TO RHEA
The FUMIGATION from AROMATICS.
DAUGHTER of great Protogonus, divine,
Illustrious Rhea, to my pray'r incline,
Who driv'st thy holy car with speed along,
Drawn by fierce lions, terrible and strong.
Mother of Jove, whose mighty arm can wield 5
Th' avenging bolt, and shake the dreadful shield.
Drum-beating, frantic, of a splendid mien,
Brass-sounding, honor'd, Saturn's blessed queen.
Thou joy'st in mountains and tumultuous fight,
And mankind's horrid howlings, thee delight. 10
War's parent, mighty, of majestic frame,
Deceitful saviour, liberating dame.
Mother of Gods and men, from whom the earth
And lofty heav'ns derive their glorious birth;
Th' ætherial gales, the deeply spreading sea 15
Goddess ærial form'd, proceed from thee.
Come, pleas'd with wand'rings, blessed and divine,
With peace attended on our labours shine;
Bring rich abundance, and wherever found
Drive dire disease, to earth's remotest bound. 20
This is a ritual that should be done outside, a high space would be best, such as a nice sized hilltop. Gather at the top of the Hill. If you have a meteorite or any kind of similarly sacred stone, place this in the center of the circle to represent the physical presence of Great Mother. Purify yourselves and the circle of sacred space with khernips. Fumigation is from aromatics. My understanding of aromatics is that it pretty much composes any incense at all. A drum of some kind should be steadily beaten while the invocation is done by the acting high priest or priestess. The invocation should be done very loud. After the invocation, take turns pouring out portions of a jug over the sacred center stone containing water, honey, wine, milk, or for the stronger constitutions, some kind of blood asking Goddess for the favors you wish to receive. The blood can be your own or that of any thing that bleeds, she isn't picky, here. If you are a male preforming this ritual, cross dressing is preferred. This is a Goddess who finds orgy acceptable if the circle is close enough to attempt such a thing. Swords were involved in the ancient rites, but I am not sure how exactly they were used, so if you have a sword, at least bring it as a gesture. The drum should be continuing to beat if this is a group of several people and the rite concludes with dance and sexual contacts or can end with only thanking the Mother if you would prefer a more Roman and serious, rather than wild and ecstatic Phrygian interpretation of the ritual. May Goddess be pleased with the gesture of this rite and bless me and my family as well as all of those who attempt an interpretation of this ritual. Endless Praises to You Great Mother!
