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Bacchus Dionysus
During the time of Rome, he was known as Bacchus, the god of wine. Bacchus was the protector of those who imbibed a little, a lot, or simply were totally drunk! He gave a release from stress and a relaxation from hard work, and he was present when businessmen, politicians, soldiers, friends,' and lovers would come together.
But there was a much darker and wilder side to Bacchus Dionysus in centuries before. He was recognised as a god who was both riotous and oddly enough who would reveal the deepest mysteries of life to those who were willing to take the, chance!
His cult was wild and dangerous: the unwary risked death and dismemberment in trespassing on the rites or attempting to spy on the worshippers.
And the deeper mysteries of life, death, and immortality? They're still here for those who wish to seek them. But for now, celebrate the fruit of the fall season. Raise a chalice of fine red wine, and give a salutation to Bacchus, to Dionysus.
Serpents (Snakes)
The stories of Dionysus' birth vary. The original legend, from the far more ancient sea-empire of Crete, seems to be that the Goddess coupled with the primal male-force of the serpent while she was herself in serpent form to beget the ambitious and daring young goddess who later was called Persephone.
Some authors say that Persephone was not seized and carried off by Hades to the underworld, but quite willingly sought him out and went with him. Hades, in addition to ruling the land of the dead, was and is still the patron of wealth and power, and possesses the vast wisdom of life, death, and what lies beyond.
Then the primeval serpent mated again, or perhaps it was Hades himself, but Persephone gave birth to Dionysus. His symbol has become the snake or serpent.
The snake is an arcane symbol of earth and water. It has its own intelligence. Like a river winding its way above ground or far below, it creeps silently along its path. It dwells in the earth and comes forth like a fresh spring of water from the hillside, or a new shoot from its hole.
Above all, the serpent can penetrate the tomb, and in sloughing off its own skin represents rebirth and immortality. It can be a dangerous creature, but similarly there is danger in seeking the deepest of wisdom.
Maenads (Wild Women)
Women especially were drawn to following Dionysian celebrations and the deeper mysteries beyond the wild rites. There was a lot of the uninhibited riotousness of a modern day rock concert-and more- to these exuberant and ecstatic gatherings.
According to some ancient writers it was possible for a woman for whom the pressures of possible life had simply gotten too great to take off for a week, month, or more and join with the maenads, the "wild women," who did indeed run completely wild and totally free in the forest, enjoying riotous, ecstatic dancing, singing, and drinking in the mountain wilderness.
Encountering them was terminally unfortunate for the unlucky wanderer, the curious rogue, or the wild animal who trespassed on their domains! They were viewed as sacred madwomen, and by both religious law and popular sentiment, no harm was ever to come to them, on pain of death. Offerings of food and drink were left by the devout in places, where the maenads would find them. There was a risk to performing this duty to Dionysus, however, for anyone caught by the wild women could quite possibly meet a violent end.
After a woman had "been wild" for long enough and felt that all the stresses of house and family responsibilities had been worked out of her system, she could apparently return home to resume her life as. before, no questions asked, dignity intact.
Will we ever have a return of the maenads, the Bacchaae, the wild women? With some modifications for this very different era it might still be a very interesting idea, and a way for getting life's hard pressures out of the soul and spirit. Perhaps some day.
updated August 31, 2000
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