Delphinia -- Celebrating Apollo's Return to Delphi
Materials:
- Bust of Apollo
- Candle and matches
- Barley and Bay Leaves
- Ritual flask and glasses
- Water and grape juice
- Donations for Food Bank
1. Opening words
Sacred is the custom which brings us together today, to celebrate the festival of Delphinia, in the presence of Phoebus Apollo. Here, we express our ideals, remember our loved ones in absence, and give thanks. We offer forgiveness, and allow ourselves to be enlightened and strengthened. Let our hearts prepare a place for Apollo.
2. Candle Lighting and Prayer
Today we rejoice in the unquenchable and eternal light that lights everyone who comes into the world. Phoebus Apollo, we seek your presence here, not only for our joy, but to illumine the ways of all our doings until everyone shall be brought out of darkness and into your marvellous light.
3. Libation - Water and grape juice, already mixed in the flask, is poured into a glass for each of us, and a glass for Apollo, which stays beside his bust. Prayer: "Apollo, this libation is for you, in the hope that you will join us here this evening."
Everybody drinks.
4. Blessing of Food Offerings - Food donations are put on the table.
Prayer: Apollo, giver of light, healer of human beings, bless this food, and give blessings and healing to whomever receives it and eats it. Thank you and so be it
5. Reading of Delphic Story (from Homeric Hymn to Apollo) -- We can all participate if everyone wants to.
6. Prayer in response to Delphic story
Phoebus Apollo, you found us wandering on the high seas, going about our business, doing everything that we thought we should be doing. Then, you came on board, and much to our consternation, took us to a place that was different from where we thought we were going. We were uneasy and stressed out, but you gave us encouragement and energy. We learned how to trust you and allow you to guide and support us. And now that we have had the pleasure of getting to know you, we can never truly go back to doing things the way we did them before. We guard the invisible temple that we keep in our hearts for you, and we welcome all who would like to get to know you.
Apollo, we ask that during the season when people will be travelling, whether on business or on vacation, that you protect them, no matter what their mode of transportation. In an unsafe world, we ask that you do what you can to help make it safer. So be it.
7. Libation of thanks - Apollo's cup is handed around, and each of us pours some juice into our own cups, followed by a prayer of thanks and drinking.
We thank you, Phoebus Apollo, for the celebration we have shared together this evening. May peace dwell in our hearts, and understanding in our minds. May courage strengthen our wills, and may the love of truth forever guide us. So be it.
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