Mounikhia Ritual
by Timotheos
Preparations:
The altar is adorned with an image of Artemis and a picture of the full moon shines behind her. Open faced sandwiches have been made using soft tortilla shells due to their round shape (or pita bread, whichever is available). These are placed at the opposite end of the room, for the procession. A bowl of khernips is also prepared for the purification. The altar fire is lit:
Hestia, you who tend the sacred dwelling
Of the far-shooting lord, Apollon, at holy Pytho
From your tresses flowing oil ever drips down
Come to this house, come in gentle spirit!
With resourceful Zeus and grant grace to my song!
The incense is lit.
Procession:
Participants process to the altar with the offerings and libations.
I come now before the Goddess Artemis
To sing praises to Her and be merry,
To be thankful for Her assistance in the battle of Salamis
To be thankful for the gifts She has brought me
And to honor Her with joy, prayer and sacrifice.
Purification:
The hiereus holds the bowl of khernips to the image of Apollon.
Great God Apollon who makes all things pure,
Let Your waters cleanse and consecrate this sacred space
Making it clean and free of all that is profane!
The Hiereus sprinkles the khernips around the altar and participants.
Ekas, Ekas! Este bebeloi!
Hymnodia:
I sing of Artemis, whose shafts are of gold, who cheers on the hounds, the pure maiden, Shooter of Stags, who Delights in Archery, own sister to Apollon with the golden sword. Over the shadowy hills and windy peaks she draws her golden bow, rejoicing in the chase, and sends out grievous shafts. The tops of the high mountains tremble and the tangled wood echoes awesomely with the outcry of beasts: earth quakes and the sea also where fishes shoal. But the goddess with a bold heart turns every way destroying the race of wild beasts: and when she is satisfied and has cheered her heart, this huntress who delights in arrows slackens her supple bow and goes to the great house of her dear brother Phoibos Apollon, to the rich land of Delphoi, there to order the lovely dance of the Mousai (Muses) and Kharites (Graces). There she hangs up her curved bow and her arrows, and heads and leads the dances, gracefully arrayed, while all they utter their heavenly voice, singing how neat-ankled Leto bare children supreme among the immortals both in thought and deed.
Hail to you, children of Zeus and rich-haired Leto!
Prayers are now offered by any who have them.
Thusia:
Barley is taken and sprinkled onto the altar.
To Queen Hestia,
Always first and last!
The sandwiches are placed onto the altar, the Hiereia draws the invoking pentagram over them.
Immortal Artemis,
I bring you gifts,
See these things,
And take part in them as you will.
Libations are given at this time.
Closing:
Holy Immortal, my rite has ended,
If it be your will, I shall come again to your altar
Singing hymns of praise and thanksgiving!
Euloigia! Khairete!
Blessings, I rejoice!
Copyright © 2007, Timotheos