Calendar of the Moon
15 Luis/Gamelion
Lenaia Day IV
Colors: Purple and green
Element: Water
Altar: A large post is set up behind the altar, draped in robes of purple and green, with a mask of
Dionysus upon it, and arms raised upwards made of grapevine and fruit tree branches. The altar
is draped in purple and green, and upon it set two purple candles, a wreath of grapevines, two
jugs of wine (one white and one red), and a chalice. All enter in a procession, with a torchbearer
in the lead; the torch is placed in a holder before the altar.
Offerings: Dancing. Drumming. Music. Transforming dreams into reality.
Daily Meal: Wine. Goat or lamb. Lentils. Grape leaves. Greek food if possible.
Lenaia Invocation I
Hail, son of Semele! Iakkhos, Giver of Wealth!
We have danced for fertility of the Earth
And the fruits of trees.
We have danced for the fertility of Mind
And the fruits of Creativity.
We have danced for fertility of Soul
And the fruits of Creation.
Now we will be your Maenads
And dance in honor of your rebirth.
Invoke the God!
Response: Hail Iakkhos!
(Repeat three times. Then the drum circle is formed and the dance goes on in an all-night vigil.
The duty of the vigil can be shared and danced in shifts, but there must be at least one drummer
and one dancer present at all times until dawn. Any appropriate chant may be used. At dawn, the
red wine is passed around and shared, with the worker saying, "Behold the blood of Iakkhos."
The remainder is poured out as a libation. Then the white wine is passed around and shared,
with the worker saying, "Behold the dreams of Iakkhos." The remainder is poured out as a
libation.)
[Pagan Book of Hours]