MY NAME IS ODILE
Vessel & Keeper of the Erotic-Mystic Initiation Rites of Antiquity
I impart initiatory rites of erotic-mystic union and esoteric gnosis to the male artist bound by the misdirected restraint of his innate eros – the inspiration, pleasure and vitality that once moved naturally and effortlessly within his body, now estranged beneath pretence – silent withholding and feigned insensibility.
I guide the contemporary artist who longs for creative mastery in the reclaiming of eros – one who carries the depth, tenderness, integrity, and inherent restraint required for the Clarian male prophetic lineage – a lineage of sung prophecy that can withstand the magnitude of the chthonic masculine serpentine power.
My rituals emulate the oracular mystery rites of antiquity – an experience of sacred sensual adoration expressed through ritual drama, the re-enactment of archetypal myths.
Such rites were once led by the Oracle Priestess, who would invoke the feminine serpentine presence of the sacred spring – the emanation of the primordial chthonic nymph – who would take possession of her – whilst the initiate, representing the mortal, virile hero, valiantly crossed the threshold to descend into the underworld to encounter Her and partake in acts of devotion, surrender and transformation. From this encounter he returned bearing the gift of divine favour – his artistic immortality – by which art and creation do not serve vanity but are inspired by the divine.
If the initiate remained steadfast and true to fate during the ordeal of initiation, he was anointed Oracle Priest and granted passage to the supreme rite of erotic joy, hieros gamos – to become the Sacred King, he who embodies Eniautos Daimōn, the Year Daimon or seed-deity reborn at midwinter.
In the archaic ages, the Sacred King, Oracle Priest, Virile Hero and Artist Lover were one. He communed with the divine by way of prophecy and brought back visions to be made manifest in art and form. Early temple architecture, votive sculpture, music, poetry, dance and ritual theatre were the visible revelation of divine Beauty.
Antiquarian & Sensualist
I am drawn to the ancient mysteries of prehistory and the great civilisations of antiquity, their knowledge of astronomy, sacred alchemy and ritualistic use of entheogens and aphrodisiacs, such as during the time of the fertility cults of Minoan Crete and Anatolia, the Arcadian nature cults of Artemis, Pan and Despoina, and the secret devotees of Orpheus and Dionysus.
Equally at home in a retreat in the forest, gazing into a roaring fire, or in a vintage hotel, appreciating breakfast on a balcony overlooking the city rooftops, I enjoy the pursuit of beauty and pleasure in all its forms; some of my favourite experiences include:
Admiring the ornate antiques, ancient devotional sculpture and artwork in museums when the crowds have departed; watching a candle-lit ballet performance at a grand opera house; intimate afternoons escaping the heat or the cold of the day; tasting Greek/Anatolian coffee with dates, grapes and figs; savouring a full-course dinner of exotic cuisine with many dishes of distinct flavours; bathing in hot springs or swimming among the ocean bioluminescence; and dancing all-night until sunrise.