5: Persephone, Hephaestus, and the Eleusinian Mysteries of the Autumn Equinox

Download your Living Hellenism Starter Kit at: https://georgelizos.com/livinghellenismIn this episode of Living Hellenism, co-hosts George Lizos and Elyse Welles explore the autumn equinox in Hellenic polytheism through the descent of Persephone, the spiritual symbolism of the Eleusinian Mysteries, and the shift into the darker half of the year. They discuss how this season invites reflection, release, inner growth, and a deeper relationship with the cycles of nature, while also exploring the newly created Cypriot festival of Persephonia as part of a living, evolving Hellenic tradition. George and Elyse also dive into Hephaestus as the god of September, revealing him beyond the myths as the Greek god of sacred fire, craft, creativity, technology, discipline, and resourcefulness. Through mythology, theology, seasonal practice, sacred herbs, devotional reflection, and the Orphic Hymn to Hephaestus, this episode offers practical and spiritual ways to honor Persephone, Hephaestus, and the mysteries of transformation at the autumn equinox. Get George's book Secrets of Greek Mysticism: https://l.linklyhq.com/l/1uPvrGet Elyse's book Sacred Wild: https://www.amazon.com/dp/0738779768About the Hosts: George Lizos is a psychic healer and the first native ordained priest of the Hellenic Ethnic Religion in Cyprus. He's the creator of the Energy Work Membership, and a bestselling author of Secrets of Greek Mysticism, Protect Your Light, and Ancient Manifestation Secrets, translated into more than 10 languages. His work has been featured in Goop, National Geographic, Mind Body Green, The Sun, US Weekly, and he was named Spiritual Writer of the Year 2024 by Kindred Spirit Magazine. George is passionate about empowering spiritual seekers with energy tools and practices to help them manifest their purpose and create powerful change in the world.Connect with George on Instagram and at https://georgelizos.com/Elyse Weelles is a native Greek priestess, author, and spiritual guide whose work explores the sacred landscapes and pre-Hellenic traditions of Greece. Rooted in her ancestral lineage from Arcadia and shaped by fieldwork across ancient sacred sites, she teaches Earth Temple Arts and practices connected to the spirits of the land, the Minoans, and the Mycenaeans. She is the author of Sacred Wild: An Invitation to Connect with Spirits of the Land and an initiated High Priestess in the Faery Tradition of witchcraft.Connect with Elyse on Instagram and at https://www.elysewelles.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.