#hellenic recon

Lady Hestia, grass-yellow, eternal watcher of the flame,

I call on you to come forth from your place at the central hearth

and join me at the heart of my home, at this humble altar,

to watch over these rites and lead me to my innermost self,

so that I may be vulnerable in the presence of the deathless gods.

You are the constancy of life and my stability at home.

Peace and stillness are created in your presence, O hospitable goddess,

and your protection over my house and family extends from wall to wall.

Never changing, everlasting, you help me to accept what I cannot change.

You hold me, glowing Hestia, and keep my mind from wandering astray.

I ask that you protect me as I confront the worst parts of myself

and thank you for your guiding hand as I navigate my emotions.

I praise you with comfortable familiarity and will look to you always,

for you are the focus around which I orbit day after day.

33. Ἴδια φύλαττε - Guard what is yours

(From Hellenion) The Lenaia was a three-day festival in honor of Dionysos and the maenads, perhaps the origin of the City Dionysia in the Classical Era.  Like many festivals, there was a procession carrying a representation of Dionysos, dancing by Athenian girls with castenets and carrying the thyrsus and dramatic competitions.  It may have included a midnight revel by women (Parke, 104-106).

Ways to celebrate in modern times: Eat, drink and be merry.  Attend or put on plays or other forms of theater.  Recite Orphic Hymns 30 and 45, Homeric Hymns I, VII and XXVI (all to Dionysos), or even hymns of your own creation.  This may be an appropriate time to hold a women's only night-time rite with dancing.