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Preparation: Set up the altar, if it isn't permanent. This may consist of an image of Dionysos: a statue, a mask, a bull or goat, a thyrsos, or something that symbolizes him for you. Or you may leave the altar bare. This is also traditional. You should have an incense burner, and a container and bowl for your libation, and your offering. When everything has been arranged, proceed to cleanse yourself. At the least, wash your hands and face. You may also comb your hair, put on clean clothes or any ritual attire that you wish: a fillet was often worn by those participating in rituals, and it is especially appropriate if this is made out of vine, ivy, or laurel for Dionysos. Procession: Procession, called pompe, was an important part of the ritual. You don't have to make a long process - a few short steps is enough. But it is essential that you approach the altar. As you come near, be mindful of entering the presence of the deity. Your thoughts should be solemn and respectful, and concerned with the God and holy matters. Light the incense: Lighting the incense is both a means of making the ritual area holy, and an offering to the God. Choose a pleasing scent that reminds you of the God. Frankincense is most often used in rituals, but for Dionysos patchouli, musk, civet, storax, and sandalwood are all appropriate. Use whatever scent you feel connects you to the God, and while stick or cone incense is certainly acceptable, it is best if you make it yourself. Take a few moments to draw in the incense, and feel his presence growing. The Hymn: At this time, a hymn is read or recited. You can read it from a book, but it is best if you commit it to memory. This can be a Homeric or Orphic hymn, some other ancient hymn, or even a work of your own composition. I have written several, and made them available on my site. If you find them pleasing, by all means, use them. This hymn should be something that brings to mind key aspects of the God. It helps focus the mind, and sets the stage. Offering: Place the offering on the altar, before the sacred image. This can be anything from a piece of food, a picture, a candle, a votive sculpture, flowers, a stone or pine-cone, grains, or some representation of the God. Prayer: This is the time when you pray to the God. Traditional Hellenic prayer followed this rough pattern: 1) a call to the deity using multiple epithets 2) mention of past assistance offered by the God 3) a specific request for help and 4) a promise to be fulfilled should the prayer be answered. Prayer was generally not done with the head bowed, or kneeling. Instead, the Hellenes stood, with hands upraised, or held outward towards the altar when petitioning the Olympian Gods. For Chthonic Gods or spirits, the hands are held down, or one prostrates oneself on the ground. Dionysos could either be a Chthonic or Olympian God, and should be approached accordingly. Meditation and divination: After the prayer is an excellent time for meditation. This can simply be a time of quiet, of contemplation of the God and opening yourself up to possible inspiration. However, since Dionysos is the God of Prophecy, you may choose to perform divination of some kind at this time. You may ask specific questions, and wait for the answer to come to you, or you may use one of the following forms of divination. An Oracle of the Divine Homer. This is a method of bibliomancy that uses verses from Homer. I have found it very effective. Another method is the Hermetic Oracle, which also comes from the PGM. A third method is the Limryan Alphabet Oracle, which uses astragali. Ideally you would create astragali or palm leaves of your own. Using the computer as part of a devotional ritual probably isn't a good idea. Additionally, you may choose to use methods of divination that are not traditionally Hellenic, such as the Tarot, Runes, I Ching, pendulum, or any other method that you are comfortable with. Divination at this time is merely a suggestion. You may wish to keep this strictly devotional. But it would not be out of bounds if you did. Libation: Libations traditionally consisted of wine, milk, honey, or oil. Pour the libation from its container into a shallow bowl. Drink some of the offering to show that it is pure, then dip your fingers into the bowl, and sprinkle it onto the altar, crying out, "Sponde!" ("A drink offering!") You may also choose to pour the whole bowl out on your altar, or upon the ground, but that is not necessary. With your procession away from the altar, the ritual is completed. This ritual can be performed either daily or monthly, depending on your relationship with the God. Notice: I have made extensive use of
Drew
Campbell's excellent book, Old Stones, New
Temples during the construction of this ritual, and in
my personal practices. In fact, the basic outline of this
ritual is taken directly from his book, and much of the
description besides. I couldn't recommend his work highly
enough. If you want to practice reconstructed Hellenic
Paganism - Old Stones, New Temples is a must
have. |
