Democritus

Crying Heraclitus and laughing Democritus (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Democritus (460-370 BCE) was a Greek Presocratic philosopher born in Thrace whose surviving fragments reveal that he wrote on physics, math, ethics and music.

His atomic theory, coming to us through Aristotle, posits an infinite number of differently shaped and everlasting atoms(tiny indivisible particles) that randomly combine to create an infinite number of worlds throughout time. Each world displays natural laws but since randomly generated, they are not intelligently directed by a creator.

Democritus was keenly aware of the now common distinction between macroscopic and microscopic reality. This is quite remarkable considering he lived over 1,900 years before the first primitive microscope was invented in 1590 CE. As he writes in Fragment 9:

Conventionally sweet, conventionally bitter, conventionally hot, conventionally cold, conventionally color, but really atoms and void.¹

He was also aware of the need for some kind or locus of consciousness (i.e. the soul) which he sees as the underlying cause of life as perceived through the five senses. For Democritus the soul is composed of tiny round atoms, and instead of being eternal, is subject to death. And again, remarkably, Democritus believed that the soul perceives things when its atoms are impacted by the atoms of worldly objects.²

David John Furley notes that Democritus’ theories met with significant opposition. With the exception of Epicurus and Lucretius, the leading figures of the ancient world preferred the ideas of Plato, Aristotle and the Stoics over his own. And by the time of the scientific revolution, when the importance of his ideas became clear, almost all of his complete works were lost.³

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¹ John Palmer ” Democritus of Abdera ” The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome. Ed. Michael Gagarin. © Oxford University Press 2010. The Oxford Encyclopedia of Ancient Greece and Rome: (e-reference edition). Oxford University Press. Toronto Public Library. 5 July 2012 http://www.oxford-greecerome.com/entry?entry=t294.e362

² David John Furley, The Oxford Classical Dictionary Oxford University Press 1996, 2000.

³ Ibid.

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Numerology

L'icona di Easy Numerology by Omar Cafini

Numerology is the ancient and contemporary belief that there’s an intimate connection between numerical quantity, the workings of the universe and, by implication, future events.

Numerology has roots in India, China and Greece.

Hindu culture was the birthplace of the concept of zero. The Hindus invented the base-10 number system used today, which was brought to the West by Arabs scholars, who further refined the decimal system.

The Mayans also used zero in a base-twenty numeral system.

The Chinese allocated numbers on a sacred board, the Lo Chou, and believed that even and odd numerals represented different objects and conditions (e.g. day and night, white and dark, hot and cold, fire and water, sun and earth).

The Greek philosopher Pythagoras advanced number theory to new heights, applying it to the study of ratios and geometry, often integrating this with the idea of cosmic interconnectedness.

In his discussion on his concept of synchronicity (the belief in meaningful coincidence), the Swiss psychiatrist C. G. Jung cited the idea of recurring numbers as an illustration of one type of synchronicity.

While Jung points out that synchronicity refers to personally meaningful coincidences, he also warns against actively selecting stimuli from the environment to supposedly “discover” phenomena such as recurring numbers. In addition, he does not advocate a secondary interpretation based on (or distorted by) an unresolved complex.

But since it seems that no one is psychologically perfect, this creates a problem for Jung’s theory. At what point of mental ‘healthiness’ does genuine, unaffected synchronicity appear, and biased, false synchronicity depart?

One could argue that today’s physics is a kind of numerology. This is particularly easy to understand within the branch of astronomy called astrophysics. As Freeman Dyson points out in his book, Infinite in all Directions, many advanced theories about cosmic connections are still being worked out and incomplete. Also, they usually encounter rival theories that might better account for the phenomena they try to describe or predict.

In other words, playing with numbers, even at a very high level of abstraction and complexity, is still playing with numbers…

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Plotinus

Assiut: "Plotinus (Neo Platonic) lived here in the Second Century" | Boston Public Library / BPL

Plotinus (205-70 CE) was an ancient Greek philosopher thought to have been born in Egypt, normally said to have established the branch of philosophy called Neoplatonism. In 244 CE at Rome he became a noted teacher of asceticism, encouraging the introspective life. Later, he founded a short-lived community in Campania, based on the ideal society outlined in Plato‘s Republic.

Plotinus’ works were edited and put into six groups of nine, called the “Enneads,” by his disciple Porphyry.

