Suarentauro main ritual
Here's the full main ritual, done in the evening on the second Day. Again, I've put it under a cut for those not interested.
As I said, there were a couple of holes, but this went remarkably well. It went especially well if you consider that we had not practiced this previously. It's worth noting that fala_ten did ritually sweep the area with a besom that we blessed and consecrated in the morning.
Main Ritual
Preparation
I. Opening
Meditation by ______________
Purification:
Smudge by________
Tingshas by________
Wash in Khernips
FP retrieve the flame from the hearth fire, light a torch, and place it near the sacred space where you will begin the pompe, or procession. Return to group after the placement and prayer.
FP prayer to Hestia: Hestia, we bring the living flame to this place. Bless our ritual with success.
Arrange the procession in the following order:
II. Pompe
Begin the procession and walk to the torch.
FP should grab the torch and move as smoothly as possible without pause.
Progress to the north and pause.
P1: "Let us plow the field. Let the sacred space be created."
All walk in a circle around the ritual space, moving clockwise. The person with the hand drum should beat a walking beat as you go. After one complete circle, the group other than the seven priests/priestesses (that is, the person behind A2) should move into the ritual space and stay there.
The seven priests/priestesses should continue, and walk twice more in a circle until they have gone around the ritual space three times, and pause. Once completed, the drummer should stop.
P1: "The field is plowed, the sacred space is made."
Priests/priestesses continue moving in the circle until they reach their altar stations. FP should stop next to where the west fire will be. P1 should break from the line to place the gods at Their altar position before moving to the south. The order is: P3/A3 on the west, P1/A1 to the south, P2/A2 to the east.
A1, A2 and A3 should distribute the meats, grains, cakes, milk, and wine to the proper altars at this time:
A3 should first distribute the wine bottles to each table, and then the milk and honey to east and west altars only (no milk and honey at south altar). Hand the bottles of wine to the priests/priestesses. For the milk and honey, A3 should pour the bottle equally into the cup or bowl that will hold it.
If there is a separate bowl, A3 should pour most of the khernips into that bowl at this time.
Each priest/priestess should then open the wine bottles and pour them into the pitchers as they get them, while;
A2 distributes first the grains, then the cakes, to the proper tables. A2 keeps the main barley basket at east altar for now. Make sure that P1 position has barley in a separate bowl.
A1 then distributes the meat to the proper tables.
III. Consecration of Sacred Space
A3 should pour a small portion of the khernips that was carried in the circle into the water that is under the west table. Once done, hand the main bowl of khernips to A1.
A1 takes the main bowl of khernips and goes clockwise, starting with the west table, pouring water for washing the hands of each participant. P1 will pour the water to wash hands of A1 at the end.
A2 takes the barley basket and distributes a handful of barley to each participant, again going clockwise. A2 then places the barley basket at the entrance once all within the ritual space have some grains.
P1: "Let the sacred space be consecrated! May the gods hear us, be pleased with our offerings, and grant to us our wishes and fulfill our needs. May we be of good fortune, and dear to the gods."
All within the sacred space respond: "Let the sacred enter this place."
Each person in turn sprinkles the barley on the altars, the tables, in the grills, etc.
IV. Neo-Pagan Altar
Calling Elements, gods/goddesses, and personal invitations (remember to use the flame of the FP torch to light lamps)
Elemental Invocations
Earth by ___________
I call upon the north, the essence of stone and tree
Grant us your presence, and bless us with your gifts of strength and dependability.
We bid you hail and welcome.
All: Hail, and Welcome
Air by ___________
I call upon the east, the essence of wind and breath
Grant us your presence and bless us with your gifts of knowledge and depth.
We bid you hail and welcome.
All: Hail, and Welcome
Fire by ___________
I call upon the south, the essence of flame and heat
Grant us your presence and bless us with your gifts of passion and heart beat.
We bid you hail and welcome.
All: Hail, and Welcome
Water by ___________
I call upon the west, the essence of lakes and oceans
Grant us your presence, and bless us with your gifts of dreams and emotions
We bid you hail and welcome.
All: Hail, and Welcome
Gods Invocation
Hear me great Gods glorious and bright
We ask for your presence during this rite
Bless us and hold us near
Protect us and all that we hold dear
May praise to you be far flung
And the greatness of your deeds always sung
Hail and welcome
All: Hail, and Welcome
Goddesses Invocation
And to you great Goddesses magnificent and bright
We ask for your presence during this rite
Bless us and hold us near
Protect us and all that we hold dear
May praise to you be far flung
And the greatness of your deeds always sung
Hail and welcome
All: Hail, and Welcome
Personal Invitations
Move around the circle three times clockwise and allow participants to invite patrons in for the ritual.
