What do the letters of the Greek alphabet mean? Greek alphabet, Greek writing

 Listen to the audio lesson with additional explanations

The Greek language has 24 letters. If you look at the table below, you will find 3 letters "And" and 2 more letters "O". They read the same. Previously, in ancient Greek every "And", for example, was read differently. In modern modern Greek, only different spellings of these letters have been preserved, but they are all read the same.

Also in the Russian language there are almost all the sounds of the Greek language, except for the sounds δ , ζ (if you are familiar with English, you will find similarities in these sounds in English) and γ (reads like Ukrainian "G", so for Russian speakers it will not be difficult to pronounce it).

I would also like to draw attention to the emphasis. It Always is placed in words (sometimes there are words in which there is no emphasis, for example: λαη , θαη , γθοι , ληοσς , but there are very few of them). These are mostly monosyllabic words. It is even considered a mistake not to put emphasis.

Very important point in Greek: letter "O" you need to pronounce it without replacing it as in Russian with "A". For example, in Russian the word "milk" it is said as "malAko". In Greek "O" always reads like "O"(imagine that you are from the Vologda region).

		Reads like	Example
Α	α	[A]	μ α μ ά (mother) , έν α ς (one)
Β	β	[V]	β ι β λίο (book), Χα β άη (Hawaii)
Γ	γ	[G](like Ukrainian "g")	γ άλα (milk), τσι γ άρο (cigarette)
Δ	δ	Interdental ringing sound(as in English words this, that)	Κανα δ άς (Canada), δ ρόμος (road)
Ε	ε	[e]	έ να (one), πατ έ ρας (father)
Ζ	ζ	[h]	ζ ωή (life), κα ζ ίνο (casino)
Η	η	[And]	Αθ ή να (Athens), ή ταν (was)
Θ	θ	Interdental dull sound (as in English word think)	Θ εσσαλονίκη (Thessaloniki), Θ ωμάς (Thomas)
Ι	ι	[And]	τσά ι (tea), παν ί (textile)
Κ	κ	[To]	κ αφές (coffee), κ ανό (canoe)
Λ	λ	[l]	πι λ ότος (pilot), Λ ονδίνο (London)
Μ	μ	[m]	Μ αρία (Mary), μ ήλο (apple)
Ν	ν	[n]	ν ησί (island), Ν αταλία (Natalia)
Ξ	ξ	[ks]	τα ξ ί (taxi) , ξ ένος (foreigner)
Ο	ο	[O]	τρ ό π ο ς (mode), μ ό λις (as soon as)
Π	π	[n]	π ατάτα (potatoes), π ράγμα (thing)
Ρ	ρ	[r]	Πέτ ρ ος (Peter), κό ρ η (daughter)
Σ	σ, ς	[With]	Α σ ία, Κώ σ τα ς (Asia, Kostas) (ς - this " With" is only placed at the end of a word)
Τ	τ	[T](Always solid sound)	φ τ άνω (to come), φώ τ α (light)
Υ	υ	[And]	ανάλυ ση (analysis), λύ κος (wolf)
Φ	φ	[f]	φ έτα (Feta cheese), φ ωνή (voice, sound)
Χ	χ	[X]	χ αλί (carpet), χ άνω (to lose)
Ψ	ψ	[ps]	ψ ωμί (bread), ψ άρι (fish)
Ω	ω	[O]	κάν ω (do) ​​, π ω ς (how)

Reading letter combinations

The Greek language has quite a lot of letter combinations (that is, sounds resulting from a combination of 2, 3 and even 4 letters). There are several reasons for this. The first is again a story that comes from the ancient Greek language, when sounds were read differently than in the modern Greek language. Their spelling has been preserved. The second reason is simply a lack of letters in the alphabet. 24 letters seemed insufficient to the Greeks to express philosophical thoughts. That's why they came up with additional sounds, combining existing letters with each other.

