Calendar of the Moon
9 Gort/Puanepsion
Stenia Day 1
Color: Brown
Element: Earth
Altar: Upon cloth of brown set two green candles and the Thesmoi, the sacred figures to be put
into the Mundus Cereris. They include snakes, phalli, and pigs all made of bread. Unlike the
regular opening of the Mundus Cereris, only women with wombs can move the stone today.
Offerings: Thesmoi. Ritual sex is an appropriate offering for this day.
Daily Meal: Pork and bread.
Stenia I Invocation
We gather today in the name of Demeter,
To fertilize the Earth with our spirits.
The Earth yields to us, and gives us nourishment,
But we must return our energy to Her body,
Give and take in equal parts. So today we give forth
What energy we can. Bring forth the Thesmoi,
Give them the warmth of your love.
(The women with wombs take the Thesmoi from the altar, and bring them to any men with
testicles to hold, bless, and place energy within them. Women without wombs and men without
testicles must watch and chant, but cannot touch the Thesmoi once they are placed on the altar,
for this magic must be that of fertility.)
Hail, Demeter! We bring you our gifts,
To be placed in the dark of your womb!
We bring you our hopes, our joys,
Our passions and desires, that you may
Enjoy them, and your womb fill to overflowing
And burst forth in goodness upon our world.
As you have given to us, so we give to you.
Chant: Mother Earth I sing to you
Demeter and Gaia
Mother Earth I bring to you
All within my hands
(The women with wombs carry the Thesmoi to the Mundus Cereris, roll back the stone, and place
them within, also chanting. They reset the stone, return to the altar room, and announce, "It is
done!" All who have been chanting cry out "Hail Demeter!" and the rite is ended.)
[Pagan Book of Hours]