V. Ignis
FP should now begin lighting the cauldrons/grills/altar flames
FP lights the west fire and says: "Behold, we ignite the fire of life!"
All respond: "May our community shine as a beacon to all."
P3 says: "May the flame bring prosperity and succor."
FP lights the south fire in silence.
P1 says: "May the flame bring purity and protection."
FP lights the west fire in silence.
P2 says: "May the flame bring honor and victory."
FP stands near south altar, and tends the cauldron fires for the remainder of the ceremony when not otherwise occupied.
VI. First Libations and Prayers
P3 refills the vessel used to pour khernips during the washing with some of the water from under the table.
P3 holds up the khernips and says: "Behold, the avon, the water of life!"
All respond: "We are here to bless and strengthen our community."
P3 should pour into one cup and set it aside for later.
A3 should get a portion of this water into a cup, mix it with a bit of wine, and hand it to the FP.
FP makes a libation to Hestia, pouring out the mixture next to the west fire, saying: "Hestia, to you always the first and last offering."
A1 retrieves two small cups of the water and hands one to P1, placing the other on the south altar.
A2 should next retrieve a cup of water and bring it to the east altar.
P1 takes the cup of water, mixes a small portion of wine, and then makes an offering at the neo-pagan altar. P1 simply sit the cup on that altar, and thanks all of the gods and goddesses not otherwise named, the spirits and others called into circle, for joining today.
A2 and A3 mix some milk with the appropriate grains (Emmer and Einkorn, or wheat, on the west and millet on the east).
A1 should mix some wine with barley.
P1: "Whoever is present, keep silent: Now, in this time, we lustrate our crops and lands. Dionysos, come, and let sweet cluster hang from your horns. Demeter, ring your temples with bristling grain. Persephone, let Triptolemos sow new beginnings. This sacred day, let the earth find rest. Let hard labor cease. Let all efforts be devoted to the gods. Gods of our ancestors, we purify our fields, we purify our community. White colts, bring good fortune. Father Zeus, bring just rule and piety. Strong Ares, drive away evil beyond our boundaries. Neither let the grain field cheat the harvest with stunted shafts nor the lamb fear the swift wolves. Let all in our community reap the bountiful harvest of their labors. May our prayers be answered."
A3 makes a libation of milk mixed with wheat (Emmer and Einkorn) to Persephone, saying "Blessed Kore, be pleased with this offering." This libation should be poured on the ground. All cry Sponde!
A1 makes a libation of wine mixed with barley to Dionysos, saying "Dionysos, bringer of ecstasy, be pleased with this offering." This libation should be poured on the ground. All cry Sponde!
A2 makes a libation of milk mixed with millet to Demeter, saying "Great mother, be pleased with this offering." This libation should be poured on the ground. All cry Sponde!
P3 tosses wheat grains and incense on west fire, saying "Great gods, be pleased with this offering."
P1 tosses barley grains and incense on west fire, saying "Father Sky, be pleased with this offering."
P2 tosses millet grains and incense on west fire, saying "Savage Enyalios, be pleased with this offering."
VII. Second Libations and Prayers
P1 speaks: "It is the time of the Suarentauro!"
All within the sacred space respond: "We are here to honor the gods"
P3 pours wine into libation vessel, holds up and speaks: "To the saviors, companions of men, sons of Zeus and Leda, brothers of Helen, the Dioskouroi, I bid ye, come in your chariot that is swifter even than a blink. So that this sacrifice may be allotted rightly to the gods, I bid thee to guide this Suarentauro, and let it purify the earth for our community."
P3 walks over and pours a libation of wine into the west fire. All cry Sponde!
P1 pours wine into libation vessel, holds up and speaks: "To Father Zeus, king of the gods, whose eye sees everything and notices everything, hear me. Zeus, may you bless this Suarentauro. May justice and fair rule be with our community. May our crops grow, our dreams be fulfilled, and our labors fruitful. May the air be filled with your bright blessings. I ask that you ensure the success of this rite, for our community."
P1 walks over and pours a libation of wine into the west fire. All cry Sponde!
P2 pours wine into libation vessel, holds up and speaks: "To Ares the good protector, Aphneius, spear-wielding, who is swift, fearsome, and brazen, hear me. I beseech and implore you, that you might be gracious and proprietous to us, our homes and households, and our community. On this account we direct the Suarentauro to be driven around the sacred earth, that you might avert, keep away, and ward off, desolation, disaster, and all of the enemies of our community, seen and unseen. That through defeat of our enemies our crops, grains, vines and bushes will grow large and bear well, that our labors will bring bounty to us, that you might keep safe herds and hearders, and all in our community, and ensure well-being and good health. On account of these things, on account of purifying our land and performing a lustration, be honored with this Suarentauro."