Perhaps his most important contribution to the history of ideas is his notion of the One. For Plotinus the One is Goodness and Beauty existing before, and the ultimate source of all observable differentiations found in, our world of becoming. Our world emanates from the One, this process setting up a complicated and hierarchical series of arrangements, or dyads, all leading back up to the One.

Psycho-spiritual liberation, then, is best found in personal union with the One, described as an ephemeral experience of pure, insurmountable delight. According to Porphyry, Plotinus had four of these ecstatic experiences during the period in which these two men associated with one another.

Plontinus’ work has been widely influential. The Swiss psychologist C. G. Jung mentions his term “word soul” when speaking of the archetype of the self. And New Age and Gnostic circles of thought have picked up on and adapted his work in countless ways.

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Sophists

Ancient Olympia, Greece: cdnbusiness

Sophists

Independent Greek public speakers of the 5th century BCE, teaching for a fee about politics, philosophy and rhetoric.

Protagoras is usually regarded as the first with Gorgias being another prominent sophist. Wikipedia also lists Prodicus, Hippias, Thrasymachus, Lycophron, Callicles, Antiphon, and Cratylus.

Plato portrays them in his dialogues as foils for the sober, sound argumentation of Socrates.

In the most general sense sophists are usually depicted as denying the existence of ultimate reality and morality in favor of worldly pleasures derived from the senses.

Likewise, they’re often said to reject the Greek gods and advocate the perfection of humanity.

In actual fact, there is no single school of Sophist thought. Plato’s response to the leading Sophists is as complex as are their various positions. Although generally slighted by Plato, the sophists were highly intelligent, contributing to knowledge about linguistics, drama and a prototypical form of applied sociology.

On the Web:

• Video touching on some of the topics that the ancient Greeks debated, topics that carried on to the Middles Ages and to today.

» Baudrillard (Jean, A.)

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Sibyl

The Libyan Sibyl by Cliff

Sibyl

A name representing alleged prophetesses consulted in ancient Greece and Rome, said to prophecize in ecstasy, under the temporary possession of Apollo.

Ten Sibylline oracles have been recorded by history. The best known Sibyl is said to have resided in a cave at Cumea, near Naples–”The Cumean Sibyl.”

In Vergil‘s Aneid this Sibyl is visited by Aeneas before his descent to Hades. She is also believed to have composed the original Sibylline books.

These prophetic works were taken to Rome, where they were guarded by two nobles. Extended volumes of Sibylline books survived into the 4^th century CE.

Another famous Sibyl lived in Erythia in Asia, “The Erythian Sibyl.”

Sibyls appear in Christian art and literature. Early Christian interest in the Sibylline oracles raised them to a status comparable to the Old Testament Prophets.

In 1973 a popular novel, Sibyl, was written by Flora Rheta Schreiber based on the life of Shirley Ardell Mason, a woman diagnosed with multiple personality disorder or MPD. In 1976 the book was made into a film with Sally Field as Sibyl.

In the 19^th and 20^th centuries, two other novels have also been entitled Sibyl.

» Mistletoe, DSM-IV-TR

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Sappho

Safo o Afrodita, Museu Arqueològic d'Istambul by Sebastià Giralt

Sappho (610-580 BCE)

Greek lyric poetess, born in Lesbos who wrote within the context of the cult of Aphrodite and the veneration of the Muses.

Only 8th and 9th century copies and fragments – along with more fragments obtained from papyrus discoveries since 1898 – of her work and one complete address to Aphrodite remain.

Sappho was married and wrote verse for weddings. She also arranged poetic gatherings where she and other women composed and read poetry, as was the custom of women of good standing in Lesbos. From this she developed several close relationships.

Her extant work reveals no clear evidence of physical intimacy with these women but other ancient figures caricaturized her and the entire island of Lesbos as a center for lesbianism. As such, she went into exile in Sicily, later returning to Mytilene.

She is often cited today as an inspiration for lesbian love. Speaking about herself and her associates, she once wrote,

I think that someone will remember us in another time.

» Goddess vs. goddess

On the Web:

• “Sappho (Σαπφώ) was born in the seventh century BC, in the island of Lesbos. Her love of women reflects a deeper love for civilization.”

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Tyche

Caligula with Tyche Syria by Joe Geranio

Tyche (Greek: luck)

The Greek goddess of chance or fortune, usually identified with the Roman goddess Fortuna. Personifications of Tyche are somewhat unclear, although the abstract idea of Tyche is found throughout ancient literature and her imprint appears on ancient Hellenistic coins some three centuries before the birth of Jesus Christ.

