In the ancient world, Dionysus was known by many names; one was Liber. Liber is the origin of the modern word liberation. There are also several Greek epithets that translate to liberation. Names like Eleutherios, Lusios, and Luaeus, which all translate to liberator. An epithet gives us a glimpse into how different geographical regions worshipped a deity. Because the word liberator, or liberation, appears in so many places and in so many forms, it makes clear that Dionysus was, and is, a deity of liberation.

A liberator frees people from constraints. In the case of Dionysus, he helps to release people from self-consciousness and the confines of societal expectation. "Nobody's free until everybody's free" is a quote from activist Fannie Lou Hamer; these words are the perfect Dionysian call to liberation.

From ancient Greek myths, and earlier, it is clear that Dionysus didn't fit into the norm. He was often called "the girl-faced god," meaning he dressed and acted in ways that would have been seen as feminine by the ancient Greek people. This would not have been culturally accepted. Also, his followers were mainly women, who were subjugated by the culture and disconnected from most of the rights that men had.

For those who haven't looked deeper, it is easy to see Dionysus as the drunken party god. His connection to mystery might seem frivolous or even unnecessary. Drunkenness is really a smokescreen for the real magick that is happening. It is through states of ecstasy that Dionysus helps us to release the shackles of society and the stories we have told ourselves of who we are supposed to be.

The way to liberation is to remember that we don't have to conform to anyone else's expectations. We are our own spiritual authorities. The work of liberation is ongoing; it's not something achieved over a weekend or through one workshop. However, once we start the work of freeing ourselves from the trappings of culture and childhood, we are then obligated to help others be free, too. This path can feel daunting, but it is truly the path to freedom.

So where do we start, and how can Dionysus help?

Step One: Take It In
Before the real changes can begin, you have to take some internal inventory. How do you relate to liberation right now in this time and this place? Where are you stuck? What are the old stories, messages, beliefs that don’t even belong to you, but you keep holding on to? After taking stock you have to be willing to change. You may not feel ready, and that's okay, but you need to be willing.

Dionysus can help you shake up what is stuck so you can start moving forward. He is the god of ecstasy, and it is through ecstasy that things can really start to shift.

Altered States of Being
Dionysus approaches magick through altered states of being. Learning to step outside the mundane and enter ecstatic states offers a different perspective. An altered state shifts us out of the status quo and allows for deeper states of learning and awareness.

Here are some ways to step into altered states:

• Trance/Meditation: calming the body and mind can help us slip into an ecstatic state. Through trance, we can distract the mind, or what you might think of as the "talking self," in order to connect with divinity, or what you might think of as the “collective unconscious."
• Dance: moving our bodies to the point of elation is a great way to shift stuck energy. Movement doesn't mean pushing your body to the point of exhaustion. However, the more you can let go and allow your body to move freely, the easier it becomes to move into states of ecstasy. Sometimes this shift is called an endorphin rush.
• Song/Chant: singing or chanting in repetition helps to shift our minds to altered states. By singing for an extended time, we can step into a bliss-like state. This is ecstasy.
• Substances: of course, the use of drugs or alcohol to help shift the mind into an altered state works; however, using mind-altering substances isn't required and can turn into a dependency.

Therapy
The idea of therapy might not feel like a very magickal thing to do, but therapy can help us really see where societal and familial messaging may be causing us harm. Therapy, alongside magickal practices, is powerful and can help bigger shifts happen more quickly and smoothly. The right therapist can also help you reach your goals, serving as a sounding board and ally as you start to become more fully yourself.

Journaling
A consistent writing practice can help move energy. One practice Julia Cameron suggests in her book The Artist's Way is morning pages. Morning pages are a free-writing exercise where you write whatever comes out of you onto the page for the amount of three pages. This is to get your mind and thoughts flowing. There doesn't need to be a prompt or focus; just let what needs to come out, come out. This practice can show us the subconscious things we need to pay attention to.

Ask Questions
A curious mind can solve a lot of life's puzzles. Approach things with an open and curious mind. Ask questions, seek to understand, be willing to learn. When we can question not only others but ourselves, we become more open to other ways of being. This can help us to shake loose the ties that bind.

The point of all of these ways to step out of the mundane is to help clear our inhibitions. These activities can help us to see where we may be stuck. We can learn more about ourselves and choose to do things differently.

Step Two: Take It Deeper
The work of liberation has to start at home. By home, I mean ourselves, our awareness, and our bodies. This is the ongoing process of knowing ourselves. The better we understand why we are the way we are, the more power we have. Uncovering our truths is a slow, long process. Each emotional stone we turn over has the potential to lead to more stones that need to be turned. At the same time, each stone we turn gives us more power, compassion, and magick.

When you get a chance, look at the image of the Eight of Swords in the Rider-Waite-Smith tarot deck. In this image, we see a woman bound and blindfolded. She is surrounded by swords and standing at a marsh or shoreline. She is in liminal space; a place where anything is possible. At first glance, all may look hopeless, and she may appear powerless. But this card has a secret.

The bindings are not tied. At any point, the woman can free herself from the constriction. She can take off the blindfold and even pick up a sword if needed. In the imagery of this card, Dionysus is the whisper in the air, telling her to move. Dionysus is the marsh and shoreline, the liminal place. He is the one who says to the trapped woman: perhaps there is another way?

Step Three: Take It Out
This work begins at home, with ourselves, but it doesn't stop there. Liberation is for everyone. Once we begin the work of finding our own freedom, we need to start helping others find theirs. Remember, none of us are free until we are all free.

Get involved with causes that fight for the liberation of those without rights. How can you support women, queers, animals, and wild spaces? What can you do with your money, energy, and magick to make sure that all beings are liberated? How can you best support those causes that are doing the work?

Call Dionysus
Through all of these steps, remember to call on Dionysus. And I mean that literally. Call his name. Tell him that you are working for your liberation. Tell him that you are working for the liberation of all beings. Create an altar for him and spend time there. Speak to him out loud and share what you are doing for your liberation and that of others. Burn incense as an offering. Pour him wine as a libation. Sing to him and for him. Make donations to causes that are working for liberation in his name.

Just like Fanny Lou Hamer said, nobody's free until everybody's free.