Metagrace

[sdi]

If the grace we see in bodies is due to a seeming ease or effortlessness in complex transitions in space, is the grace we see in minds due to a seeming ease or effortlessness in complex transitions in thought?

Is one who is training to easily switch between models or modes of thought, then, training to be graceful in their mind?

Is combining the "left-brain" and "right-brain" into a cohesive and fluid whole, then, under the domain of Venus?

Comments

[randomactsofkarmasc]

I would think partially Venus and partially Mercury (and when the "left-brain" and "right-brain" are fully integrated, Hermaphrodite).

[sdi]

Hm! The symbolism of Hermaphroditos confuses me, but in the spirit of the post, I'm going to sit with it awhile and see if I can gain some facility with it!

[sdi]

You know, it occurs to me that the Graces, who are in the retinue of Aphrodite (Beauty), are sometimes said to be led by Hermes (Eloquence). Pausanias (VI xxiv §6) says that at Elis, the three were depicted holding a rose (Aglaia, splendor), dice (Euphrosyne, merriment), and a myrtle sprig (Thalia, festivity). The dice are playthings associated with youth, and both gambling and youth are associated with Hermes.

[randomactsofkarmasc]

I have not spent much time learning about the Graces yet. I am intrigued by two things in your comment. First, is Aglaia ever referred to or associated with "peace"? Second, where can I find the text from Pausanias you reference? (My quick searches this morning have only found me articles that reference it, but not the actual text.) I am curious about Euphrosyne holding dice. Dice are associated with Hermes and he used them for divination, so I want to see if there is something in the text that is associated with that, or is it just dice being used as a plaything.

[sdi]

The Pausanias reference can be found here. (You will have to scroll down a little bit: the heading is at 6.23.1, and the paragraph you want is 6.24.6.) Pausanias doesn't name the Graces (the names are from Hesiod), but the associations seemed obvious enough to me (Aglaia governs glory and splendor, Euphrosyne governs being without cares and youth, Thalia governs abundance and Spring).

Regarding Aglaia and peace, no, not as far as I can tell: in fact, she's associated with victory (e.g. in contests, the Olympics, etc.). Homer (Epigrams XV) associates Euphrosyne with peace, though: "Open of yourselves, you doors, for mighty Pluto [Wealth] will enter in, and with Pluto comes jolly Euphrosyne [Mirth] and gentle Irene [Peace]."

Regarding the dice, Pausanias says it's just a plaything: "As for the die, it is the plaything of youths and maidens, who have nothing of the ugliness of old age."

[randomactsofkarmasc]

Thank you!