Calendar of the Moon 9 Gort/Puanepsion Stenia Day 1 Colour: Brown Element: Earth Altar: Upon cloth of brown set two green candles and the Thesmoi, the sacred figures to be put into the Mundus Cereris. They include snakes, phalli, and pigs all made of bread. Unlike the regular opening of the Mundus Cereris, only women with wombs can move the stone today. Offerings: Thesmoi. Ritual sex is an appropriate offering for this day. Daily Meal: Pork and bread. Stenia I Invocation We gather today in the name of Demeter, To fertilize the Earth with our spirits. The Earth yields to us, and gives us nourishment, But we must return our energy to Her body, Give and take in equal parts. So today we give forth What energy we can. Bring forth the Thesmoi, Give them the warmth of your love. (The women with wombs take the Thesmoi from the altar, and bring them to any men with testicles to hold, bless, and place energy within them. Women without wombs and men without testicles must watch and chant, but cannot touch the Thesmoi once they are placed on the altar, for this magic must be that of fertility.) Hail, Demeter! We bring you our gifts, To be placed in the dark of your womb! We bring you our hopes, our joys, Our passions and desires, that you may Enjoy them, and your womb fill to overflowing And burst forth in goodness upon our world. As you have given to us, so we give to you. Chant: Mother Earth I sing to you Demeter and Gaia Mother Earth I bring to you All within my hands (The women with wombs carry the Thesmoi to the Mundus Cereris, roll back the stone, and place them within, also chanting. They reset the stone, return to the altar room, and announce, "It is done!" All who have been chanting cry out "Hail Demeter!" and the rite is ended.)
[source:paganbookofhours.org]