Rei Arkangelakis
Ρέη Αρχαγγελάκης
(In Greek, “rei” (ῥεῖ/ρέει) means she/he/it flows)
CRETAN & PONTIAN GREEK
ΚΡΗΤΙΚΉ & ΠΟΝΤΙΑΚΉ ΕΛΛΗΝΊΔΑ
Knowledge Seeker, Eclectic Mystic (mainly Minoan & Hellenic), & Poetic Storyteller
Γεια σας και καλώς ήρθατε! Hello and welcome!
Join me as I explore the magic of Ancient Crete (Κρήτη)…
First and foremost, this blog is a platform for me to get in touch with my ancestral roots (namely the maternal side who is Cretan) as a Greek immigrant, where I document my findings of all things Minoan and ancient Cretan. From Minoan fashion and symbols to ancient Cretan cuisine and wildlife, there is a wide assortment of information for those who would like to know more about this beautiful island far before its union with Greece in December 1913.
Throughout my life, I have been to Crete dozens of times and had the opportunity to visit various ancient sites, including The Palace of Knossos (Κνωσσός – see the gallery below for pictures). Ever since, I have been researching it on and off, but in recent years, it’s of main focus. Between countless synchronicities and intuitive nudges that somehow seem to point me toward the right direction, it’s been a whirlwind of discovery. So, I’d like to post these findings as I go (that are based off credible sources and/or my personal experiences) to help connect others to Crete’s one-of-a-kind energy.
Of course, there are gaps in the knowledge of this civilization due to numerous factors like natural disasters (i.e., the volcanic explosion at Thera, earthquakes, etc.) and invasions (by the Mycenaeans especially) that have destroyed innumerable artifacts. Plus, I’m not a scholar or archeologist, so this website shouldn’t be considered an academic resource at all times. It truly is a blog for mainly entertainment and self-discovery purposes. Although, I am trying my best to conduct research from sources that are more objective and don’t overly romanticize Minoan culture as a peaceful matriarchal utopia (because it wasn’t). Also, if personal gnosis is involved, I try to confirm it via outside means to avoid any false assumptions/conclusions.
And in case you were wondering, “magissa” (μάγισσα) means “witch” or “sorceress” in Greek. I consider myself a mystic, so I’ll also be sharing ways for others to implement mystical Minoan aspects into their daily lives or spiritual practice. I’ll even include some topics about ancient Greece from time to time (the Ancient Greeks were influenced by the Minoans, after all), as well as information about Crete before and beyond its Minoan period (to clarify, the Minoans were not Greek). Additionally, as a poet, I’ll post poems about Minoan topics and my Cretan heritage & ancestry in general.
Ευχαριστώ (thanks) for reading! 🙂
*All these photos are my own, so please don’t post them elsewhere without permission & credit. Thanks! Also please note that Arthur Evans, one of the primary excavators of Knossos, implemented some controversial reconstructions that don’t align with Minoan standards, so what you see above isn’t exactly what the Minoans saw…
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Minoan Magissa 
I think it’s wonderful that you’re writing about Minoan civilization as a way to honor your mom’s Cretan roots. Knossos is a fascinating place.
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Thank you so much, Sherri! I’d have to agree. There’s so much to learn. 🙂
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How intriguing! I am certainly excited to read more. (:
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Thank you! I’m glad you find it intriguing. 🙂
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I am glad you didn’t fall into the old tourist trap, thinking everything had survived since the time of the Minoans. And it’s nice to see you are interested in your heritage. My father was British and my mother is also from Crete and has moved back now she is retired. We used to visit several times a year as my dad worked for an airline.
I have always had an interest in the history, and even though I am getting on a bit (57) I am starting a Classical Studies degree at Uni next week.
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Definitely not, and unfortunately, a lot of Evans’ renditions were far off. However, there is just enough information out there to enable me to further connect with my heritage. Crete is a lovely place to retire and in general! It’s wonderful that you also had a chance to experience the magick of the island firsthand. Best of luck with your degree! 🙂
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So grateful to have stumbled upon such an informative blog! Rei, thank you for making this space to explore the glorious Minoan culture. There aren’t many online spaces like it. Actually, I can’t think of any besides this one. Keep up the superb work here! -T.L.
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That’s so kind of you to say! I appreciate that! 🙂
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Can disagree about only one thing—you ARE a scholar, working in multiple dimensions about the facts of a civilization that is desperately needed at the roots of our current mal-education system! Congratulations on such beautiful work, and here’s a wish for “More, More!”
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Thank you so much for saying that, Jack! I really appreciate it. 🙂
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Such a rich and vibrant website on Minoans! Since Knossos was uncovered there have been two core questions: what was their central calendar for living, and what were their central power relations? Turns out that the demonstrable answers to both are closely related: explore them with “CALENDAR HOUSE: Clues to Minoan Time from Knossos Labyrinth” at Ancientlights.org. PEACE, and Thanks to our Minoan Magissa!
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