5.10. Enkardeia⁑
As one of the Stilbōneia, the offering of the Enkardeia marks when the planet Mercury is in direct motion and exactly conjunct the Sun. While it may be performed exactly during the conjunction, it is more ideally and conveniently performed just before midday or in the last hour of Mercury before the conjunction is exact. This occurs approximately three or four times a year, with the conjunction occurring approximately eight weeks before Mercury’s last station and eight weeks before Mercury’s next station.
In the case where Mercury is exactly conjunct the Sun in the degree of its exaltation, which is the timing needed for the Hypsōsis ritual or Hypsōmeia offering, the Hypsōsis should be done instead of the Enkardeia, but if the Hypsōmeia is to be done instead of the Hypsōsis, the Enkardeia should be done before or instead of the Hypsōmeia.
The Enkardeia should not be combined with other offerings, but they may be done as part of the Leitūrgia. However, it is best done on its own.
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.
5.10.1. Supplies and Tools Required⁑
A match or lighter
Offering dishes as necessary
One to four lights
Candles or oil lamps are equally acceptable.
Narrow candles (e.g. tapers) or wide candles (e.g. tealights, votives) are equally acceptable.
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.
Drink, food, and flowers as desired
Although technically optional, they are strongly encouraged to be offered.
If a loibeion is present, an offering of water may be made from that directly.
Bell (optional)
Image of Hermēs (optional)
5.10.2. 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; one’s permanent bōmos is acceptable, but a votary bōmos to Hermēs is ideal. If an image of Hermēs is available and one does not have a votary bōmos to Hermēs, the image of Hermēs should be placed respectfully on a temporary bōmos or one’s permanent bōmos as necessary.
If one light is offered, it should be placed in the center of the bōmos, in front of an image of Hermēs if one present. If more than one light is offered, they should be placed in a ring, around an image of Hermēs if present.
5.10.3. Offering⁑
Tip
If the offering is being made as part of the Leitūrgia, the offering process begins with the Shining Prayer.
5.10.3.1. Prologue⁑
5.10.3.1.1. Lighting the Lykhnon⁑
If the Enkardeia is being done with a lykhnon which is to be lit for the Enkardeia 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!
5.10.3.1.2. Calling or Closing⁑
Tip
Optional if done casually.
Depending whether the Enkardeia 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.
5.10.3.1.2.1. 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.
5.10.3.1.2.2. 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.
5.10.3.1.3. First Salutation⁑
5.10.3.1.3.1. On One’s Own⁑
Recite:
May I live in wholeness and health!
5.10.3.1.3.2. 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.
5.10.3.1.4. Assertion and Confession⁑
Tip
Optional if done casually.
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 desirethat arose from the pits of this body.
Move towards the bōmos and prepare to take your place at it.
5.10.3.1.5. Undertaking the Enkardeia⁑
Recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):
I now undertake this Enkardeia.
5.10.3.1.6. 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.
5.10.3.1.7. Opening the Doors of Divinity⁑
Tip
Optional, but encouraged if done at a temporary bōmos.
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!
5.10.3.1.8. 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.
5.10.3.1.9. 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 Enkardeia.
5.10.3.1.10. 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 youas One, in One!
5.10.3.1.11. Shining Prayer⁑
Tip
If the offering is being made as part of the Leitūrgia, the offering begins at this point.
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 gloryand 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 witnessto the unsurpassed mystery of your name now and forever. ※
5.10.3.2. 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.
5.10.3.3. 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 yourselfin invisible light over the holy firmament!
5.10.3.4. Epitomē on Mercury⁑
Light the light(s) and incense.
Recite, whether aloud (leader only) or silently (if as non-leader in a group):
God set Mercury to shine and turn in the second heaven,the glittering and gleaming star, forever companion to the Sun,the order of the world and the refuge of the sages,the perfection of all the mental powers of humanity,the well-winged one bringing about reason and language,the speedy one giving mortals talents innate to their being,the cunning one who made the nature of humanity itself,entrusting us with moderation and persuasion and truth,enjoining us to Invention, child of Nature and spouse to humanity,giving joy to the living above the Earth and to the dead below it.
5.10.3.5. Hymn of Manilius⁑
Recite:
By the gift of the heavenly gods was it first grantedto the Earth to know the knowledge of Heaven more deeply,for who, if the gods had concealed it, could take by theftthis knowledge by which all things are ruled?Who of but human ken would dare so great a deed,to wish to seem a god when the gods wish it not,to make seen the paths on high and beneath the depths of the world,and the stars obedient to their own courses through the void?You, o Hermēs, are the prince and author of so sacred a science;all the bosom of Heaven—the constellations, the names and courses of the signs, their dignities, their powers—through you do they all become known,so that the face of the firmament might be made more grand,that not only the outer form but also the inner power of things be revered,and that mankind might realize wherein divinity is greatest.
5.10.3.6. Dedication of Offerings⁑
5.10.3.6.1. 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 radiant Lord Hermēs! 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!
5.10.3.6.2. Dedication of Light⁑
O radiant Lord Hermēs, 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, radiant Lord Hermēs!
5.10.3.6.3. Dedication of Incense⁑
O radiant Lord Hermēs, 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, radiant Lord Hermēs!
5.10.3.6.4. Dedication of Drink⁑
O radiant Lord Hermēs, 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, radiant Lord Hermēs!
5.10.3.6.5. Dedication of Food⁑
O radiant Lord Hermēs, 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, radiant Lord Hermēs!
5.10.3.6.6. Dedication of Flowers or Other Offerings⁑
O radiant Lord Hermēs, 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, radiant Lord Hermēs!
