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THE
HOUSE OF VINES
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One of the ways that I serve the Greco-Egyptian gods is by acting as a khresmologos
or “speaker of oracles.” Although there were a
number of
important oracular sites in the ancient world – Delphi,
Dodona,
Klaros and the Oasis of Siwah come immediately to mind – many
temples also had trained officials who could interpret the will of the
gods for curious pilgrims. These individuals were not just tied to
particular locations – many of them traveled about the
countryside offering their services for a small fee. They had a variety
of methods at their disposal: direct enthousiasmos
or trance-possession, dream interpretation, the casting of lots, dice
or knuckle-bones, reading the flight of birds or the movement of sacred
animals, scrying, interpreting the entrails of sacrificial victims and
the consultation of certain holy texts are among the most popular forms
of divination practiced by the ancients. This art, taught to man by the
gods themselves, gave the people direct access to the divine world and
the information necessary to navigate the troubled seas of life. People
asked every type of question imaginable, ranging from the proper
religious ceremonies to be performed, how to make one’s
business
prosper, who they should marry, whether to undergo a journey, the
diagnosing of illnesses, how to find lost objects and so on and so
forth. Nothing was too important or too trivial to put before the gods.
Background
I have been interested in divination for as long as I’ve been
a
practicing polytheist. In fact some of the first books I read on
Paganism were guides to the Tarot, Runes, I Ching and similar
divinatory methods. During high school I developed a reputation for my
proficiency with Tarot: I used to read for large groups of my
classmates during lunch and after school, and did the same for a couple
of my teachers as well. Eventually I moved on to study more authentic
ancient Greek methods, which I have been successfully utilizing for
almost a decade now. In addition to these mechanical forms of
divination I have also mastered the techniques of ecstatic trance which
I use to commune with the god Dionysos on behalf of my religious
community. I have been doing this for over four years now and many
people have remarked on the uncannily accurate responses they have
received. Due to the intense, physically demanding nature of the work
required to obtain these oracles from the god I can only offer them
once a month. However, people have need of the gods’ guidance
all
the time so I have been directed to offer my services in other ways as
well.
Methods
used
Direct
communication with Dionysos.
This involves ecstatic trance and related techniques. It is provided
free of charge to the community since it is a gift from the god
himself. However it is only offered once a month, on the 13th of the
lunar calendar, and it is done entirely in private. If you would like
to receive an oracle from the god send
me an e-mail with your question. Please understand
that this is a religious experience and not a form
of entertainment. Keep that in mind when posing your question.
Tarot. Probably
the
most popular and well-known of the methods I employ, it hardly needs an
in-depth explanation. However the reason why I continue to use it
– aside from the fact that it works – is that
although
Tarot is a relatively modern form of divination (developed some time
during the 13th through the 17th centuries) its symbolism hearkens back
to Greco-Egyptian antiquity and the Neoplatonists, Hermeticists, and
Alchemists in particular. I use the Thoth
Deck of Aleister Crowley
which makes these connections even more explicit. I am versed in both
the traditional card spreads and some quick-and-easy ones of my own
devising.
The
Limyran
Alphabet Oracle.
An ancient system of divination where each letter of the Greek alphabet
(inscribed on stones) corresponds to an oracular sentence with a
variety of interpretations. Each letter also has a host of
associations, both positive and negative. I’ve found that
it works best on more practical questions.
The
Homeric
Oracle. This
is a form of bibliomancy found in the Greek Magical Papyri
–
a collection of spells, ritual texts and esoteric lore written in Greek
but found in the sands of Egypt – that uses verses from the Iliad and Odyssey
for divinatory purposes. Although the system is deceptively simple it
can provide nuanced and deeply insightful answers if you understand the
broad network of literary, mythological, and theological allusions that
it makes. It also has a very wicked sense of humor.
The
Oracular
Leaves from the Tree of Dionysos.
Wishing to have a more specifically Dionysian form of divination to use
with the god, I set to work crafting this system several years back. It
consists of 28 “leaves,” each of which corresponds
to an
important object, concept or mythological figure associated with
Dionysos. Working with this system eventually led me to acquire the
knowledge and skills necessary to do the more direct trance oracles
that I offer each month, so it will always be the method closest to my
heart.
How
to find me
I offer these
service at various locations around Eugene Oregon,
particularly in the downtown area. Chances are you’ve seen me
– I’m a big guy with a sign and table and a little
shrine
to my gods, which is pretty hard to miss actually. Come up, say hi and
get a reading some time – you won’t regret it!
[CLICK
HERE FOR PHOTOS OF ME AND MY ORACULAR SYSTEMS]
Although I move about a lot you can usually find me in Kesey Square,
Farmer’s Market plaza or the "Barmuda Triangle" during the week.
For the Last
Friday ArtWalk I’ll be set up in the Whiteaker
neighborhood from
4:00-9:00pm. I may also be attending a few upcoming festivals and
events. More
information will be posted to the Events
section of my site as details
develop.
However, you don’t have to find me – I will come to
you! I
am quite happy to do personal consultations in your home or the
location of your choosing and I can also do readings on the phone or
via e-mail. Alternately, if you’re looking for some unique and
interesting
entertainment for your party or event, my services are available. My
contact information can be found at the bottom of the page if you
have questions about any of this.
Prices
I offer a variety of options, which include:
- Simple
reading involving 3 Tarot cards or 1 ancient Greek method: $10
- Detailed
reading involving full Tarot spread or a combination of Greek
methods: $20
- Complex
reading involving up to 3 questions using a variety of methods: $30
- Private
consultation via e-mail: same
rates as above
- Private
consultation over the phone: $30
per hour with half-hour
minimum
- Private
consultation where I go to you: $50
per hour with 1 hour
minimum
To
purchase any of the above services, select from the menu below and
click "Buy Now." You will be taken to Paypal, where you can pay by
credit card (or bank account if you are registered). Then send me an email
detailing your question(s), and with additional information if you
chose phone or in-person consultation. I will respond within 24 hours,
and readings by email will be completed within 72 hours.
Anything else (including parties and events), contact
me for further details.
Gift certificates
are
available in any amount up to $100. Please specify whether you would
like a physical certificate sent to the recipient (and provide mailing
address) or an electonic certificate (and provide email address). Click
"Buy Now" below to purchase.
My
contact information
Name: Sannion
E-mail: sannion@gmail.com
Phone: (541) 345-1844
Notice
These services are intended to provide spiritual insight and guidance
only. Before you make any important decisions you should think matters
through carefully and rationally and be willing to live with the
consequences of your choices.
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