6.1. Katharsis⁑

The monthly ritual of purgation and blessing is to be done once a synodic lunar month, ideally on the night leading up to the Conjunction of the Moon and the Sun after any other Conjunction (or Last Sighting) observances or offerings, but may be done at any point between the Balsamic Moon to the Crescent Moon (a span of about seven days). If the Conjunction coincides with a solar eclipse, however, it should be done either before the Last Sighting or after the eclipse has completed and before the First Sighting so as to avoid the eclipse itself.

If done in a group, this ritual should only be attended by group members unless the group decides otherwise; however, because inductions of new members to a group occur immediately before a Katharsis, when an induction Katharsis is held, only members of that group may attend attend. If done independently, it is best done alone.

When feasible, it is recommended to do this ritual in the evening, preferably shortly before one retires to bed.

6.1.1. Supplies and Tools Required⁑

A nonporous bowl and plate
- A ceramic, porcelain, or glass soup or cereal bowl is ideal, although larger to the size of a serving bowl is also acceptable.
- The plate should be big enough to comfortably cover the lid of the bowl without slipping or falling off to any side.
- Both should be white or otherwise not transparent, if possible.
Clean, cool water
Incense in a holder
- Loose incense burning on charcoal in a brazier with a plate or handle is ideal, but self-igniting cone or stick incense burning in a holder that can easily and safely be held is acceptable.
- Kyphi or another kind of blended incense is preferable to single-ingredient or single-scent incense.
A candle in a holder
- Use a tall narrow candle (e.g. taper, emergency candle), not a wide candle (e.g. votives, tealights).
- The candle may be used and reused for other rituals of this nature.
A lighter or match
A bell (optional)
- To be used if the ritual is done in a group.
- Ideally something that can be struck once, like a singing bowl, gong, or chime.

6.1.2. Preparation⁑

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

Fill the bowl most but not all of the way with water, whether on the bōmos itself or away from the bōmos and brought to it with the plate on top of it to cover it, keeping the plate on top of the bowl once brought to the bōmos. Place the bowl on the bōmos in the center, with the candle to the left and the incense to the right (or vice versa, if one is used to that direction for reading and writing), with at least two inches of clearance around the bowl.

6.1.3. Ritual⁑

6.1.3.1. Prologue⁑

6.1.3.1.1. Lighting the Lykhnon⁑

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

6.1.3.1.2. Calling or Closing⁑

Depending whether the Katharsis 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.

6.1.3.1.2.1. 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.

6.1.3.1.2.2. 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.

6.1.3.1.3. First Salutation⁑

6.1.3.1.3.1. On One’s Own⁑

Recite:

May I live in wholeness and health!

6.1.3.1.3.2. 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.

6.1.3.1.4. 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.

6.1.3.1.5. Undertaking the Katharsis⁑

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

I now undertake this Katharsis.

6.1.3.1.6. 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.

6.1.3.1.7. 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!

6.1.3.1.8. 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.

6.1.3.1.9. 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 Katharsis.

6.1.3.1.10. 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!

6.1.3.1.11. 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. ※

6.1.3.2. Epitome on Mankind⁑

Recite (aloud if alone or as leader in a group, or silently if in a group as non-leader, changing personal pronouns if needed):

God made mankind an immortal soul in a mortal body,

possessing Reason and, by it, to be capable of possessing Mind,

made by God to be like God, separating from God and becoming unlike God,

coming to adore and cultivate all the works of God,

above the cosmos in authority yet bound within it by flesh,

whose body is susceptible to the workings of Fate and Providence,

whose soul strives with the energies of drive and desire,

enduring the storm of incarnation to enter into the haven of divinity

by having true faith to choose that which is truly Good,

for blessed is the one full of Mind, wretched the one empty of it.

6.1.3.3. Repentances⁑

Take some time to silently recollect your actions, to consider your issues of irreverence, error, and ignorance, and to reflect on yourself and your spiritual state and progress on the Way of Hermēs. If desired, one may silently recount the Askēmata as a means of self-inspection.

If others are present, the leader judges how long to spend in this time of consideration; at their discretion, they should gently ring the bell once to let others know to continue.

