Tag: Wine

Grapevine Legends and Lore

Grapevine Legends and Lore

The Magic of the Grape

By Patti Wigington

Grapevine are often associated with abundance and fertility.

Much like the apple, the grape is one of those fruits that has a significant amount of magic associated with it. First and foremost, the grape harvest — and the wine that it produces — has been associated with fertility deities like Egypt’s Hathor, the lusty Roman Bacchus and his Greek counterpart, Dionysus. By the time of Mabon, grape arbors are flourishing. Vines, leaves and fruit are all usable items — the leaves are often used in Mediterranean cooking, the vines for craft projects, and the grapes themselves are extremely versatile.

Grapevines are believed to have originated around Mesopotamia, and were cultivated as long as six thousand years before the Romans got around to introducing the plant to the British Isles. The National Grape Cooperative says that grapes were probably one of the earliest cultivated fruits. Although the Greeks gave winemaking a shot, their success was mediocre at best. Historians say that Greek wine was thick and syrupy and the flavor was not exactly good. It wasn’t until the Romans got into the act that winemaking became a truly refined art, thanks to specialized cultivation, and proper fermentation and storage.

In Jewish mysticism, there are references to grapes in the Torah. Some believe that it was actually a grape, not an apple, that Eve munched on in the Garden of Eden, leading to all kinds of trouble. Later, Moses sent a dozen spies into Canaan, and they came back holding a cluster of grapes so huge that it took two men to lift it. Because of this, grapes are once again associated with bounty and abundance.

When it came to winemaking, vineyards were commonly found on both noble estates and in monasteries during the Middle Ages. Many European medieval communities thrived because of their excellent winemaking skills. The Tacuinum Sanitatis, a medieval handbook on wellness, recommends grapes for their nutritional value, and suggests that wine is a good remedy for just about any illness.

Grapes have traditionally symbolized fertility. Those who had a healthy, hearty grape harvest were practically guaranteed to be prosperous. Today, many Wiccans and Pagans use the symbolism of the grape in ritual. Here are some simple ways you can incorporate the bounty of the grapevine into your fall harvest celebrations.

  • Decorate your altar with grapes and vines.
  • Make a Grapevine Pentacle to hang on your wall.
  • Paint or stencil grapes on the walls of your kitchen or garden – according to traditional folklore, this will make your crops bountiful!
  • Use grape leaves as an ingredient in a spell to bring abundance. For a simple talisman, fold a grape leaf around a silver coin, and tie with green string. Carry this in your pocket to bring you prosperity.
  • Plant grapes in pots on either side of your front door. As the vines grow, train them up around the doorframe. This will help ensure that abundance enters your home.
  • Use wine to asperge the ground before you cast a circle, or as an offering to the deity of your tradition, if appropriate.

Calendar of the Moon for September 11

Calendar of the Moon

Grapevine Month

Colors: Blue and Purple
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of blue and purple set a great pitcher of wine with many cups, four purple candles, and many wreaths of grapevine and baskets of grapes.
Offerings:
Daily Meal: Vegetarian, with wine or grape juice to drink, and of course grapes.

Muin Invocation

Call: Hail the Month of the Grapevine!
Response: Hail the Month of the Vine-Gods!
Call: Hail the month when sour turns to sweet!
Response: Hail the month when labor comes ripe!
Call: Hail the month when our hands come together,
Response: Hail the month when the cup is passed!
Call: This is the time of bonding,
Response: When the fruits of the harvest lay within our grasp.
Call: This is the call of Joy and Merriment,
Response: This is the time of coming together.
Call: For though we may have forgotten laughter beneath our burdens,
Response: Laughter comes for us at last.
Call: And yet we begin to see the year passing to its end,
Response: And our laughter is the light passing into the dark.
Call: May we go to into the dark like the Children of Dionysos,
Response: Embracing the cycle with open arms!
Call: Like the grapevine, we are givers of ecstasy.
Response: Like the grapevine, we are givers of dream.
Call: Like vines, we yield up our fruit.
Response: Like vines, we yield up for the good of all.
Call: Like vines, we twine towards the Light.
Response: Like vines, we twine towards the Spirit.
Call: We hold the line, we keep the Mysteries true,
Response: We hold the line, we keep the Mysteries true,
Call: I am the vine; the branches, you and you.
Response: I am the vine; the branches, you and you.

