Hello, my name is Ksenia, I have been living in Greece for several years now and teaching Greek via Skype at a website company.
You can read my teacher profile.
In my teaching practice, I have encountered many times the fact that students have difficulty learning the Greek alphabet. Perhaps a similar problem, when Greek letters do not want to be remembered and are persistently confused with Latin (English), is familiar to you. The experience of overcoming this obstacle provided the material for this article. I hope that my tips will help you in learning the Greek alphabet.
So how do you remember the Greek alphabet?
First of all, know that you are not alone, and under no circumstances should you be upset, much less despair! Difficulties with memorizing the alphabet are a temporary phenomenon, the letters will soon stop being confused, you just need to practice a little. Some of us are learning new material faster, some slower. Show a little patience and diligence, and after a while reading on Greek will not be difficult for you!
While working on the Greek alphabet, use all kinds of video and audio materials, for example, this one:
;
Or these, with examples of words:
a) ΦΩΝΗΤΙΚO ΑΛΦΑΒΗΤO ME ΠΑΡΑΔΕΙΓΜΑΤΑ
;
;
Now, for clarity, let's divide the letters into the following groups:
The first group are letters that do not cause difficulties. Most of these letters are:
Second group- b letters that are often confused with letters Latin alphabet:
To overcome this confusion, it is necessary to spend some time reading Greek.
Third group- strange, unusual letters for us:
|
Russian name |
Sound in Russian transcription |
|
These squiggles either merge with other letters or get confused with each other, you need training to memorize!
Attention! Please pay special attention into letters that convey sounds that do not exist in the Russian language!
Let's look at the alphabet in full again:
As you can see, many of the letters and sounds of the Greek alphabet are familiar to you; all you have to do is practice a little.
If the Greek alphabet still does not lend itself to memorization with your serious logical approach, try to remember your childhood. Positive attitude And good mood- the key to success!
Tip #1: Work on the songs
Here are some nursery rhymes about the Greek alphabet:
a) ΕΝΑ ΓΡΑΜΜΑ ΜΙΑ ΙΣΤΟΡΙΑ | Το Τραγούδι της Αλφαβήτου
b) “Το τραγούδι της Αλφαβήτας” with subtitles
c) ΕΛΛΗΝΙΚΟ ΑΛΦΑΒΗΤΟ
d) Μια τρελή τρελή Αλφαβήτα
The songs must not only be listened to, but sung or even learned by heart!
If children's songs are not particularly interesting to you, here is a lyrical and philosophical song about the alphabet (video with subtitles):
Lyrics:
Άλφα, βήτα, γάμα, δέλτα
σκόνη γίνεται κι η πέτρα - becomes dust and stone
έψιλον, ζήτα, ήττα, θήτα
μοιάζει η νίκη με την ήττα - victory is like defeat
Βι, γα, δε, ζι, θι
κα, λα, μι, νι, ξι
πι, ρο, σίγμα, ταυ
φι, χι, ψι
Γιώτα, κάπα, λάμδα, μι
πόσο αξίζει μια στιγμή - how valuable is one moment
νι, ξι, όμικρον, πι, ρο
φεύγω μα σε καρτερώ - I’m leaving, but I’m waiting for you
Σίγμα, ταυ, ύψιλον, φι
μοναξιά στην κορυφή - loneliness at the top
με το χι, το ψι, το ωμέγα
μια παλικαριά `ναι ή φεύγα - courage or flight
Tip #2:
For better memorization Print out the Greek alphabet in pictures and attach the sheets in a visible place in your apartment. At the very beginning of studying, you can assign transcription to letters, but keep in mind that not all sounds of the Greek alphabet can be expressed in Russian letters. So, to convey the sounds δ and θ you will need to use a transcription of the interdental sounds of the English language.
Tip #3:
Try to “revive” the letters. Think about what the most difficult letters of the Greek alphabet look like for you, and draw a comic picture for each letter. Ideas can be taken from a series of Greek cartoons about the letters of the alphabet: even if at this stage of learning you do not understand all the text of the cartoon, you will definitely remember the flying and singing letter!
(picture from cartoon)
Cartoon about the letter Z (Zita)
Cartoon about the letters ξ and ψ (Xi and Psi)
Tip #4:
Use programs to learn the alphabet.
A good resource for learning the alphabet.
Tip #5:
And finally, you can use the textbook assignments:
a) write each letter several times;
b) write down the letters of the Greek alphabet under dictation in order and randomly.
The alphabet and pronunciation rules have been learned, it’s time to move on to reading. We will write about how to practice reading in the next article.
