Two more sacrifices took place at the start of Gamelion: a sacrifice to Apollon Apotropaios, Nymphegetes, and the Nymphs, and a sacrifice to Athena. Will you join us for these on January 4th and January 5th, at the usual 10 am EST?
The sacrifice to Apollon Apotropaios, Nymphegetes, and the Nymphs
On 4 January, 10 am EST, we honour Apollon in His epithets of Apotropaios and Nymphegetes as well as His consorts, the Nymphs. This ancient sacrifice was held at Arkhia on Gamelion 8 and we invite you to join us.
Apollon Apotropaios (Ἀποτρόπαιοs) was and is the averter of evil. Rituals dedicated to the deity were apotropaic, intended to turn away harm or evil influences, as in deflecting misfortune. This could be anything from warding off a plague to keeping mice out of the grain storage.
Apollon Nymphegetes (Νυμφηγέτης) is 'Apollon who looks after nymphs', or 'Apollo who leads nymphs'. In this epithet, Apollon was and is a pastoral God, who was considered the protector of shepherds and pastoral life.
Nymphs are the female divinities of the natural features of the landscape, and there are many kinds, depending on the landscape they frequent.
Combining these traits into a single ritual can tell you all about it you need: this was a ritual to ward of the dangers of rural living (by addressing Apollon in his two protective epithets) and to invite blessings (from the nymphs) onto those who partook.
We welcome you to worship with us at 10 am EST on 4 January. You can join the community here and find the ritual here.
The sacrifice to Athena
At ancient Erkhia, on the 9th of Gamelion, a sacrifice was performed in honour of Athena. The calendar does not state a specific epithet or further details, so we will be honouring Her in all Her glory. Will you join us at 10 am EST on 5 January?
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