Chant:
Taste Joy in the Day
Take Joy in the Night
Touch Joy in your face turned
To the fading light
Ay ay ay ay-yi-hey.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for September 11

Calendar of the Sun

11 Halegmonath

Meditrinalia

Color: Red
Element: Fire
Altar: In the center of the altar should be a fire laid and waiting to be lit in a pot, and around it trays of small honey-cakes (crusta mellei), jugs of old and new wine, a cup of water, a sprig of rosemary, a bowl of salted spelt flour (mola salsa), incense of myrrh, and lanterns.
Offerings: Cakes,
Daily Meal: Honey-cakes, salted spelt flour bread with rosemary and olive oil, wine, lentils.

Meditrinalia Invocation

Caller: Incendio! (One steps forward and lights the fire and lanterns.) So doth the lively flame thrive, whether a little earthen bowl feed the thirsty linen wick, or pinewood that lends its pitch. Accept, Divine One, we pray, the light which we offer you.
Response: Vivax flamma viget, seu cava testula sucum linteolo suggerit ebrio, seu pinus piceam fert alimoniam. Lumen quod vobis offero, suscipe, precor, dive.
Caller: O Father Liber, grant us your favour! We who are come to your sacred rite in your service now open our lips. (One takes the mola salsa and passes it around to be tasted.)
Response: Liber Pater, fave! Quia tibi nunc operata resolvimus ora, quae ad sacrae tuae adsummus.
Caller: Purificatio! (One steps forward and sprinkles the remaining mola salsa.) Ab illos benedicaris, in cuius honore friaris. (One steps forward and asperges each with rosemary and water.) Ab illos benedicaris, in cuius honore spargaris. (One steps forward and censes each in turn.) Ab illos benedicaris, in cuius cremaberis.
Caller: Before thee, Liber, the altars were without offerings and grass grew on the cold hearths.
Response: Ante tuos ortus arae sine honore fuerunt, Liber, et in gelidis herba reperta focis.
(Two step forward and mix the old and new wine together with water, and pass them about.)
Caller: As I drink of this wine old and new, so of all ills old and new may I be healed.
Response: Vinum vetum novumque bibo, de morbo veto novoque medeor
Caller: Liber enjoys honey, and it is right that we give its discoverer honey cakes.
Response: Melle Liber fruitur, liboque infusa calenti iure repertori candida mella damus
(One steps forward to place four cakes on the fire, and pass the rest about to be eaten.)
Caller: So may the fruits of Autumn be sweet to us!
Response: Sicut nobis dulces fruges autumni.
Caller: Ambulatio! (All approach the altar and lay the garlands on it.)
Caller: Sacrificio! Sacred spirit of the spring, be honoured.
Response: Vina dat Liber, fert sibi quisque coronam, miscendas large rivus agit aquas. Anima sacra fontis, macte coronae vinoque crustoque quod inferimus.
Caller: So may all the waters of the earth be sacred to us. So may it be!”
Response: Sic sacrae nobis omnia aquae terrae. Ita sit! (Silence for a moment, then all exit.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for September 10

Calendar of the Moon

Grapevine Month

Colors: Blue and Purple
Element: Water
Altar: Upon cloth of blue and purple set a great pitcher of wine with many cups, four purple candles, and many wreaths of grapevine and baskets of grapes.
Offerings:
Daily Meal: Vegetarian, with wine or grape juice to drink, and of course grapes.

Muin Invocation

Call: Hail the Month of the Grapevine!
Response: Hail the Month of the Vine-Gods!
Call: Hail the month when sour turns to sweet!
Response: Hail the month when labor comes ripe!
Call: Hail the month when our hands come together,
Response: Hail the month when the cup is passed!
Call: This is the time of bonding,
Response: When the fruits of the harvest lay within our grasp.
Call: This is the call of Joy and Merriment,
Response: This is the time of coming together.
Call: For though we may have forgotten laughter beneath our burdens,
Response: Laughter comes for us at last.
Call: And yet we begin to see the year passing to its end,
Response: And our laughter is the light passing into the dark.
Call: May we go to into the dark like the Children of Dionysos,
Response: Embracing the cycle with open arms!
Call: Like the grapevine, we are givers of ecstasy.
Response: Like the grapevine, we are givers of dream.
Call: Like vines, we yield up our fruit.
Response: Like vines, we yield up for the good of all.
Call: Like vines, we twine towards the Light.
Response: Like vines, we twine towards the Spirit.
Call: We hold the line, we keep the Mysteries true,
Response: We hold the line, we keep the Mysteries true,
Call: I am the vine; the branches, you and you.
Response: I am the vine; the branches, you and you.

