Thoughts from a while ago...

It's year 500, Attica's winter pastures are suffering from draughts of chilly wind from the North. Hunger has begun to kick in and as death slowly nears, the pilgrimage to Eleusis is the only solution*. Sworn to secrecy*, I am anxious and these thoughts feel visible to others. But when the projected litanies of those ahead prevail even over the moans and screeches of the sacrificial animals, it must be enough to silence these loud, transgressive thoughts as well. 

With the last gulp from the rim of the kylix, coloured marble eventually fades into torch-lit darkness*. The cobbled earth dissolves and the dancing madness of my bare feet takes me to a place where the seasons no longer harrow down*. Destination reveals itself. The radiant, throned woman*. Her daughter resting on her shoulder. The reward is in reach*. 

Millenia later and such sanctuaries only offer such an experience to those with a vivid imagination and a passion for ancient history. Epiphany term as an exchange student in Greece positions me in an advantageous spot for an epiphany of one of the Olympian gods. But unfortunately, no shot of ouzo (or hike up Mount Olympus) has yet been strong enough to transport me to the procession of an ancient cult, or even to eradicate my fear of Greek oral exams. 

Contextual details (in order of mention): 

*Eleusis, the location of a well-known mystery cult near Athens 

*As the term 'mystery cult' implies, initiates were sworn to secrecy about the details of the procession and initiation process

*As part of the occasion, initiates drank a hallucinogenic drink called the 'kykeon'

*The underworld

*Demeter and Persephone 

*Initiates were rewarded with an insight into what life looked like after death