Pay attention! The emphasis on combinations of 2 vowels is placed on the second letter. If the emphasis falls on the first letter of the combination, then each letter is read separately

	Reads like	Example
αι	[e]	ν αι (yes) , κ αι (And)
ει	[And]	εί μαι (to be), Ει ρήνη (Irina)
οι	[And]	oικονομία (saving), αυτ οί (they are “men”)
ου	[y]	σ ού πα (soup), ου ρά (queue)
αυ	[av](read as [av] β , γ , δ , ζ , λ , ρ , μ , ν or vowel)	τρ αύ μα (trauma), αύ ριο (tomorrow)
αυ	[af](read as [af] κ , π , τ , χ , φ , θ , σ , ψ , ξ )	αυ τός (he), ν αύ της (sailor)
ευ	[ev](read as [ev], if this diphthong is followed by a voiced letter: β , γ , δ , ζ , λ , ρ , μ , ν or vowel)	Ευ ρώπη (Europe) , ευ ρώ (euro)
ευ	[ef](read as [ef], if after this diphthong there is a voiceless letter: κ , π , τ , χ , φ , θ , σ , ψ , ξ )	ευ θεία (straight), ευ χαριστώ (thank you)
τσ	[ts]	τσ ίρκο (circus), κέ τσ απ (ketchup)
τζ	[dz]	τζ α τζ ίκι (tzatziki), Τζ ένη (Zeni)
γγ	[ng]	Α γγ λία (England), α γγ ούρι (cucumber)
γχ	[nx]	έλεγχ ος (check), σύγχ ρονος (modern, synchronous)
γκ	[G](at the beginning of a word)	γκ ολ (goal), γκ ολφ (golf)
ντ	[d](at the beginning of a word)	ντ ους (shower), ντ ομάτα (tomato)
ντ	[nd](in the middle of a word)	κο ντ ά (near), τσά ντ α (bag)
μπ	[b](at the beginning of a word)	μπ ανάνα (banana), μπ ίρα (beer)
μπ	[mb](in the middle of a word)	λά μπ α (lamp), κολυ μπ ώ (swim)
γκ	[ng](in the middle of a word)	κα γκ ουρό (kangaroo)
για, γεια	[I]	Γιά ννης (Yannis), γεια σου (hello)
γιο, γιω	[ё]	Γιώ ργος (Yorgos), γιο ρτή (holiday)
γιου	[yu]	Γιού ρι (Yuri)

Features of the pronunciation of some consonants in words

Letters γ , κ , λ , χ , ν soften if they are followed by sounds "i", "e" (ι , η , υ , ει , οι , ε , αι ).

For example:

γ η (ground), γ ελώ (laugh) κ ενό (general, emptiness), κ ήπος (garden), γ υναίκα (woman, wife), χ ίλια (thousand), ό χ ι (no), κ ιλό (kilogram).

σ is read as ζ , if after σ there are the following consonants: β , γ , δ , μ , ρ , μπ , ντ , γκ .

For example:

Ι σ ραήλ (Israel), κό σ μος (space, people), κουρα σ μένος (tired), σ βήνω (turn off), ι σ λάμ (Islam), ο άντρα ς μου (my husband).

All doubled consonants are read as one.

For example:

Σά ββ ατο (Saturday), ε κκ λησία (church), παρά λλ ηλος (parallel), γρα μμ άριο (gram), Ά νν α (Anna), ι ππ όδρομος (hippodrome), Κα σσ άνδρα (Cassandra), Α ττ ική (Attica).

This rule does not apply to the combination γγ (see reading rule above).

