5.17. Aiōneia⁑

The offering to Aiōn as the Lord of Heaven and the Heavenly Pole may be done at any time, though generally no more than once a month. If done once a month according to the Moon, it is preferably done on the night before the Conjunction of the Moon and Sun when the sky is darkest; alternatively, it may be done when the Moon conjoins the ecliptic degree of Polaris. However, the Aiōneia is best made only on an as-needed basis before any major undertaking or in times of crisis.

The Aiōneia should not be combined with other offerings or done as part of the Leitūrgia.

If done in a group, this offering should only be attended by group members unless the group decides otherwise. If done independently, it is best done alone.

5.17.1. Supplies and Tools Required⁑

  • A match or lighter

  • Offering dishes as necessary

  • Either one or three lights

    • A candle or oil lamp are equally acceptable.

    • Narrow candles (e.g. tapers) or wide candles (e.g. tealights, votives) are equally acceptable, but a narrow candle is preferred.

  • Incense in a holder

    • The incense should be of a smell or blend of smells appropriate for general offerings.

    • Loose incense burning on charcoal in a brazier with a plate or handle is ideal, but self-igniting stick or cone incense burning in a holder that can easily and safely be held is acceptable.

    • If possible, two offerings of incense should be used.

  • Drink and food

    • If a loibeion is available, it is not to be used for making an offering to Aiōn, but a separate offering vessel instead.

    • For food, if grain is used, it is ideally a mixture of seven different types of grains.

  • Flowers or other offerings as desired (optional)

  • Bell

    • Ideally, two kinds of bell should be available: one that may be rung repeatedly (e.g. handbell) for the Royal Hymn of Aiōn and one that may be struck once at a time (e.g. chime or singing bowl) for the Twenty-Four Hardships.

    • Instead of a bell that may be struck once at a time, two pieces of iron may be used instead.

5.17.2. Preparation⁑

Before the offering, follow the Kanones of hygiene (full bathing required), clothing, and abstinence (both lax and strict required). A hormos should be worn for this offering. This offering requires a bōmos.

If at all possible, it is best to perform the Aiōneia outside at night facing the direction of the pole and when the celestial pole is clearly visible; if inside, it is preferred to perform the Aiōneia facing the pole, ideally at a window from which the pole may be seen.

Along with the other offerings, if three lights are used, arrange the three lights in a row on the bōmos, preferably with the central light slightly elevated above the other two. If two offerings of incense are used (two censers, two sticks, etc.), arrange them so that one is on the right and the other on the left.

5.17.3. Offering⁑

5.17.3.1. Prologue⁑

5.17.3.1.1. Lighting the Lykhnon⁑

If the Aiōneia is being done with a lykhnon which is to be lit for the Aiōneia and is to be extinguished afterwards, light it and recite (leader only):

I call upon you, o living God, radiant with illuminating fire,
o unseen parent of the Sun, o invisible begetter of light!
Give your strength to this fire,
pour forth your light-giving power into this fire,
and set to work your divine spark within this fire.
Let it enter into this flame and fill it with your spirit,
moving it by your holy breath and presence!

O sacred fire, o light that shines with the light of God!
Manifest your power for my knowledge, and let there be the light of knowing!
Manifest your power for my rebirth, and let there be the light of life!
Let the holy temple of almighty God within you open for me,
let there be breadth, depth, length, height, fullness, and brightness,
let the crown of your Sun-like radiance appear!
May God shine forth through your flame and within your light,
and may your light remain by me here in this place and now at this time!

5.17.3.1.2. Calling or Closing⁑

Depending whether the Aiōneia is to be done publicly or privately, either the Call to the Way or the Closing Off of the Temple is to be recited, or (if desired) the former followed by the latter.

5.17.3.1.2.1. Call to the Way⁑

Standing by the doorway to the euktērion facing outwards, recite (leader only):

O all you children of mankind, o all you born of the Earth,
o all who you have given yourselves over to drink and sleep in your ignorance of God!
Make yourselves sober, cease your drunken sickness,
end your bewitchment by unreasoning sleep!
Why have you given yourselves over to death,
when you have the power to claim immortality?
You who have wandered with Error, you who have partnered with Ignorance:
think again, think anew!
Free yourselves from the darkness, take hold of the Light,
take part in divine immortality, leave behind your corrupt destruction!
Do not surrender to the way of death by your mockery or distance,
but come, rise, and be guided on the way of life!

