Panathenaia
by Foxglove

A festival honoring the birthday of Thea Athena, matron of cities, civilization, wisdom and inspiration.

Roles:
Priest / Fire Guardian / Hymn reader / Herald

Ritual:

Procession & Purification of People
Participants first process to the edge of the temenos. Here each person says, “Far off, far off, even to the profane! (“Heko, Hekos, estai bebeloi!) while khernips (spring water and sea salt) is poured over their hands. They then may enter.

Purification of the Temenos
After calling for solemn silence, the priest walks around the area sprinkling it with salt water. 

Consecration of the Sacred Flame
The fire Guardian lights the fire saying, “I conjure you sacred fire whose mother is Hestia and whose Father is Hephaestus”.

Calling of the Winds
Priest  moves to Each quarter and in turn calls upon the Guardians of the winds.

We do call upon thee, O Guardian of the (East, North, West and South) Wind, Come we pray and Bless us with thy Presence here!  Khaire!

Every one repeats the welcome ‘ Khaire’

First Libation
The herald says, “Sponde! Hestia, guardian of hearth’s fire, Yours is always the first and the last.”
Everyone pours a libation to Hestia and then drinks.

Hymnodia
Priest will again request solemn silence.
Homeric Hymn #28 to Athena is read aloud by Hymn Reader.

Libation to Athena:
The herald says, “Sponde! Pallas Athena, glorious protectress, beloved gray-eyed Goddess, on this Your birthday we give You honor. Athena Workwoman, Weaving Goddess, we honor You in our craftsmanship. Athena of the city, of the council, of the market, of the fore temple, matron of Athens, we honor You in our love, support, and service of our communities and cities. Athena of foresight, of wisdom and reason, we honor You in our continual quest for new knowledge and in our delight in discovery of new wisdom. Champion Athena, repeller of danger, Warlike Thea, thea of noble combat, defender of our homes, we honor You in our respect of the power of war and honorable aggressive action. Broad-faced Athena of the growing ivy, of the cypress grove, of horses, of health, golden Protectress of youth, we honor the splendor of Your multiplicity in our awe at the variedness of this world. Many-skilled daughter of indestructible Zeus, we call upon You by whatever name pleases You and wish You a happy birthday.”

Everyone pours a libation to Athena and then drinks.

Libation to the Olympians as a group
Reader: “Sponde! Immortal Olympians, come join our host.”

Everyone pours a libation to the Olympians and then drinks.

Sacrifice
At the conclusion of the libations, barley is passed from person to person. Everyone takes a small handful and tosses it into the fire. An olive loaf is broken by the priest. A small portion of the loaf is placed on the fire. The priest says, “We begin with You, Hestia.”

Participants repeat this phrase.

Placing another small piece on the fire, the priest says, “And for You, Mighty Athena.”

Participants repeat this phrase.

Placing another small piece on the fire, the priest says, “And for You, Victorious Nike.”

Participants repeat this phrase.

Individual participants may come forward, offer a pinch of incense or aromatic herbs, and say a personal prayer to Athena. They then offer her their gift.

Closing Libations
The herald says, “Sponde! Immortal Olympians,.”

Everyone pours a libation to the Olympians and then drinks.

The herald says, “Sponde! Pallas Athena, glorious champion of the city, we praise You. On this Your birthday, we pay honor to Your presence in our craftsmanship, our urban communities, our search for knowledge and wisdom, our strategy and forethought, and our communities’ protectors and our abilities to protect. Beloved Athena of the tribes, Athena of counsel, Athena Workwoman, we honor the splendor of Your multiplicity. Gray-eyed daughter of the Aegis-Bearing Zeus, we call upon You by whatever name pleases You and wish You a happy birthday.”

Everyone pours a libation to Athena and then drinks.

The herald says, “Sponde! Hestia, guardian of hearth’s fire, Yours is always the first and the last.”

Everyone pours a libation to Hestia and then drinks.

The herald leads participants in saying, “Be brave, for all good things have come to pass!”

Activities
Ancient Athenians began the Panathenaia with a torch race, and over the course of the festival held competitions in sports, music, and poetry. In this vein, participants may read an original piece of poetry, perform an act of physical prowess, or play a piece on a musical instrument. Pieces relating to the Goddess’ sphere of interest (civilization, wisdom, inspiration, craftwork, etc.) are especially appropriate