Υ.Γ. How did you memorize the Greek alphabet and how long did it take you? Tell us in the comments about your personal experience and write your opinion about the article!
Bright and colorful poster for printing " Greek alphabet with transcription in Russian" was designed specifically for our young visitors and all those who have just started learning the Greek language. The poster is designed in high resolution, so it can be printed on all paper sizes, including A-1 format.
Place this wonderful aid above your child's work table so that it is always in his field of vision: using a visual aid, your child will be able to learn the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet and some Greek words with Russian and much faster and easier. English translation, regularly checking and consolidating the acquired knowledge.
What are the benefits of the poster “Greek alphabet with transcription in Russian”?
- Using the poster “The Greek alphabet with transcription in Russian,” the child will learn which letters the Greek alphabet includes and what they sound like, see correct spelling these letters.
- Find the names of letters in Greek with Russian and English translations, remember how they are written.
- Each letter of the Greek alphabet has a corresponding capital letter a picture with its name in Greek and translation into Russian and English.
The poster “Greek alphabet with transcription in Russian” will be a good assistant when teaching your child the Greek language. You can download the poster in its original size in the attachments at the bottom of the page.
You can also see educational materials with the Russian alphabet for printing
Greek writing belongs to the alphabetic category and goes back to the Phoenician writing. The oldest written monuments date back to the 14th-12th centuries. BC e., written in the Cretan-Mycenaean syllabic script (Linear A, Linear B).
It is believed that greek alphabet arose in the 8th century. BC e. The first written monuments date back to the 8th century. BC e. (Dipylon inscription from Athens, as well as an inscription from Thera). In appearance and set of symbols it is most similar to the Phrygian alphabetic letter (8th century BC). In the Greek language, unlike the Semitic, consonantal (only consonants are reflected in the letter) prototype, in addition to graphemes to denote consonant sounds, graphemes for the first time appeared to denote vowel sounds, which can be considered a new stage in the development of writing.
Before the occurrence alphabetic letter the Hellenes used syllabic linear writing (Cretan writing, included Linear A, which has not yet been deciphered, Linear B, Phaistos disc writing).
Writing based on the Greek alphabet was divided into 2 varieties: Eastern Greek and Western Greek writing, which, in turn, were divided into a number of local varieties that differed in their features in the transmission of individual characters. Eastern Greek writing later developed into classical ancient Greek and Byzantine writing and became the basis for Coptic, Gothic, Armenian, and to some extent Georgian writing, and the Slavic Cyrillic alphabet. Western Greek writing became the basis for Etruscan, and therefore Latin and runic Germanic writing.
Initially, the Greek alphabet consisted of 27 letters, and in this form it developed by the 5th century. BC e. based on the Ionian variety of Greek writing. The writing direction is from left to right. The signs “stigma” (ς), now rendered through στ, “coppa” (¢) and “sampi” (¥) were used only to denote numbers and subsequently fell out of use. Also, in some local variants (in the Peloponnese and Boeotia), the symbol “digamma” was used to denote the phoneme [w].
Traditionally, the ancient Greek alphabet, and after it the modern Greek alphabet, has 24 letters:
|
Typeface |
Name |
Pronunciation |
|
Α α |
άλφα |
A |
|
Β β |
βήτα |
IN |
|
Γ γ |
γάμα |
G |
|
Δ δ |
δέλτα |
ð |
|
Ε ε |
έψιλον |
E |
|
Ζ ζ |
ζήτα |
Z |
|
Η η |
ήτα |
AND |
|
Θ θ |
θήτα |
Ө |
|
Ι ι |
γιώτα |
AND |
|
Κ κ |
κάπα |
TO |
|
Λ λ |
λάμδα |
L |
|
Μ μ |
μι |
M |
|
Ν ν |
νι |
N |
|
Ξ ξ |
ξι |
KS |
|
Ο ο |
όμικρον |
ABOUT |
|
Π π |
πι |
P |
|
Ρ ρ |
ρο |
R |
|
Σ σ ς |
σίγμα |
WITH |
|
Τ τ |
ταυ |
T |
|
Υ υ |
ύψιλον |
AND |
|
Φ φ |
φι |
F |
|
Χ χ |
χι |
X |
|
Ψ ψ |
ψι |
Ps |
|
Ω ω |
ωμέγα |
ABOUT |
In theory, two types of pronunciation are distinguished: Erasmian (ητακιστική προφορά, it is believed that it was characteristic in the classical period of the use of the ancient Greek language, now used only in teaching) and Reuchlin (ιωτακιστική προφορά). Pronunciation in Modern Greek is Reichlin. Its main feature is the presence of several options for transmitting the same sound.
