Today we celebrated the Gamelia, also known as the Theogamia, the wedding of Zeus and Hera.
The new space made it possible to do a more elaborate setup of the processional area with a receiving line of sorts.
As is often done in modern weddings, there was a Bride's side, featuring (left to right) Demeter, Persephone, Athena, Artemis, Gaia, Hekate, Aphrodite, Ariadne, Eileithyia, and Hygeia,
and a Groom's side, featuring (left to right) Asklepios, Herakles, Hermes, Dionysos, Apollon, Pan, Hephaistos, Ares, Poseidon, and Haides.
The Groom awaited in the entryway,
and the Bride made Her entrance.
Ritual was then held in the main space. A sample ritual written by Timotheos can be found here.
In this instance, we also libated all the Goddesses and Gods in attendance and then symbolically lit the Newlyweds' new hearth. Feasting included rotisserie chicken, spaghetti, lavender mead, and the wedding cake shown above as well as a chocolate truffle cake and pecan twirls.
Next up will be the Aphrodisia on 6 Diasion/17 February. Anthesteria is observed on 11-13 Diasion/21-24 February, and tends to be a more private festival. Then on 20 Diasion/3 March will be Asklepia, similar to the Therapeia but being observed at this time in light of research indicating this would have been the time of year Asklepios was honored in ancient times.
Until next time.
Peace,
Diane