Chant:
Taste Joy in the Day
Take Joy in the Night
Touch Joy in your face turned
To the fading light
Ay ay ay ay-yi-hey.

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Sun for September 1

Calendar of the Sun

1 Halegmonath

Festival of the Grapevines I: Ariadne

Colors: Gold and purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of gold and purple lay eight purple candles, a chalice of wine, a whip, the figure of a labyrinth, and many grapevines intertwined with serpents.
Offerings: Walk the labyrinth and leave a secret offering of your choice.
Daily Meal: Wine. Grape juice. Stuffed grape leaves. Goat meat. Lentils.

Invocation to Ariadne

Hail, Mistress of the Labyrinth,
Lady of the Coiled Serpents
That crawl under the earth
In curling trails like your twisting path.
Your hands hold the thread of instinct
That brings us unerringly through the turns,
That brings us from our center
To the Heart of all that is
And safely back again.
Hail, Lady of the Mysteries,
Your robes smoky with dark incense
Of the dark temple secrets lying
Under the quiet earth, under our feet.
Your hands receive the torn goat heart
From the bloody fury on the shore of Naxos.
Your hands receive the upturned faces
And the weeping initiates beneath the lash,
You are old in your mysteries
Yet still young enough to love anew.
Hail, Mistress of the Labyrinth,
Bride of the Grapevine God,
Crown of Stars like a sigil in the sky,
Stones below the dancing feet,
The anchor for the call of madness.
All things circle, all things cycle,
Whispers the Mistress of the Labyrinth
Into our wondering ears.

(All walk the labyrinth together, bearing offerings, and leave them in the center. The wine is passed and the remainder poured out as a libation.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for August 24

Calendar of the Moon

 

24 Coll/Metageitnion

Rhiannon’s Day

Color: White
Elements: Air and Fire
Altar: Upon cloth of white place many figures of horses, five white candles, a cup of red wine and a cup of white wine.
Offerings: Willingly take on burdens.
Daily Meal: Oats, apples, carrots, honey.

Invocation to Rhiannon

(One steps forward, pours out the white wine as a libation, and says:)

Hail Rhiannon, Lady of the White Horse!
Hail Rhiannon, wife of Pwyll,
Headstrong and proud, you teach us
That nothing is impossible if we believe.
Hail Rhiannon, wife of Manannan,
Older and wiser, you teach us
To seek wisdom as well as courage.
Hail Rhiannon, Lady of Inspiration,
Fiery and passionate, you teach us
That in order to gain one’s dreams
One need not compromise one’s soul.

(One steps forward, pours out the red wine as libation, and says:)

Pounding hoofbeats
Striking sparks
Breath snorts from nostrils
Wind through the mane;
Lady of horses,
Slow for my call.
Seeker of the horizon,
Show me the road.
Bearer of burdens,
Carry me gently.
Aid me in
My race to the goal.

Song: Horse Goddess

 

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Vine (Sept 2 – Sept 29)