There are diphthongs in Greek:
|
Typeface |
Pronunciation |
Typeface |
Pronunciation |
|
αι |
E |
αη |
Ay |
|
οι |
AND |
οϊ |
Oh |
| The letter Γ followed by ει, οι, ι, υ, ε, which in turn is followed by a vowel, is not pronounced: γυαλιά [yal΄ya] (glasses), γεύση [΄yevsi] (taste). Γ before back-linguals (γ, κ, χ) is pronounced as [n]: άγγελος [΄angelos] (angel), αγκαλιά [angal΄ya] (embraces), άγχος [΄ankhos] (stress). In addition, the following combinations of consonants began to be used in the modern Greek language, conveying the sounds of the Greek language: τσ (τσάϊ [ts "ay] but: έτσι ["etsy]), τζ (τζάμι [dz"ami]), μπ (mb in the middle originally Greek word: αμπέλι [amb "eli] or b at the beginning of the word and in borrowed words: μπορώ [bor"o]), ντ (nd in the middle of the original Greek word: άντρας ["andras] or d at the beginning of the word and in borrowed words : ντύνω [d "ino]), γκ (ng in the middle of the original Greek word: ανάγκη [an "angi] or g at the beginning of the word and in borrowed words: γκολ [goal]). Double letters ξ ψ always replace the combination of consonants κσ, πσ. Exception: εκστρατεία (campaign). The sign ς is used only at the end of a word. The sign σ is never used at the end of a word. Additional information: Peculiarities: Morphology is characterized by the presence of nominal parts of speech of a name of 3 genders (masculine, feminine, neuter), their indicators are also articles (definite and indefinite: the indefinite article occurs and fully corresponds to the numeral one), 2 numbers (singular, plural, in ancient Greek there was also a dual a number to denote paired objects such as “eyes, hands, twins”), 5 cases (nominative, vocative, genitive, dative, accusative: in ancient Greek there were remnants of other cases, for example, instrumental, locative, and so on; in modern Greek there is no dative case), 3 nominal inflections (on -a, on -o, on other vowels, as well as consonants). The verb had 4 moods (indicative, conjunctive, optative and imperative), 3 voices (active, passive, medial, in modern Greek medial when inflected fully corresponds to the passive), 2 types of conjugation (in -ω and -μι, in modern Greek division into conjugations carried out by the presence or absence of stress on the last syllable of the verb). Groups of tenses: in ancient Greek they are divided into main (present, future, perfect) and historical (aorist, perfect and plusquaperfect). In modern Greek the division occurs into the present tense, long tenses and moods (παρατατικός, συνεχής μέλλοντας, συνεχής υποτακτική, συνεχή ? ακτική), finished times (παρακείμενος, υπερσυντέλικος, τετελεσμένος μέλλοντας). In the system of verb tenses of the Modern Greek language, new analytical models for the formation of complex tenses (perfect, plusquaperfect, future) have developed. The system of forming participles has been simplified, but a large number of them are used in a frozen form, and syllabic increment or reduplication is often used in their formation. The syntactic system is characterized by a free order of words in a sentence (predominant sequence in the main clause - SVO (subject-verb-object)) with a developed system of composition and subordination within a complex sentence. Particles play an important role (especially since in the modern Greek language the infinitive has been abolished, which is replaced by indicative forms with corresponding particles) and prepositions. The system of word-formation means includes a developed system of prefixes (derived from prepositional adverbs) and suffixes. Compounding is used more actively than in the Russian language. The Greek language has a very rich and developed lexical system. The structure of the vocabulary includes several layers: pre-Greek (of Pelasgian origin), original Greek, borrowed, consisting of Semitic and Latin layers. Modern Greek contains a large number of borrowings from Romance (mainly French and especially Italian), Germanic (English), Slavic (including Russian) languages. A huge layer of vocabulary consists of Turkish borrowings. It is also worth mentioning reverse borrowings, when Greek morphemes previously borrowed by others foreign languages return to Greek to name newly invented objects and phenomena (for example, “telephone”). Modern Greek has a generally free word order. However, pronouns often lose this freedom: a possessive pronoun is always placed after the noun being defined, short forms of personal pronouns are necessarily placed immediately before the verb in a certain order (first the genitive case, then the accusative). For possessive and personal pronouns there is a harmonious system of short and long forms. The full form is flexible, but is used strictly in certain cases: after prepositions; for emphatic emphasis of a pronoun together with a short form; on one's own. |
αA Alpha is the first letter of the alphabet, its literal meaning is “bull” or, more generally, “cattle”. Like the corresponding Hebrew letter, Alpha is, first of all, interpreted as a symbol of movable property in all its aspects - both material and spiritual. With the advent of coinage, the value of such coins was expressed in the number of heads of cattle - this is where the word “capital” itself comes from (from the Latin “caput” - “head”). The esoteric essence of Alpha involves caring for the horned livestock, i.e. increasing and wisely using this wealth. Life is a fleeting phenomenon and therefore wealth should be managed in such a way that it becomes an asset for everyone and subsequent generations can also enjoy its benefits. Alpha has interesting parallels in the Hebrew and runic alphabets, where the first letters mean the same thing - rich herds of livestock. In the Hebrew alphabet, this is the letter Aleph, denoting the sound “a”; in the runic alphabet, it is Feo, denoting the sound “f”. And yet, despite their phonetic differences, in the symbolism of these alphabets, cattle are considered as the most important condition for the existence of society, and in the modern understanding, this is a certain stage of human development when alphabets arise. In digital terms, Alpha symbolizes the primary and most important thing - the main concern for the maintenance of human life; Gnostic symbolism speaks of a “triple Alpha,” the symbolic Holy Trinity. The number of the word "Alpha" in Gematria is 532.
