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Thargélia Photos
We had many people, at least 20, attend this ritual. As many people did not want to have their photos taken, we opted to only photograph the altar.
This was taken before the ritual began. We used two photographs of statues of Apollon. We also used sterno (with stove) for our altar fire, since we were not able to hold this ritual outside. The glass bowl was used for liquid offerings. It was placed directly on the sterno stove, which allowed the liquid to boil. In the small baggie is a simple incense we prepared, frankincense mixed with bay leaves.
At this point we had begun the ritual, and you will see the items which had been carried during the procession are now on the altar. The first thing carried was the basket of barley, with a small knife at the bottom. Following that was the water, in the red jug. Next was the incense (which was not on the alter yet when the photo was taken). Following that was the food offerings: one was a plate of food with a "sampling" of everything we would eat during the feast. (This is not yet on the altar at the time the photo was taken.) The other food offering was the thargelos, the loaf of grain bread. It is from this bread that the festival derives its name. That is pictured above. The last thing carried in the procession was the wine. For this ritual we opted to simply carry the bottle, although in the past we have poured it into a more decorative container for the ritual.
Our final photo was taken near the end of the ritual. All the offerings have been made, and have been placed on the altar. Here you can see that the glass bowl is placed on the sterno stove, to receive libations. Also on the altar at this time was the incense burner, plate of food, and an open container of incense to be used for further offerings.
The ritual itself was very beautiful. If you are interested in reading it, the script is posted here.