Day Four
The first day of NightThe first day of night marks a change in the tone of the festival. The night is to be celebrated in sombre tones, and the nature of the gods honored is chthonic in the most common sense. The Night marks a time when the focus goes to death, to endings, to finality, and to the Gods whose unenviable job it is to bring about such things.
The Protogonoi, or First Ones, are offered their due today. Gaea, Nyx, Ouranos, Eros, Erebus, etc. are honored with chthonic libations and night time celebrations that are not to be wild and boisterous, but of a more sombre or more reflective type. Meditation, reflection on the meaning of life and death, and poetry and prayers celebrating the sadness of death are to be encouraged.
The Heroes, as chthonic aspects of our religion, are also to be honored on this day. Heroes are not limited to myth, but can be the heroes of our culture and city. These in particular will be unique by area in a much bigger way than any other aspect of this celebration.
Remember too that Helios is now falling toward the underworld. Toward the shortest day of the year. Remember him here and offer your cheers to him on his way to rebirth.