I recently finished Ariadne by Jennifer Saint. It was the Hellenic take of Ariadne’s story (as She is originally a sovereign Minoan Underworld Goddess), although I won’t tell you which ending the author chose in case you want to read it too.
I am a fan of modern mythology and retellings. Giving voices to those who had none in most of the old stories. Exposing so-called “heroes” who don’t deserve hero-worship as the dishonorable POS they were.
In the Hellenic stories, Ariadne was the Princess of Crete who helped Perseus escape the labyrinth after he killed the Minotaur. She escaped with him and the dbag abandoned her on an island and moved on with his life as a celebrated hero. Now there’s different versions of the story, one of which Perseus attempts to spread in the book. But with the old stories, sometimes Ariadne dies on the island and other times, Dionysus falls in love with her, she becomes his wife, and an immortal. How this all happens…well, different versions.
Again, I’m not going to say which ending, but I cried at the end of the book.
I also love that Saint showed some of Dionysus’ dark side, too. Most of the World’s Gods have a dark side. I’d say all, but I’ve yet to see Kuan Yin’s. Course it comes down to perspective, of course. One person’s healer is another person’s curser.
I really liked this take of that story. And like the retellings that I love, I’ve added this book to my mythology shelf. I don’t care if the story is ancient or not. They’re all just stories, and this, like others, resonates with me better. Stories are art, and art affects us all differently. Plus with the old myths, all we have are what survived. The ancients were telling stories of the gods and spirits long before depicting them in art or writing them down. Again, we have what survived. Which is why we shouldn’t be taking those old myths as the end-all, be-all.
In my spiritual life, Dionysus and Ariadne are both part of my Personal Pantheon. Dionysus first, then Ariadne, and not just the Hellenic versions of Them. The Gods can’t be kept in human boxes of cultures and pantheons, especially when those humans—ancient and modern—have a habit of adopting or stealing and changing Their names, genders, positions, domains, and overall stories through trade, exploration, or conquering. Or, “Hey your gods sounds like mine god. Therefore that god must just be my god in cultural/religious disguise.”
Plus the Gods aren’t stuck in the past, and those ancient surviving stories aren’t the end-all, be-all of Them either. And my Deities have told me that They are not the Myth Gods. Those are just stories inspired by Them. Spiritual Fanfiction, if you will. Sure some of Them may have had a hand in their writing, but not always. Humans have quite the imagination and ways of explaining the world around them. Humans can also have a way with words….words of inspiration, of lessons, of entertainment, of culture and ideas, of inspiring fear mongering and controlling others (yeah ancient Pagans did that, too).
Sure, read those old stories, love them, and take away lessons, but don’t take them literally or as law.
Wrong religion.
Want to know the Real Gods? Sure, read the stories, but keep in mind that they are just stories. There are various ways of building relationships with these entities, and you don’t need to be psychic or a card slinger to communicate with Them. Think outside the box.
May your weekend be gentle.
~ Priestess Kristy "Foxlyn" Tackett
(also posted on my Substack)
I offer psychic readings if interested. I’m a Psychic Medium who can channel Deities, Spirits, and the Dead—human and animal. These entities may use pendulums, cards, runes, automatic writing/typing/drawing, possession, or energies to answer your questions. I accept venmo and trade. Click the link above for more information.
Readings will be offered on my Etsy soon.
Until then, you can email me at foxtorchphoto18@gmail.com
On April 26th, If you’re in the area of Dayton, Ohio, I’ll be at Kettering Polen Farm for Dayton Pagan Coalition’s Psychic Faire. If you’re also a local vendor, psychic, or healer, there may still be spots available.
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