VINE LORE

  • 10th Moon of the Celtic Year – (Sept 2 – Sept 29)
  • Latin name: Grape – vitis
  • Celtic name: Muin (pronounced: muhn).
  • Folk or Common names: Grape (when dried: Raisin).
  • Parts Used: Berries, wood, leaves, juice, seeds.
  • Herbal usage: The leaves from some varieties of Grape can be used to make teas for treating diarrhea, hepititas, and upset tummies. Grape leaves can also  be used externally for poultices to treat rheumatism, headaches and fevers. The fruit from most viney plants can be eaten and can be juiced for drinking. The  juices can also be fermented into various wines and alcoholic beverages.
  • Magical History & Associations: Grapes are an herb of Jupiter and the Moon, and are associated with positive ego strength. Birds associated with the  month of the Vine are the Tit-mouse and the white swan; the animal is the snake; the color is variegated; and the gemstone is amethyst. An annual Grape Vine  Festival called the Vinalia Rostica was held by the Greeks and the Romans – this was a festival of thanksgiving for the first of the grape harvest and was  dedicated to God Dionysos / Bacchus and to the Goddess Venus of the Grape Vine; and also to Minerva. It was celebrated by offering the first fruits of the  grape harvest and prayers for sustenance for all. The Grape Vine is also sacred to the deities Osiris, Hathor, and Demeter – and its five-pointed leaves are  sacred to the Goddess in general. Other specific deities associated with the Vine are Rhea, Oenone, Aphrodite, Branwen, Guinevere and Etain. The wood of  Vines is one of the nine traditional firewoods to be added to the Belfire that is burned at Beltane – as the tree of tree of joy (its juice is capable of  altering consciousness), Vine is added to the fire as a celebration of joy.
  • Magickal usage: Vines in general are symbols of both joy and wrath. This month marks the vintage season when the Grape crop is harvested and so is a good  time to do any and all rituals associated with the harvest – in fact, the Autumn Equinox (called Harvest Home or Mabon) is celebrated during this month. The  month of Vine is also a good time to do magick associated with inspiration, imagination, poetry and imagery. The Grape has applications in magick done for  Faerie work, garden magick, joy, exhilaration, wrath, mental powers, rebirth, happiness, fertility, inspiration, prosperity, and binding. The leaves and  fruit from Vines can be used in spells to overcome inferiority complexes and to enhance ambition. The Grape Vine also symbolizes resurrection because its  strength is preserved in the wine, that magical elixir that’s known for its ability to dissolve the boundaries between us, allow us to mingle more  easily, and relax with others. Grapes and Grape wine are often used to symbolize vitality, since tonic healing has always been related to the vine. Here is a  recipe for Vine Moon Tea (good for use in Earth magic, sex magic, overcoming difficulties):1 part blackberry         1 part dandelion         splash of currant wine or Grape juice         pinch of hibiscus

    Grapes can be used in many types of prosperity or money attraction spells. They can be eaten as part of prosperity spellwork if the person casting    the spell visualizes money energy vibrating as the grapes are eaten. You can also place grapes on the altar during money spells. Pictures of Grapes or    grape Vines can be painted onto garden walls to ensure the garden’s fertility, as was done in ancient Rome. Eating grapes or raisins is said to    increase fertility, as well as strengthen mental powers. Grape leaves can be dried and carried in a small pouch or bag to act as evil-repellent.

Calendar of the Moon for Friday, April 13th

Calendar of the Moon
13 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Dionysia Polis V

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth lay a chalice of red wine, grapevines, a fawnskin, masks, and the thyrsus of Dionysus.
Offering: A mystery play on some instructive subject should be rehearsed during these five days, and on the fifth day it should be performed for some outside audience, whether invited in or taken elsewhere.
Daily Meal: Wine. Grapes. Goat meat. Figs. Dates. Lentils. Meat or rice wrapped in grapeleaves.

Invocation to Dionysos

IO Dionysos, Lord of the Vine,
We call upon the Womanly One,
child of Zeus and Semele.
We drink from your cup and join
The maenad train, O Lord of Masks
That teach the truth. In your cup we gain
Escape from care and ecstasy in the vine,
Your blessing under which
The sacred and profane became one
And the gods’ wedding party never ends.
Twice-born, we will give thanks,
We’ll tell our stories again and again
Of running with maenads
Of the secrets of the earth
And the heavens, and all that lies between,
Of fate, and time, and how to slip
Beyond their confines into immortality.
We’ll teach your mysteries,
Which teach other mysteries,
To all who will listen.
We’ll testify
To the gift of the Womanly One
Dionysos.

Chant: Io Dionysos Io Dionysos

(Pass around the chalice of wine and then pour the rest out as a libation. All should then go to make ready for the mystery play, to be performed in his honor later that night.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for April 12th

Calendar of the Moon
12 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Dionysia Polis IV

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth lay a chalice of red wine, grapevines, a fawnskin, masks, and the thyrsus of Dionysus.
Offering: A mystery play on some instructive subject should be rehearsed during these five days, and on the fifth day it should be performed for some outside audience, whether invited in or taken elsewhere.
Daily Meal: Wine. Grapes. Goat meat. Figs. Dates. Lentils. Meat or rice wrapped in grapeleaves.

