Also called Bacchus, Bromios, Dionysos Eleuthereus, Lyaeus.
Their story
Dionysus was born twice: his mother Semele perished when she saw Zeus in his true glory, and Zeus sewed the unborn child into his thigh until he was ready. In one Homeric hymn, pirates seized the young god, but vines grew over their ship and they leapt into the sea and became dolphins.
Best times to give to them
- the Anthesteria in early spring, when new wine was opened
- the City Dionysia in spring
- the Rural Dionysia in winter
- the grape harvest
- before a performance
What they like being given
- wine or grape juice
- grapes, figs and fruit
- ivy
- honey
- music, dance or theatre
How to honour them
- Pour the first drop of wine or grape juice at a celebration for Dionysus.
- Go to the theatre or put on a performance and dedicate it to him.
- Dance freely at home and let go of what holds you back.
- Grow ivy or a grapevine in his honour.
How they can help you
- joy and celebration
- letting go and freedom
- creativity and performance
- breaking free of rigid thinking
- rebirth after hard times
Symbols
- thyrsos (pine-tipped staff)
- grapevine and ivy
- wine cup
- panther
- mask
You can honour Dionysus fully without alcohol, as grape juice, music and dance all belong to him.
Festivals
- Anthesteria The 11th to 13th of the Athenian month Anthesterion, usually late February or early March
Herbs linked with them
- Pine Pinus sylvestris
More Greek gods
- Zeus King of the gods and keeper of oaths
- Apollo Lord of light, music and prophecy
- Hermes Swift messenger and guide of travellers
- Hades Lord of the underworld and giver of wealth
- Poseidon Earth-shaker and lord of the sea
- Helios The all-seeing sun who crosses the sky
- Pan Goat-footed god of shepherds and wild places
- Ares The storm of battle