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~ DAPHNE ~

Orginally the Goddess served by priestesses in the vale of Tempe was named Daphoene, "Bloody One". In early times her Maenads performed blood sacrifices. Later, when the cult of Apollo replaced hers, he restricted the use of Laurel, the plant of prophecy when chewed by the Delphic Pythoness. Orgiastic Daphne than remained embodied in classical mythology as a purified virgin, able to escape being raped by Apollo, by transforming herself into a tree, just in the nick of time.

Daphne reminds us that we may seek refuge from dangerous pursuit, by living among the trees.