Invocation to Dionysos

IO Dionysos, Lord of the Vine,
We call upon the Womanly One,
child of Zeus and Semele.
We drink from your cup and join
The maenad train, O Lord of Masks
That teach the truth. In your cup we gain
Escape from care and ecstasy in the vine,
Your blessing under which
The sacred and profane became one
And the gods’ wedding party never ends.
Twice-born, we will give thanks,
We’ll tell our stories again and again
Of running with maenads
Of the secrets of the earth
And the heavens, and all that lies between,
Of fate, and time, and how to slip
Beyond their confines into immortality.
We’ll teach your mysteries,
Which teach other mysteries,
To all who will listen.
We’ll testify
To the gift of the Womanly One
Dionysos.

Chant: Io Dionysos Io Dionysos

(Pass around the chalice of wine and then pour the rest out as a libation. All should then go to rehearse the mystery play, performed in his honor.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for April 10th

Calendar of the Moon
10 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Dionysia Polis II

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth lay a chalice of red wine, grapevines, a fawnskin, masks, and the thyrsus of Dionysus.
Offering: A mystery play on some instructive subject should be rehearsed during these five days, and on the fifth day it should be performed for some outside audience, whether invited in or taken elsewhere.
Daily Meal: Wine. Grapes. Goat meat. Figs. Dates. Lentils. Meat or rice wrapped in grapeleaves.

Invocation to Dionysos

IO Dionysos, Lord of the Vine,
We call upon the Womanly One,
child of Zeus and Semele.
We drink from your cup and join
The maenad train, O Lord of Masks
That teach the truth. In your cup we gain
Escape from care and ecstasy in the vine,
Your blessing under which
The sacred and profane became one
And the gods’ wedding party never ends.
Twice-born, we will give thanks,
We’ll tell our stories again and again
Of running with maenads
Of the secrets of the earth
And the heavens, and all that lies between,
Of fate, and time, and how to slip
Beyond their confines into immortality.
We’ll teach your mysteries,
Which teach other mysteries,
To all who will listen.
We’ll testify
To the gift of the Womanly One
Dionysos.

Chant: Io Dionysos Io Dionysos

(Pass around the chalice of wine and then pour the rest out as a libation. All should then go to rehearse the mystery play, performed in his honor.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for Monday, April 9th

Calendar of the Moon
9 Fearn/Elaphebolion

Dionysia Polis I

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth lay a chalice of red wine, grapevines, a fawnskin, masks, and the thyrsus of Dionysus.
Offering: A mystery play on some instructive subject should be rehearsed during these five days, and on the fifth day it should be performed for some outside audience, whether invited in or taken elsewhere.
Daily Meal: Wine. Grapes. Goat meat. Figs. Dates. Lentils. Meat or rice wrapped in grapeleaves.

Invocation to Dionysos

IO Dionysos, Lord of the Vine,
We call upon the Womanly One,
child of Zeus and Semele.
We drink from your cup and join
The maenad train, O Lord of Masks
That teach the truth. In your cup we gain
Escape from care and ecstasy in the vine,
Your blessing under which
The sacred and profane became one
And the gods’ wedding party never ends.
Twice-born, we will give thanks,
We’ll tell our stories again and again
Of running with maenads
Of the secrets of the earth
And the heavens, and all that lies between,
Of fate, and time, and how to slip
Beyond their confines into immortality.
We’ll teach your mysteries,
Which teach other mysteries,
To all who will listen.
We’ll testify
To the gift of the Womanly One
Dionysos.

Chant: Io Dionysos Io Dionysos

(Pass around the chalice of wine and then pour the rest out as a libation. All should then go to rehearse the mystery play, performed in his honor.)

[Pagan Book of Hours]

Calendar of the Moon for March 12th

Calendar of the Moon
12 Nion/Anthesterion

Anthesteria Day 2: Khoes

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: On a purple cloth set a pitcher of wine, the ship of Dionysos, some children’s toys, six purple candles, and a wreath of grapevines and flowers.
Offerings: Ritual sex. Giving up of things left over from childhood. Wine libations.
Daily Meal: Goat or lamb. Lentils. Greek food. Wine.