Close the door.

5.17.3.1.2.2. Closing Off the Temple⁑

Standing by the doorway to the euktērion facing inwards, recite (leader only):

I speak now to only those allowed,
I sing now with only those in the know,
that only those allowed remain with me,
that only those in the know join with me.

Depart, depart, all those who are profane!
No such person may have a foot in this place,
no such person may hear the sacred mysteries.
Depart, depart, all those who are profane;
I shut and bar the doors from them.

Close the door.

5.17.3.1.3. First Salutation⁑

5.17.3.1.3.1. On One’s Own⁑

Recite:

May I live in wholeness and health!
5.17.3.1.3.2. If Others are Present⁑

The leader announces:

Hail to those whom the greeting is given with blessing,
to my siblings, to holy children of God!

The leader recites:

May we live in wholeness and health!

All others present repeat the above as one.

5.17.3.1.4. Assertion and Confession⁑

Standing in front of but some distance away from the bōmos, recite:

I am one who stands in the House of Life.
I am one who sees in the Chamber of Darkness.
I am one who hears in the temples of divinity.
I am one who speaks in the halls of humanity.
I am one who loves mind, word, and knowledge.
I am one who seeks order, truth, and wisdom.
The wish of my heart is that which brought me here;
may I be counted among the disciples of the gods!

Bow, then recite:

O gods who watch over and give life to humanity,
receive me and deliver me to dwell with the eternal gods!
For I have ever revered the gods whom my parents revealed to me,
and as long as I live my life in the lot of the living,
I always honor those who begot my body and of other human beings.
I do and will not kill anyone,
I do and will not steal anything entrusted to me,
I do and will not do any other pernicious thing.
But if I have transgressed in anything during this life,
or have consumed of what was not licit,
it was not of my own account,
but because of this drive and desire
that arose from the pits of this body.

Move towards the bōmos and prepare to take your place at it.

5.17.3.1.5. Undertaking the Aiōneia⁑

Recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

I now undertake this Aiōneia.

5.17.3.1.6. Foundation — Opening⁑

Clap, extend the arms out, and recite (leader only):

The glory of the All is God, both Divinity and Nature,
for natural Divinity is renewed by Nature,
and divine Nature is founded in Divinity.

Prostrate silently, setting intentions silently if desired, then sit or kneel at the bōmos.

5.17.3.1.7. Opening the Doors of Divinity⁑

Make an opening gesture with the hands above the bōmos, and recite (leader only):

Open, Heavens and Earth! Open, Day and Night!
Open, East and West! Open, South and North!
Open, winds and waters! Open, fire and stone!
The two doors of the Earth are opened!
The two doors of the Heavens are opened!
The four doors of the horizon are opened!
The four doors of the world are opened!

The gods send forth their light through the doors;
exalted be all the gods upon their great thrones!
My face looks upon the gods on their thrones,
and the gods on their thrones look upon me.
I am about to sing the hymns of divinity;
may my hymns be heard and my praise be accepted!

5.17.3.1.8. Prologue of Aid and Seven Requests⁑

Recite:

Almighty God, Lord, King, Master, Helper, hear me!

Recite, bowing at each “O God”:

O God, hear me my prayers.
O God, save me from error.
O God, cleanse me from vice.
O God, protect me from danger.
O God, rescue me from torment.
O God, keep me from irreverence.
O God, free me from ignorance.

If desired, prostrate and recite the Supplication of the Holy:

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, be merciful to me.
Holy God, Holy Maker, Holy Forebear, be gracious to us.
Holy God, Holy One, Holy Source, be propitious to us all.

5.17.3.1.9. Ritual Invocation of Hermēs⁑

Recite:

Hail to you, Hermēs, prophet and scribe and teacher!
O thrice-great, great among the great, greatest beyond greatness!
You who know the sacred mysteries,
you who establish their utterances,
you who distinguish truth from falsehood,
you who witness the Light and Life of God,
you who have entered into the goodness of God!

Bless my thinking, bless my speaking, bless my working, o Hermēs,
that all that I think, all that I say, and all that I do may be for Life, Light, and Goodness,
that I may have your guidance and assistance in this Aiōneia.

5.17.3.1.10. Invocation of the Agathos Daimōn⁑

Tip

Optional, but encouraged if alone.