βB Beta is the second letter of the alphabet, which has defiant and even demonic properties. Numerically, it denotes the number 2; she is next, not first, and therefore is seen as a violator of unity, and in dualistic religions she is identified with a demonic challenge to the one God. Often this challenging challenger is called "another first" (as in modern Sweden), recognizing the atmosphere of challenge created by this second, who is always trying to take the place of the first by rivalry or overthrow. In Mithraism, the demonic god of the Fall also has the epithet “another first.” This is Angra Mainyu, challenging God and destroying his unity. In Christian terminology, the negative aspect is embodied in the image of the devil. However, this aspect of the Second also carries with it the possibility of reunification. Without the Second, the monad, complete in itself, lacks coherence and thus cannot exist. All religions that recognize the existence of a creator of the universe are reconciled to this necessity, represented here symbolically by the letter Beta. Moreover, some argue that the second quality is not necessarily diametrically opposed to the original principle. The name “Beta” in gematria corresponds to the digital value 308.
γG Gamma is the third letter of the alphabet. It represents the number 3 and symbolizes piety and holiness. Just as a child is born from a father and mother, so a third entity naturally arises from a monad and its antipode. In a general sense, the letter Gamma symbolizes the trinity of deity, which is found everywhere. For example, the goddess in three forms is a phenomenon known throughout the Mediterranean, as well as throughout continental Europe and even in the north. The inhabitants of Babylon worshiped the triad of Anu, Enliya and Ea; the Egyptians revered Isis, Osiris and Horus; The Anglo-Saxons idolized Woden, Frigg and Thunor, while the Vikings revered Odin, Thor and Balder. In Christian terminology, Gamma refers to the trinity - God the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. In terms of esoteric symbolism, Gamma denotes the triple nature of the process: creation, existence and destruction; beginning, middle and end; birth, life and death. It is the third phase, the phase of the waning moon, leading to the fading of light, that indicates the hidden meaning of a new birth in a new cycle. It is the child, this third entity, that survives its parents. In the Greek context, Gamma has a more specific meaning, this letter is associated with the three goddesses of fate: Clotho, Atropos and Lachesis; Roman parallel - Nonna, Decima and Morga; the three graces and even the three Prophetic Sisters of the old English tradition. According to gematria, Gamma has the number 85.
δD Delta represents the four classical elements of the universe - fire, air, water and earth. For about seven thousand years, since the construction of the first temples of archaic ancient European culture in the Balkans, quadrangularity has been associated with traces of human activity. Quadrangular structures are built easier than round ones - according to the four sides of the body of any human being: back, face, right and left sides. Delta thus became the first element of human intervention aimed at changing the world, which was in a primitive state. The unusual number 4 is the four directions, the four horses in the cart known as the "quadriga" and (in Christian eschatology) the four horsemen of the Apocalypse. This is a symbol of completeness on the material level and the quality of completeness. In Gematria, the word "Delta" represents the number 340.
εΕ Epsilon personifies the spiritual element contained in the material and at the same time located outside of it. These are Aeon and Aether, the fifth element, known among alchemists as "quintessence" (equivalent to "Noivre" in the tradition of the Celtic bards). Whatever it is called, the power of its spirit is the subtle energy of life, the “breath of life,” known to the Greeks as “Pneuma”; all existence of life is based on it (its esoteric number is 576). Traditionally, this element is depicted as a pentagram in the form five-pointed star. In magical writing, the pentagram thus replaces the letter Epsilon. It contains the sacred proportions of the golden section, one of the three principles of sacred geometry, which were provided for in the design of the holiest and most beautiful temples ancient Greece, such as the Parthenon in Athens and the Temple of Zeus at Olympia. Epsilon, as an expression of mathematical proportion, has a mystical connection with Lambda, the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet. In the Gnostic tradition, Epsilon represents the second heaven. In digital terms, Epsilon means the number 5. In Gematria, the digital sum of this word is 445.
