Calendar of the Sun 14 Yulmonath Day of Iuventas and Hebe Colour: Red Element: Fire Altar: Upon cloth of red place figures of male and female youths, bedecked with flowers and candles of many colours, and two cups of spring water. Let youths from the community come forth to be blessed on this day, and process in with the folk of the House, and stand before the altar. Offerings: Give aid to youths who have just come of age. Daily Meal: Anything that the youths wish, within the strictures of the House. Invocation to Iuventas and Hebe Call: Let the children come to us who are no longer children. Response: Let them come forth, those on the brink of manhood and womanhood. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with health, in the name of Hebe. Response: May Hebe bless them with strong bodies and long lives. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with vitality, in the name of Iuventas. Response: May Iuventas bless them with brightness and joy. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with minds sharp as blades. Response: May they be so blessed. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with hearts full of courage. Response: May they be so blessed. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with hands full of compassion. Response: May they be so blessed. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with good judgment. Response: May they be so blessed. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with new worlds to explore. Response: May they be so blessed. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with faith in the Universe. Response: May they be so blessed. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with knowledge of the Gods. Response: May they be so blessed. Call: Let them come forth and be blessed with peace in their souls. Response: May they be so blessed. Call: Let us lift up our eyes to them in hope, for they are the future. Response: Our blessing on them all. Call: Let us lift up our voices to Iuventas and Hebe in praise! Response: Hail Iuventas and Hebe! (The cups of water are poured out as a libation. The rest of Sponde is spent with the youths, teaching them and giving them what wisdom can be given in this short time.)
[source:paganbookofhours.org]
[Image:Joshua Reynolds, 1785, Mrs. Musters as Hebe]