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Eleusinia ta megala
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We had a beautiful ritual for the Eleusinia ta megala, with 7 people participating. This was held outside at a local park. We expected rain, but instead we had lovely weather.
Here is a shot of the altar just before we began the ritual. As you can see, we had many things on the altar. The framed pictures are all of Demeter and Persephone. We also had (on the left) wheat, fresh flowers, and barley. In the center are a statue of Demeter and a plaque of Persephone. In the center was a candle on a short column stand; in front of that is a small piglet figurine, and in front of that was an offering plate. On the right-hand side is a pomegranate plaque, a small amphora, a 7-day candle with wheat motif decoration, and a cornucopia filled with wheat and silk flowers. On the bench in front of the alter we placed our offerings. Beginning from the left are: water amphora, milk bottle, honey jar, bottle of oil, incense, mason jar containing the kykeon, 2 packages of pork, and the basket of barley on the right.
Here are some images that we used on the altar. Left: statue of Demeter, 4th cent BC. Middle: Kore statue, 6th cent BC. Right: Pinax of Persephone and Haides, 5th cent BC.
Another photo of the altar. To the left of it you can see the grill we used as our altar fire.
We snapped a few photos during the ritual. On the left a participant is offering incense. Middle, a participant offers a milk libation. On the right is 4 participants.
Again, more shots during the ritual. On the left, a participant offers a water libation. In the middle, an oil libation just after it's poured in the fire. The flames shot up nicely for that one. And on the right, a participant just before making a libation.
Here are two photos of myself. On the left I'm saying a prayer while holding up the offering (honey), and on the right I'm about to pour it into the fire.
Here is a nice photo of the group, minus the one taking the photo, of course.
And finally, a close-up of the altar after the ritual. You can see the barley scattered on the altar.
Link back to the Eleusinia ritual.