by Venator - Kyklos Apollon ritual for Religio Romana

I wrote this during the summer of 1999 for a friend who practiced the Religio Romana.
While it is written in honor of Apollo, it follows the ritual form I used at the time for
giving worship tp the Holy Aesir and Vanir of the North.

I hope it is of use - Venator

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Apollo Rite:

The setting should be a grove of evergreen trees; failing that, a nice park-like area,
backyard or other private area conducive to communing with Apollo will do nicely.
Set up an altar in the center of the area.  This can be a waist high table covered in
a gold cloth, a small boulder, a section of tree trunk, etc.  On or by the altar place
a light: candle, oil lamp, torch, brazier... plus a candle, etc. at each of the compass
points (when possible).

The other ritual objects: a bow and arrow, a laurel wreath, a flask of wine, a bowl,
a cup, a flute or small stringed instrument, a small olive or evergreen branch.

Costume: dress in ancient or modern garb, the outer form has less importance than
the inner intent and spirit. Though, a chiton or tunica and sandals would probably
lend more atmosphere and solemnity.

First, pour some wine into the cup. Greet the spirits of land and sky, explaining your
purpose, then share a libation with them, drinking a little then pouring a quarter of
the rest to each of the four points. Saying: "I give thee greetings Spirits of this place.
I am come today to give honor and respect to one of the Mighty Ones.  I share this
drink with thee in a spirit of friendship that the purpose might please thee also.

Next, a warding to the cardinal points is performed.  As Apollo has aspects as archer
and musician, the warding tools are the bow, arrow and musical instrument. Grasp
the flute in the left hand and the bow and arrow in the right. Hold them high and
say to the rising sun (at each point, imagine a soldier standing guard beside a watcher,
a legionary palisade surrounding the entire ritual area): "Bow and arrow, weapons in
war, tools in peace, Flute, bringer of music at all times, (gesture with the flute towards
the fire at the east, then south, etc.) Fire, warmer of life, sanctify this enclosure and
prevent all evil things from entry!"  Turn sunwise (to your right) and say this to the
south, west and north.

Facing east once again, hold the tools high to Apollo and say in proud, clear tones:
"I consecrate and make holy to the service of Apollo this altar and place of sacrifice,
banishing from it all influences which are unholy and impure!  May our minds, hearts
and spirits be likewise consecrated to the honor and service of Apollo!  Such is our will!
As Juno's geese guarded Rome, may this place be warded against all forces inharmonious
to our purpose here today!"

Set down the bow, arrow and flute, hold up the laurel wreath and speak to Apollo thusly:
"Apollo, Lord of the Bow, Marksman Supreme! Apollo, Patron of Music, Melodious One!
Apollo, Sun God, Sender of Light and Warmth!  We know you by the greening of the
fields under the spring sunshine!  We feel your touch in the sunshine upon our skin!
We hear you in every note of song!  We see you in the art of every archer's cast!
Apollo, Phoebus, Helios, Son of Jupiter and Leto, Brother of Artemis, Inspiration
of Oracles, Seeker after Daphne, Physician, Cattle herder, Bearer of Laurel, Bright One,
Divine Shepherd! Apollo, Archer, Light Bearer, Harper, we of Rome salute you and ask
that you join us here!

Set down the laurel. Fill the wine cup and hold it about eye level with both hands.
Say: "We offer you sacrifice, as in the days of old when we walked the holy groves
and glades, not of flesh and blood, but of our human efforts, our struggles, our
devotion and dreams! May it aid us, Gods and Man alike in the effort to forge a place
anew in this world for Rome that was and shall be again!  Apollo, accept our gifts!
Not as from slaves, for we have no masters! Not as appeasement, but as a sign of our
respect and affection!"

Hold the wine cup above your head, offering it to Apollo with all your will and desire.
When you feel that Apollo has accepted it, place the cup on the altar and hold your hands
over it, as if warming them over a fire and say: "Apollo, you have received our sacrifice,
symbolized by this wine. Pour now your blessing and power into it, making it a true vessel
of inspiration, that we may grow in your eyes as Romans."

In your mind's eye, picture Apollo sending a ray of sun into the wine cup, infusing the wine
with a spark of his divine strength and will. Pour a little of the wine into the bowl and take
up the olive or evergreen twig.  Sprinkle each of the people with some of the wine to transmit
Apollo's energy, saying these words: "I give you the blessing of Apollo."

Lay down the twig and bowl on the altar. Pause for a moment, reflecting silently on the
importance of the moment. Take a sip from the cup feeling the warmth of Apollo as it infuses
your body. Move sunwise and offer a drink to each participant, sharing the energy. As each one
takes a drink, they may make an appropriate, short comment or prayer to Apollo. [It is
appropriate to refill the cup from the flask. A God's energy is boundless and even one drop left
in the cup will bless the new wine.] When all have partaken, return to the altar and pause again
to reflect on the moment. Reverently pour a little more into the bowl and drink the rest in the cup.
After a few heartbeats say, looking to the east:  "The sacrifice is done! May it strengthen us in
devotion to the Gods, in the determination to build Nova Roma! May our strivings be filled with
faith, dignity, wisdom and courage, until we see the boatman and go to be judged! Apollo,
we thank you for your presence! As you return to Olympus, carry with you the sentiments of
we on earth! We Salute you Apollo! Fare thee well!"

Hold the bow, arrow and flute as before and say in turn to the warders at the four points:
"In the name of Apollo, we thank you, farewell!"

Replace the tools on the altar and pick up the bowl.  Without taking a sip this time, pour a libation
to the spirits of land and sky, thanking them for the use of the ritual area.: "We thank thee spirits
of this place, our rite is done, our work is finished."

The ritual is now over.