Recite:

O my companion, o my genius, o my angel!
Honor our bond, honor my destiny, honor God’s will!
Manifest yourself to me as my Agathos Daimōn!
Be faithful and steadfast for me!
Be loving and passionate for me!
Be my complete contentment!
Be my total nourishment!
Grant me every success and all attainment!
Make my mind lucid and bright in all things!

O never-born crown of the powers of divinity!
O holy one, mighty one, immortal one,
do not abandon me!
O my friend, my savior, my protector,
reveal yourself kindly to me as Truth!
Join yourself to me that I may join myself to you
as One, in One!

5.17.3.1.11. Shining Prayer⁑

Recite:

O God! I greet you and call upon you, eternal and unbegotten,
you who are One,
you who alone hold together and surround the whole creation of all things,
you whom none understand,
you whom all daimones fear,
you whom the gods worship,
you whose name not even the gods can utter!

O God, you who are greater than all,
you who are the creator of all,
you who see all and are not seen,
you who hear all and are not heard!
O God, you who gave to the Sun all power and glory
and to the Moon the privilege to have fixed courses,
yet who made the Sun to rise and set and the Moon to wax and wane,
that none can compare them with your true glory!
O God, you who took nothing from your own creation,
but created all things that exist!
O God, you who took nothing from the firstborn darkness,
but apportioned all things that they might be equal!
For it is with you that both order and light arose,
and it is by you that all things were arranged.
O God, all of your creation is subject to you,
you whose true form whom none can truly see,
you who yet change into all forms!

Hear me and help me, o Lord,
joyful and willing, faultless and unflawed, who pollute no place,
King of kings, Daimōn of daimones, Aiōn of aiōnes, God of gods,
by your Glory and Holiness and Beauty and Goodness,
for I call upon you and bear witness
to the unsurpassed mystery of your name now and forever. ※

5.17.3.2. Preparation of Offerings⁑

For whatever is to be offered, so long as it is not ceremonially set aside for later, set it out as appropriate to the offering, e.g. prepare vessels, light charcoal, pour drinks, etc., but do not light any light or incense as yet.

If one is making an offering at a bōmos with a loibeion, remove the lid from the loibeion and set it down to the side of the bōmos. Dip the forefinger of the dominant hand into the water and flick it upwards above the head, reciting (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

An offering of water to the Heavens from whence I come.

Then dip the forefinger of the dominant hand into the water and flick it downward (even onto the psiathos if present), reciting (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

An offering of water to the earth from whence I am born.

A drop of water from the loibeion may be put into the drink offering, but otherwise the loibeion is not used for this offering. Whether or not one puts a drop of water from the loibeion into the drink offering, the lid is to be put back on the loibeion at this point.

5.17.3.3. All-Greeting to the Gods⁑

Recite:

Hail, o Agathē Tykhē!
Hail, o Agathos Daimōn!
Hail, o daimōn of this place!
Hail, o daimōn of this hour!
Hail, o daimōn of this day!
Hail, o daimones of every place, of every hour, of every day!
Hail, o whole Cosmos composed of Earth and Heaven!
Hail, o Aiōn, who have established yourself
in invisible light over the holy firmament!

5.17.3.4. Greeting to the Celestial Nobles⁑

If three lights are used, light the light on the right; if two offerings of incense are used, light the incense on the right. Recite:

Hail to you, o seven Fates of Heaven, o noble and good virgins,
o sacred ones and companions of MINIMIRROPHOR,
o most holy guardians of the four pillars!
Hail to you, the first, KHREPSENTHAĒS!
Hail to you, the second, MENESKHEĒS!
Hail to you, the third, MEKHRAN!
Hail to you, the fourth, HARAMAKHĒS!
Hail to you, the fifth, EKHOMMIĒ!
Hail to you, the sixth, TIKHNONDAĒS!
Hail to you, the seventh, ERŪ ROMBRIĒS!

If three lights are used, light the light on the left; if two offerings of incense are used, light the incense on the left. Recite:

Hail to you, o Lords of the Pole, o guardians of the pivot,
o sacred and brave youths, o powerfully ruling gods,
who turn at one command the revolving axis of the vault of Heaven,
who send jolts of earthquakes and bolts of lighting against the impious,
who send health, calmness, soundness,
and acuteness of the senses to the pious!
Hail to you, the first, AIERŌNTHI!
Hail to you, the second, MERKHEIMEROS!
Hail to you, the third, AKHRIKHIŪR!
Hail to you, the fourth, MESARGILTŌ!
Hail to you, the fifth, KHIKHRŌALITHŌ!
Hail to you, the sixth, ERMIKHTHATHŌPS!
Hail to you, the seventh, EORASIKHĒ!