ζZ Zeta, the sixth letter of the alphabet, denotes the giving of gifts to God or sacrifice. This should not be taken literally as killing for the sake of sacrifice, but rather as an offering of energy to assist in the creative process of creation. In an esoteric sense, Zeta is the seventh letter of the alphabet, since the sixth letter was Digamma (F), removed before the classical period and used only as a number. As the seventh and yet sixth letter, Zeta denotes the formative principle of the cosmos. According to biblical tradition, the universe was created in six days, and the seventh day of rest was meant to be completed. Also geometrically, the number six is the guiding principle of matter, forming the hexagonal lattices that underlie the structure of matter. Six points of the hexagonal lattice are needed to place the seventh point inside. The equivalent image of Zeta is the pattern associated with the Archangel Michael: six equidistant points located around the seventh. This magical symbol can still be seen today as a protective sign on old English and German houses. Zeta means the number 7, the gematric sum of its name is 216.
ηH This is the seventh letter of the alphabet, more numerically than in a conceptual sense, symbolizing the energy of joy and love. This is the letter of balance - a quality that implies harmony with the world around you and the ability to be in the right place at the right time and fully reveal your potential. A more detailed description of the harmony represented by the letter Eta can be found in pre-Copernican cosmology, which reveals the divine harmony of the seven planets and seven spheres. Thus, Eta may symbolize the so-called “music of the spheres.” Mark the Gnostic placed the letter Eta in the ensemble of the third heaven: “The first heaven sounds Alpha, echoed by E (Epsilon), and the third Eta...” In the Christian science of numbers, Eta represents the desire for improvement, renewal and salvation. But in a digital sense, Eta means the number 8 - the basic number of the Sun. In gematria, the word Eta has a sum of 309 - the number of the god of war Ares and the planet Mars.
θΘ Theta, the eighth letter of the alphabet, represents the aspirated “T” sound. Theta symbolizes the eighth, crystal sphere, to which, according to ancient cosmology, the fixed stars are attached. Thus, she is a symbol of balance and unification. In the traditional European way of life, Theta symbolizes the eightfold division of time and space. However, in the numbering system this letter stands for the number 9, which indicates an esoteric connection between the numbers 8 and 9, and this relationship is emphasized magical properties two luminaries: the Sun and the Moon. According to gematria, the numerical value of the word "Theta" is 318; This is the number of the sun god Helios.
ι Ι Iota, despite its smallest size, symbolizes fate. It is dedicated to the goddess of fate Ananka and thus also to the three parks. Ananke is in gematric relationship with the Great God Pan, since the numerical value of Ananke is 130, and Pana is 131. It follows that the smallest letter is a microcosm of all others associated with Pan through complex gematric numerology. After all, symbolically, the smallest part of the universe contains the entire universe at the microcosm level. The letter Iota stands for the number 10, which is considered the fourth heaven in the Gnostic branch of the Christian faith. In gematria, the word “Iota” has the number 381, the number of the god of the winds, Aeolus. As a symbol of fate, it acquired impermanence - a quality characteristic of the fickle winds of fate. It is a symbol of insignificance, if something is not worth even an iota, but when someone tempts fate without thinking one iota about what is important to him, then this seemingly unimportant detail can turn against him itself and bring misfortune.
κ Κ Kappa is considered the letter that brings bad luck, illness, old age and death. According to this property, it is dedicated to the god Cronus. In Mithraism, this tenth letter of the Greek alphabet is associated with the god of evil Angra Mainyu, who in turn is likened to a thousand (10x10x10) deadly demons. There is an opinion that Angra Mainyu is the lord of 10,000 various diseases with which he punishes the human race. On a more abstract level, Kappa is the letter of time, the bearer of inevitable and inexorable processes. In this respect, it is related to the Ken rune, which personifies the inexorable process of the fire element. Kappa means the number 20. In Gematria, its name is the number 182.
