A Logophile’s Ludic Musings: H

As an unrepentant logophile (lover of words), I’ve assembled a list of unusual, obscure, or simply charming-to-me words. Ludic is defined as “playful, in an aimless way,” and that’s my plan for approaching this a-to-z challenge—keeping my feet on the joy trail and meandering wherever the daily word takes me.

H is for…

Heliolater – a worshipper of the sun. First known usage 1828.

Our word today has its roots in Greek mythology.  Helios was the Titan god of the Sun, brother of Eos (dawn) and Selene (moon). He lived in a golden palace in the river-ocean Oceanus. Every day, he emerged at dawn, crowned in the gleaming aureole of the Sun, and drove his chariot drawn by four horses (often pictured as winged) across the sky. When he reached the furthermost land in the far West, he descended into a golden cup which carried him back through Oceanus to his home where he would rise again bringing a new day. He was also considered a guardian of oaths, as well as the god of sight. He was often depicted as all-seeing because it was believed that from his position in the heavens, as he rode across the sky, he could witness everything in the heavens and on Earth.

While I’m not a sun worshipper in the sense of needing to plant myself on the nearest beach and fry, I’m certainly ready to lean into the warmth and brightness of Sol and have been known to crank up “Here Come’s the Sun” upon waking. And here’s a photo of the sun’s rays illuminating a brass likeness I have hanging in my home.

Of course, today’s word clearly belongs to Helios, but I have my favorite sun goddesses as well. I have a strong connection to Sekhmet, the Egyptian lion-headed goddess, and she’s often depicted wearing a solar disk. But I also love Amaterasu, the Japanese Shinto goddess whose name means “great shining heaven.”

Here’s a snap of a sun goddess I keep on one of my altars:

And here’s a pic of my favorite new Sun – a cheeky pink paper mâché beauty.

I have two delightful books to recommend today as well.

I Touched the Sun by Leah Hayes is a wondrous children’s picture book published by the always awesome Enchanted Lion Books.

Sun and Moon: Folk Tales by various artists is yet another fabulous treasure from Tara Books. Silkscreen-printed on handmade paper, the first edition was a limited run of 3000, with each copy numbered, and the print run took over 2 months. Ten tribal artists of India contributed art and folklore. Tara Books’ handmade editions are gems, and this one is no exception.

While it’s way too early for sunflowers to make an appearance in my garden, they’re clearly heliolaters.  And what more perfect symbol for summer is there – with their bright sunny faces standing tall and radiating playful fun energy? St. Mary Oliver wrote a lovely poem about them, and I love this invitation:

“Don’t be afraid
to ask them questions!
Their bright faces,
which follow the sun,
will listen…”

I received a most wonderful solstice gift from a friend one year– a potted sunflower from her garden.  What a perfect present!  But what makes me smile even more is how she delivered it.  She rode her green Vespa to my house and carried the pot with the plant sticking out of her backpack.  I imagine her delivering smiles all the way en route.

I think about that often, and I find encouragement and inspiration, which I think are especially needed in these times.  There are serious challenges occurring in many realms and lots of people are struggling and feeling off-balance.  I don’t minimize that for an instant, nor do I think it’s particularly helpful to get all pollyanna-ish.  But I believe our attitudes adjust the lens through which we see things, and I think Sunflower might be offering a little inspiration.  I’m going to do my best to try to stand upright and remember what I’m reaching for, and simply celebrate each day as a gift.  Spreading a bit of joy and sharing some smiles while I’m en route can only be a good thing, and it sounds like a lot of fun, too.  And absolute bonus points for everyone who recognizes I Stand for Peace – I Stand with Ukraine.

What about you? What’s your relationship with the sun? Are you a sun worshipper? Love sunflowers? Have a sunny disposition? Do tell – you know I love to hear.