In ancient Greece, this day was the central day of Anthesteria, a three-day festival honoring Dionysus. Dionysus was the twice-born son of Zeus and Semele. Snatched from the womb of his dying mother, his fetus was carried to term in the thigh of Zeus. After his birth he was given to Hermes who brought him to the nymphs of Nysa to keep the boy safe. Today, Dionysus is the most elusive of the Greek gods. He was considered both animal and human, born of a woman and a man. He is male, but can be effeminate in the company of women. He is also thought to be both young and old. But most of all, he was the god of wine and ecstasy. To celebrate Dionysus, toast to him with wine and pour a libation. Ask him to deliver you from the confines of definition and limitation, and seek his wisdom to find the magical place that lies between opposites, a third pole between polarities-the sacred center. |