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Libation to Poseidon
Members of Hellenion offer libations to certain gods in specific months. October is the month to honor Poseidon.
All participating will come to the ritual clean and pure from míasma. (Read about how you can prepare yourself here.) Each stops to wash their hands in the khérnips before entering the ritual area. However, there will be no further purifications for this short ritual.
The priestess (or priest or other participant) says the following prayer to the god, while all lift their hands upward:
“Hear me, Poseidon Pelágaios, Híppios, Ennosígaios, or by whichever names you prefer to be called. The mighty waves of the sea obey your commands. Horses become tame in your presence. And frightening earthquakes are produced when you pound your bronze trident. We bring you pleasant offerings as we stand next to your waters. Come, and receive them! And give to us peace and stability. ”
At this point participants come forth with various libations of water, milk, honey, olive oil, etc. [Pour them directly into the river.] As they pour their libation, they recite one of the following lines:
A libation in your honor, Poseidon Pelágaios, “marine”
A libation in your honor, Poseidon Epóptes, “watcher”
A libation in your honor, Poseidon Híppios, “of horses”
A libation in your honor, Poseidon Phutálmios, “plant nurturer”
A libation in your honor, Poseidon Pátros, “father”
A libation in your honor, Poseidon Ennosígaios, “earth shaker”
The incense is lit and offered to Poseidon. The priestess reads the Orphic Hymn to Poseidon (#17).
“Hearken, dark-maned Poseidon, holder of the earth,
equestrian; carved in bronze is the trident in your hand,
and you dwell in the foundations of the full-bosomed sea.
Deep-roaring ruler of the sea and shaker of the earth,
your blossoms are waves, O gracious one, as you urge horses and chariots on,
rushing on the sea and splashing through the rippling brine.
To your lot fell the third portion, the unfathomable sea,
and you delight in waves and in their wild dwellers, O spirit of the deep.
Save the foundations of the earth and ships moving at full tilt,
and bring peace, health, and blameless prosperity.”
Any special requests or personal devotions are made at this time. Participants may step forward and make an offering of whatever they wish. A few words from the heart should be said out loud.
To conclude the ritual, a final libation is poured, while saying “And so farewell, Poseidon, dark-haired holder of the earth. We shall assemble in your honor again.”
Photos from 2005 are posted here. 2006 photos coming soon.