Day Nine
The Final DayThe final day in the festival is a kin to a New Year's celebration in the secular world. It should be wild, full of anticipation for the newness of the world, of looking forward, not back, and most of all, of hopeful joy in the presence of the Gods.
Some years, like 2006, this day will fall on Xmas Day, and no doubt many of us will include dinner with our families who are Christians and gift giving for children, etc. But remember the Gods, all the Gods of your personal pantheon, on this day and rejoice in their presence in your life. Remember the Great Olympian Gods, light bonfires, light candles and burn fragrant incense in their honor. Feast and be merry, for the Gods walk with you.
Toast to the Gods great libations of wine, milk, and sweetened teas (a kykeon, perhaps?) or natural fruit juices. Honor the Virgin Hestia, who stirs the fires of Olympus into life, and beseech her blessings on your home. Cleanse your home of miasma, rededicate yourself to your patron Gods, if you have them, and reaffirm your dedication to priestly duty, if you have chosen that path.
Be close to your family, your friends, your co-workers, and remember to forgive the trespasses of the past.
Light a fire and write upon lovely sun shaped tissue the wishes for your future so you may send them up to the Gods in the wisps of the smoke. (There are tissues sold that completely burn so they do not send burning cinders into the air, and can even be used indoors. Placing a metal screen over the fire works too.)
Finally, celebrate the sun, the moon, the earth, and the air around you, for nature is the gift of the Gods, and undertake this year the effort to protect the world around you, even in small ways, for every little bit makes a difference.
Be blessed, and be loved, but most of all, love and be proud.