λΛ Lambda is associated with plant growth and geometric progressions in mathematics, which express the basic principle of all organic growth. Mystically, it is associated with a geometric proportion known as the Golden Ratio. As the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet, Lambda represents the ascent to a higher level. This is proven mathematically using the example of two Lambda progressions: geometric and arithmetic, the basic number series of ancient Greek mathematics. On a more abstract level, Lambda denotes the increase in numerical sequences that underlie all physical processes. In the runic alphabet we find a direct correspondence to this Greek letter - the rune Lagu, which is also associated with growth and denotes the sound “L”. Similar characteristics are characteristic of the Hebrew letter Lamed. Lambda represents the number 30, and in Gematria its name gives the number 78.
μΜ Mu, the twelfth letter of the alphabet, represents the sacred number 40. This letter is associated with trees - the largest, most powerful and resilient representatives flora. The tree is a symbol of the cosmic axis. It is a link connecting the underground, earthly and heavenly worlds. Its roots grow underground - in the kingdom of Hades. It permeates the surface of the earthly world on which humanity lives, and then rushes upward to the heavenly empyrean of gods and goddesses. The very shape of the letter Mu symbolizes stability and indestructibility, enclosure, security and the connection between the three states of being. Considering the gematric value of the word “Mu” - 440, its meaning intensifies and increases, since the number 440 is the sum of the letters in the word “house” (“About OIKOΣ”), the main symbol of protection from the horrors and dangers of the outside world. Cosmically, as The twelfth letter, it implies all 12 months of the year, the completed cycle of everything living on Earth.
νN Nu is the thirteenth letter. The number 13 has gloomy semantic connections - in in this case, with the witchcraft aspect of the Great Goddess Hecate. The Greeks revered Hecate as the goddess of the night and the underworld. There is also a connection here with the Egyptian goddess Nut and with the later Scandinavian night goddess Not. Just like its runic counterpart Nid, the letter Nu symbolizes an unpleasant necessity; the darkness of the night as a necessity for the day to shine again. The number of this letter is 50, and in Gematria its name gives the sum 450.
ξΞ Xi is the fourteenth letter of the Greek alphabet. According to the esoteric interpretation of the alphabet, this letter represents the stars, as the fifteenth letter represents the sun and moon, and the sixteenth letter represents Mithras himself. This fourteenth letter can be interpreted according to medieval astrology as stars, or more precisely, as “15 Stars”, which had their own occult signs in medieval astrology. These stars and constellations are extremely significant and important, since certain qualities and influences are traditionally attributed to them. These fixed stars are above all others, and the strength of their power cannot be questioned. For a medieval magician who made talismans, individual characteristics each of the 15 stars were the basis of his work. At the same time, he took into account not only the predominant properties inherent in each individual planet, but also took into account the influence of the related members of the stellar fifteen. In standard astrology it is believed that these stars also have specific and unique properties. As a result, they are treated in the same way as the most famous planets. These stars are called: Pleiades, Aldebaran, Algol, Capella, Sirius, Procyon, Regulus, Algorab, Spica, Arcturus, Polaris, Alphecca, Antares, Vega and Deneb. This letter stands for the number 60, a favorite number in ancient Babylonian astronomy. In gematria the name "Xi" has a sum of 615.
OO Omicron is the power of the sun enclosed in a circle, the source of all energy on Earth, various aspects of which are symbolically represented by the gods Helios and Apollo. The round shape of the letter resembles appearance the sun and the eternal essence of light in the midst of cosmic darkness. In a later interpretation, Omicron symbolizes Christ as the bearer of light. On the other hand, Omicron represents the moon - the mirror of the sun. The Gnostics designate this letter as the fifth heaven. It has a numerical value of 70, and in gematria it is 1090.
πП The letter Pi also symbolizes the sun in a blaze of glory, but this time not a disk, but round shape, surrounded by sixteen rays, which are identified with all the solar deities, including Apollo, Serapis and Christ. More specifically, it is associated with Mithras, to whose veneration, according to the Persian Avestan calendar, the sixteenth day of each month was dedicated. The sun, surrounded by sixteen rays, much later becomes the property of Christian art, where it is also associated with the name of God (for example, the Royal Collegiate Chapel, Cambridge, see Fig. 8). Pi stands for the number 80; The gematric sum of the word “Pi” is 101.
ρΡ Rho is the seventeenth letter of the Greek alphabet, it represents the creative feminine qualities that exist in any thing and are inherent in both sexes - both male and female. More specifically, this is understood as fertility, the strength of development of the entire plant world and the ability of a living organism to reproduce. Rho symbolizes unlimited adaptability and mobility, which lead to “becoming”, that is, creation in all its aspects. Thus, the letter Ro, as it were, anticipates the meaning of its runic counterpart Rad, also associated with movement and fluidity. Arithmetically, this letter represents the number 100; the gematric sum of its name is 170, the same as that of the Greek word “O AMHN” - “amen”, “so be it.”
