Calendar of the Moon
5 Coll/Metageitnion
Panathenaea Day 3: Poetry
Colors: White and blue
Element: Air
Altar: Upon cloth of white and blue set a great statue of Athena, a spear, a pen, a spindle, a
shield with a Gorgon's head, and a brazier with charcoal that must never be allowed to go out
until the Panathenaea is done.
Offerings: Poetry, read by any and appreciated by all.
Daily Meal: Greek food, including beef, olives, and wine.
(In the morning of this day, regardless of what the Sponde ritual might be, all sing for Athena at
the hour of Mousika. Later, during the hours of Akte and Elete, folk from the community are
invited in to speak and hear poetry in her honor. They will be fed at the hour of Hesperis by the
House.)
Athena Invocation:
I begin to sing of Pallas Athena,
The dread Protectress of the city,
Who with Ares looks after matters of war,
The plundering of cities, the battle-cry and the fray.
It is She who protects the people,
Wherever they might come or go.
Lady of the olive tree,
Lady of the shield and spear,
Lady of wisdom and strategy,
Cool head which advises the hot ones,
Mentor to princes and heroes,
Gracious grey-eyed daughter of Zeus,
You teach us all due thoughtfulness!
Hail, Goddess, and give us good spirits
And your blessed favor!
[Pagan Book of Hours]