6. Bacchus or Dionysos
Idea of Active Change or Self-motion (αὐτοκινησία). Bacchus is
the active species of Motion or Change (κίνησις), one of Plato’s
five “greatest kinds” (μέγιστα τῶν γενῶν). Creator of immortal
souls (of celestial gods, daimons, and humans), of souls that seek
the good and strive for excellence (ἀρετή). Liberator and unifier
of the soul. Leader of the Bacchi, who seek to reintegrate their
souls and ascend to divinity.
In the Tradic Principle, the return (ἐπιστροφή) or attraction (ὁλκή) toward the higher Idea, drawing a manifested form toward its perfection.
Mode: Hypophrygian
O Bacchus, Father, maker of all rational souls,
of the celestials, and of daimons, and of us,
you follow after great Poseidon next in this
and cause the changes drawing us by love to good,
ascending thereby to a more desired state.
Grant thou whenever we depart each time the good,
from action that is holier, by our mindless thought,
to lead us quickly, wisely to the good again,
nor let us be so mindless of the good too long.
Laws III.34
[160], III.35
[210–12].
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