5.2. Prōtokhronia⁑

The offering of marking the New Year with an offering to Aiōn is to be done at the earliest possible time either at or after the New Year, but may be celebrated at any point within the first twelve days of the New Year.

The Prōtokhronia should not be done as part of the Leitūrgia. However, it may be combined with the Lunar Hēmerasia and Solar Hemerasia offerings, so long as the Prōtokhronia comes first.

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.

5.2.1. Supplies and Tools Required⁑

  • A match or lighter

  • Offering dishes as necessary

  • A light

    • 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 tall 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.

  • Three or four kinds of drink offerings

  • Three or four kinds of food offerings

  • Three or four kinds of plants

    • If done in a group, everyone must contribute to the flowers or other plants as a shared blessing.

  • Three kinds of other offerings (optional)

    • Only if three kinds of plants are offered; if four kinds of plants are offered, this is to be omitted.

  • Bell (optional)

    • A handbell is always acceptable.

    • In addition to a handbell, especially for the Prōtokhronia, it is also recommended to have:

      • A sistrum

      • A strong chime or two pieces of iron to hit together

5.2.2. 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 preferred.

Unlike with other offerings, it is encouraged to make an elaborate spread using one of the two sets below:

  • Three groups of four

    • Four plants: flowers, fragrant edible herbs, fresh unscented leaves, evergreens

    • Four foods: leavened bread, grain, fresh fruit, candy or dried fruit

    • Four drinks: fresh juice or soda, wine, milk, water

  • Four groups of three

    • Three plants: flowers, fragrant edible herbs, evergreens

    • Three gifts: coins or other money, ink or pens, perfume, or scented oil

    • Three foods: fresh fruit, leavened bread, grains

    • Three drinks: water, wine, milk

All offerings should all be arranged in a circle around a central candle or oil lamp, rotating between the individual types of offerings (e.g. plant then food then drink then plant…, or plant then gift then food then drink then plant…). Incense may be placed in the circle as well by the candle or lamp, or outside of it close to the front edge of the bōmos. The Dedications are to be recited over the central candle/lamp, incense, drinks, foods, flowers, and gifts (if present) offered around it as sets (e.g. one Dedication of Drink for all three or four drinks, one Dedication of Flowers for all three or four flowers, one Dedication of Flowers for all three gifts if present, etc.).

If a loibeion is present on the bōmos or in the euktērion, a drop of water may be put into each of the drink offerings made, but otherwise the loibeion is not used for this offering, nor is a libation shared with Aiōn.

After the offering is complete and the light has burned out, the food and drink offerings may be disposed of or consumed respectfully, especially by all members of one’s household. The plants should be tied up with string as a bundle, known as the anthodesmē “bouquet”, and placed beside or hung up by the inside of the front door of the house for the whole year, after which they may be disposed of or reserved for other uses. If gifts were also offered, the gifts are to be given away, preferably to those in need.

While other offerings should use one’s usual permanent set of offering vessels for the permanent bōmos that are not otherwise used for mundane or other ceremonial purposes, the Prōtokhronia offering is encouraged to use offering dishes or other ceremonial vessels in good condition that are otherwise actively used for mundane household uses like eating or cooking, so long as they are appropriately cleaned first, and which after the offering are returned to mundane household use. Alternatively, a fresh and unused set of vessels may be used, which may then either be set aside only for use at the permanent bōmos, given away as gifts to others, or begun to be used for mundane household use.

5.2.3. Offering⁑

5.2.3.1. Prologue⁑

5.2.3.1.1. Lighting the Lykhnon⁑

If the Prōtokhronia is being done with a lykhnon which is to be lit for the Prōtokhronia 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!

5.2.3.1.2. Calling or Closing⁑

Depending whether the Prōtokhronia 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.

5.2.3.1.2.1. 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.

5.2.3.1.2.2. 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.

5.2.3.1.3. First Salutation⁑

5.2.3.1.3.1. On One’s Own⁑

Recite:

May I live in wholeness and health!
5.2.3.1.3.2. 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.

5.2.3.1.4. 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.

5.2.3.1.5. Undertaking the Prōtokhronia⁑

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

I now undertake this Prōtokhronia.

5.2.3.1.6. 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.

5.2.3.1.7. 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!

