Dionysos Exciter To Frenzy by Vikki Bramshaw
DIONYSOS EXCITER TO FRENZY
A study of the God Dionysos history, myth and lore
By Vikki Bramshaw

"There was 'no god more present' than Dionysos: that is, out of all the ancient gods Dionysos was one of the few who people felt that they could reach out and touch" ~ Chapter 4: A God of Many Forms

Dionysos: Exciter to Frenzy is a phenomenal scholarly exploration of one of the most complex, liminal and paradoxical gods of the ancient world. In this journey through the realms of Dionysos, author Vikki Bramshaw guides the reader through the mysterious world of the multifaceted Dionysos, revealing his hidden faces and forms, demonstrating his presence in different cultures, the growth cycles of nature, the establishment of theatre and even the ancient Greek calendar.

The roots of the wine god Dionysos, like his vines, spread throughout the ancient world. From the Cretan Zagreus, to the Thracian Sabazios and the Egyptian Iachen, his stories permeated the myths and traditions of both the untamed wilderness and the culture of cities such as Athens. Joined by slaves and rulers, wild flesh-ripping Maenads and vegetarian Orphics, wine-makers and hunters, the thrice-born Dionysos danced his way through the challenges of rebirth and initiation, with the liberating ecstasy of trance and possession.

The god Dionysos unites opposites, being many-formed, dying yet eternal, chthonian yet heavenly. His ancient myths, mystical symbols, pagan rites and incarnations represent a uniquely detailed and relevant perspective of the transformation he brings through prophecy and personal liberation which is still relevant today.

2013, 240 pages. Paperback & Kindle editions available.
ISBN 978-1-905297-67-2
B&W 6.14 x 9.21 in or 234 x 156 mm (Royal 8vo) Perfect Bound on Creme w/Gloss Lam
 

Dionysos Exciter To Frenzy by Vikki Bramshaw

£14.99Price

  • Introduction
    Who is Dionysos?
    Fermented beverages
    Mythology & cut narrative
    Dionysos Polymorphos: A god of many forms
    Sacrifice, dismemberment & rejuvenation
    Dionysos as liberator: eleutherios and liber
    God of possession & the oracles
    Dionysos as lord of hieros gamos
    The Dionysian calendar
    Conclusion
    Bibliography
    Index
    About the author

  • Vikki Bramshaw is an author and researcher committed to studying folklore, authentic ritual and the esoteric since the late 90's. Some of her passions are religious history, theurgy, initiatory rites, trance and magic.

    Her ground-breaking 'Dionysos: Exciter to Frenzy', was published in 2013, exploring the numerous facets of the god Dionysos, revealing the hidden faces of the thrice-born god and the extent of his influence in the mysteries of the ancient world.  Her first book, 'Craft of the Wise: A Practical Guide', was published with JH Publishing in 2009, with a second edition published by Avalonia in 2017. 

    Vikki has also contributed to a number of anthologies, journals and magazines over the years and speaks at a range of events about ritual, magic and religious history. 

    Vikki Bramshaw lives in the UK in deepest darkest Hampshire.