P2 pours a libation of wine into the west fire. All cry Sponde!
VIII. Lustration
FP retrieves lit torch and proceeds to west altar area.
P3 picks up plate of pork meat, and holds it out to let FP pass flaming torch around it three times. P3 then walks to center and walks around earth and salt three times before returning.
P1 and P2 repeat this exercise, with FP blessing the meats both times with flame at the particular altar, with P1 going second and P2 going last.
IX. Sacrifice
All priests/priestesses return to their altars, and sprinkle a bit of khernips on the meat. They should move the meat to the cutting boards.
P1 says: "May the gods find this sacrifice worthy."
Each should cut the meat at the same time.
When the meat is cut, the women in the group who are not doing the cutting should ululate.
P3 takes some of the blood and wine mix on the west altar, and pours it in a circle around the earth and salt in the center of the space.
P1 takes some of the blood and wine mix on the south altar, and pours it in a circle around the earth and salt in the center of the space.
P2 takes some of the blood and wine mix on the east altar, and pours it in a circle around the earth and salt in the center of the space.
Each priest/priestess should arrange the cut meat on the plate, and hand it to the assistants. Assistants should go to the east fire together and form a semi-circle around it.
A1 says: "May the gods be pleased with these offerings."
All respond: "Oh gods and goddesses, we ask that you accept our offerings."
A1, A2 and A3 place the meat on the fire, and return to their areas.
X. Prayers for Protection
P3 says: "The time of the feast nears, but danger lurks nearby."
P1 says: "Our enemies stand at our borders. The community must be protected!."
P2 says: "Help us, O Ares! Help us, O Ares! Help us, O Ares! Do not let dissolution, destruction attack the people! Leap to the border, take your position!"
P2 says: "Who will assist Ares in his task?"
P3 responds: "Sons of Zeus and Leda, finest saviors, hear us! Travel over the broad earth and the whole sea on your swift-footed horses. Save us from our enemies!"
P1 responds: "Father Zeus, hear us! Strike down our enemies with your thunderbolt!"
P2 says: "May the gods be swift and defeat our enemies!"
P2 says: "Victory, victory, victory!."
P1 says: "Victory, victory, victory!."
P3 says: "Victory, victory, victory!."
P1 says: "Ares battles our enemies. May Zeus and the Dioskouroi assist and guarantee victory, as in olden times. Now, as we await word, be still, and listen to a tale."
XI. Agon
A2 steps forward and begins a story. "Once, there was a nymph named Nephele. With her two children Phrixos and Helle in danger, she sent the golden-fleeced ram Chrysomallus to samve them. The ram was a gift from Hermes, and very special. After saving Phrixos, and taking him to Colchis, the ram told Phrixos to sacrifice the ram to Zeus as the god of fugitives, and hang his golden fleece in an oak grove sacred to Ares. Phrixos did as he was told, and the fleece hung in the oak trees in the sacred grove.
As you all know, oaks are sacred to Zeus. In time, the Argonauts, seeking adventure, traveled to Colchis. Among them were Castor and Polydeuces, the Dioskouroi, who among other things destroyed the giant Talos. After much effort, the Argonauts won the golden fleece and returned home. The Dioskouroi, we are told, also took from the grove the ancient statue of Ares and brought it to Sparta, where it was placed in the temple of Ares Thareitas, to the east of town. Ares thus protected Sparta from her enemies. So ends my tale, may it please the gods to hear it."
XII. Triumph and Binding
P1 says: "Is there word?"
P2 says: "Ares returns victorious!!"
All respond: "Praise to the gods!"
P2 says: "Ares, our enemies are vanquished. Do not leave, do not flee, stay at the border now and in the future. Who will help Ares maintain the station?"
A3 says: "Hermes, as a guardian of the border, I ask that you stand with Ares."
A1 says: "Zeus, great king, I ask that you send your daughter Dike, Justice, to stand beside Ares and ensure a just rule."
P2 says: "May Ares stand between Dike and Hermes, protect the lands and the community, now and in the future."
P1 says: "The sacrifice is complete, the lands are purified, the boundary is secure. Let us share food and drink, and feast now"
XIII. Cakes and Ale
All of the priests/priestesses hold up the various cakes, and P1 says "May we give thanks to Demeter for this food, and delight as we say: Glory of the harvest, serenity of the fields, endurance of the grain and all that harvest yields. The continuing rebirth of field and flower, infuse these cakes, and give them power."
Assistants should distribute the cakes to all participants, again going clockwise, starting with A3, then A1, then A2. They say "May you never hunger" as each participant takes some of the cakes.
