This painting, by artist Damon Denys, is my personal favorite depiction of the god. It’s apparently based on a self-portrait, but it also happens to be incredibly close to the way I imagine Dionysos would look as a man. The most interesting symbolism was actually unintentional - I emailed him when I found this painting online to ask if he’d noticed how the Futhark rune Uruz fits perfectly over the shape of Dionysos’ body but he told me he actually didn’t notice it.
Uruz means “aurochs”, which is a wild ox, similar to the Dionysian symbol of the bull. The wildness and power of the aurochs is part of the runes symbolism, as is fertility and creativity, all of which Dionysos knows well. The fact that an image used in divination can be seen in the painting only adds to the symbolism!
Late last night I was reading an older post over at the House of Vines on possible devotional activities for Dionysos. While reading, the song “White Rabbit” by Jefferson Airplane came to mind.
I post this very awesome song in honor of Dionysos, Lord of Intoxication (in its many fun-filled forms). Enjoy!
“Song for Heimdall”, by Karl Donaldsson
The lyrics to this and other songs and info about Karl Donaldsson, the wonderful artist, can be found here. This hymn is on my “Top 5” list of Heathen/Ásatrú songs. It honors Heimdallr (Warder of the Bifrost Road, among other things) and tells of Ragnarök. I often imagine this to be one of the many, many songs the Einherjar roar while ripping into Sæhrímnir at Valhalla’s feast table. It’s a wonderful piece; I love it!!
Secret of the Crossroads Devil by Gaia Consort
A light-hearted, tasty morsel for Coyote. Savor it!
“Hellhound on my Trail” by Robert Johnson
Part IV of IV in my multimedia offering to the Spirits of the Road and Crossroads. This one has overt hoodoo references, which is just fantastic.
Due to the copious amount of references to the devil and to hot foot powder and given the mysterious way in which Robert Johnson died, it is not surprising that the WB TV show Supernatural used bits of the legend and myth surrounding him to form the backbone for a Season Two episode entitled “Cross Road Blues” which is the title of the third song in this multimedia offering series.
You can check out a clip from Supernatural on YouTube which opens with a scene of a hellhound on “Johnson’s” trail.
“Cross Road Blues” by Robert Johnson
This is Part III of IV in my multimedia offering for the Spirits of the Road and Crossroads!!
Excuse me but Robert Johnson is awesome. That is all; carry on.
“Me and the Devil”, the original by Robert Johnson
The original has so much character and feeling. I couldn’t not post it :-).
A multimedia offering for the Spirits of the Road and Crossroads (part II of IV)!!
“Me and the Devil”, remake by Gil Scott Heron of Robert Johnson original
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I make this multimedia offering (Part I of IV) to the gods and goddesses, orisha, lwa, and spirits of the Roads and of the Crossroads whom I occasionally encounter along the Way and who sometimes even join me at the local haunt for a drink and a cigar.
For the Spirits of the Roads and Crossroads
For Elegua, old man at the crossroads and the one who first crosses my mind when I hear these songs.
For Hekate, queen of my heart, keeper of the three ways.
For Mercury, shepherd of souls, lord of travellers
For Odin, way-tame wanderer and seeker after wisdom
For the Baron and Maman, Lord and Lady of the Dead, Master and Mistress of the Boneyard
Gil Scott Heron’s remake of Robert Johnson’s “Me and the Devil” is included here because it is just too good! He makes the piece accessible to a new generation, though I still like the original! Check out Part II of IV for the original.
Ravens by (the Pagan band formerly known as) Gaia Consort
Ah, Gaia Consort, solid and dependable Pagan musical stylings for the everyday sort of animist-polytheist. This fun song is more bread for Raven. Take a big bite!
Krummavísur, performed by Voces Thules
An Icelandic folk song about the hardships a raven experiences in deep winter. I am fond of this version of the song, though there are many others by other groups.
The YouTube link given here has the lyrics in Icelandic but not the English translation. I found an English translation but I am not sure if I can trust it, given that I do not speak Icelandic. If someone knows of a better English translation, please do share :-)!
And the English lyrics that I have are:
A raven slept in a rock-rift.
A cold winter night
makes him feel sorry.
Before the beautiful day went away,
he, with his frozen nose, moved
underneath a large stone.
Everything outside is frozen;
there is nothing on the shore anymore.
Hunger is in my stomach.
When I go to the houses,
boldly, a dog forbids me
to pick something from the garbage.
Everything on the earth is covered in ice,
nothing on the hill-table
that the birds are able to see.
And even if I go looking outside in the heath
for riches, it doesn’t appear anywhere in the tufts of grass.
What shall a raven eat?
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