Recite:

Without giving thought to what I have said or done,

I have acted as one without mind.

Without mind have I acted with irreverence,

and in irreverence have I journeyed in error,

and in error have I partnered with ignorance.

In my irreverence, error, and ignorance

I have transgressed the laws of Heaven and Earth

by means of my thoughts, speech, and deeds,

by doing that which I should not have done,

by not doing that which I should have done.

For all that I have done openly or secretly,

for all that I have committed against divinity and nature,

for all that I have done wrong or wrongly done,

that I might be held to account to level the balance,

I confess myself to all who hear and see me.

With raised hands and lowered head

do I throw myself before the gods who judge me

and seek their forgiveness and mercy for my irreverence

that, in reverence, I might be freed from the pyre of suffering

and receive the fire of light that illumines the mind.

With raised hands and lowered head

do I throw myself before the sages who teach me

and seek their forgiveness and wisdom for my error

that, in attainment, I might be saved from the flood of corruption

and receive the water of life that nourishes the soul.

With raised hands and lowered head

do I throw myself before the travelers who walk with me

and seek their forgiveness and assistance for my ignorance

that, in knowledge, I might be cleansed from the stench of vice

and receive the incense of virtue that refines the body.

I confess my irreverence, error, and ignorance;

may I be forgiven, o gods and sages and travelers!

In this light, life and virtue do I worship the One;

so do I pray that I might always have understanding

and uphold reverence, attainment, and knowledge. ※

6.1.3.4. Katharsis⁑

If loose incense with charcoal is used, light the charcoal now for convenience later.

6.1.3.4.1. Katharsis of Flame⁑

6.1.3.4.1.1. Enlightening and Preservation of the Flame⁑

Light the candle. Holding the hands out over the flame, palms facing the flame, recite (leader only):

Be great, o light! Come forth, o light!

Rise up, o light! Be high, o light!

Come forth, come in, o light of God,

and scatter all darkness before me!

Lifting the candle above the bōmos, recite (leader only):

I conjure you, o holy Light in this lamp, o daimōn of holy Love,

the invisible and manifold, the one and everywhere,

to remain in this light in this lamp at this time, shining, not dying out!

Let there be breadth, depth, length, height, and brightness!

Remain by me now until I have done all I have set out to do!

Now, now, immediately, immediately, quickly, quickly!

Bring the flame of the candle to the forehead, to the mouth, then to the chest, at each point letting it remain until the warmth can be felt and remain, taking care not to singe the body or clothing; holding it for a count of ten is sufficient.

If others are present, then for each person, bring the flame of the candle to their forehead, mouth, and chest, then lift the candle high above their head.

Lift the candle above the bōmos once more, then place it back on the bōmos.

6.1.3.4.1.2. Rectification of the Flame⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

I am strong, I am strong, I am strong,

for I have been illumined and warmed with fire.

An outflow of Life is the burning of fire;

an outflow of Light is the burning of fire;

an outflow of Goodness is the burning of fire.

I am strong, I am strong, I am strong,

for I have been illumined and warmed with fire.

Like the bright Sun that shines and keeps divine order,

this fire shines bright and abides with holy light

and joins all together in its divinity. ※

6.1.3.4.2. Katharsis of Water⁑

6.1.3.4.2.1. Purification of Water⁑

Remove the plate from the bowl and set it aside but within reach. Holding the hands out over the vessel of water, palms facing downward, recite (leader only):

O sweet water, fresh water, cool water that appeases the gods,

you are a gift to the world and to me from the gods!

The heavenly gods give the rain; the earthly gods give the seas;

the mighty kings give the rivers; the beloved dead give the springs.

As water from dew, you adorn the Earth and permit things to grow;

as water from clouds, you adorn the Heavens and permit things to flourish.

O water from the primordial water, o water from which the first light sprang,

for the sake of purity and becoming pure, be purified!

6.1.3.4.2.2. Cleansing the Self with Water⁑

Lifting the vessel of water up above the bōmos, recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

You are pure, o water, and, being pure,

you wash the gods and all the world;

you who wash the gods and all the world, so too wash me!

You who are a gift to me, purify me, adorn me, and nourish me!

