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Photos from the Lesser Eleusinian Mysteries
We had four people participate in the Lesser Mysteries. Since we held this at night, the photos are very dark. I lightened them with photo software so they would be easier to see.
Main altar, dedicated to Demeter. You can see tea-lights on either side. Items in the center of the altar are: on left the statue of Demeter, center starting from the back is an incense bowl, in front of that is the barley bowl, and in front of that is a snake, right is a candle dedicated to the Two Goddesses (Demeter and Persephone).
On the left is the eskhara dedicated to Persephone. On it are two bowls and a plate for receiving offerings. On the right is a seat covered with a black fleece. Next to the leg is a ram's skull, although it is hard to make out in the photo.
On the left, myself acting as priestess hands the water jug to a participant who will then offer the water to Persephone at the eskhara. On the right, I am purifying a participant as she sits on the fleece. Above her head I hold the liknon filled with barley, which is tossed into the air three times.
These three pictures are taken at the eskhara altar. On the left, a guest offers an egg. In the middle, he offers a cake. On the right, I offer water.
Here, two guests approach the altar to Demeter, and touch the snake near the end of the ritual.
On the right, I say a prayer to Demeter. Center, I touch the snake. On the Right, my son who has just touched the snake, and jumped back because he was just sure that it moved!
The script from the ritual is posted here.