5.10.3.6.7. Dedication of Speech⁑
O radiant Lord Hermēs, 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, radiant Lord Hermēs!
Proceed to the Hymn of the Great One who Knows.
5.10.3.7. Hymn of the Great One who Knows⁑
Recite:
O Hermēs, Lord of the Cosmos, who are in the heart,o wheel of the Moon, circular and square,the founder of the words of speech,the pleader of the cause of Justice,mantle-garbed and with gold winged sandals,turning airy course beneath the depths of the Earth,holding the reins of spirit, o eye of Hēlios,guardian of full-voiced speech!With your immortal lamps,give joy to those beneath Earth’s depths,to mortals who’ve finished life.Prophet to mortals,you are the one said to be the Moirai’s thread and Dream divine!O All-Subduer and Unsubdued!To the good you offer good things,but to the craven you give grief.Dawn rises up for you,and for you swift Night draws near.You became master over the elements,over Fire and Air and Water and Earth,when you became the steersman of all the cosmos.You escort away the souls of those whom you wish,but of some you rouse back up again!For you’ve become the order of the world,who send forth oracles both by day and by night,who cure all pains of all mortals with your healing cares.Come to me, I pray, o blessed one, o mighty son of Memory,o you perfecting man’s mental powers,in your own form and gracious mind!For I am human, a pious supplicant and your soldier.Render your form gracious and reveal yourself to me,that I may comprehend you by your skills of prophecyand by your own wondrous deeds.I ask you, o Lord, be gracious to me:guide me without deceit, and send your blessing unto me!
5.10.3.8. Communion⁑
At this point, if desired, engage in communion, dwelling in thanks and contemplation. It is encouraged to spend this time seeking clarity, guidance, and direction under the tutelage of Hermēs, and works of divination as well as supplication are especially recommended at this time.
If others are present, supplications may be made one by one to Hermēs, preferably aloud. Once all present have had the chance to make their supplications, the leader gently rings a bell once to let others know to continue.
5.10.3.9. Hymn of the Savior⁑
Recite, ringing a bell where indicated:
Hail, Hermēs, o bright and swift savior through the paths of all the worlds!O you who loves to be a close friend to mankind,o you who cuts to the heart, knowing all that is within,o you who stands keen watch at every cross and every fork,o you who cannot be denied by any god or any man!Son of Maia and scion of Atlas who knows the secrets of all the stars,messenger of Zeus and all the gods, who delivers words hither and thither!Giving to all minds the wit to discern the gods and all their many works,giving to all hands the skill to join in the very work of the very gods,great are you who established the heavenly rites of offering and worship!Ram-bearer, wand-bearer, leader of robbers and thieves!You care for the well-being of all flocks of all kinds, kind Hermēs!You lead them away amid motley heart-broken cries, sly Hermēs!You defend them from those who would devour them, fierce Hermēs!Driver of herds, shepherd of the living, o guide of all the dead!Be kind to us, lord of the world, for all our travels and travails in it! ǂLead us to the right place at the right time in the right way on the right day; ǂkeep our hands as clean as they can, yet no dirtier than we need them to be. ǂBy your guidance, keep us safe on our roads from all the awful nosoi; ǂby your wiles, o Hermēs, lead them afar by a different road entirely! ǂBe gracious, lord of the world, who collects the goods of gods and men! ǂLead us all to sweet safety ǂ, to calm harbors ǂ, to a place to call our own, ǂto a shelter unafflicted by blight or the waste of terrible, hateful decay! ǂLet your lyre soothe the raging hearts of the bright children of Mother Lētō;stay their fatal arrows, o lord, but when let fly,take us out from their flight! ǂCome, lord savior Hermēs, and hear this my heartfelt prayer;be kind and be propitious to all those who seek your care. ǂ
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.
5.10.3.11. Twelve Priestly Requests⁑
Recite, ringing a bell where indicated:
O Lord Hermēs, may the winds and rivers be harmonious. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may the harvest and livestock be abundant. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may the land and the wilds be safe. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may the skies and the seas be calm. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may the realm be peaceful. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may the people be prosperous. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may there be good health, long life, happiness, and peace. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may all calamities, disasters, and misfortunes be dispelled. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may there be virtue and wisdom for all. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may those who walk the Way achieve perfection on the Way. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may all spirits and gods be supportive and protective. ǂO Lord Hermēs, may all the deceased ascend and help us ourselves ascend. ǂ
5.10.3.12. 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 radiant Lord Hermēs, 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 radiant Lord Hermēs, and may you always grant me your blessing! Hail to you, o radiant Lord Hermēs!
Tip
If the offering is being made as part of the Leitūrgia, the Leitūrgia resumes at this point.
5.10.3.13. Epilogue⁑
5.10.3.13.1. 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 showntender 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.
5.10.3.13.2. 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.
5.10.3.13.3. 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.
5.10.3.13.4. Concluding the Enkardeia⁑
Recite (leader only):
Thus concludes this Enkardeia.
5.10.3.13.5. Final Salutation⁑
5.10.3.13.5.1. On One’s Own⁑
Recite:
May I walk in reverence and knowledge!
5.10.3.13.5.2. If Others are Present⁑
The leader recites to all:
May we walk in reverence and knowledge!
All others present repeat the above as one.
5.10.3.14. 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. If an image of Hermēs is present, it may be respectfully removed and stored.
5.10.3.14.1. Extinguishing the Lykhnon⁑
If the Enkardeia is being done with a lykhnon that was lit for the Enkardeia 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.