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

Hail to you, o Fates of Heaven and Lords of the Pole!
O you seven virgins with the faces of asps bearing golden scepters,
o you seven youths with the faces of bulls wearing golden diadems,
standing guard over the gate to eternity,
coming forth from the cosmic fullness,
taking your places in the realm of immortality!
Protect me and send me your blessing, here and today and now,
for I am one who is pious and worthy of your grace!

5.17.3.5. Demand of Silence⁑

Recite:

Silence, Silence, Silence!
Symbol of the living, incorruptible god!
Guard me, Silence!
NEKHTHEIR THANMELŪ

Place the forefinger of the hand upright on the closed lips. Sit in silence for a few moments to still the mind and heart. If others are present, the leader judges how long to spend in silence; at their discretion, they should gently ring a bell once to let others know to continue.

5.17.3.6. Hymn of the First Holy Light⁑

If three lights are used, light the central light; otherwise, light the light now. If only one offering of incense is used, light it now.

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

Come, come to me from the four winds of the cosmos,
o great God traversing the very air!
Come to me in your holy circuit of the holy spirit;
come, o Founder of All, o God of gods, o Lord of All,
you who divided the entire cosmos with your divine spirit,
you who were the first who appeared
from the primordial and shadow-drunk turning, turbulent water!
The Abyss, Earth, Fire, Water, and Air,
and, in turn, the Aithēr and the resounding rivers,
the Moon fit for the world,
the stars of the Pole, the stars of twilight, and the wandering, whirling stars;
they all attend to everything by your very will!
Come to me, o Lord, you who by your own power
raise the light and lower the darkness when and whenever you will!
Hear me, o Lord, graciously and gladly!
Come to me from every element and from every wind,
for I invoke your holy name from every side!

5.17.3.7. Greeting to the Great Lord of the Pole⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

Hail, o Lord, o Master of the Water!
Hail, o Lord, o Founder of the Earth!
Hail, o Lord, o Ruler of the Wind!
Hail, o Lord, o Lightener of the Fire!
Hail, o Lord, o Eternal and Immovable Ruler of the Pole!
Hail, o Lord, o single and sovereign king of the All!
Hail, o Lord, o hidden and unseen overseer of all!
Hail, o Lord, o Aiōn of the aiōnes!

I call on you, eternal and unbegotten,
you who are one,
you who alone hold together the whole creation of all things,
you whom none understand,
you whom the gods worship,
you whose name not even the gods can utter!
By your breath, o ruler of the Pole, inspire me who is under you!

O greatest power in Heaven,
appointed by the Most High to turn with a strong hand the holy pole,
you who hold together the universe and bring to life the whole world!
O greatest god ruling Heaven,
highest one reigning over the pole of all the stars,
beautiful-shining deity and incorruptible divinity!

You who are the bond of the whole universe!
You who stand upon the pole and rule all the stars!
You who shook and shake the earth, the ground, the abyss, and the whole world!
You who have swallowed the ever-living serpent!
You who daily raise the disks of the Sun and the Moon!
You who control and compel the whole system of the cosmos by force!
You who attack, subdue, summon, conquer, and rule any man or god whom you wish!
Adamant protector, highest and unutterable, fire-bodied and light-giving!

5.17.3.8. Dedication of Offerings⁑

5.17.3.8.1. Dedicatory Invocation⁑

Recite, announcing the overall types of things to be offered (e.g. “light” for candles and lamps according to the labels given below, changing personal pronouns if needed):

Hail to you, o almighty Aiōn! By your blessing and by this offering I make to you of …, be merciful to me, be gracious to me, and be propitious to me!

5.17.3.8.2. Dedication of Light⁑

O almighty Aiōn, I light for you this…, that it may burn for your honor, enlightenment, empowerment, and exaltation. Grant that as this flame burns and casts its light upon me, so too cast your light upon me that I may always be guided, led, and enlightened by your presence. Grant that as this flame burns and casts its light upon this place, so too shine your light upon the world through me as your medium, conduit, focus, and lens, that the entire world may come to see you, honor you, glorify you, and praise you and your good works. Hail to you, almighty Aiōn!

