We’re about halfway through converting Galina’s old library into my new dedicated ritual space and study, so a lot of thought has been going into the shrines I need to set up and the types of cultus I want to carry out at them. I’m excited to be doing this work again (for about a year and a half there they had me off shrine-tending and festival-keeping to focus on other forms of devotion) and probably the biggest change I’m considering involves Hermes.
Starting next Wednesday, and thereafter on the fourth of each week, I will be making offerings to Hermes, petitioning him and performing divination on behalf of the community. I’ve put together a simple ritual which others can participate in if they’d like to develop a shared practice and from 8:00-10:00pm Eastern we’ll gather in the Bacchic Chat room to discuss things associated with the God as well as the blessings he’s brought into our lives and any personal struggles we’re experiencing which could benefit from his assistance.
Send your prayer requests and up to three div questions to me (at sannion@gmail.com) by Tuesday, February 23rd if you’d like to be included in this. Although contributing to the Bakcheion fundraiser is not required – these services are being offered freely to the community as a way of honoring Hermes and helping his people – anything you’re able to spare would be most appreciated. (My Paypal account is the same as my e-mail.)
The inspiration for this ritual comes from Philostratos’ Life of Apollonios of Tyana:
At the temple of Hermes some of the suppliants would bring gold or silver, another a herald’s wand of ivory, and others other rich presents of that kind. Being a slave, however, Aesop was not in a position to own any of these things so he saved up what he had and offered that along with a libation of as much milk as a sheep would give at one milking. He also brought a honeycomb, big enough to fill the hand, and laid it on the altar as well as some myrtle berries and violets and a couple roses too. (5.15)
Properly clean and prepare the ritual space.
Light candles and burn incense.
Recite Orphic Hymn 28 (appended below.)
Offer milk.
Offer honey.
Offer flowers.
Offer coins.
Make any additional offerings you might have.
Ask Hermes to bless the community and support its efforts.
Present individual prayers and petitions on behalf of community members.
Perform appropriate devotional activities.
Perform divination.
Thank Hermes and close the rite.
I hope others will join me in this, whether or not they can attend the chats.
Orphic Hymn 28. To Hermes
Hear me, Hermes, messenger of Zeus, son of Maia.
Almighty is your heart, O lord of the deceased and judge of contests.
Gentle and clever, O Argeiphontes, you are a guide whose sandals fly,
and a man-loving prophet to mortals.
You are vigorous and you delight in exercise and in deceit.
Interpreter of all, you are a profiteer who frees us of cares,
and who holds in his hands the blameless tool of peace.
Lord of Korykos, blessed,
helpful and skilled in words, you assist in work,
you are a friend of mortals in need,
and you wield the dreaded and respected weapon of speech.
Hear my prayer and grant a good end to a life of industry,
gracious talk and mindfulness.
