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Zagreus is a Greek deity, better known as Dionysus. He is primarily known as the God of Intoxication, but this is a limiting interpretation. In actuality, Zagreus is the God of Divine Frenzy, of which intoxication is but a small part. The God Zagreus actually pre-dates the Olympian pantheon. It is believed that he was imported from the peoples of Crete, where he governed Mead & was the principle consort to their supposed "Mother Goddess". Dionysus was also a principle figure in the Eleusinian Mysteries, being the vehicle for the redemption of Humanity & the basis for the divine nature inherent within Man. Crowley also discusses Zagreus in his essays on the 'Fool' Trump (the sub-section is titled "Zagreus Dionysus"). In antiquity, Zagreus appeared as a bearded man. Under the Greeks, he became more youthful, appearing as a horned youth. Obviously, he can appear to the individual devotee as he wishes, but in my visions and dealings with the god, he has chosen to appear as slightly muscular man, with small horns, and a neatly trimmed, short beard. This is undoubtedly due to the millenia of association of his image with that of Satan (sans the red skin and pointy tail). His dress is of fine silks and leather. His hair is jet black & eyes are steely blue. He radiates power, authority and sexuality. He governs Day, Life, Sex, Frenzy, Intoxication and Nature. Further references:
Page uploaded: 28 July 2001 |