Observations placeholder
Homer - The Odyssey - Circe
Identifier
005923
Type of Spiritual Experience
Background
We were taught Homer at school, but I don't remember this bit being in the edition they gave us 11 year olds.
Fiction of course, but all fiction has a basis in fact, the Odyssey is a saga based on the spiritual path and the journey of the hero.
In this extract, it appears there are spells – but I suspect mostly ‘potions’ [drugs] that cause infatuation and lust!
Circe by Wright Barker
A description of the experience
Homer – The Odyssey
'And I will tell you of all the wicked witchcraft that Circe will try to practise upon you. She will mix a mess for you to drink, and she will drug the meal with which she makes it, but she will not be able to charm you, for the virtue of the herb that I shall give you will prevent her spells from working. I will tell you all about it.
When Circe strikes you with her wand, draw your sword and spring upon her as though you were going to kill her. She will then be frightened and will desire you to go to bed with her; on this you must not point blank refuse her, for you want her to set your companions free, and to take good care also of yourself, but you make her swear solemnly by all the blessed that she will plot no further mischief against you, or else when she has got you naked she will unman you and make you fit for nothing.'