Tyche is often referred to as one of the Fates or as a daughter of Zeus. Temples for Tyche were mostly built around cities, offering protection or good luck.

In art she’s sometimes depicted as blind but her influence goes further than that. In medieval times

she was depicted as carrying a cornucopia, an emblematic ship’s rudder, and the wheel of fortune, or she may stand on the wheel, presiding over the entire circle of fate. In the Greco-Buddhist art of Gandhara, Tyche became closely associated with the Buddhist ogress Hariti.†

One source says she’s an Oceanid, one of a group of 3,000 nymphs who are daughters of the oldest of the Titans, Oceanus. » Taboo

On the Web:

• Youtube video showing a temple of Tyche and giving a wonderful feel of the ancient world: “The Zeus temple, high tower, and mausoleum date from the Hellenistic Olba kingdom while the city gate, colonnaded street, fountain, and temple of Tyche are from the Roman period” (MariaJBogaerts)

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† http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tyche

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Tai Chi Chuan

Tai chi chuan or Jedi? by Womby

Tai Chi Chuan

A defensive Chinese martial art said to be at least 2,000 years old, based on the principles of Tai Chi.

Tai Chi Chuan is a graceful, slow-moving series of (usually) 108 archetypal positions relating to nature (e.g. “grasp bird’s tail”) and simple human activities (e.g. “fair maiden works at shuttles”) that effortlessly flow into one another.

The practice has spread throughout the world via Taoist masters and missionaries.

Enthusiasts say that it has notable health benefits in the areas of digestion, general flexibility, arthritis and the cultivation of serenity.

Critics say that the organizational aspect can have cultish qualities. And some feel that the numinosity associated with or generated by the practice of Tai Chi might be unclear and “spacey.”

To this effect Robert Thoor cautions:

Avoid strict or spacey teachers.†

» Anthroposophy, Yin-Yang

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† http://www.haotaichi.com/eng/q&a.htm

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Vestal Virgins

Vestal Virgin by Morin 1791 Terracotta

Originally uploaded by mharrsch

Vestal Virgins

A priesthood of virgin women in ancient Rome probably of patrician class.

The Vestals apparently were instituted by the Roman King Numa and were thought to be the symbolic or perhaps spiritual daughters of the earliest Roman Kings.

They served for a minimum of 30 years (with a maximum of a lifetime), answered to the pontifex maximus (the head priest), lived in a building near the Forum called the Atrium Vestae, and were maintained at public expense.

Chosen by lots among pure-looking girls aged 6-10 years, they guarded the sacred flame at the temple of Vesta, also located near the Forum.

Their ongoing purity was essential. If found unchaste, a priestess could be buried alive as punishment.

In 83 CE, for instance, Domitian executed three Vestal Virgins on charges of immorality.

In 90 CE the chief Vestal, Cornelia, was buried alive.

» Romulus and Remus
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Venus

Birth of Venus

Originally uploaded by Sandruz

Venus

In Roman mythology Venus is the parallel to the Greek Aphrodite, although Venus is more somewhat more subdued than Aprhodite.

Venus is a goddess of seduction and, in one group of rites and myth, she is associated with Roman wine fesitvals (Vinalia) and thus regarded as a mediator between Jupiter and the Roman people.

She is also the mother of Aeneas, who according to the poet Vergil is the founder of Rome.

And she was the lover of Mars, who with the mortal Rhea Silva begat the twin brothers Romulus and Remus.

Since Rome was named after Romulus, who after disposing of Remus became the first ruler of Rome, Venus plays a kind of dual role in the founding of Rome. As such, she was given a solemnity among the Romans that Aphrodite did not enjoy among the Greeks.

Venus’ first known temple was built shortly after 295 BCE. And despite New Age and Jungian attempts to treat her as some pristine archetype, and others to link her to the Indian Vedic term for desire, her historical roots remain obscure.

However, it’s clear that her character did develop, as most mythic entities do, along with sociopolitical changes in Rome. The influential aristocrat Sulla called her his “Protectress” and by the time of the Roman Empire, Venus was incorporated into the official pantheon.

In astronomy Venus is the second planet from the sun. Due to its brightness, Venus looks like a star and is accordingly called the “morning star” or “evening star.”

» Aliens, Aphrodite, Cupid, Earth, Ishtar, Libra, Taurus

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