbird

Dionysus and the Dryad

by Suz Thackston

Sonata

A Bacchanal with Naked Nymphs Decorating a Herm

by Jean-Baptiste-Marie Pierre

Appendix A: Index of Nature Spirits

Appendix B: Recommended Reading

Ancient Sources

Modern Sources

Online Sources

Appendix C — Our Contributors

Appendix D: About Bibliotheca Alexandrina

Forward

Have you ever seen a tree or maybe a grove that calls to you? Have you ever experienced a situation where the Earth seemingly defends you? Perhaps you forgot you were going to cover for your friend at work when you suddenly spot an oddly shaped cloud that reminded you just in the nick of time, or a tree fell before you in the exact moment to see a car barreling towards you.

These scenarios may seem unlikely, but they are more common than you might think. Those who encounter them shrug off such events as mere coincidence, but the spirits of nature are watching you; guiding you toward greatness.

I am a long-time worshipper of the Earth, and as a shaman, I see it as my duty to defend Her at whatever cost necessary. The Earth Mother provides for us, she shelters us, warms us. It’s only fair that we grant her the same respect.

Khaire Nymphe!

~Akhilleus Lykios

Introduction

Worshipping nature comes naturally in all religions, in many shapes and forms. She nurtures us, guides us, harbors us. The spirits that make up the wide-paved Earth are many. This devotional is dedicated to the varied Gods and Goddesses and spirits of Nature, from Adonis to the Melissai to Pan to Zephyr, who were honored by the ancient Greeks — and who are still today honored by their spiritual descendants.

Here, we honor numerous deities of nature, and, though many Gods of Nature are mentioned often, I'd like to stress that this book is mainly dedicated to the Nature Spirits of the Cosmos.

The anthology is organized into five sections. First, a general section, Nature and Her Spirits, on the nymphs and the natural world as mother/father/parent, provider, and Goddess. Then three sections, with the spirits divided by natural region: Spirits of Mountain and Forest, Spirits of Sea and Sky, and Spirits of the Underworld.

The fifth section came to us as an unexpected, but wholly appropriate, surprise. Dionysus, Pan, and Other Madnesses is devoted to the God of the Vine, and the God of Wilderness and Shepherds, and the wild, maddening spirits and rites associated with them.

Thank you for allowing me to voice my vast respect for nature. I’d like to personally acknowledge every author who has contributed to this devotional. No matter how small, whether ten words or one hundred words, your poetry, fiction, and rites have grown this book far beyond my expectations.

Zachariah Shipman

Winter 2021

Nature and Her Spirits

Diana of Ephesus as Allegory of Nature

by Joseph Werner

What the Heck is a Nature Spirit?

by Zachariah Shipman

Upon reading the subtitle, you might have some questions. I intend to answer these fully and truthfully to the best of my Gods-given ability.

What is a ‘Hellenic Nature Spirit?

The religion of the ancient Greeks, known as Hellenismos today, was largely animistic, meaning the people ascribed God-like spirits to all objects, both living and nonliving.

These deities may appear as feminine or masculine. For example, the Potamoi are a group of rowdy male river gods, while the deities of streams, swamps, and clouds are female. These subdivisions of female nature spirits generally fall under the term nymphai, though authors usually use the type-specific term when referring to a particular nymph.

What is the importance of worshipping a bunch of trees, rocks, and clouds?

Many of you may not be thinking that, but if you are, you probably aren’t cut out to be a polytheist. Jokes aside, these beings are rich and abundant with life. They are the waters that hydrate us, the trees that shelter us, the clouds that provide the rain for our crops. I could go on and on about why these spirits are vital to us, but hopefully now you get the point.

How do I go about worshipping them?

There are many things you can do to build a healthy relationship with Mother Nature, and her abundant children.

Above all, spend time with them! Learn their mythology, learn about who they are and what they give to you, Go out and frolic in a meadow, sing, laugh, dance, and play.

Give them offerings, or perform rituals based around the equinox and solstice.

Plant things: gardening can be very fruitful (pun intended) once you get the hang of it. Plant trees, bushes, flowers, herbs, and vegetables.

Plant a tree for each piece of paper in this book for which they gave their life.

Connect spiritually with your garden, build a deep relationship with each plant!

Spend more time with Them!

Go swimming, meditate in a secluded grove, do a ritual atop a mountain. The list is as long as Earth is far from Heaven, and a far as Earth is from gloomy Tartaros.

Stare out at the stars, learning the stories of Heaven, naming the constellations on brazen Ouranos. Read a book under your favorite tree.

Craft garlands of flowers and herbs (though the myth of Dryope tells us otherwise). Breathe in the morning breeze, clean up a park or river.

Participate in nature rallies! Stand up and protect the defenseless Gods on earth from evil corporations who wish to see it harmed.

Donations and petitions towards good causes work just as great, especially when they defend an endangered tree species, or protect a forest from becoming a super mall complex.