Khoes Invocation

On this day comes the child to his adulthood.
On this day comes the child to her readiness.
On this day he tastes the sweetness of maturity.
On this day she tastes the joy of ripening.
On this day we honor that which has come to fruition
And that which can no longer be protected.
We give up our self-enclosed innocence
For the promise of the deeper experience.
Come forth and join the rite of passage
That you may give up that which was before
And come to that which will be.
Io Dionysos!
Fair-Flowering, Reveller, Stormer,
Twice-Born, Lord of the Dance,
We who kneel before you pray
That you will be gentle with our
Little madnesses, and if you must
Drag us by the hair
To some new understanding,
Let it be done soon, and quickly,
For we would rather leap to doom
Than delay on the edge of the cliff.

(Let all make a circle, and let cups of wine be passed around to everyone. Let two who have been chosen from inside or outside the community come forth and lay in the center of the circle, and perform the hieros gamos, whilst the others turn their backs and chant wordlessly. Afterwards, let the wine be poured out in a libation, with the last two cups used to anoint the couple, and have them drink in a toast. Later that night, sex is appropriate between those whose vows do not exclude it, but those who would lie together must meditate on the responsibility inherent in being a sexually active adult, and how it brought them out of childhood and into adulthood.)

Calendar of the Moon for March 11th

Calendar of the Moon
11 Nion/Anthesterion

Anthesteria Day 1: Pithogia

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: On a purple cloth set a bottle of wine that has not yet been opened (preferably last year’s homemade), a chalice of water, many cups, a wreath of pruned grapevines, and three purple candles. All should enter the sanctuary bearing the model of a Greek ship with purple sails, entwined with grapevines, which should be carried with all ceremony to the altar and set thereon.
Offerings: Libations of wine to Dionysos. Opening yourself to experiencing Him.
Daily Meal: Goat or lamb. Lentils. Greek food. Wine.

Pithogia Invocation:

Behold the ship of Dionysos!
He sails into each safe harbor
Like a wind of change that cannot be denied.
Be warned, you who have become
Too comfortable, for he will cast up
Your safe life and show you
All the thorns you have pretended not to see.
Honor the god of the Lesser Madness
Lest the Greater Madness swallow you whole!
Taste his gift and wonder, that raw juice
Left to age can slowly ferment
And turn into that which gives delight
And terror both.
Tremble, for he is coming for you!
Whether you drink his gift
Or give it back to him,
It matters not; your days of
Blind unquestioning comfort
Are numbered none, and end today.

(Each comes forward and selects a cup, into which is poured equal parts water and wine. Each may taste of the wine, if they wish, and then pour out the rest as a libation, or they may pour it out entirely. As the pour the libation, each says, “Io Dionysos!” The ship remains in the sanctuary for three days, until Anthesteria is over.)

Chant:
Flower of the vine
King of the wine
Dancer in the soul
We gladly pay your toll

SEEKING THE SIGN TO DRAGONHEIM

SEEKING THE SIGN TO DRAGONHEIM

Mighty wings once carved the cumulus

sowing storm filled clouds and reaping rain.

Soaring, we bounded the radius

of the peak crowned heights of our domain.

How long is the road to Dragonheim?

The length of a dreamer’s call.

How number the miles to Dragonheim?

It is none, I say, and all.

And the sky roared when touched by our flames

it sang to words wrought in fume and smoke.

Firey visions dwelt within the names

of numberless tribes of dragon folk.

Where winds the path to Dragonheim?

Hidden in a name; a secret sound.

Where stands the entrance to Dragonheim?

In the place never lost, though seldom found.

Majestic mountains once housed our young

born from crystal eggs that caught the light.

In strong shadowed heights our dwellings hung

ne’er crossed by the foes who feared our might.

What shapes the trail to Dragonheim?

A maze of dreams, pointing streight.

How travels the way to Dragonheim?

On paths of heart, devoid of hate.

Now the lands are gone, scourged by the ire

of the modern day people’s decree.

But spirits live on, look to the fires.

You must catch our souls to set us free.

In what age stands the halls of Dragonheim?

Time beyond time, between the worlds.

Where dwell the inhabitants of Dragonheim?

They smile as your spirits soar and curl.

