#asklepia

by Daniel Chodowiecki, 1792

The Festival of Asklepios

~ 8 Elaphebolion ~

Asklepia was first introduced to Athens as by the cult of Asklepios as an extension of City Dionysia.

Originally, the cult worshipped Asklepios near City Dionysia at a temenos (a carving of land meant for Kings or as holy land) to Apollo.

Asklepia allegedly grew to prominence due to the efforts of Sophocles.

Asklepios other festival day was nearing Eleusinian Mysteries, highlighting his importance as a first modern healer demigod, and the god of healing/health. It is said in his healing houses snakes were let loose to roam in honor of Asklepios.

Asklepios grew in popularity around 300 BCE. People flocked to his temples.

Though Asklepios is not involved within the Dionysos myths, because of the efforts and popularity of him, his festivals tended to fall around large festivals so that the polis might be in health for the upcoming days.

Ancient Greeks did not separate technology from the mystics and spirit.

It is known that they were intertwined, the gods aiding in healing as much as doctors.

Traditional Offerings:

- snake memorabilia

- health items

- gold or silver items

Traditional Acts:

- Praying for health

- Offering to Hygeia

- Learning medicinal herbs

Today (elaphebolion 8th) in the hellenistic calendar marks Asklepia, a sacred day to honor Asklepios, the god of healing.

I recited four hymns including Homeric Hymn 16 & Orphic Hymn 67 to Asklepios and poured a wine libation. This day is also good for dream communication and divination.



Homeric Hymn 16 to Asclepius

"I begin to sing of Asklepios, son of Apollon and healer of sicknesses. In the Dotian plain fair Koronis, daughter of King Phlegyas, bare him, a great joy to men, a soother of cruel pangs. and so hail to you, lord: in my song I make my prayer to thee!"

Orphic Hymn 67 to Asclepius

"To Asklepios, Fumigation from Manna. Great Asklepios, skilled to heal mankind, all-ruling Paian, and physician kind; whose arts medicinal can alone assuage diseases dire, and stop their dreadful rage. Strong, lenient God, regard my suppliant prayer, bring gentle health, adorned with lovely hair; convey the means of mitigating pain, and raging deadly pestilence restrain. O power all-flourishing, abundant, bright, Apollon's honoured offspring, God of light; husband of blameless Hygeia, the constant foe of dread disease, the minister of woe: come, blessed saviour, human health defend, and to the mortal life afford a prosperous end."