P1 should retrieve a bit of water from P3, then mix the water with the wine in the pitcher. P1 then blesses the mixture to drink, saying: "Dionysos, we delight in your gifts, and give praise as we say: Strength of the oceans, laughter of the streams, patience of the lakes, fluidity of dreams. The nurturance of waters large and small, into this vessel I now call.
P1 then pours the wine for the group, into a common kylix or chalice or into individual cups, with A1 assisting, and gives to each participant saying: "May you never thirst."
Let all talk and mingle as needed to eat and drink.
XIV. Final Libations
Any wine left should be poured by P1 as a libation of thanks to the gods.
FP should make a libation to Hestia, using water from west altar, again saying: "Hestia, to you always the first and last offering."
XV. Releasing
P1 should release/ say farewell to the gods mentioned in the ritual, saying: “Thank you, gods and goddesses, named in this Suarentauro, for your blessings upon us all.”
P1 releases all of the previously called spirits and other entities, saying: “Friends of spirit standing with us tonight, your presence filled our ritual with light. Your grace was a blessing our hearts you filled. Go if you must, but stay if you will. Hail, and Farewell.”
Goddesses Released (P1)
Thank you great goddesses for joining us tonight
For blessing us with your presence and brilliance of light
You gifted us with clarity of purpose and insight
As we observed this Suarentauro rite
We bid you hail, and farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Gods Released (P1)
Thank you great gods for joining us tonight
For blessing us with your presence and brilliance of light
You gifted us with clarity of purpose and insight
As we observed this Suarentauro rite
We bid you hail, and farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Releasing Elements
Water
We thank you spirit of the west, essence of lakes and oceans.
For granting us your presence, and blessing us with your gifts of dreams and emotion.
We bid you Hail, and Farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Fire
We thank you spirit of the south, essence of flame and heat
For granting us your presence, and blessing us with your gifts of passion and heart beat.
We bid you Hail, and Farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Air
We thank you spirit of the east, essence of wind and breath
For granting us your presence, and blessing us with your gifts of knowledge and depth
We bid you Hail, and Farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Earth
We thank you spirit of the north, essence of stone and tree
For granting us your presence, and blessing us with your gifts of strength and dependability.
We bid you Hail, and Farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
All priests/priestesses except P1 (that is, six people), should form a line on the north, and then walk counter-clockwise three times. Drummer should beat a drumbeat until done.
XVI. Closing
P1 stands in center near dirt, and when circle is brought down, says "So long as waters flow and trees grow, and the sun rises and shines, and the radiant moon; so long as the sun shall be in the sky; so long as heaven remains above earth; and so long as heaven, earth and mankind exist, may we be blessed by the gods. May they guide us and be with us so long as we be here with life, and seeing upon this earth. May our community be safe, prosperous, and strong. May you all be of good health and cheer, and may our friendships be dear. May we shine in the radiance of the gods, and may they be with us, now and forever."
P1 tells all to clap at the same time. Count to three, clap, and then retire to the main feast.
As I said, there were a couple of holes, but this went remarkably well. It went especially well if you consider that we had not practiced this previously. It's worth noting that fala_ten did ritually sweep the area with a besom that we blessed and consecrated in the morning.
Main Ritual
Preparation
- Important: Prior to setting up any tables or fire cauldrons, ritually sweep the area that will be consecrated as the sacred space.
- Obtain a vessel that will allow for the easy transport of water.
- Arrange fleece with objects representing the gods. Obtain a small oak branch with leaves on it for Zeus. Sword and egg should be there as well. Use a small container to hold the egg in place.
- Get a large serving plate to hold the meat. Use winnowing basket to carry grains, but keep them separate.
- Open and re-cork the wine bottles, making it so that they don't leak but so that they can be opened with some ease.
- Set up tables as follows: One table on west side of ritual area, two tables on south side of area, two tables on east side of ritual area. Smaller table on south, to the east of the main table, is for neo-pagan altar. Smaller table on east, to the north, will hold images of the gods. Place tablecloths or sheets over all but the altar that will hold the gods.
- Place three grills in area in front of the main altar tables. West fire is in circular grill, south fire is in half-circle grill, east fire is a rectangle or square grill. Put in pre-soaked charcoal for the initial fire, and some sticks and small logs over that. Ensure that there is proper distance so that nothing catches on fire.
- Place a large container, such as a larger flowerpot, in the center, and place clean dirt in it. Also place a large amount of salt, in a bag, in a small pot next to the larger one.
- Place a small table just outside of the ritual space that will hold a bowl with khernips, in case others wish to join the ritual after it starts.
- Place a small table within the ritual space, next to the khernips, so that late-arriving participants may grab a handful of barley and sprinkle on the altar.
