The Apollonian 2

Ordinary men hate solitude. But the Master makes use of it, embracing his aloneness, realizing he is one with the whole universe. Lao Tzu

Silence is the first stone of the temple of wisdom. Pythagoras

Latona fleeing the persecutions of Juno takes her children  Apollo and Diana By: Merry Joseph Blondel

Apollo Victorious over the Python By: Pietro Francavilla

For Apollo, Who Protects His People From Evil You are terrible in Your wrath, Son of Leto, when You stride into battle, gleaming arrows rattling in their golden quiver. Rage is too small a word, for the fury that radiates from You, more fiery than the sun, deadlier than any blade. You protect Your people, raining plague upon those who trample upon Your servants. You strike down the impious, and stop the evil-doer in his wake. With Your raging war-cry, You shatter pollution, scattering to the winds, all who would oppose You. When You let fly Your arrows, Your aim is ever true and You destroy them. None may escape You. Howling Ares in His battle frenzy may indeed match Your war-dance, but You are cold precision, ice to His fire. You never miss Your mark and when You take the field of battle, Your heart is empty of mercy. Agrios, best of hunters, let Your fury fall upon all that would seek to challenge divine order. Set loose Your ravens, turn lose Your wolves, that they may rend and tear Your enemies, until You stand unopposed and triumphant. Be our shield against evil, Bright Son of Zeus. Hail to You, Apollo. We will reverence You always, not out of fear - for we will be ever pious but in love, and awe at the terrifying beauty of Your majesty. Hear our prayer, we pray.

Apollo and Dionysus at Delphi