Dionysos Exciter to Frenzy: A study of the God Dionysos: history, myth and lore - Softcover

Bramshaw, Vikki

Softcover

ISBN 10: 190529767X ISBN 13: 9781905297672

Publisher: Avalonia, 2013

Synopsis

"There was 'no god more present' than Dionysos: that is, out of all the ancient gods Dionysos was one of the few who people felt that they could reach out and touch" ~ Chapter 4: A God of Many Forms

Dionysos: Exciter to Frenzy is a phenomenal scholarly exploration of one of the most complex, liminal and paradoxical gods of the ancient world. In this journey through the realms of Dionysos, the author Vikki Bramshaw guides the reader through the mysterious world of the multifaceted Dionysos, revealing his hidden faces and forms, demonstrating his presence in different cultures, the growth cycles of nature, the establishment of theatre and even the ancient Greek calendar.

The roots of the wine god Dionysos, like his vines, spread throughout the ancient world. From the Cretan Zagreus, to the Thracian Sabazios and the Egyptian Iachen, his stories permeated the myths and traditions of both the untamed wilderness and the culture of cities such as Athens. Joined by slaves and rulers, wild flesh-ripping Maenads and vegetarian Orphics, wine-makers and hunters, the thrice-born Dionysos danced his way through the challenges of rebirth and initiation, with the liberating ecstasy of trance and possession.

The god Dionysos unites opposites, he is many-formed, dying yet eternal, chthonian and heavenly. His ancient myths, mystical symbols, pagan rites and incarnations represent a uniquely detailed and relevant perspective of the transformation he brings through prophecy and personal liberation which is still relevant today.

About this title

About the Author

Vikki Bramshaw is an author specialising in pre-Christian religion and esoteric traditions. Some of her passions are religious history, theurgy, initiatory rites, and trance. Her first book, 'Craft of the Wise: A Practical Guide' was published with John Hunt Publishing in 2009, after which Vikki wrote for several anthologies with Avalonia including Swaying with the Serpent (featuring in Hekate: Her Sacred Fires, 2010) and 'The Scorpion & the Bridal Bed' (featuring in VS: Thou Art That - That Thou Art, 2011). In this book, 'Dionysos: Exciter to Frenzy', Vikki explores the numerous facets of the god Dionysos revealing the hidden faces of the thrice-born god and the extent of his influence in the mysteries of the ancient world, through the cycles of nature and beyond. Vikki has also completed several courses as part of her ongoing research, including The Origins of Human Behaviour with Oxford University. She is also a trained Holistic Healer with the SHA, a qualified Equine Sports Massage Therapist, and has studied an introductory course in Counselling and Transactional Analysis with Peter Symonds College of Winchester.

Edition details

• Publisher: Avalonia
• Publication date: 2013
• ISBN 10: 190529767X
• ISBN 13: 9781905297672
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 240