- Put a small pile of twigs, sticks, and small wood logs near the south altar so that the FP can tend the fires.
- Have baskets ready to carry necessary items in the procession.
- Place the following items on or under the west (i.e. P3/A3) altar table:
- Extra water in a container under the altar.
- A cup/bowl with the blood and wine mixture appropriate for the table; that is, pig's blood and wine on the west.
- A cutting board
- The ceremonial knife.
- Two plates, one to receive meat (a plain plate) and one to receive cakes (Dokana plate).
- A pitcher for the wine on the table.
- A bowl to hold grains on the table.
- A libation cup or philae on the table.
- A cup or bowl on the table to hold the mixtures of milk and honey and (eventually) grain.
- A small bowl or cup to hold incense, which will be scattered on the fire.
- A cup on the altar for water.
- A bowl to receive the carried khernips.
- Something that will allow P3/A3 to move meat as needed.
- Place the following items on or under the south (i.e. P1/A1)altar table:
- A cup or kylix, for the communal drink.
- A cup/bowl with the blood and wine mixture appropriate for the table; that is, sheep's blood and wine on the south.
- A cutting board
- The ceremonial knife.
- Two plates, one to receive meat (a plain plate) and one to receive cakes (Oak plate).
- A pitcher for the wine on the table.
- A bowl to hold grains on the table.
- A libation cup or philae on the table.
- A cup or bowl on the table to hold the mixtures of wine and (eventually) grain.
- A small bowl or cup to hold incense, which will be scattered on the fire.
- Two cups, one for plain water, the other for water and wine for the neo-pagan altar.
- Something that will allow P1/A1 to move meat as needed.
- Plastic cups and napkins for cakes and ale.
- Place the following items on or under the east (i.e. P2/A2) altar table:
- A cup/bowl with the blood and wine mixture appropriate for the table; that is, pig's blood and wine on the west.
- A cutting board
- The ceremonial knife.
- Two plates, one to receive meat (a plain plate) and one to receive cakes (Shield plate).
- A pitcher for the wine on the table.
- A bowl to hold grains on the table.
- A libation cup or philae on the table.
- A cup or bowl on the table to hold the mixtures of milk and honey and (eventually) grain.
- A small bowl or cup to hold incense, which will be scattered on the fire.
- A cup on the altar for water.
- Something that will allow P2/A2 to move meat as needed.
- Prepare the neo-pagan altar in the normal way.
- Have a tiki-torch ready for the FP to use. It will be placed near the edge of the ritual space where the pompe enters the space.
I. Opening
Meditation by ______________
Purification:
FP retrieve the flame from the hearth fire, light a torch, and place it near the sacred space where you will begin the pompe, or procession. Return to group after the placement and prayer.
FP prayer to Hestia: Hestia, we bring the living flame to this place. Bless our ritual with success.
Arrange the procession in the following order:
- FP, who will grab the torch as you approach the sacred space.
- P3, who will carry the wine, as well as the milk and honey.
- A3 carries the water.
- P1 carries the gods. These should be representations or statues of the Dioskouroi, Ares, and Zeus. They should be carried on the fleece.
- A1 carries the cuts of meat, which includes pork, sheep, and cow.
- P2 carries the grains.
- A2 carries the cakes.
- The remainder of the group that will be in the sacred space. At least one person in the procession should carry a hand drum.
II. Pompe
Begin the procession and walk to the torch.
FP should grab the torch and move as smoothly as possible without pause.
Progress to the north and pause.
P1: "Let us plow the field. Let the sacred space be created."
All walk in a circle around the ritual space, moving clockwise. The person with the hand drum should beat a walking beat as you go. After one complete circle, the group other than the seven priests/priestesses (that is, the person behind A2) should move into the ritual space and stay there.
The seven priests/priestesses should continue, and walk twice more in a circle until they have gone around the ritual space three times, and pause. Once completed, the drummer should stop.
P1: "The field is plowed, the sacred space is made."
Priests/priestesses continue moving in the circle until they reach their altar stations. FP should stop next to where the west fire will be. P1 should break from the line to place the gods at Their altar position before moving to the south. The order is: P3/A3 on the west, P1/A1 to the south, P2/A2 to the east.
A1, A2 and A3 should distribute the meats, grains, cakes, milk, and wine to the proper altars at this time:
A3 should first distribute the wine bottles to each table, and then the milk and honey to east and west altars only (no milk and honey at south altar). Hand the bottles of wine to the priests/priestesses. For the milk and honey, A3 should pour the bottle equally into the cup or bowl that will hold it.
If there is a separate bowl, A3 should pour most of the khernips into that bowl at this time.
