Calendar of the Moon 24 Gort/Puanepsion
Apaturia Day 3: Koureotis Colour: White Element: Air Altar: Upon a white cloth set the carved root of a tree, the leafy branch of a tree, scattered seeds, a bowl of water, a loaf of bread, and either fresh milk or nourishing herbal tea. Offerings: Oneself, to the Order. Daily Meal: A feast of any correct foods of the harvest, prepared for all. Koureotis Invocation Hail to those who have come together today! Hail to those who live outside the Houses, Yet follow the Rule as best they can, Spreading the seeds of our Light beyond our walls. (One comes forth with a handful of seeds, and gives them out to the lay members who have come to the House on this day, and says, "Take these with you, and plant them well.") Hail to those who are like the branches of a tree, Reaching for the light, seeking for grace, Who come to us like birds alighting, Perhaps to stay and nest, perhaps to fly away. Hail to you, and may you touch that Light With your outstretched arms. (The tree branch is carried around, and all Branch members brushed with the water.) Hail to those who are rooted here, Flesh and bone, heart and soul, Giving up their lives for this our Life. Hail to those who are the ground beneath our feet, The stone beneath the field, the mountain Beneath the path that climbs. Hail! (The carved root is carried around, and all Root members are touched with water via the root.) Bring forth those who would enter, Who would come further, who would go deeper! Bring them forth and hear their vows! (All cry, "Bring them forth!" and those who would enter the Order as lay members are brought forward, and then those who would enter the Houses as Branch members, and then those who would take Root vows. Each in turn makes their vows before all.) Song: Blessing Song [source:paganbookofhours.org]
[Image: witchywords.com]