A set of letters in the Greek system. languages, arranged in the accepted order (see table below). Letters G. a. used in publications in Russian. language as symbols of mat. and physical notation. In the original, the letters G. a. It is customary to enclose in a red circle... ... Publishing dictionary-reference book

greek alphabet- The Greeks first used consonantal writing. In 403 BC. e. Under Archon Euclid, the classical Greek alphabet was introduced in Athens. It consisted of 24 letters: 17 consonants and 7 vowels. For the first time, letters were introduced to represent vowels; α, ε, η… Dictionary of linguistic terms T.V. Foal

Coppa (Greek alphabet)- This is an article about greek letter. For information on the Cyrillic number sign, see the article by Koppa (Cyrillic alphabet) Greek alphabet Α α alpha Β β beta ... Wikipedia

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Alphabet- [Greek ἀλφάβητος, from the name of the first two letters of the Greek alphabet alpha and beta (Modern Greek vita)] a system of written signs that convey the sound appearance of words in a language through symbols depicting individual sound elements. Invention… … Linguistic encyclopedic dictionary

Alphabet- is the latest phenomenon in the history of writing (see Letter). This name denotes a series of written signs arranged in a certain constant order and conveying approximately completely and accurately all the individual sound elements, of which... ... Encyclopedic Dictionary F. Brockhaus and I.A. Efron

ALPHABET- a set of letters or similar signs used in writing, where each letter represents one or more phonemes. Alphabets were not the oldest basis of writing, having been developed from hieroglyphs or written images used... ... Symbols, signs, emblems. Encyclopedia

Books

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• Introduction to Ancient Greek, 2nd ed., rev. and additional Textbook for academic bachelor's degree, Oleg Anatolyevich Titov. The textbook examines a brief history of the development of the Greek language from ancient times to the present day, gives the Greek alphabet, reading rules, types and features of stress placement.…

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 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 of the 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 your apartment in a visible place. 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!

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 maintaining 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 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 from a monad and its antipode naturally a third entity arises. IN 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 denotes 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 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 of a 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 creative process creation. In an esoteric sense, Zeta is the seventh letter of the alphabet, since the sixth letter was Digamma (F), removed before the beginning classical period and was 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 intended 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 magic symbol and 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. More detailed description 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, stands for 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, numeric value the words "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 any organic growth. Mystically, it is associated with a geometric proportion known as Golden Ratio. Like the eleventh letter of the Greek alphabet, Lambda represents the ascension to more high 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 sacred number 40. This letter is associated with trees - the largest, most powerful and persistent 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 darker semantic connections - 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 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 known 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, the 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 a 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 represents the microcosm, and in a narrower sense, the lunar aspect of man. The cross of the letter Tau often served as the main pictographic form of the image 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 - “anti-heroes” Old Testament, foreshadowing the appearance of a “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. Geometric body Plato called the “icosahedron”, representing 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 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 the gematric sums of the Greek words "Cosmos" (KOΣMOΣ) and "deity" ("O THEOTHΣ) (the latter being the sacred component of the former). Chi is an indicator of ownership, defining the boundaries of what has already been appropriated. It is also a symbol of the presented gift, which in the horizontal plane connects man to man, and if you look vertically, then this 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 giving 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, the 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 the pagan and Christian interpretations of the word "Lord", be it Zeus or Jesus.

Ελληνικό αλφάβητο [eliniko alphabeto] — greek alphabet used in Greek and in the rather small Greek language group. Despite this, it is one of the most ancient (presumably 9th century) and studied. The word “Alphabet”, which we borrowed from the Greeks, consists of the names of the first two letters: "alpha" And "vita"(by analogy our “ABC” was named: "az" And "beeches") Both the modern and ancient Greek alphabet consists of 24 letters: vowels and consonants.

Greek alphabet history

The letters of the Greek alphabet were partially borrowed from Phoenician script consonantal type of writing words (using only consonant sounds). Due to the peculiarity of the Greek language, some symbols denoting consonants began to be used to record vowel sounds. Thus, the Greek alphabet can be considered the first in the history of writing, which consisted of vowels and consonants. Phoenician letters changed not only their styles, but also their names. Initially, all the symbols of the Phoenician writing system had names denoting a word and denoting the initial letter of that word. In Greek transcription, the words slightly changed their sound, and the semantic load was lost. New symbols have also been added to represent missing vowel sounds.