Each priest/priestess should then open the wine bottles and pour them into the pitchers as they get them, while;
A2 distributes first the grains, then the cakes, to the proper tables. A2 keeps the main barley basket at east altar for now. Make sure that P1 position has barley in a separate bowl.
A1 then distributes the meat to the proper tables.
III. Consecration of Sacred Space
A3 should pour a small portion of the khernips that was carried in the circle into the water that is under the west table. Once done, hand the main bowl of khernips to A1.
A1 takes the main bowl of khernips and goes clockwise, starting with the west table, pouring water for washing the hands of each participant. P1 will pour the water to wash hands of A1 at the end.
A2 takes the barley basket and distributes a handful of barley to each participant, again going clockwise. A2 then places the barley basket at the entrance once all within the ritual space have some grains.
P1: "Let the sacred space be consecrated! May the gods hear us, be pleased with our offerings, and grant to us our wishes and fulfill our needs. May we be of good fortune, and dear to the gods."
All within the sacred space respond: "Let the sacred enter this place."
Each person in turn sprinkles the barley on the altars, the tables, in the grills, etc.
IV. Neo-Pagan Altar
Calling Elements, gods/goddesses, and personal invitations (remember to use the flame of the FP torch to light lamps)
Elemental Invocations
Earth by ___________
I call upon the north, the essence of stone and tree
Grant us your presence, and bless us with your gifts of strength and dependability.
We bid you hail and welcome.
All: Hail, and Welcome
Air by ___________
I call upon the east, the essence of wind and breath
Grant us your presence and bless us with your gifts of knowledge and depth.
We bid you hail and welcome.
All: Hail, and Welcome
Fire by ___________
I call upon the south, the essence of flame and heat
Grant us your presence and bless us with your gifts of passion and heart beat.
We bid you hail and welcome.
All: Hail, and Welcome
Water by ___________
I call upon the west, the essence of lakes and oceans
Grant us your presence, and bless us with your gifts of dreams and emotions
We bid you hail and welcome.
All: Hail, and Welcome
Gods Invocation
Hear me great Gods glorious and bright
We ask for your presence during this rite
Bless us and hold us near
Protect us and all that we hold dear
May praise to you be far flung
And the greatness of your deeds always sung
Hail and welcome
All: Hail, and Welcome
Goddesses Invocation
And to you great Goddesses magnificent and bright
We ask for your presence during this rite
Bless us and hold us near
Protect us and all that we hold dear
May praise to you be far flung
And the greatness of your deeds always sung
Hail and welcome
All: Hail, and Welcome
Personal Invitations
Move around the circle three times clockwise and allow participants to invite patrons in for the ritual.
V. Ignis
FP should now begin lighting the cauldrons/grills/altar flames
FP stands near south altar, and tends the cauldron fires for the remainder of the ceremony when not otherwise occupied.
VI. First Libations and Prayers
P3 refills the vessel used to pour khernips during the washing with some of the water from under the table.
A1 retrieves two small cups of the water and hands one to P1, placing the other on the south altar.
A2 should next retrieve a cup of water and bring it to the east altar.
P1 takes the cup of water, mixes a small portion of wine, and then makes an offering at the neo-pagan altar. P1 simply sit the cup on that altar, and thanks all of the gods and goddesses not otherwise named, the spirits and others called into circle, for joining today.
A2 and A3 mix some milk with the appropriate grains (Emmer and Einkorn, or wheat, on the west and millet on the east).
A1 should mix some wine with barley.
P1: "Whoever is present, keep silent: Now, in this time, we lustrate our crops and lands. Dionysos, come, and let sweet cluster hang from your horns. Demeter, ring your temples with bristling grain. Persephone, let Triptolemos sow new beginnings. This sacred day, let the earth find rest. Let hard labor cease. Let all efforts be devoted to the gods. Gods of our ancestors, we purify our fields, we purify our community. White colts, bring good fortune. Father Zeus, bring just rule and piety. Strong Ares, drive away evil beyond our boundaries. Neither let the grain field cheat the harvest with stunted shafts nor the lamb fear the swift wolves. Let all in our community reap the bountiful harvest of their labors. May our prayers be answered."
A3 makes a libation of milk mixed with wheat (Emmer and Einkorn) to Persephone, saying "Blessed Kore, be pleased with this offering." This libation should be poured on the ground. All cry Sponde!
A1 makes a libation of wine mixed with barley to Dionysos, saying "Dionysos, bringer of ecstasy, be pleased with this offering." This libation should be poured on the ground. All cry Sponde!
A2 makes a libation of milk mixed with millet to Demeter, saying "Great mother, be pleased with this offering." This libation should be poured on the ground. All cry Sponde!
P3 tosses wheat grains and incense on west fire, saying "Great gods, be pleased with this offering."
