Demon Slayer

For the past week, I've been having reoccurring dreams of being a demon slayer alla Van Helsing, John Constantine, or Laura Croft. The aforementioned visions inspired me to describe the current progression of my imagination into a strange and fantastical world. Lately every action has taken on a fated meaning.

Aramaic Incantation Bowl for Expelling Demons

These dreams started after I raided the Archaeology Center at my old school (a Jesuit Institution) for books on the occult as well as language and general Archaeology. Among these grimoires I found several interesting volumes on Astronomy, Astrology, Demonology, Conjuring, Incantations, Talismans, Rituals, and many other subjects. Of the few books I have scanned since their reacquisition, I have already learned a great deal about the workings of the cosmos. All summer long, I've developed a strange taste for mysticism, and unfortunately this is feeding the fire.

To share a bit about these dreams, I attempt to find artifacts of potent spiritual power and beauty, but in the process, I find the mansions, museums, and collections possessed by a variety of demons. The word "Demon"derives from the Greek word daimon (δαίμων) which simply refers to a spiritual being of no specific malevolent or benevolent connotations. An Agathos Daimon is usually a tutelary deity or benevolent spirit. Similarly, in Roman religion, is the Genius or personal divinity which is derivative of the Roman belief in animism. These "Demons" come in many different forms, including that of a winged person (much like the depiction of an Angel) or a serpent (connection with Chthonic earthly forces).

In addition to these basic types, there are also a multitude of other spirits classified in these dreams, such as Vampires, Incubi/ Succubi (sexual spirits), Jinn (Arab genies), and a number of other various theriomorphic beings from Egyptian mythology.

Egyptian Wand with various inscribed Demons

At the end of these dreams, I eventually destroy the malevolent spirits using guns, swords, knives, etc. and rescue the object I was sent to recover (much like genies and lamps). Who knows, maybe if I continue to read these manuals, I'll be able to protect and use artifacts to defeat malevolent demonic forces.

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale

Apollo

Ἀπόλλων

Ἑκηβόλος  "Far Shooting"

I have always felt a special connection to Apollo, an Olympian deity who ruled many aspects of the Greco-Roman religion:
He is associated with the keeping of order and justice, as well as dealing out punishment to the wicked. In accordance with this, he was also honored in the founding of new cities, especially Greek colonies in Magna Graecia in Italy. (My family is from Naples and Agrigento, both of which are in this area.)


As a protector god, he has the power to heal the sick and prevent evil as an apotropaic deity.


His cult was famous for its oracles and he was associated with the connection between the divine and man.

Apollo as a seer pouring libations, with a raven and lyre.

As a patron of the arts, he was honored in sculpture and painting from an early age, inspired by the beauty of male youths. He also ruled over song and music, as he was often shown with a lyre given to him by Hermes.


He was associated with multiple solar deities, due to his association with light (epithet: Phoebus "shining"). He took the place of the titan Helios, eventually absorbing his name as another epithet. In Egypt he was syncretized with the falcon-god Horus, who was also associated with similar solar and healing aspects.

In addition, he is the god of Archery, plague, male youth, and much, more...
Animals sacred to Apollo include ravens, serpents, deer, dolphins, wolves, and my favorite... Griffins!

Eastern Solar Deity-riding a Griffin.

You can see now why I think he is so awesome- and why he is near and dear to my heart.


Homeric Hymn 21 to Apollo: "Phoibos [Apollo], of you even the swan sings with clear voice to the beating of his wings, as he alights upon the bank by the eddying river Peneios; and of you the sweet-tongued minstrel, holding his high-pitched lyre, always sings both first and last. And so hail to you lord! I seek your favour with my song."

Ankh Wedja Seneb
(Life Prosperity Health)

Leif Lauderdale