We're having quite the eventful winter in Southern New England, so the Aphrodisia, previously planned for February 15, has been postponed until March 29. The Diasia, which we typically celebrate at the beginning of March, has been postponed until we have some clue that we are actually done with snow, as part of that festival is a "thanks for letting us survive the winter" element.
Today's Festival
Today, we celebrated the Hermathlon. As a bonus, we inaugurated the Hellenic Temple of Hera, Hermes, and Dionysos, a daughter-temple of the Hellenic Temple of Apollon, Zeus, and Pan tended by Neokoros Peregrine Ursano.
The walls of this new space, as you can see, are adorned with original artwork and Theban blessings appropriate to each of the four Greek elements. Other symbols are included as well.
We began outside this new space with a meditation to help us focus on Hermes as Lord of the Games and Luck-Bringer, then processed into the new space for thusia. Offerings included tacos, bread sticks and a pig-shaped loaf of bread that was offered and shared within the ritual, and various munchies useful for nibbling during gaming such as chips, cookies, and raw veggies with dip.
Participants also received a million dollars from Hermes (in the form of a chocolate bar, seen above) as a representation of His blessings of good fortune.
Theoxenia and gaming was held in the HTAZP temple space which is a bit roomier. For games, we chose Quibbler, which is a word game that can be compared to a cross between Scrabble and rummy, and Pictureka, a game in which you have to locate items on a changeable board within a time limit.
Do you have any thoughts on how to celebrate these aspects of Hermes? Please share them in comments!
Coming Up
Our next festival is slated to be the Eiarinia on March 22.
May the peace of the Gods be with you.
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