P1 tosses barley grains and incense on west fire, saying "Father Sky, be pleased with this offering."
P2 tosses millet grains and incense on west fire, saying "Savage Enyalios, be pleased with this offering."
VII. Second Libations and Prayers
P1 speaks: "It is the time of the Suarentauro!"
All within the sacred space respond: "We are here to honor the gods"
P3 pours wine into libation vessel, holds up and speaks: "To the saviors, companions of men, sons of Zeus and Leda, brothers of Helen, the Dioskouroi, I bid ye, come in your chariot that is swifter even than a blink. So that this sacrifice may be allotted rightly to the gods, I bid thee to guide this Suarentauro, and let it purify the earth for our community."
P3 walks over and pours a libation of wine into the west fire. All cry Sponde!
P1 pours wine into libation vessel, holds up and speaks: "To Father Zeus, king of the gods, whose eye sees everything and notices everything, hear me. Zeus, may you bless this Suarentauro. May justice and fair rule be with our community. May our crops grow, our dreams be fulfilled, and our labors fruitful. May the air be filled with your bright blessings. I ask that you ensure the success of this rite, for our community."
P1 walks over and pours a libation of wine into the west fire. All cry Sponde!
P2 pours wine into libation vessel, holds up and speaks: "To Ares the good protector, Aphneius, spear-wielding, who is swift, fearsome, and brazen, hear me. I beseech and implore you, that you might be gracious and proprietous to us, our homes and households, and our community. On this account we direct the Suarentauro to be driven around the sacred earth, that you might avert, keep away, and ward off, desolation, disaster, and all of the enemies of our community, seen and unseen. That through defeat of our enemies our crops, grains, vines and bushes will grow large and bear well, that our labors will bring bounty to us, that you might keep safe herds and hearders, and all in our community, and ensure well-being and good health. On account of these things, on account of purifying our land and performing a lustration, be honored with this Suarentauro."
P2 pours a libation of wine into the west fire. All cry Sponde!
VIII. Lustration
FP retrieves lit torch and proceeds to west altar area.
P3 picks up plate of pork meat, and holds it out to let FP pass flaming torch around it three times. P3 then walks to center and walks around earth and salt three times before returning.
P1 and P2 repeat this exercise, with FP blessing the meats both times with flame at the particular altar, with P1 going second and P2 going last.
IX. Sacrifice
All priests/priestesses return to their altars, and sprinkle a bit of khernips on the meat. They should move the meat to the cutting boards.
P1 says: "May the gods find this sacrifice worthy."
Each should cut the meat at the same time.
When the meat is cut, the women in the group who are not doing the cutting should ululate.
P3 takes some of the blood and wine mix on the west altar, and pours it in a circle around the earth and salt in the center of the space.
P1 takes some of the blood and wine mix on the south altar, and pours it in a circle around the earth and salt in the center of the space.
P2 takes some of the blood and wine mix on the east altar, and pours it in a circle around the earth and salt in the center of the space.
Each priest/priestess should arrange the cut meat on the plate, and hand it to the assistants. Assistants should go to the east fire together and form a semi-circle around it.
A1 says: "May the gods be pleased with these offerings."
All respond: "Oh gods and goddesses, we ask that you accept our offerings."
A1, A2 and A3 place the meat on the fire, and return to their areas.
X. Prayers for Protection
P3 says: "The time of the feast nears, but danger lurks nearby."
P1 says: "Our enemies stand at our borders. The community must be protected!."
P2 says: "Help us, O Ares! Help us, O Ares! Help us, O Ares! Do not let dissolution, destruction attack the people! Leap to the border, take your position!"
P2 says: "Who will assist Ares in his task?"
P3 responds: "Sons of Zeus and Leda, finest saviors, hear us! Travel over the broad earth and the whole sea on your swift-footed horses. Save us from our enemies!"
P1 responds: "Father Zeus, hear us! Strike down our enemies with your thunderbolt!"
P2 says: "May the gods be swift and defeat our enemies!"
P1 says: "Ares battles our enemies. May Zeus and the Dioskouroi assist and guarantee victory, as in olden times. Now, as we await word, be still, and listen to a tale."
XI. Agon
A2 steps forward and begins a story. "Once, there was a nymph named Nephele. With her two children Phrixos and Helle in danger, she sent the golden-fleeced ram Chrysomallus to samve them. The ram was a gift from Hermes, and very special. After saving Phrixos, and taking him to Colchis, the ram told Phrixos to sacrifice the ram to Zeus as the god of fugitives, and hang his golden fleece in an oak grove sacred to Ares. Phrixos did as he was told, and the fleece hung in the oak trees in the sacred grove.