Wash my face, wash my heart, wash my hands, wash my feet,

wash me entirely in body and soul;

wash off from me the evils of fate and the pollution of the world!

Put the vessel of water down, then with the fingertips of both hands, dip the fingertips into the water, wiping the hands together both front and back afterwards. Dip the fingertips again into the vessel and wipe the eyes with the water, then again for the ears, nostrils, lips, forehead, temples, back and front of the neck, and heart. Dip the fingertips again into the water, then sprinkle them into the open mouth, letting out a sharp exhale afterwards. Dip the fingertips again into the water, then sprinkle them onto the feet. Dip the fingertips again into the water, wiping the hands together both front and back afterwards.

If others are present, then for each person, with the fingertips of one hand, dip them into the vessel and flick water onto their forehead, mouth, and heart.

Flick any residual water left on the hands on the ground. Lift the vessel of water up above the bōmos once more, then place it back on the bōmos.

6.1.3.4.2.3. Cleansing of Water⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

I am pure, I am pure, I am pure,

for I have been washed and cleansed in water.

An outflow of Life is the pouring of water;

an outflow of Light is the pouring of water;

an outflow of Goodness is the pouring of water.

I am pure, I am pure, I am pure,

for I have been washed and cleansed in water.

The water from which springs the primordial creation,

the unfathomable, awesome water of the first Dawn,

this is the water which renders all things pure and divine. ※

6.1.3.4.3. Katharsis of Incense⁑

6.1.3.4.3.1. Sanctification of Incense⁑

Light the incense. Holding the hands out over the lit incense in the smoke, palms facing downward, recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

Fire is lit on the altar, and it shines upon the altar;

incense is put on the fire, and it shines within the fire.

Be pure, be whole, be fresh, be holy!

Be for me the sweet breath of Heaven

that brings all life, light, and goodness!

Your beautiful smoke of sweet smell rises up to me;

o beautiful smoke of sweet smell, rise up, rise up!

You are pure, you are whole, you are fresh, you are holy for me!

You are the sweet breath of Heaven

that brings all life, light, and goodness to me!

6.1.3.4.3.2. Suffumigating the Self With Incense⁑

Lifting the incense above the bōmos, recite (leader only, changing personal pronouns if needed):

You are whole, o incense, and being whole,

you bring wholeness to the gods and all the world.

You who bring the sweet breath of Heaven,

you who rise up, rise up now to me!

Surround me with your holy smoke, fill me with your sweet breath,

purify my body and soul, ward off all filth and fatigue!

Replace gloom with joy and worry with delight,

you who neither decay nor disturb!

Rise up, rise up now to me, around me, and within me,

and be for me a remedy to all that plagues and pains me!

Bring the incense down with one hand, and the other (palm facing towards yourself, using the palm of the hand) fan the smoke down the length of one arm then up again, then again down the length of the other arm then up again. Lift the incense to your forehead and fan it towards your head, then to your face towards your mouth, then to your chest towards your heart.

If others are present, then for each person, with one hand bring the incense to their forehead and with the other (palm facing towards yourself, using the back of the hand) fan the smoke towards their head, then again to their face and towards their mouth, then again to their chest and towards their heart, then lift the incense high above them.

Lift the incense above the bōmos once more, then place it back on the bōmos.

6.1.3.4.3.3. Healing of Incense⁑

Recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

I am whole, I am whole, I am whole,

for I have been censed and shrouded in incense.

An outflow of Life is the smoke of incense;

an outflow of Light is the smoke of incense;

an outflow of Goodness is the smoke of incense.

I am whole, I am whole, I am whole,

for I have been censed and shrouded in incense.

Sweet and purifying is the divine smell of incense,

making all things whole in the presence of divinity,

for the smell of incense is the presence of divinity. ※

6.1.3.5. Banishing of the Three Substances⁑

Holding the hands out to both sides of the bōmos, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O gods and daimones, o lords and masters, o kings and helpers!

Hear me, see me, be with me, be kind to me!

By fire, by water, and by incense do I praise you in this place;

by fire, by water, and by incense do you protect me in this place!

Note

For the following actions, if in a group, all present recite the invocations but only the leader performs the actions.

Note

The directions to perform the actions or to announce are different based on whether one is in the northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere.