Pick up trash along a highway, or hell, just hug a tree!

What kind of offerings do I give?

Nature spirits tend to love anything natural and from the heart:

honey, milk, wine, spring water

stones, pottery, coins, bones

fresh fruit, bread, and flowers

toys, dolls, jewelry

song/music, dance

"What kind of things do I avoid when honoring Nature Spirits?

Along with the things you would typically avoid with worship, there are a few things you should avoid doing.

Do not damage a sacred area. This includes forests, glens, rivers, plains, etc.

Do not intentionally harm trees

Do not pollute a natural water source

Do not leave toxic or otherwise harmful substances in a sacred place.

Keep your word!

If you vow to clean up a river, then do so. Too many people make plans to do some good, and put it off for some cheap excuse. At this point, you are doing more harm than good. The world has enough who mindlessly harm nature — avoid doing the same!

Making Sacred Incense

by Zachariah Shipman

Of the offerings that our forebears burned for the divine, the most important of which was incense. Incense is typically a bundle of dried plant material that is burned for its fragrance. Typical mediterranean incenses included Frankincense, Storax, and Manna. When the Greeks offered incense, they were just the dried resin/plant material that were burned. Today, however, there are hundreds of possibilities in making incense.

But why stop there when our possibilities are endless? There are a plethora of sacred herbs that exist (that the Greeks had access too as well), so why not draw from there? Incenses were likely selected for their ease of access and their connection to certain myths.

The first step in making your incense is deciding what plants material you would like to burn. You should take into account what the plant means to the God, symbolically, and how easy it is for you to obtain said material. As an example, I am going to provide a recipe for Manna (or at least my version of it). The History of Manna is argued by scholars; some say it is simply powdered Frankincense, while another plausible there is the resin from the ash tree.

In mythology, the Meliai were the nymphs of ash trees who first inhabited the Earth, being born from the blood of Kronos’ deceit against Ouranos. The Meliai have a nursing role with both Zeus and Dionysos, feeding the babes either honey or milk from their own teat.  The brothers of the Meliai, the ‘giant’ (born of the Earth) Korybantes were responsible for hiding the cries of the babes from the keen eyes of Kronos and Hera respectively.

As such, our incense will be made from the resin of the Ash tree, and will be offered to that pantheon of Gods (Zeus, Dionysos, Aristaios, Silenos, Kybele, Kouretes/Korybantes, and the Nymphs).

Ingredients

Ash Tree Resin (Manna - Fraxinus Ornus or other)

Water

Makko Powder

Honey (optional)

Powdered Frankincense (optional)

The first step is to finely grind your ingredients, either by hand or machine. It is preferred to be ground frozen, so that the sap does not get sticky.

Mix your Resin(s) with your Makko powder and a tiny amount of water and honey. Form the incense into a cone shape, or roll it out into a flat disk and break it into pieces. Allow the incense to dry for a day or so, and it should be ready to go!

Burn your new incense to the Gods in your rites, and save the ash! This ash can be used to offer to the Korybantes/Kouretes, Dionysos, the Titans, and Zagreus!

Honoring the Nymphai

by Anonymous

This is a piece I have found written in a journal of mine. I don’t remember writing it; though it sounds like something I’d write, it’s possible I scribbled it down from a book or blog site.

I praise the lovely Nymphai,

maids ever so fair who dance and play,

friends of the beasts, companions of the Gods.

In all the world we see you,

see your might in the work of the wind,

hear your sweet voice in birdsong

Blessed ones, in the wilderness you make your home; each tree, each stone, each winding river, in all of these we find you.

The field of flowers, gaudy, rich with scent; the free-growing forest, artful yet unwrought; the shady grove formed by arching oaks; the moss that clings to stump and stone, all these you touch, all these you shape with skillful hand and artist’s eye.

Lovely ones, gracious ones whose gifts are well sought.

I honour you

To the Nymphs

by Amanda Artemisia Forrester

Sing to me, O Muses, daughters of Mnemosyne

Of the Nymphs who inhabit this world

Spirits of the wilds, frolicking flowers and souls of trees

Beautiful shy girls hidden in the ripples of ponds

The babbling of the brook is the voice of a Naiad

The rustling of the leaves is the voice of the Dryad

All the world bursts with life

For there is a God in everything!

Every tree, every flower, every stone

Has a spirit, a name, their own thoughts

Treat the world, and the Nymphs,

With the respect they deserve!

Gaia is their mother

And She is more vengeful then they

Who prefer to play

To dance in fields

Teasing satyrs and mortal men

Consorts of centaurs

Companions and nurses

Of the child-God Dionysos

Mothers, lovers, daughters, sisters

Of many Deities

Not least of which is Pan

The goat-footed Arcadian

Who plays His pipes so that they might dance

Not quite eternal are they

But close enough

For centuries are as days