σΣ Sigma is the Lord of Death; in the Greek pantheon she is a symbol of Hermes Psychopomp, the guide of souls to the afterlife. Being the eighteenth in a row, it is associated with the mysterious eighteenth rune of the Scandinavian tradition, as well as with the esoteric properties of the eighteenth letter of the Gaelic alphabet. In the Mithraic tradition, she symbolizes Rashna, the second brother of Mithra, the god of the underworld. It represents the number 200, and the gematric value of its name is 254.
τΤ Tau is a microcosm, and in a narrower sense - lunar aspect person. The cross of the letter Tau often served as the main pictographic form of the human body. It apparently comes from the ancient Egyptian sign Ankh, a symbol eternal life, used in magic as an amulet against infertility. In Christian iconography, Tau represents the cross. This could be the copper serpent of Moses, or the Old Testament rod of Aaron - the “anti-heroes” of the Old Testament, who foreshadowed the appearance of the “hero,” i.e., the Cross of the Savior. Naturally, Tau also represents the cross on which Christ was crucified, since the shape of “Tau” is the true form of the crosses used by the Romans for crucifixions. It is this form of the cross that can be seen in many medieval and Renaissance images of the crucifixion of Christ and the two thieves. In esoteric Christian symbolism, the three ends of the letter Tau represent the trinity. The arithmetic value of Tau is 300; according to the rules of gematria, this letter represents the moon goddess Selene (ΣEΛHNH), whose name has the numerical value of 301. The gematric value of the word “Tau” is 701, which traditionally correlates with the number of the so-called “Chrismon” - the monogram of Christ, consisting of the letters Chi and Rho, which add up to 700.
υY Upsilon - the twentieth letter of the alphabet - denotes water and fluidity properties. Here, in contrast to the creative, generative fluidity of Ro, these qualities are associated with the element of water. Upsilon represents properties that are similar to flowing streams of water and are difficult to define, but at the same time are essential for the continuation of life. The number 20 in Greek mysticism is also associated with water. Plato's geometric body called the “icosahedron,” which represents the element of water in esoteric geometry, has twenty faces. The Gnostic tradition associates the letter Upsilon with the “sixth heaven.” Its arithmetic value is 400. In gematria, the name “Ypsilon” is equivalent to 1260.
φΦ Phi is the phallus, the male principle of reproduction. Phi denotes the number 500. In gematria, this number is identified with the mystical shell (ENΔYMA) - the manifestation of the spiritual element in the world of forms. The letter is also a representation of the word “to Pan” - i.e. “all”. According to the Greek tradition, it symbolizes the great god Pan - the one who connects everything that exists into a single natural integrity. His name contains the number 500, symbolized by the letter Phi; according to gematria, this number is equivalent to the number of the universe (501). The gematric value of the word "phi" is 510.
χX Chi is the twenty-second letter of the alphabet, denoting space, and on the human level, private property. Chi number - 600; this number is equivalent to gematric sums Greek words“Cosmos” (KOΣMOΣ) and “deity” (“About FEOTHΣ) (the latter is the sacred component of the first). Chi is an indicator of property, defining the boundaries of what has already been appropriated. It is also a symbol of the presented gift, which in the horizontal plane connects It connects man with man, and if you look vertically, it is a link in the unity of the gods with humanity. Only in its form, but not phonetically, the letter Chi is related to the Gifu rune (in the letter X, phonetically “G”), which symbolizes the presentation of gifts to the gods or. receiving gifts from them. In Gematria, the word "Chi" is equivalent to the number 610.
ψΨ Psi is the twenty-third letter of the alphabet, denoting the heavenly light embodied in the sky god Zeus. It also has a secondary meaning, that is, daylight, and more specifically the climax of midday. Hence, this letter corresponds to the moment of insight, clear and precise vision. It represents the number 700 - the gematric sum of the Christian monogram Chi-Rho, symbolizing the heavenly radiance of Christ. The gematric value of the word "Psi" is 710, which corresponds to the words "piston" (PIΣTON) ("faithful") and "pneuma agion" (PNEYMA AGION) ("Holy Spirit").
ωΩ Omega is the twenty-fourth and last letter of the alphabet, denoting wealth and abundance, successful completion of affairs. This is the apotheosis, the seventh heaven of the Gnostics. Its numerical value is 800, equivalent to the words “pistis” (1ШЛТС) (“faith”) and “kyurios” (KYПIOΣ) (“lord”). In Gematria, the word "Omega" gives the sum of 849, which is equivalent to the word "scheme" (ΣXHMA) ("plan"). Thus, Omega is the embodiment of faith and the divine plan in both pagan and Christian interpretations of the word "Lord", be it Zeus or Jesus.
