Khairete!
Today at Temenos Oikidios, we celebrated the Khethonion for the first time. As with our previous ritual, this is a modern creation that we developed in order to a) ensure that all the Theoi and Theai are given Their due and b) to fill out our ritual schedule.
The ancient Greeks would not have held a festival such as this due to belief that it would be dangerous to attract the attention of the Kthonoi. To make clear our intent in worshiping Them, Hiereos Peregrine Ursano wrote an invocation especially for the occasion specifying that we are thanking Them for all They have done for our ancestors.
Offerings were split into traditional (onions, celery, mint, parsley) and modern (sausage stew, mushroom-onion palmiers, pumpkin pie, cupcakes, and fresh vegetables). The divination was done through reading candle wax dropped into the libation of sparkling cider, and the message was, “That which is hidden will be revealed.”
Our next festival will be the Anthesteria, on February 10.
Until next time, may the blessings of the Gods be with you.
Temenos Oikidios 