5.2.3.1.8. 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.

5.2.3.1.9. 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 Prōtokhronia.

5.2.3.1.10. 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!

5.2.3.1.11. 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. ※

5.2.3.2. 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.

5.2.3.3. 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!

5.2.3.4. Stellar Supplication to the Almighty for the Year⁑

Light the candle and incense.

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O God, o One, o Good! O you who founded the heavens and gave the stars their courses! As the stars eternally stand watch over and direct the whole of the cosmos, so may I come to know your mysteries, perfect my perfect nature, and comprehend my true will that you establish for me throughout my life. Grant me virtue not weakened by time so that I might enjoy purity not defiled by pollution, health not afflicted by blight, safety not threatened by harm, and stability not shaken by turmoil! By the working of your creation, may I and all your creatures have good health, long life, prosperity, happiness, fortune, ease, strength, truth, and peace! By your goodness, may the stars bless me and all who now gaze upon them with the eyes of the body and of the mind!

O God! As the stars guide us with their light,
so may our way be lit with your Light.
O God! As the stars fade for part of the year and shine throughout the rest,
so may our working be purified by knowledge and our works be perfected by understanding.
O God! As the stars forever circle around the cosmic pole,
so may we always recognize and follow our proper path in the world.
O God! As the stars carry out your will for the fulfillment of their purposes,
so may we carry out your will for the fulfillment of our purposes.

I give thanks to you, o God, o One of the All, o Goodness and Beauty and Happiness,
you who are beyond any name and have every name,
you who are great beyond greatness and powerful beyond power,
you who are Glory and the source of all life and light,
this and every year of all time in eternity! ※

5.2.3.5. The Royal Adorations⁑

If kneeling or sitting at the bōmos, stand now.

5.2.3.5.1. The First Adoration⁑

Face the east, bow, then recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O God! Be with me this day, o Lord, you who rule over the four winds and who set them into motion, you who breathe life into mankind, you who are the master, ruler, lord, and king of all things in the world! Hear me, o God, whose true name is one of unsurpassed might and awesome beauty! Hearing your name, all spirits become terrified, and the Sun and Moon and Earth shake! Hearing your name, all of Heaven and the Abyss tremble! Hearing your name, all the waters above and upon the Earth freeze and mountains and boulders crumble! You, o God, are the creator, the nourisher, and the increaser of all!

Bow.

5.2.3.5.2. The Second Adoration⁑

If in the northern hemisphere, face the south; if in the southern hemisphere, face the north. Bow, then recite:

O God! Who but you could have made the forms of the beasts on Earth as well as the forms of the beasts in Heaven? Who but you could have plotted the paths for the stars and the planets in their heavens? Who but you could have made trees bear fruit and crops bear seed? Who but you could raise mountains? Who but you could command the winds to hold to their tasks? Who but you can be as you are? Who but you can rule as you do? None but you, o God! None but you, for you are God!

Bow.

5.2.3.5.3. The Third Adoration⁑

Face the west, bow, then recite:

O God! You are the creator of all things, you who assign a soul to each body that lives and take it at its proper time, you who control the motions and courses of every one of your creatures and creations in the cosmos you created. You are the King of kings, the Lord of lords, the God of gods, before whom tremble all mountains, plains, springs, rivers, valleys, lakes, seas, 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, as do the paths of the Sun and the Moon, the periods of Night and of Day, and all things in the Air and upon the Earth and in the Water and within the breath of Fire!

Bow.

5.2.3.5.4. The Fourth Adoration⁑

If in the northern hemisphere, face the north; if in the southern hemisphere, face the south. Bow, then recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O God! Yours is the eternal processional way of Heaven, in which your holy name is praised, glorified, honored, and blessed forever! It is in a likeness of your name that the seven planets spell one known to me, singing your praise forever according to the twenty-eight forms of the Moon! Yours are the beneficent influences of the stars, spirits, fortunes, and fates! You are the one who gives wealth, longevity, progeny, strength, and nourishment! You, o Lord of Life and Light, are the one who rules the upper realm of Heaven, the lower realm of the Abyss, and the middle realm of Earth! You, o Lord, o God, are the one whose justice is not thwarted, whose glorious name the powers hymn, whose truth never lies!

Bow.

