Antinous

Maintained with devotion by the members of the Ekklesia Antinoou who are proud residents of Neos Alexandria, in accordance with the traditions of both groups, and in full agreement with the aims and ideals of polytheism and diversity as espoused in the constitution of Neos Alexandria.

Blessing: Antinous’ blessings are manifold; he is a god of love (not just gay love), beauty, harmony, gentleness; a god of hunting and artistry, and scholarship; a god of profound mysteries who helps the soul in its transition from this world to the next; a god of ecstacy and freedom.

Equations and epithets: Antinous Osiris, Antinous Dionysos, Antinous Adonis, Antinous Argeiphontiadas, Antinous Belenus, Antinous Choreios, Antinous Deus Amabilis, Antinous Deus Frugiferus, Antinous Ephebos, Antinous in Mantineia Epichorios Theos, Antinous Epiphanes, Antinous Eros, Antinous Ganymedes, Antinous Hermes, Antinous Heros, Antinous Heros Propylaios, Antinous Neos Hermes, Antinous Synthronos ton en Aigypto Theon, Antinous Theos Hermes epi Hadrianou, Antinous Silvanus

Associations: red Nile lotus, lion, boat (of millions of years), star; all others are particular to the deities and heroes to whom he is syncretized, wine; flowers (any red flowers will do); milk and honey; red alcoholic drinks (Jaegermeister); oils (olive, narcissus); and any type of creative activity; moon; dogs; colors — red, white, black, purple; incense — storax, lotus, kyphi

Festivals:
Death of Antinous (28 October)
Foundation of Antinoopolis/Apotheosis of Antinous (30 October)
Lion Hunt of Antinous/Festival of the Lotus (August 21-22)
Natalis Antinoi (27 November)
Megala Antinoeia (April 21)
Festival of the Stella Antinoi (January 29)

Ways to honor: Travel, especially to sacred sites; sea-travel and pleasure boating; swimming and not drowning when you do; athletic activities; poetry and singing; hiking and forest walks (and hunting, if you’re so inclined); convivial occasions (alcohol optional); activities involving horses. Appreciate beauty in all of its forms; fight for gay rights and the equality of all people; be a peace-keeper and mediary.

Ancient Texts:

Excerpt from the Deipnosophistae by Athenaeus

Excerpt from a poem written to celebrate the Accession of Diocletian

Excerpt from the Perigete by Dionysius of Alexandria

Lover’s Binding Spell

Pancrates’ Poem on the Lion Hunt

Tebtynis Papyrus

Modern Texts:

Antinous Agonodikes by P Sufenas Virius Lupus

Antinous Kynegetikos by P Sufenas Virius Lupus

Antinous Musegetikos by P Sufenas Virius Lupus

Appearance of the Star of Antinous by Amanda Aremisia Forrester