5.17.3.8.3. Dedication of Incense⁑

O almighty Aiōn, I burn for you this…, sweet-smelling, sacred, and pleasing to you, that it may fortify you, dignify you, and satisfy you. Grant that as this incense rises up and fills up this place with its sweet, heavenly smoke, so too fill up my life, sphere, and surroundings with the knowledge and blessing of your essence and presence. Grant that as this incense rises up in the air around me, so too fill up my body, soul, spirit, and mind with your wisdom and virtue that I may be ever more deeply initiated into your mysteries. Hail to you, almighty Aiōn!

5.17.3.8.4. Dedication of Drink⁑

O almighty Aiōn, I pour out to you this…, fresh, sweet, and pure, that it may please you, sate you, and cheer you. Grant that as this drink is poured out for you, so too pour into my life your blessing that I may more freely accept your power in my life. Grant that as this libation is accepted by your presence, so too open my heart to be free to partake in your joys, your light, and your aid in this and all places, in this and all times, on this and all days. Hail to you, almighty Aiōn!

5.17.3.8.5. Dedication of Food⁑

O almighty Aiōn, I set out for you this…, fresh, hearty, and pure, that it may please you, sate you, and cheer you. Grant that as this food is set here for you, so too set into my life your blessing that I may more freely accept your power in my life. Grant that as this meal is accepted by your presence, so too open my heart to be free to partake in your joys, your light, and your aid in this and all places, in this and all times, on this and all days. Hail to you, almighty Aiōn!

5.17.3.8.6. Dedication of Flowers or Other Offerings⁑

O almighty Aiōn, I place out for you this…, whole, splendid, and pure, that it may please you, sate you, and cheer you. Grant that as this offering is placed here for you, so too place into my life your blessing that I may more freely accept your power in my life. Grant that as this sacrifice is accepted by your presence, so too open my heart to be free to partake in your joys, your light, and your aid in this and all places, in this and all times, on this and all days. Hail to you, almighty Aiōn!

5.17.3.8.7. Dedication of Speech⁑

O almighty Aiōn, I sing to you an ancient song, dedicated to you once long ago, sung to you now again, for your reverence, tribute, and respect. Grant that as these words ring out in the air around me, so too may they ring out throughout the entire world, that all people may come to praise you, revere you, and respect you and your works. Grant that as my words are filled by my love and memory for your favor and aid, so too empower my speech and will and strength that all I desire and intend may be brought to perfect completion. Hail to you, almighty Aiōn!

Proceed to the Royal Hymn of Aiōn.

5.17.3.9. Royal Hymn of Aiōn⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed), ringing a bell repeatedly whenever the sacred name “BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH” is said:

Come to me from the four winds, o God, ruler of all,
who have breathed spirits into human bodies for life,
master of good things in the world!

Hear me, o Lord, whose hidden name is unutterable to all but me:
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Hearing it, all daimones are terrified!
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Hearing it, the Sun, Moon, and Earth all roll over!
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Hearing it, Hadēs itself is shaken!
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Hearing it, the rivers and seas and lakes and springs become frozen!
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Hearing it, rocks and boulders are split!
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Heaven is your head, Aithēr your body,
Earth your feet, Ocean the water around you!
O goodly divinity, you are Lord, the begetter, nourisher, and increaser of all!

Who molded the forms of the beasts of the Zodiac?
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Who found their routes?
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Who was the begetter of fruits?
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Who raises up mountains?
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

Who commanded the winds to hold to their annual tasks?
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

What Aiōn nourishing an Aiōn rules the aiōnes?
BARBAREIKH HARSEMPHEMPHRŌTH ǂ

One deathless God!

You are the begetter of all and assign souls to all and control all, o King of the aiōnes, before whom tremble all mountains, plains, springs, streams of river, valleys of earth, seas, oceans, spirits, and all things that are! Even high, shining Heaven itself trembles before you, o Lord, ruler of all, holy one, master of all! By your power the elements exist and all things come into being: the paths of the Sun and the Moon, of Night and of Dawn, all things in Air and Earth and Water and the breath of Fire!

Yours is the eternal processional way of Heaven, in which your seven-lettered Name is established for the harmony of the seven sounds of the planets which sing according to the 28 forms of the Moon! Yours are the beneficent influences of the stars, daimones, fortunes, and fates! You give wealth, good old age, good children, strength, food! You, Lord of Life, ruling the upper and the lower realms, whose Justice is not thwarted, whose glorious Name the angels hymn, who have Truth that never lies!