** – J.A. Bordeaux (Steorra Rokraven) , 17 Feb 89

InterVisioN “The ParaNormal Connection” 603-547-6485 HST

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Calendar of the Moon for February 14th

Calendar of the Moon
14 Luis/Gamelion

Lenaia Day III

Colors: Purple and green
Element: Water
Altar: A large post is set up behind the altar, draped in robes of purple and green, with a mask of Dionysus upon it, and arms raised upwards made of grapevine and fruit tree branches. The altar is draped in purple and green, and upon it set two purple candles, a wreath of grapevines, two jugs of wine (one white and one red), and a chalice.
Offerings: Dancing. Drumming. Music. Transforming dreams into reality.
Daily Meal: Wine. Goat or lamb. Lentils. Grape leaves. Greek food if possible.

Lenaia Invocation I

Hail, son of Semele! Iakkhos, Giver of Wealth!
Not only wealth of body and thought,
But wealth of spirit as well,
Numinous in sacrifice,
One whose mysteries
Cannot fully be spoken,
One who we can only truly know
Through the way of unknowing,
We ask for fertility of soul
Not merely for us, but for
The whole world of humanity.
We dance for the soul’s creation
And re-creation, again and again,
You who understand the cycle
And know that all endings
Are simply beginnings.
From our souls down through our bodies,
From our bodies into your Soul,
From your Soul into the Earth,
We give you our open eyes
That you may fill them with vision.

(Instead of a particular chant, a drum circle is formed and all dance for at least an hour. Any appropriate chant may be used. After the drum circle is closed, the red wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, “Behold the blood of Iakkhos.” The remainder is poured out as a libation. Then the white wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, “Behold the dreams of Iakkhos.” The remainder is poured out as a libation.)

Calendar of the Moon for February 13th

Calendar of the Moon
13 Luis/Gamelion

Lenaia Day II

Colors: Purple and green
Element: Water
Altar: A large post is set up behind the altar, draped in robes of purple and green, with a mask of Dionysus upon it, and arms raised upwards made of grapevine and fruit tree branches. The altar is draped in purple and green, and upon it set two purple candles, a wreath of grapevines, two jugs of wine (one white and one red), and a chalice.
Offerings: Dancing. Drumming. Music. Transforming dreams into reality.
Daily Meal: Wine. Goat or lamb. Lentils. Grape leaves. Greek food if possible.

Lenaia Invocation II

Son of Semele! Iakkhos, Giver of Wealth!
Not only wealth of the land,
But wealth of thought,
Creativity of the mind,
Spun out of enchantment
Woven of fascination
Cut through with ecstasy
And the fine threads of madness.
The earth sleeps outside,
But our spirits never sleep,
And always they thirst for your
Inspiration and growth,
Sprouting new thoughts
From the fertile field of nonsense
That we did not expect
And will greet with amazement.
We dance for fertility of mind!
From your body into the Earth,
From the Earth into our feet,
From our feet up through our heads,
You give us your intoxication
And we return it three times over.

(Instead of a particular chant, a drum circle is formed and all dance for at least an hour. Any appropriate chant may be used. After the drum circle is closed, the red wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, “Behold the blood of Iakkhos.” The remainder is poured out as a libation. Then the white wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, “Behold the dreams of Iakkhos.” The remainder is poured out as a libation.)

Calendar of the Moon for Sunday, Feb. 12th

Calendar of the Moon
12 Luis/Gamelion

Lenaia Day I

Colors: Purple and green
Element: Water
Altar: A large post is set up behind the altar, draped in robes of purple and green, with a mask of Dionysus upon it, and arms raised upwards made of grapevine and fruit tree branches. The altar is draped in purple and green, and upon it set two purple candles, a wreath of grapevines, two jugs of wine (one white and one red), and a chalice.
Offerings: Dancing. Drumming. Music. Transforming dreams into reality.
Daily Meal: Wine. Goat or lamb. Lentils. Grape leaves. Greek food if possible.

Lenaia Invocation I

Son of Semele! Iakkhos, Giver of Wealth!
Not wealth from below the Earth,
But wealth from above it!
Fruit like jewels, wealth of tree and vine!
Tonight your living coffers sleep
In stasis through the winter’s cold.
Yet their roots are anchored firmly
In the frozen soil of life,
And soon they will awake
To draw upon its nourishment.
We sing fertility into your roots!
Our dances prepare the soil
That you may in turn be fed.
From our heads down through our feet,
From our feet into the Earth,
From the Earth into your body,
We give you our life force
That you may one day return it.