6.1.3.5.1. In the Northern Hemisphere⁑

Lifting the candle up above the bōmos, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O spirit of fire that grants strength, rise up:

guard me and this place from all evil and darkness!

The leader only Move the candle high up above the head to the east, west, south, and north, then hold it low by the belly, then hold it at the chest by the heart, then hold it above the head. Lift the candle up above the bōmos once more, then put the candle down.

Lifting the vessel of water up above the bōmos, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O spirit of water that grants purity, rise up:

purge me and this place of every polluting spirit!

Put the vessel of water down. With the fingertips of both hands, dip the fingertips into the water and flick water towards the east, west, south, and north, below, towards the self, then above. Lift the vessel of water up above the bōmos once more, then put the vessel down.

Lifting the incense up above the bōmos, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O spirit of incense that grants wholeness, rise up:

free me and this place from every wickedness and harm!

With one hand (palm facing towards yourself, using the back of the hand), fan the smoke high up above the head towards the east, west, south, and north, then hold it low and fan it below, then hold it by at the chest and fan it towards the heart, then hold it above the head and fan upwards. Lift the incense up above the bōmos once more, then put the incense down.

Lifting both the candle with the left hand and the incense with the right hand at the same time, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

Cleanse the sphere of the one who calls upon you now!

Cleanse me wholly from all defilement, impurity, corruption, and filth!

Cleanse for me the East, the West, the South, and the North!

Cleanse for me the Depths, the Airs, and the Heights!

Cleanse for me the whole of my way!

Let no evil spirit nor ill intent nor leech nor any unclean thing

stand or remain in my presence!

Overturn and quench the candle into the vessel in one swift motion, and then dump the lit incense (all of it, burnt and unburnt and together with any ash, as well as the lit charcoal if one is used) into the vessel of water in another swift motion. If one is capable of safely doing so, both may be done at the same time. Put both the candle and the incense vessel down on the bōmos where they were.

6.1.3.5.2. In the Southern Hemisphere⁑

Lifting the candle up above the bōmos, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O spirit of fire that grants strength, rise up:

guard me and this place from all evil and darkness!

Move the candle high up above the head to the east, west, north, and south, then hold it low by the belly, then hold it at the chest by the heart, then hold it above the head. Lift the candle up above the bōmos once more, then put the candle down.

Lifting the vessel of water up above the bōmos, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O spirit of water that grants purity, rise up:

purge me and this place of every polluting spirit!

Put the vessel of water down. With the fingertips of both hands, dip the fingertips into the water and flick water towards the east, west, north, and south, below, towards the self, then above. Lift the vessel of water up above the bōmos once more, then put the vessel down.

Lifting the incense up above the bōmos, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

O spirit of incense that grants wholeness, rise up:

free me and this place from every wickedness and harm!

With one hand (palm facing towards yourself, using the back of the hand), fan the smoke high up above the head towards the east, west, north, and south, then hold it low and fan it below, then hold it by at the chest and fan it towards the heart, then hold it above the head and fan upwards. Lift the incense up above the bōmos once more, then put the incense down.

Lifting both the candle with the left hand and the incense with the right hand at the same time, recite (changing personal pronouns if needed):

Cleanse the sphere of the one who calls upon you now!

Cleanse me wholly from all defilement, impurity, corruption, and filth!

Cleanse for me the East, the West, the North, and the South!

Cleanse for me the Depths, the Airs, and the Heights!

Cleanse for me the whole of my way!

Let no evil spirit nor ill intent nor leech nor any unclean thing

stand or remain in my presence!

6.1.3.6. Refranations⁑

Recite, wiping the body down with the hands starting from the head and away fully extending the arms towards the vessel with each refranation:

That I might flee death, darkness, and evil,

I will refrain from corruption.

That I might continue on the way of wisdom,

I will refrain from machination.

That I might avoid the errors of drive and desire,

I will refrain from lust.

That I might strive for life, light, and goodness,

I will refrain from arrogance.

That I might subdue my temperament and senses,

I will refrain from audacity.

That I might be saved from punishment and disgrace,

I will refrain from greed.

That I might not be heedless and not be evil,

I will refrain from falsehood.

