Noumenia

The Rite of the New Moon

Each Hellenic Month begins with the new moon. This particular date is known as the Noumenia, and there are a variety of traditions which have been reconstructed and added to the festivities upon this date.

The Noumenia honors all of the Gods, as well as specifically the Gods Selene (Goddess of the Moon), Apollon Noumenios (of the Noumenia), the Ancestors and the Agathos Daimon (Good Demon/Guardian Spirit). In ancient times the Ancestors were honored on the night before the Noumenia along with Hekate. The Agathos Daimon was honored on the second day of the month. These practices are still continued by modern Hellenes although some choose to also include the Ancestors and Agathos Daimon on the date of the Noumenia, as the new moon represents the end and beginnings of things.

The altar is set with images of Selene, Apollon, the Ancestors and the Agathos Daimon. Candles are placed in front of each of these images, or the candles can act as the images themselves. Altar cloths are usually black, although other colors can be used if a worshipper feels they are appropriate. Typically there are white, silver, gold or black candles, which are not lit until the sacrifice section, as the candles serve as offerings in and of themselves.

The traditional offering upon this date are three cakes. One cake is offered to Apollon, one is offered to all of the Gods, and the third is offered to the Ancestors and the Agathos Daimon. Wine is always a traditional offering and can go very well with the cakes. Honey and milk are also appropriate libations. The following is a ritual which could be performed to celebrate the Noumenia.

Procession:
The procession is the same as usual, with no added actions.

Purification:
 Purification is the same as usual. Following the purification, the altar fire is lit.

Opening Prayer:
Each person takes a handful of barley and the priest or chief sacrificer speaks the following or similar opening prayer: 

Oh Holy Gods,
Olympioi and Chthonioi alike,
I/We come before You bringing
Offerings and honorable sacrifices.
Holy Selene, I/We honor You,
As it is You who lights our way at night,
You who keeps us in tune with the cycle of the year,
You who, like Your brother Helios,
Watches us and helps us keep our Oaths.
Holy Apollon, I/We honor You,
As to You this day is sacred as well.
May Your prophesies and wisdom guide us
Through the coming months.
I/We honor the Olympians,
Numbered at twelve, but are not bound.
I/We honor the Great Gods of Earth,
The creators and keepers of our bodies.
I/We honor the Chthonioi,
Who care for our souls when we
Transcend to the beyond.
And I/We honor those that came before us,
My/Our ancestors and their keeper:
The Agathos Daimon;
The protectors of all things.
Holy Ones, Accept and Delight in our offerings!

 
At this point, each person (or the single worshipper) casts their barley into the offering bowls on the altar. If there is a group of worshippers, each one can come forward and offer a prayer of their own followed by an offering of barley.

Sacrifice:
The priest or chief sacrificer selects portions of the offerings for the Gods and Spirits being honored. As each one is selected, a candle is lit in front of the icons or images. During this time, a candle is lit on every shrine in the house, as all of the Gods and spirits of the house are receiving offerings. Finally a libation is poured out in each of the libation dishes. The feast begins.

Feast and Festive Activities:
At this point in the ritual, the rest of the food is consumed, and there is the usual festive enjoyment. Games can be played, movies can be watched, anything that the worshipper wishes to do to honor their Gods and ancestors. If the worshipper(s) are magic users, magic can be performed at this time, although this is not necessary for the Noumenia rite.