Ritual: Blessing of the Oikos

Written and hosted by Ellie (@elthealchemist).

Items Needed

• A bowl of purified water
• A liquid of your choice to use for libations
  • Water, wine, juice, etc.
• An empty bowl or vessel to catch the libations
• A map of the rooms on the main floor of your home
  • The map should contain your front yard (if applicable), front door, living room, pantry/storage room, and dining area.
• A tealight candle or a small candle that can be moved around a tabletop
  • This is an object meant to represent you and your presence within your oikos. This object can also be a small stone, a coin, a key, a figurine, whatever is easiest for you. 
• A lighter or matches

Purification of Participants

1. Place your bowl of water in front of you. 
   
   
2. Wash your hands in the bowl of water. As you do, say the following: 
   “As this water cleanses my hands, 
   May it cleanse my spirit. 
   Let only what strengthens my intentions remain.
   Let only what strengthens my connection to divinity remain.
   May everything that falls into these waters be contained and purified.
   Let me come into this space with a clear mind and an open heart.”  
   
   
3. Dry off your hands, and set the bowl aside. 

The Blessing of the Oikos

1. Place the vessel that your libation will go into in front of you. 
   
   
2. Pick up your liquid, take a breath, and speak: 
   “Hestia, beloved goddess of the Hearth, 
   Daughter of Kronos and Rhea, 
   You dwell at the center of every home, 
   Warming our lives and lighting our way with the flames of your hearthfire. 
   We call upon you as we begin this ritual. 
   [Begin pouring libation. Do not pour out all of the liquid.]
   May you receive the first of these offerings, as is your due, 
   And may your sacred fire burn brightly within every home represented here today. “
   
   
3. Place the map on the table in front of you. Place your candle (or the object you are using to represent yourself) outside the front door of your home. Lift your hands with palms facing towards the sky and speak:
   “Apollo Agyieus, 
   Guardian of the street and protector of those who walk your paths, 
   Watch over every path that leads to this home. 
   Guide our arrivals and departures, 
   And let those who approach this home come in peace. 
   May your light keep harmful influences far from our door.” 
   
   “Zeus Erkeios, 
   Protector of the Courtyard, 
   Guard this property and all who dwell on and within it. 
   Bring peace to this oikos, 
   Strengthen the bonds of those here.”
   
   
4. Move your candle to the front door of your home. Lift your hands in the same manner and speak: 
   “Hermes Propylaios, 
   Watcher of gateways, 
   Protector of travelers and all who cross this threshold, 
   Bless every entrance and departure. 
   Let goodwill pass through this doorway into this home, 
   While deceit and misfortune remain outside.“
   
   “Hekate Propylaia, 
   Torch-bearing guardian of thresholds, 
   Stand watch where these worlds meet. 
   Ward this doorway from all harmful spirits who seek to cross this boundary, 
   Let this home be under your protection.” 
   
   
5. Move your candle into the center of the main floor of your home. If you have a room with a fireplace, move your candle to that space instead. Lift your hands and speak: 
   “Hestia, 
   May your sacred fires never go out, 
   Bless this living space, 
   Our table, 
   Our family, 
   And every gathering that takes place around this hearth. 
   May warmth and your welcoming light always be found here.” 
   
   
6. Move your candle to your pantry. If you do not have a pantry, you may move your candle to whatever space you use for storage. Lift your hands and speak: 
   “Zeus Ktesios, 
   Who watches over storerooms and pantries, 
   Fill this home with abundance. 
   May our cupboards and cabinets never be empty, 
   And may prosperity remain with us throughout the coming year.”
   
   
7. Move your candle to wherever you eat your meals. Lift your hands and speak: 
   “Good Agathos Daimon, 
   Guardian spirit of this household, 
   Dwell among us in friendship and companionship. 
   Bring fortune, health, and lasting happiness to all who share this table.” 
   
   “Honored and benevolent ancestors, 
   Those who are known and unknown, 
   Those who made our existence in this world possible, 
   We remember you on this day. 
   May your wisdom continue to guide us, 
   May your blessings strengthen us, 
   And may your memory remain a cherished part of this oikos.” 
   
   
8. Move your candle back to the center of your home. Lift your hands and speak: 
   “Blessed guardians of the oikos, 
   Goddesses,
   Gods, 
   Daimones, 
   Divinities, 
   Benevolent spirits, 
   And ancestors,
   Hear our prayers as we welcome in the Athenian New Year. 
   Watch over our homes. 
   Guard those who dwell within them, 
   Bring peace to every room, 
   Abundance to every table, 
   Warmth to every gathering, 
   And a strong, enduring bond between us and the divinities who watch over us.
   May this household stand under your protection throughout the year to come.”
   
   
9. Pick up your libation container, and place the bowl that you will pour it into in front of you once again. Take a breath and speak:
   “Hestia, 
   You received the first offering, and now you receive the last. 
   [Pour your libation into your vessel]
   We thank you and all the household guardians who have joined us today. 
   May your favor remain in our homes throughout the coming year. 
   Hail, and farewell.”
   
   
10. Blow out the candle.