5.17.3.10. Communion⁑

At this point, if desired, engage in communion, dwelling in thanks and contemplation.

If others are present, the leader judges how long to spend in communion. At their discretion, they should gently ring the bell once to let others know to continue.

5.17.3.11. Address to Aiōn for Deliverance⁑

Recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

I praise you with cosmic prayers, the Holy One, the Blessed of the aiōnes, the Begetter of the Cosmos! Come to me, you who expanded the whole of the cosmos, who hung up the fire from the heavenly water and separated the earth from the water.

Pay attention, Form and Spirit and Earth and Sea, to the words of this one who is wise of divine Necessity. Accept these my words as fiery arrows, for I am Man, the most beautiful creature of God, made out of Spirit and Dew and Earth!

I call upon you for your blessing, o Lord! Hear me, o holy Aiōn who rests among the holy ones, at whose side glorious powers stand forever and hymn in silence! I call upon you and beseech you for your deliverance, o Forebear, o Aiōn of Aiōnes, o Unmoved All-Mover, eternal Ruler of the celestial pole, you who are established upon the sevenfold heavens, you who hold fast to the root of the cosmos, you who possess the powerful name hallowed by all the gods!

Hear me, you who have established the mighty decans and living creatures, beside whom stand untold myriads of powers! You are exalted in Heaven and on Earth, with God having borne witness to your wisdom and having praised your power, having declared that your strength is that of God’s in every way in the world!

I call upon you, o Lord of the All, in my hour of need! Hear me, for my soul is distressed, and I am troubled and in want of everything that is good *, all that which is good *, and only that which is good *. Come to me, who you are lord over all the powers; shield me against all excess of power by daimones and of fate *. O Lord, hear me, for I call upon you and have called upon you by your secret name that reaches from the heights of Heaven throughout the whole of the Earth unto the depths of the Abyss! Rescue me in my hour of need! *

5.17.3.12. Twenty-Four Hardships⁑

For each of the 24 hardships listed below, bow and recite, striking a bell (ideally a chime or using two pieces of iron together) at each supplication:

Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of the thirty-six decans abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of the twelve signs abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of the seven planets abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of the four elements abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of the two bodily energies abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of the household and the married couple abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of childbirth and child-rearing abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of conditions returning and conditions incessant abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of illness and injury abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of epidemics and plagues abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of age and senility abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of violent death and untimely death abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of water and fire abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of earthquakes and avalanches abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of vermin and insects abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of tigers and wolves abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of evil daimones and intranquil spirits abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of curses and pacts abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of robbers and bandits abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of stocks and clubs abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of immorality and outrage abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of folly and abuse abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of battle and war abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ
Almighty Aiōn, may the hardships of divine abandonment and desertion abate, vanish, and be overcome. ǂ

5.17.3.13. Eulogy of the Blessing Deity⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O wondrous supreme one, dwelling high atop the heights of heaven!
O supremely great power over all lands, both inhabited and uninhabited!
O protector of all creatures, in all their origins and in all their destinations!
O crown jewel of all gods, shining radiantly, giving to them their royalty!
O you who make the seven planets and infinite stars turn to worship you!
O granter of wishes, fulfilling all that is sought after by all those in all realms!
O destroyer of every evil spirit, o annihilator of every obstacle, o prolonger of long life!
I beseech you: deign to satisfy that which I think and desire for good!
I beseech you: deign to accomplish every good deed for good!

If desired, prostrate and recite the Supplication of the Holy:

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, be merciful to me.
Holy God, Holy Maker, Holy Forebear, be gracious to us.
Holy God, Holy One, Holy Source, be propitious to us all.