With the fingertips of both hands, tap the forehead, lips, and heart, then tap the edge of the vessel three times. If others are present, they are all to do the same.

6.1.3.7. Sealing of the Katharsis⁑

Note

For the following actions, if in a group, only the leader performs the actions.

Note

The directions to perform the actions are different based on whether one is in the northern hemisphere or southern hemisphere.

6.1.3.7.1. In the Northern Hemisphere⁑

Take the plate up. Holding the plate vertically and always keeping the surface of the plate facing the bowl, tap the bottom edge of the plate onto the bōmos behind across the bowl, then arc the plate over the bowl and tap the bottom edge onto the bōmos before the bowl, then again to the right, then again to the left of the bowl, then cover the bowl with the plate with the surface of the plate facing inwards. Clap three times over the plate.

6.1.3.7.2. In the Southern Hemisphere⁑

Take the plate up. Holding the plate vertically and always keeping the surface of the plate facing the bowl, tap the bottom edge of the plate onto the bōmos behind across from the bowl, then arc the plate over the bowl and tap the bottom edge onto the bōmos before the bowl, then again to the left, then again to the right of the bowl, then cover the bowl with the plate with the surface of the plate facing inwards. Clap three times over the plate.

6.1.3.8. Prayer of Blessing⁑

Recite:

In strength let there be power, and in power let there be peace;

in all directions, let there be strength and power and peace.

In purity let there be life, and in life let there be peace;

in all directions, let there be purity and life and peace.

In wholeness let there be health, and in health let there be peace;

in all directions, let there be wholeness and health and peace.

May there be strength and purity and wholeness;

may there be power and life and health;

may there be peace and peace and peace.

May every ritual be perfected, may every offering be accepted.

May no distress cause confusion, may no grief cause upset.

May all obstacles be destroyed, may every blessing be increased.

May all things be rectified, may all things be in harmony.

All the daimones of the Heavens and of the Earth,

all the daimones of the mountains and of the forest,

all the daimones of the rivers and of the seas,

all the gods throughout the whole of the cosmos,

may they always and in every place give protection and benefit.

May the Life of God enliven all.

May the Light of God enlighten all.

May the Goodness of God save all. ※

6.1.3.9. Epilogue⁑

6.1.3.9.1. 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.

6.1.3.9.2. 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.

6.1.3.9.3. 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.

6.1.3.9.4. Concluding the Katharsis⁑

Recite (leader only):

Thus concludes this Katharsis.

6.1.3.9.5. Final Salutation⁑

6.1.3.9.5.1. On One’s Own⁑

Recite:

May I walk in reverence and knowledge!

6.1.3.9.5.2. If Others are Present⁑

The leader recites to all:

May we walk in reverence and knowledge!

All others present repeat the above as one.

6.1.3.10. Post-Ritual Breakdown⁑

If desired, eat a vegetarian meal, especially if there are others present. Break down and clean up the euktērion.

To handle the contents of the bowl, if the Katharsis is being done on one’s own, the bowl is to be kept covered with the plate and placed by the head on one’s nightstand or otherwise by one’s bed) as they sleep that night, then the contents are to be thrown into the street or flushed down the toilet immediately upon waking the next day, bathing (or washing if necessary, or dry ablution if necessary) afterwards.

If the Katharsis is being done done as a group, then for all who were present for the Katharsis, the contents of the bowl should be decanted at the bōmos into equal portions from the vessel into separate lidded cups, one per person present, for them to sleep with and dispose the next morning accordingly; the leader may have their own container with lid, or just use the bowl and plate as their own container. If the bowl and plate are no longer used after this point, it is to be washed immediately. The container and lid with the portioned-out contents from the ritual are to be placed by the head on one’s nightstand or otherwise by one’s bed) as they sleep that night, then the contents are to be thrown into the street or flushed down the toilet immediately upon waking the next day, bathing (or washing if necessary, or dry ablution if necessary) afterwards.

Follow the Kanones of abstinence and hygiene until after one wakes up the following morning and has disposed of the water. Wash the bowl and plate (or container and lid, if used separately) in the morning once the contents have been disposed of.

6.1.3.10.1. Extinguishing the Lykhnon⁑

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