Modern Greek alphabet with transcription

(Modern Greek)

Letter	Greek name	Russian name	Pronunciation
Α α	άλφα	alpha	[a]
Β β	βήτα	beta (vita)	[β]
Γ γ	γάμμα γάμα	gamma	[ɣ], [ʝ]
Δ δ	δέλτα	delta	[ð]
Ε ε	έψιλον	epsilon	[e]
Ζ ζ	ζήτα	zeta (zita)	[z]
Η η	ήτα	this (ita)	[i]
Θ θ	θήτα	theta (phyta)	[θ]
Ι ι	ιώτα γιώτα	iota	[i], [j]
Κ κ	κάππα κάπα	kappa	[k], [c]
Λ λ	λάμδα λάμβδα	lambda (lamda)	[l]
Μ μ	μι μυ	mu (mi)	[m]
Ν ν	νι νυ	nude (neither)	[n]
Ξ ξ	ξι	xi
Ο ο	όμικρον	omicron	[o]
Π π	πι	pi	[p]
Ρ ρ	ρω	ro	[r]
Σ σ ς	σίγμα	sigma	[s]
Τ τ	ταυ	tau (tav)	[t]
Υ υ	ύψιλον	upsilon	[i]
Φ φ	φι	fi	[ɸ]
Χ χ	χι	hee	[x], [ç]
Ψ ψ	ψι	psi
Ω ω	ωμέγα	omega	[o]

Ancient Greek alphabet with transcription

(ancient Greek)

Letter	Dr. -Greek name	Russian name	Pronunciation
Α α	ἄλφα	alpha	[a]
Β β	βῆτα	beta (vita)	[b]
Γ γ	γάμμα	gamma	[g]/[n]
Δ δ	δέλτα	delta	[d]
Ε ε	εἶ	epsilon	[e]
Ζ ζ	ζῆτα	zeta (zita)	, Later
Η η	ἦτα	this (ita)	[ɛː]
Θ θ	θῆτα	theta (phyta)
Ι ι	ἰῶτα	iota	[i]
Κ κ	κάππα	kappa	[k]
Λ λ	λάμδα	lambda (lamda)	[l]
Μ μ	μῦ	mu (mi)	[m]
Ν ν	νῦ	nude (neither)	[n]
Ξ ξ	ξεῖ	xi
Ο ο	οὖ	omicron	[o]
Π π	πεῖ	pi	[p]
Ρ ρ	ῥῶ	ro	[r],
Σ σ ς	σῖγμα	sigma	[s]
Τ τ	ταῦ	tau (tav)	[t]
Υ υ	ὖ	upsilon	[y], (formerly [u], )
Φ φ	φεῖ	fi
Χ χ	χεῖ	hee
Ψ ψ	ψεῖ	psi
Ω ω	ὦ	omega	[ɔː]

Numbers of the Greek alphabet

Symbols of the Greek alphabet were also used in the system of writing numbers. Letters in order denoted numbers from 1 to 9, then numbers from 10 to 90, multiples of 10, and then numbers from 100 to 900, multiples of 100. Due to the fact that there were not enough alphabetic characters to write numbers, the number system was supplemented with symbols:

• ϛ (stigma)
• ϟ (coppa)
• ϡ (sampi)

Letter	Meaning	Name
Α α	1	alpha
Β β	2	beta (vita)
Γ γ	3	gamma
Δ δ	4	delta
Ε ε	5	epsilon
Ϛ ϛ	6	stigma
Ζ ζ	7	zeta (zita)
Η η	8	this (ita)
Θ θ	9	theta (phyta)
Ι ι	10	iota
Κ κ	20	kappa
Λ λ	30	lambda (lamda)
Μ μ	40	mu (mi)
Ν ν	50	nude (neither)
Ξ ξ	60	xi
Ο ο	70	omicron
Π π	80	pi
Ϙ ϙ or Ϟ ϟ	90	coppa
Ρ ρ	100	ro
Σ σ ς	200	sigma
Τ τ	300	tau (tav)
Υ υ	400	upsilon
Φ φ	500	fi
Χ χ	600	hee
Ψ ψ	700	psi
Ω ω	800	omega
Ϡ ϡ	900	sampi