No.15: Pythia, the Oracle of Apollo
Pythia in the Opera by Marcello
A Priestess is always political
A priestess is a real title given to women during ancient times, from the 8th century BCE to the 4th century AD. In the Greek city-states, this was a notable job title that could change the course of history. The priestess’ title, “Pythia,” was highly sought after in what was referred to as the “knowledge economy” at the time. Many of the most well-known, wealthiest, and powerful would seek out these Pythias.
The Pythias consulted at Delphi in ancient Greece during the Mediterranean period. These priestesses served for over 600 years, consulting the likes of the Spartans, Alexander the Great, and many others seeking wisdom on “politics and warfare, religion, health, lovesickness,” and reproduction.
When these Priestesses of Apollo started consulting, many of the Pythias were young women. Still, over time and due to misconduct, the tradition of appointing older women to the Pythia title became the norm.
During ancient Greece, women were both respected and given power throughout their lives. Unlike today, when we start to see the discarding of women at 30, this history is a reminder that the value of seeing women at all stages of their lives has been a cornerstone of history. She was an oracle, a high religious officer in those times, sometimes known as the high priestess.
The high priestess, today most commonly appearing in astrology and tarot, comes from a real and documented past. She represents a time when women were inextricably intertwined with society’s role and function. An ancient time when women held authority over how we made decisions, what laws were enacted, and how the world was to be shaped. This history reminds us that our power as women was once structural and essential.
OUR FIRST PRINT ISSUE IS INSPIRED BY THE HIGH PRIESTESS.
We call on the high priestess to use her oracle skills to foretell the future of women’s autonomy and justice. As we await her first signal, subscribe to get a zine version of Inside Priestess, our weekly liberation zine delivered to your inbox on Sundays for updates on our print issue, featured blogs, games, collective action, and more!