5.17.3.14. Twelve Priestly Requests⁑

Recite, ringing a bell where indicated:

O Lord Aiōn, may the winds and rivers be harmonious. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may the harvest and livestock be abundant. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may the land and the wilds be safe. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may the skies and the seas be calm. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may the realm be peaceful. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may the people be prosperous. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may there be good health, long life, happiness, and peace. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may all calamities, disasters, and misfortunes be dispelled. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may there be virtue and wisdom for all. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may those who walk the Way achieve perfection on the Way. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may all spirits and gods be supportive and protective. ǂ
O Lord Aiōn, may all the deceased ascend and help us ourselves ascend. ǂ

5.17.3.15. Rededication⁑

Recite, recounting the offerings made and specifying any unique or special aspects of the offering and stating the “in my home” part if the offering was indeed made in one’s home (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

O almighty Aiōn, I have made these offerings to you of (light, incense, etc.). I have made these offerings for you for (occasion/reason…), here at this place and now at this time and today on this day (…). I have made these offerings to you freely and joyfully, and I ask that you accept them in a spirit of the same. I have made these offerings to you as an expression of my thanks, my love, my honor, my respect, my trust, and my joy for you. Stay if you will, go if you will, but know that, with these offerings, I honor you (in my home and) in my heart and in my head and with my hands. Hail to you, o almighty Aiōn, and may you always grant me your blessing! Hail to you, o almighty Aiōn!

5.17.3.16. Epilogue⁑

5.17.3.16.1. Prayer of Thanksgiving⁑

Recite:

We give thanks to you!
Every soul and heart reaches up to you,
o ineffable Name honored as “God” and praised as “Forebear”,
for to everyone and everything you have shown
tender kindness, affection, love, and sweetest activity,
granting to us mind, word, and knowledge:
mind, that we may understand you;
word, that we may call upon you;
knowledge, that we may know you.
We rejoice, for we have been enlightened by your knowledge.
We rejoice, for you have revealed yourself to us.
We rejoice, for you have made us incarnate divine by your knowledge.

The thanksgiving of humanity to you is this alone:
that we may know you.
O Light of Mind, we know you.
O Life of Life, we know you.
O Womb of every creature, we know you.
O Mother pregnant with the nature of the Father, we know you.
O eternal permanence of the begetting Source, we know you.

Thus do we worship your goodness.
Thus do we ask for one favor:
that we be preserved in your knowledge.
Thus do we ask for one protection:
that we not fall away from this sort of life. ※

If desired, prostrate and recite the Supplication of the Holy:

Holy God, Holy Strong, Holy Immortal, be merciful to me.
Holy God, Holy Maker, Holy Forebear, be gracious to us.
Holy God, Holy One, Holy Source, be propitious to us all.

5.17.3.16.2. Conclusion of Work⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

I have been attached to your holy form.
I have been given power by your holy name.
I have been filled with your holy emanation.
I praise you with a gladdened heart!
I thank you with an outstretched soul!
Be merciful, be gracious, be propitious to me,
o Lord, o God of gods, o Master! ※

Prostrate silently, then stand.

5.17.3.16.3. Foundation — Closing⁑

Extend the arms out, and recite (leader only):

The glory of the All is God, both Divinity and Nature,
for natural Divinity is renewed by Nature,
and divine Nature is founded in Divinity.

Clap once.

5.17.3.16.4. Concluding the Aiōneia⁑

Recite (leader only):

Thus concludes this Aiōneia.

5.17.3.16.5. Final Salutation⁑

5.17.3.16.5.1. On One’s Own⁑

Recite:

May I walk in reverence and knowledge!
5.17.3.16.5.2. If Others are Present⁑

The leader recites to all:

May we walk in reverence and knowledge!

All others present repeat the above as one.

5.17.3.17. Post-Offering Breakdown⁑

If desired, eat a vegetarian meal, especially if there are others present.

With the exception of the offerings made, break down and clean up the euktērion. Dispose of the offerings as appropriate when possible to do so, but any food and drink are ideally consumed as a blessing, and any other offerings to be used, consumed, or donated accordingly.

5.17.3.17.1. Extinguishing the Lykhnon⁑

If the Aiōneia is being done with a lykhnon that was lit for the Aiōneia and is to be extinguished afterwards, recite (leader only):

It is you who gives us fire, and through the fire light;
it is you who gives us light for our eyes and our hearts.
I put out this lamp that shines with your holy fire,
not to quench your light nor to stem your blessing,
but for the safety and preservation of my life.
As I put out this flame, grant me your Light forever,
for yours is the light that can never truly be extinguished.

Go forth from this lamp, o holy light of the highest God;
depart, holy brightness, and let your flame be scattered,
but let your light always dwell within me as a lamp in my soul,
that I too may always shine with the holy light of the highest God.

Extinguish the lykhnon.