Observations placeholder
Ektasis and enthousiasmos
Identifier
024330
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background

A description of the experience
W K C Guthrie – The Greeks and their Gods [1950]
Clad in fawnskins and taking in their hands the thyrsos, which was a long rod tipped with a bunch of ivy or vine-leaves, the god's own potent emblem, and with ivy-wreaths upon their heads, they follow their leader (a priest of the god) to the wildest parts of the mountains, lost in the bliss of the dance.
Many carry snakes, wreathed about them, twined in their hair or grasped in the hand as may be seen in the vase-paintings.
Their dance is accompanied by the heavy beat of the tympanum . . . and the strains of the reed-flute, as well as their own excited shouts and cries. Nothing is lacking which can serve to increase the sense of exaltation and of shedding the self of everyday existence; to the darkness, the music and the rhythmic dance are added the smoky light of torches and no doubt the god's especial gift of wine.
Erotic enjoyment probably also contributed to producing the final state of ektasis (standing out-side oneself) and enthousiasmos (possession by the god).
The source of the experience
Dionysos [and the Dionysian Mysteries]Concepts, symbols and science items
Science Items
Activities and commonsteps
Activities
Overloads
Frenetic exerciseSuppressions
DancingListening to beating sounds
Listening to music
Reverse REM
Sex magick
Sexual stimulation
Sexy eating - dairy products, eggs, figs and nuts