(Instead of a particular chant, a drum circle is formed and all dance for at least an hour. Any appropriate chant may be used. After the drum circle is closed, the red wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, “Behold the blood of Iakkhos.” The remainder is poured out as a libation. Then the white wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, “Behold the dreams of Iakkhos.” The remainder is poured out as a libation.)

Calendar of the Sun for Jan. 26th

Calendar of the Sun
26 Wolfmonath

Enki’s Day

Colors: Blue and white
Elements: Air and water
Altar: Upon cloth of blue and white place many small knives, a smoking censer, a bowl of millet, a cup of wine and a cup of river water.
Offerings: Millet and wine.
Daily Meal: Millet, wine, and beef.

Invocation to Enki

Hear now the words of Enki the Great, Lord of Sweet waters!
“My father, the king of the universe, brought me into existence.
My ancestor, the king of all the lands,
Gathered together all the, me,
Placed the me in my hand.
From the Ekur, the house of Enlil,
I brought craftsmanship to my Abzu of Eridu.
I am the fecund seed engendered by the great wild ox,
I am the first born son of An,
I am the hurricane who goes forth out of the great below,
I am the gugal of the chieftains,
I am the father of all the lands,
I am the elder brother of the gods,
I am he who brings full prosperity,
I am the record keeper of heaven and earth,
I am he who directs justice with the king An on An’s dais.
At my command the stalls have been built, the sheepfolds have been enclosed,
When I approached heaven a rain of prosperity poured down from heaven,
When I approached the earth, there was a high flood,
When I approached its green meadows,
The heaps and mounds were piled up at my word.”
Hail Enki, Lord of Sweet Waters,
Keeper of all the me!

(The millet, the wine, and the river water is poured out as a libation. The remainder of the hour should be taken up with a discussion of the me of the household, that is, the proper and mindful way to do each thing.)

Calendar of the Moon for January 16th

Calendar of the Moon
16 Beth/Poseideion

Dionysia Agrous II: Askolia

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth set a five purple candles, a wreath of grapevines, a jar of wine, a basket of raisins, the figure of a goat, and the figure of an erect phallus, wound with ivy.
Offerings: Wine libations, and a comedic mystery play to be presented to guests invited in.
Daily Meal: A fine lunch for guests, with wine and Greek food.

Askolia Invocation

Hail Dionysos, Lord of Theater!
For as the world is a stage,
So the stage is the smaller world,
And upon it we may witness your miracles.
May our minds be broadened
And our souls touched
By what we do witness here.
Hail, Dionysos, Lord of Sacrifice!
May our offering by taken kindly
In the spirit in which it is given.

Chant: Io Dionysos Io Dionysos

(This invocation serves as the opening to a comedic mystery play, to be presented to a group of invited guests. Its subject matter can be variable, although The Bacchae is always appropriate. Afterwards, the basket of raisins and the jug of wine is again passed, and libations made.)

Calendar of the Moon For January 15th

Calendar of the Moon
15 Beth Poseideion

Dionysia Agrous I: Phallikon

Color: Purple
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon a purple cloth set a five purple candles, a wreath of grapevines, a jar of wine, a basket of raisins, the figure of a goat, and the figure of an erect phallus, wound with ivy.
Offerings: Wine libations. Ritual sex is appropriate on this day.
Daily Meal: Vegetarian, with wine and cheese.

Phallikon Invocation

Hail the Phallus of Earth,
Living even beneath the cold ground!
May its joy and excitement spring forth
In all of us, male and female,
May we remember that even
When we are closed to the fire of the loins
It is still the fire that brings forth life,
Sustains life,
Embodies life,
And so we also need that life.
Help us to revere that force,
O Dionysius who sacrificed yours
That the vines might grow,
That fruit might spring from the trees.
Even when the fruit is withered,
It still sustains us.
Even when your manhood was taken,
It still sustains us.
Even when the fire of life is diverted,
It still sustains us.
May we never forget the leaping flame,
The leaping phallus of Earth,
The leaping joy of Life.

Chant: Io Dionysos Io Dionysos

(The basket of raisins is passed, and eaten. The jug of wine is passed, and toasts made to Dionysos. The rest is poured out one by one in libations.)