Classical Wisdom Litterae - August 2021

LITTERAE / ISSUE 64 3 T he idea of “Spirit” is manyfold and multifaceted. Indeed, the con- cept of it is so hard to pin down, so intangible at its very core, that it's almost impossible to decide which definition to choose... Do we mean the spirit as in the animating force? The non corporeal entity? The essence of the mind and the soul? Is it the ghosts and goblins that star in antiquity’s mythology? The phantoms and monsters that capture the imagination? Or is it something more divine and sacred? To be sought after, worshipped, or in awe? This month we are viewing “Spirit” in the ancient world as all three. From the legends of Persian winged deities and the angels of humanity to the philosophies of Socrates and Plato, we’ll discover spirits and spirituality in man and nature alike.We’ll also look at how our ancient ancestors took these feelings and fears and converted them into precise and heavy rituals... in both their death and life. Enjoy this unique Classical Wisdom Litterae edition, dedicated to “Spirit.” Anya Leonard Co-Founder and Project Director Classical Wisdom On the Cover L it te ra e Giotto di Bon- done, Scenes from the Life of Joachim No. 5 , c. 1304