CFS: Shield of Wisdom

A Devotional Anthology in Honor of Athena, the latest devotional project from Bibliotheca Alexandrina.

Call for Submissions!  We are interested in a wide variety of pieces, including (but not limited to) scholarly articles, short fiction, personal experiences, artwork, poetry, rituals, hymns, and original translations of ancient texts.

Contributors are strongly encouraged to consider the Goddess Athena’s many aspects and epithets while creating their submissions. Athena is a Virgin Goddess of Wisdom and War, as well as a Friend and Champion to Heroes. Bearing aegis and spear against her enemies, Athena is a Protector and a Guide, of both cities and individuals. She is a Goddess of Justice and Transformation, as well as Arts such as weaving and pottery. These are but a few of the many aspects of this Goddess, and contributors are encouraged to explore these and other aspects. While this rich mythology involving Athena is an excellent resource, contributors are also encouraged to make use of archaeological, linguistic, philosophical and other resources. Entries focusing on other deities shall not be accepted, unless said entries specifically focus on the deity’s relationship to Athena (ie: Athena as the Daughter of Zeus, Athena in her contest with Poseidon for rulership of Athens, Athena in comparison to the Roman Minerva, Athena and Hephaestus as patrons of handicrafts, Athena and Ares as Deities of War, Athena in comparison to the Egyptian Neith, etc.).

All works must be original, not public domain. No plagiarism. Scholarly articles must properly cite sources where applicable. Previously published submissions are acceptable, provided the author retains all rights to the work. Authors retain all rights to the submission. Upon acceptance, the author will be sent a permission to publish form along with a request for a short biography to include in the anthology.

The editor reserves the right to make any minor changes in the case of grammar, spelling and formatting concerns. The editor also reserves the right to request modification of submissions and to reject submissions as necessary.

No monetary compensation will be provided. Proceeds from all sales will be divided between charitable donations in the name of the Goddess, and production costs for future publications from Bibliotheca Alexandrina. All contributors will receive a coupon code which will allow them to purchase three copies of the anthology at cost.

Acceptable length is anywhere from 100-10,000 words (with the exception of poetry). All artwork must be at least 300dpi. The submissions period will run from October 1, 2011 – March 31, 2012, with the projected release date of May 2012. Please send your submission either in the body of the email or as a .doc/.docx attachment with “Athena Devotional” in the subject line to athenadevotional@gmail.com .