As you all know, oaks are sacred to Zeus. In time, the Argonauts, seeking adventure, traveled to Colchis. Among them were Castor and Polydeuces, the Dioskouroi, who among other things destroyed the giant Talos. After much effort, the Argonauts won the golden fleece and returned home. The Dioskouroi, we are told, also took from the grove the ancient statue of Ares and brought it to Sparta, where it was placed in the temple of Ares Thareitas, to the east of town. Ares thus protected Sparta from her enemies. So ends my tale, may it please the gods to hear it."
XII. Triumph and Binding
P1 says: "Is there word?"
P2 says: "Ares returns victorious!!"
All respond: "Praise to the gods!"
P2 says: "Ares, our enemies are vanquished. Do not leave, do not flee, stay at the border now and in the future. Who will help Ares maintain the station?"
A3 says: "Hermes, as a guardian of the border, I ask that you stand with Ares."
A1 says: "Zeus, great king, I ask that you send your daughter Dike, Justice, to stand beside Ares and ensure a just rule."
P2 says: "May Ares stand between Dike and Hermes, protect the lands and the community, now and in the future."
P1 says: "The sacrifice is complete, the lands are purified, the boundary is secure. Let us share food and drink, and feast now"
XIII. Cakes and Ale
All of the priests/priestesses hold up the various cakes, and P1 says "May we give thanks to Demeter for this food, and delight as we say: Glory of the harvest, serenity of the fields, endurance of the grain and all that harvest yields. The continuing rebirth of field and flower, infuse these cakes, and give them power."
Assistants should distribute the cakes to all participants, again going clockwise, starting with A3, then A1, then A2. They say "May you never hunger" as each participant takes some of the cakes.
P1 should retrieve a bit of water from P3, then mix the water with the wine in the pitcher. P1 then blesses the mixture to drink, saying: "Dionysos, we delight in your gifts, and give praise as we say: Strength of the oceans, laughter of the streams, patience of the lakes, fluidity of dreams. The nurturance of waters large and small, into this vessel I now call.
P1 then pours the wine for the group, into a common kylix or chalice or into individual cups, with A1 assisting, and gives to each participant saying: "May you never thirst."
Let all talk and mingle as needed to eat and drink.
XIV. Final Libations
Any wine left should be poured by P1 as a libation of thanks to the gods.
FP should make a libation to Hestia, using water from west altar, again saying: "Hestia, to you always the first and last offering."
XV. Releasing
P1 should release/ say farewell to the gods mentioned in the ritual, saying: “Thank you, gods and goddesses, named in this Suarentauro, for your blessings upon us all.”
P1 releases all of the previously called spirits and other entities, saying: “Friends of spirit standing with us tonight, your presence filled our ritual with light. Your grace was a blessing our hearts you filled. Go if you must, but stay if you will. Hail, and Farewell.”
Goddesses Released (P1)
Thank you great goddesses for joining us tonight
For blessing us with your presence and brilliance of light
You gifted us with clarity of purpose and insight
As we observed this Suarentauro rite
We bid you hail, and farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Gods Released (P1)
Thank you great gods for joining us tonight
For blessing us with your presence and brilliance of light
You gifted us with clarity of purpose and insight
As we observed this Suarentauro rite
We bid you hail, and farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Releasing Elements
Water
We thank you spirit of the west, essence of lakes and oceans.
For granting us your presence, and blessing us with your gifts of dreams and emotion.
We bid you Hail, and Farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Fire
We thank you spirit of the south, essence of flame and heat
For granting us your presence, and blessing us with your gifts of passion and heart beat.
We bid you Hail, and Farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Air
We thank you spirit of the east, essence of wind and breath
For granting us your presence, and blessing us with your gifts of knowledge and depth
We bid you Hail, and Farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
Earth
We thank you spirit of the north, essence of stone and tree
For granting us your presence, and blessing us with your gifts of strength and dependability.
We bid you Hail, and Farewell.
All: Hail, and Farewell.
All priests/priestesses except P1 (that is, six people), should form a line on the north, and then walk counter-clockwise three times. Drummer should beat a drumbeat until done.
XVI. Closing
P1 stands in center near dirt, and when circle is brought down, says "So long as waters flow and trees grow, and the sun rises and shines, and the radiant moon; so long as the sun shall be in the sky; so long as heaven remains above earth; and so long as heaven, earth and mankind exist, may we be blessed by the gods. May they guide us and be with us so long as we be here with life, and seeing upon this earth. May our community be safe, prosperous, and strong. May you all be of good health and cheer, and may our friendships be dear. May we shine in the radiance of the gods, and may they be with us, now and forever."
P1 tells all to clap at the same time. Count to three, clap, and then retire to the main feast.