Calendar of the Moon 3 Ruis/Poseideion Pandora's Day Colours: Grey and white Element: Air Altar: Upon a grey cloth set a large wooden box covered with carvings of horror, blight, and disease. It should be filled with two layers of rolled papers, separated by a cloth. The first layer is rolled papers tied with black string, which are assignments as to what offering of aid to the unfortunate should be given. The bottom layer is rolled papers tied with silver string, each of which has a saying of hope written upon it. Aside from the box, the altar should be starkly empty. Offerings: Give aid and hope to those who are suffering outside the House. The following day should be a day of helping other organizations. Daily Meal: Give food to others; the House fasts tonight. Invocation to Pandora Sweet Pandora, Lady All-Gifted, You were made like a toy by the Gods To take revenge on the world, Yet you hold your own mystery. You were constructed with all gifts, Yet we must never forget That suffering, too, is a gift. Though it may seem like the greatest of evils, The pain that you bring hones us, Tries us, trials us, tests our mettle, And teaches us the limits of Life. Help us to honor these gifts of yours, These thorns and hails and lightning strikes, This pain and weakness and suffering. And help us to always remember, Lady All-Gifted, The final gift in the bottom of your box, Which is hope for the future. (All come forward and kneel before the altar. The keeper of the box says, "Choose your suffering." One at a time, each comes forward and takes a paper from the top layer of the box. Then the keeper of the box says, "Choose hope," and each comes forward and takes another paper from the bottom. The box is closed and all leave in silence.)
[source:paganbookofhours.org]