These later days of summer during the harvest time are when Sicilians celebrate the Madonna, or “our lady,” the mother, with great reverence — in other words, our planet, Mother Earth. The dark, fertile earth provides for us and gives us sustenance, and since ancient times, throughout the Mediterranean, the spirit of the giving goddess…
Tag: divine feminine
Southeastern Sicily’s Iblean Mountains
The Iblean Mountains of southeastern Sicily, pictured in the background, hold the energy of many ancient peoples. The most significant prior to the arrival of the Greeks, were the Siculi (Sicels in English), who historians believe arrived in Sicily from the middle of the Italic penisula circa 1200 BCE. The limestone Iblean (or Hyblean) mountains…
They Looked For Love In Erice, Sicily
The town Erice (pronounced Èh-ree-chay) is named for Eryx (or Eros), the mythical son of the goddess Venus and her lover, King Bute of the ancient Elimi tribe (NB that makes the Greco-Roman hero Aeneas his half-brother.). Erice boasts a 12th century Norman castle (pictured), known as Il Castello di Venere or the Castle of…
The Goddess Demeter To Santa Lucia
Join us for a party for La Festa di Santa Lucia (Saint Lucy)! This 3rd century BCE bust was found in Siracusa at the site of what was the sanctuary of Demeter and Kore (Persephone). Do you know the myth of the goddess Demeter and her maiden daughter? This Sunday, December 8 at Cacio e…
Erice, Sicily Will Ignite Your Spirit
A view of Trapani, Sicily and the Egadi Islands from Erice. Erice is perched on the top of Mount Erice. It seems close, but it is remote at about 2400 feet above sea level. Approached by two roads of switchbacks or a funicular, it was developed by the Phoenicians in the 7th century BCE, yet…
He Reminded Me Of My Sicilian Grandfather
“I loved meeting Aldo at this farm. He reminded me of my Sicilian grandfather who always had his hands in the dirt, as his home and backyard was planted with herbs and vegetables and figs galore. I also loved Aldo’s art studio. I love art and all creative endeavors, and the mixing of this with…
Siracusa’s Myth of Aretusa
In May, during our tour Myths & Mysteries of Sicily: As Above/So Below, we’ll be staying right near this stunning Fontana di Diana in Ortigia, Siracusa that tells the story of the Nereid-water nymph Aretusa and her protector, the goddess Artemis/Diana. One day while hunting in the forest in Greece, Aretusa decided to take a…
The Power Of The Pomegranate
Pomegranates (melograni in Italian) are in season. Scholars believe that the fruit was brought to Sicily by both the Phoenicians and the Greeks, not only for food, but also for religious reasons. Pomegranate seeds represent fertility, prosperity, abundance, and generosity. And because of the Persephone myth–when the maiden daughter of the goddess Demeter eats the…
Celebrating The Madonna On September 8
September 8 is considered the birthday of the Blessed Mother by the Catholic Church. As a result, throughout Sicily this weekend, there are festivals to celebrate the Madonna. It’s not clear why this date was officially chosen as such; however, because this time of the agricultural year is traditionally a major harvest season, for centuries…
The Saintly Details
Santa Rosalia, as illustrated in this year’s Archi di Pasqua… Created in a mosaic style using cereals. She is depicted holding a skull, which is a reminder of our mortality.