Greek alphabet will be useful when getting to know the site.
Firstly, it is Greek, and the myths on the site are ancient Greek, the names of gods and heroes were accordingly written in Greek crocodile, which cannot be deciphered with a glance and without a hint. Secondly, our site is astronomical, dedicated to constellations, and in astronomy, the so-called Bayer notation, based on the Greek alphabet, is traditionally used to designate stars.
So I ask you to love and favor me.
The Greek alphabet is only illegible at first glance - in fact, it is similar to the Russian one, the letters are similar to the Cyrillic alphabet, and in addition, it is shorter. The modern Greek alphabet has only 24 letters.
| Letter | Name | Pronunciation | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Α α | alpha | [A] | |
| Β β | beta | [V] | |
| Γ γ | gamma | [G] |
fricative as in Ukrainian |
| Δ δ | delta | voiced like in English the" |
|
| Ε ε | epsilon | [e] | "s-simple" |
| Ζ ζ | zeta | [h] | |
| Η η | this | [And] | |
| Θθ | theta | deaf like in English think" |
|
| Ι ι | iota | [And] | |
| Κ κ | kappa | [To] | |
| Λ λ | lambda | [l] | |
| Μ μ | mu | [m] | |
| Ν ν | nude | [n] | |
| Ξξ | xi | [ks] | |
| Ο ο | omicron | [O] | "oh-small" |
| Π π | pi | [n] | |
| Ρ ρ | ro | [r] | |
| Σ σ ς | sigma | [With] | writing ς at the end of a word |
| Τ τ | tau | [T] | |
| Υ υ | upsilon | [And] | "i-prime" |
| Φ φ | fi | [f] | |
| Χ χ | hee | [X] | |
| Ψψ | psi | [ps] | |
| Ω ω | omega | [O] | "oh-big" |
Naturally, in modern Greek there are all sorts of digrams and diphthongs, reading rules, etc.
A few words about the correspondence between Greek and other alphabets.
The Latin alphabet is familiar to us. The letters of the Latin alphabet mostly correspond to the Greek ones. I present the Latin alphabet with some comments. The Cyrillic alphabet is directly constructed from the Greek alphabet. There are many variants of the Cyrillic alphabet for different Slavic languages. Naturally, I present the Russian alphabet with some necessary pre-reform additions.
| Letter | Latin | Notes | Cyrillic | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Α α | A a | A a | ||
| Β β | B b | B b, B c | both letters from Β β | |
| Γ γ | no Latin equivalent | G g | ||
| C c | no Greek equivalent | |||
| Δ δ | D d | D d | ||
| Ε ε | E e | E e, e e | Her< Е е | |
| F f | the ancient Greek equivalent is lost | |||
| F | no Greek equivalent (Coptic?) | |||
| Ζ ζ | moved to the end of the Latin alphabet - Z z | Z z | ||
| Η η | H h | gr. vowel, lat. consonant | And and | |
| Θ θ | no Latin equivalent | Θθ, fita, moved to the end of the Cyrillic alphabet | ||
| Ι ι | I i | I i | in Russian abolished by the reform of 1918 | |
| Jj | no Greek equivalent: from I i | Thy | no Greek equivalent: from And and | |
| Κ κ | K k | K k | ||
| Λ λ | L l | L l | ||
| Μ μ | Mm | Mm | ||
| Ν ν | Nn | N n | ||
| Ξ ξ | no Latin equivalent | no Cyrillic equivalent | ||
| Ο ο | O o | Oh oh | ||
| Π π | P p | P p | ||
| Ρ ρ | R r | R r | ||
| Σ σ ς | Ss | With with | ||
| Τ τ | T t | T t | ||
| Θθ | fita from Θθ above; in Russian abolished by the reform of 1918 | |||
| U u | U y | not Υ w! no Greek equivalent: digraph O and Izhitsy | ||
| Υ υ | Vv | gr. vowel, lat. consonant (also Y y) |
Ѵ ѵ | Izhitsa; in Russian abolished by the reform of 1918 |
| W w | no Greek equivalent: from V v | |||
| Φ φ | no Latin equivalent | F f | ||
| Χ χ | X x | significantly different pronunciation | X x | |
| Ψ ψ | no Latin equivalent | |||
| Ω ω | no Latin equivalent | |||
| Y y | from Υ υ | |||
| Z z | corresponds to the Greek Ζ ζ | |||
| Ts ts, Ch h, Sh sh, Shch, b ъ, Y y, b ь, E e, Yu yu, I am | no Greek equivalents |
