STRIX SAMHAIN 
                               by Estara

Notes on the Samhain ritual:

1.  This ritual is based in large part on information about the Greek 
holidays posted by Apollonius on The Stele.  I have eliminated Theseus 
and added in such Wiccan symbology as the "death" of the Sun and the 
concept of Summer and Winter Kings.  In the system I use, Apollo is 
the Summer King and Dionysus is the Winter King.  Ariadne is treated 
as a goddess, and Apollo and Artemis are invoked in guises associated 
with the Sun and Moon.  The ritual itself follows a roughly Wiccan format.

2.  Although I usually use the Winds for the four directions, in this case 
I have used the rivers of Hades.  Their elemental attributions are from 
Agrippa.

3.  The "Wake, Dionysus" verse is from "Orphic Hymns" by R. G. Hogart.  
Other verses are original (please be kind).


STRIX SAMHAIN by Estara

The circle is cast in whatever way is normally used.  

For the calling of the quarters, the invoker stamps the earth and calls, 
"Cocytus (Phlegethon, Styx, Acheron), river of Air (Fire, Water, Earth); 
we ask for your blessing and safe passage through the Underworld.  
Witness and protect this rite.  Be here now.  So mote it be."

Invokation of the Goddesses:

Bright Artemis, whose silver light alone
remains to guide your children through the darkness
despite your brother's immanent descent,
oh brilliant keeper of the Celestial way;
and Ariadne, dancer serpentine
encrowned by stars, the labyrinth's guardian,
bright-eyed awakener of the Winter King
and lady of the Cretan mysteries;
Come lead us in your aspects dark and bright
and lend your blessings to this sacred rite.

Invokation of the Gods:

Apollo golden, summer's sweet delight
though winter-born, your half-year reign is ending,
with Samhain as a final backward glance
upon your mourning children and their lands.
Come, Dionysus!  Stir to consciousness
within your barren otherworldly hall
to tend the Earth now in your brother's stead,
awakening the winter's deeper way;
Come lead us in your aspects dark and bright
and lend your blessings to this sacred rite.

The priestess (or solitary) speaks:

"Apollo, bright one, we have come to bid you farewell for the dark half 
of the year.  Linger a short time with us, beautiful god, as we make your 
charm, the Eiresone.  With it we promise to remember you and to hold a 
place of honor for your return, and we ask you to keep your ancient promise, 
that by this charm your blessings will remain with us throughout the coming 
year."

The Eiresone is now made, either a single one for the covenstead or 
(more probably) one for each person.  It consists of a stick or branch, 
ideally laurel or olive, wrapped with red wool yarn and hung with nuts, 
leaves, and symbols made of clay.  These should represent Apollo and the 
blessings desired.  Examples are suns, lyres, images of food (prosperity), 
or pentagrams (protection).  When finished, the charm is charged in the 
usual way and presented to Apollo.

Now the Journey begins.  The circle is reformed (or the solitary returns 
to the altar), the coveners put on veils, and the priestess speaks in a 
mournful voice:

"Thank you and farewell, Summer's Beloved!  We shall walk Thee to the gate."  

She now leads a slow spiral dance widdershins.  The dancers move with heads 
bowed, dragging one foot behind the other, allowing the movement to move 
them into a trance state.  (I used "Set Sail" from "Let It Begin Now" by 
Starhawk and Reclaiming as the accompanying music; anything else of a 
similar mood should do.)  As the dance ends, the dancers sink down into 
a sitting position.  Time is allowed for Underworld journeying.  If a 
specific meditation is desired, use the following:

Now you have entered the world of the dead.  They offer you their food 
and a drink from their well, but you do not take it, knowing that this 
would lead to forgetfulness.  You leave them behind for now, moving behind 
the great palatial home where the gods of this world live.  On the other 
side of this estate there is a second well, where a woman stands alone 
and greets you.  She asks you why you have come to her.  You reply, 

"I am a child of Earth and starry Heaven, but my race is of Heaven.  You 
know this, for I have been here before.  Please give me a drink."  

She smiles and dips a cup in the water for you.  As you drink, your senses 
become clearer, for this is the Well of Memory.  Memories of your true self 
or of past lives may come to you now.  (Pause)

You look again at the keeper of the well and realize that she is Ariadne.  
She invites you to accompany her for a tour of this realm.  (Pause)

Now she asks you to join her in awakening Dionysus, so that he can take 
his place as the king of the dark season.

GROUP PROCEDURE FOR THE DANCE:

The priest lays down before the altar and calls Dionysus into himself 
while the coveners are recovering from their journey (still in a light 
trance state).  The priestess stands before him and aspects Ariadne.  
She speaks:

"Wake, sleeper in Persephone's hall.
Wake for the sacred feast.
Wake the nymphs sleeping at your feet.
They will dance and sing, wild with the joy of life.
Wake, Dionysus who gave us the vine.
Accept our incense.
Care for us."

The accompanying music or drumming should be a good bellydancing speed, 
not too slow or too fast but definitely catchy.  Ariadne begins a sensual, 
serpentine dance as the coven watches.  Gradually, Dionysus rises and 
puts on his crown (most likely some kind of vine wreath).  He then joins 
Ariadne's dance, and the pace quickens.  After a few minutes, the two begin 
to pull the remaining coveners to their feet and into the dance until all 
are dancing.  Ariadne stops the dance at what she feels to be the appropriate 
time.  Either she or Dionysus may give additional insights at this time.

SOLITARY PROCEDURE FOR THE DANCE:

In this case the solitary will become either Dionysus or Ariadne, "imagining" 
the role played by the other deity.

PROCESSION TO EARTH:

The priestess (Ariadne) speaks:

"The Summer King has left us, but the Winter King has awoken!  Therefore 
let us proceed to the world of men both mourning and rejoicing."

She and Dionysus lead a spiral procession clockwise, chanting 
"Eleleu!  Iou!  Iou!"

At "Eleleu!" they take two steps forward (deosil).  At "Iou!  Iou!" they 
take one step back (widdershins).  They make seven rounds, gradually chanting 
louder and moving faster--the rejoicing element is gradually overtaking the 
mourning.  At last the priestess comes to the altar and throws up her arms, 
casting off her veil and revealing the signs of Ariadne (that is, taking 
the "serpent goddess" pose). 

The coveners also cast off their veils, and the great rite proceeds as usual.

Devokation of the gods:

Bright Artemis, who is the greater light
in winter months, who lit our guarded path;
Sweet Ariadne, priestess of dark places,
ensuring the safe turning of the Wheel;
The fair Apollo, well departed friend
whose rebirth we will celebrate at Yule;
and Dionysus, newly ascended King
of winter, our ecstatic guardian;
We thank you all for your attendance here--
The circle fades, but you are always near.
Blessed Be.

The elements are dismissed by stamping the earth and calling, 

"Acheron (Styx, Phlegethon, Cocytus), river of Earth (Water, Fire, Air), 
we thank you for granting us safe passage in your realm.  As our two worlds 
part again, we bid you hail and farewell.  Blessed be."

The Eiresone should be hung over a doorway, where it will bless those who 
pass through it.  Setting out a plate of food for ancestors and divination 
are common post-ritual activities for this time.  The after-ritual feast 
should include a soup, stew, or chili with beans, as they are both a food 
of the dead and a traditional meal to honor Apollo at this time.