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Rite honoring Gaia
Although “Earth Day” is a modern secular holiday, we feel it is an appropriate time to honor Gaia, the Earth goddess. The ritual below was created to be done by a single individual, but it may be adapted for use in a group.
Make sure you are clean and pure from míasma before beginning your ritual. (Read about how you can prepare yourself here.) Wash your hands in the khérnips before entering the ritual area.
If using an altar, orient it to the East. You may want to decorate it with images of Gaia or natural items, such as plants or perhaps a photo of the Earth from space. Better yet, hold your ritual outdoors in your yard, a park, or in the woods. If you are indoors, you will want a bowl to receive any offerings.
Begin by lighting the incense, which could be of any grain, but not of beans nor aromatic herbs. (The incense is specified such in the Orphic Hymn to Gaia).
Now recite the Orphic Hymn to Gaia (#26).
“Divine Gaia, mother of men and of the blessed gods,
you nourish all, you give all, you bring all to fruition, and you destroy all.
When the season is fair you are heavy with fruits and growing blossoms;
and, O multiform maiden, you are the seat of the immortal cosmos,
and in the pains of labor you bring forth fruit of all kinds.
Eternal, reverend, deep-bosomed, and blessed,
you delight in the sweet breath of grass, O goddess bedecked with flowers.
Yours is the joy of the rain, and round you the intricate realm of the stars
revolves in endless and awesome flow.
But, O blessed goddess, may you multiply the gladsome fruits
and, together with the beautiful seasons, grant me favor.”
(translation by A. Athanassakis)
Any additional offerings such as libations, special requests or personal devotions are made at this time. A few words from the heart should be said out loud while offering your gift to the goddess.
To conclude the ritual, a final libation is poured, while saying “And so farewell, Gaia, nourisher of all. I will honor you again.”