5.2.3.6. Hymn of the First Holy Light⁑

Face the bōmos once more; if one was kneeling or sitting before, resume doing so 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!

5.2.3.7. Dedication of Offerings⁑

5.2.3.7.1. 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!

5.2.3.7.2. 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!

5.2.3.7.3. 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!

5.2.3.7.4. 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!

5.2.3.7.5. 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!

5.2.3.7.6. 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!

5.2.3.7.7. 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 Short Royal Hymn of Aiōn.

5.2.3.8. Short Royal Hymn of Aiōn⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed), ringing a bell or sistrum 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!

After each invocation of the sacred name, prostrate or bow and recite:

Hail to you, almighty Aiōn, lord of heaven, hail to you!
Hail to you, almighty Aiōn, lord of the pole, hail to you!
Hail to you, almighty Aiōn, lord of all the stars, hail to you!

5.2.3.9. 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!

5.2.3.10. Twenty-Four Hardships⁑

For each of the 24 hardships listed below, bow and recite, striking a bell (if available, 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

5.2.3.11. 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!

5.2.3.12. Blessing of the New Year⁑

Recite, ringing a bell where indicated (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O God! O Aiōn! O Cosmos! O Time! O Becoming!
O divine Beginning, Nature, Activity, Necessity, End, and Renewal!
As the wheel of the year turns from the old to the new, turning forever upon itself,
all that is and has come to be is renewed by Necessity, by the renewal of the gods,
and by the course of the measured wheel of Nature,
for 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.

May I have all blessing ǂ, every blessing ǂ, and only blessing ǂ in this New Year:
the wisdom of God ǂ, the Good ǂ, the Beautiful ǂ, Happiness ǂ, and all excellence ǂ!
May I receive the cleansing ǂ and spirit ǂ of divine mercy ǂ!
May I be cleansed ǂ of and freed ǂ from all my many tormentors ǂ!
May I be renewed in strength and power ǂ, purity and life ǂ, wholeness and health ǂ;
may I have perfection of all rituals and acceptance of all offerings ǂ;
may I have success in all endeavors and harmony in all things ǂ;
may I have the aid and companionship of all gods and daimones ǂ,
may I have all favor ǂ, all success ǂ, all fortune ǂ, all hope ǂ, all good ǂ!
May I be able to know ǂ , to will ǂ, and to hope for divinity ǂ
as the year is renewed ǂ, as it renews me ǂ, and as I renew myself ǂ
by praise ǂ and thanks ǂ to God in the reverence ǂ and knowledge ǂ of God ǂ.

May this be a year of life, and may the Life of God enliven all ǂ;
may this be a year of light, and may the Light of God enlighten all ǂ;
may this be a year of goodness, and may the Goodness of God save all ǂ.

5.2.3.13. Closing of the Prōtokhronia⁑

Recite:

Hail to you, almighty Aiōn, this and every year of all time in eternity!

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.

Tip

If no other offerings are to be made, proceed to the Twelve Priestly Requests. If other offerings are to be made, proceed to the next offering script.

5.2.3.14. 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

5.2.3.15. 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!

5.2.3.16. Epilogue⁑

5.2.3.16.1. 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.

5.2.3.16.2. 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.

5.2.3.16.3. 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.

5.2.3.16.4. Concluding the Prōtokhronia⁑

Recite (leader only):

Thus concludes this Prōtokhronia.

5.2.3.16.5. Final Salutation⁑

5.2.3.16.5.1. On One’s Own⁑

Recite:

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

The leader recites to all:

May we walk in reverence and knowledge!

All others present repeat the above as one.

5.2.3.17. 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.

The food and drink offerings specifically may be disposed of or consumed respectfully, especially by all members of one’s household. The flowers, herbs, and plants offered should be bundled up into the anthodesmē and placed beside or hung up by the inside of the front door of the house as a large bundle for the whole year, after which they may be disposed of or reserved for other uses; if done as a group, the anthodesmē should be split into equal parts, one for each participant in the offering, for each to take back to their own homes as a shared blessing.

If other gifts were offered, they are to be given away, preferably to those in need.

5.2.3.17.1. Extinguishing the Lykhnon⁑

If the Prōtokhronia is being done with a lykhnon that was lit for the Prōtokhronia 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.