Nemoralia 2006

mezzanotterose came by for the ritual, with her hair already damp from being washed, mine had just dried. I used some rosemary in the rinse water, which I may do again, I love the smell of rosemary. I haven't found out exactly why the women made such a big deal of washing their hair, maybe it was just a bonding thing to do at the lake, or a symbol of the day being about women. In any case, we went out to the shrine with our burgundy chitons and freshly washed hair.

Next year I hope to make this a larger ritual, with lots of women and actual torches. We could actually wash our hair together if the pond is done by then. I think that would be beautiful.

It was dark, but the candles we carried actually were enough light to see by. I had already placed the bowl on the altar as a symbol of Lake Nemi and had dedicated the altar earlier that day. We placed our candles and started our prayers.

There is something very easy about when we ritual together. We go back and forth like some sort of religious machine. I said my prayer to Diana that I have used for years now, and Rose said a prayer to Hecate, also appropriate on this day for her connection via Trivia. I also asked Diana to look out for a friend of ours that is going in for throat surgery.

It is also the feast day for Pomona and Vertumnus, so we said a prayer for her as well, which was perfect since we were already under the apple tree.

Hail Diana, She of the shining moon, she who races in the wood, she of the stag and dog, hear this prayer from a humble heart. Let my injuries be silenced, my muscles stay limber, and my dance be fluid and proper. I pray that you will be favorable to my home, family and animals.


Nemoralia-Festival of Torches 2006

Luna moth!

This little lady showed up on Friday, but I only just now unloaded my camera. Turns out she is a female, because she has thinner antennae than a male would have. So, a female Luna moth shows up on the weekend of Diana's festival, and is still out there today, hanging on my screen. How perfect!

I hope she isn't going to die, apparently they lay their eggs about this time and then expire. They also lay their eggs on black walnut trees, of which I have several. On the other hand, I hope she found a mate and did lay eggs, they are so rare, I usually get to see one per year and that's it.

They are a lovely lime sherbert green that can't really be captured in photos, but at least I have pictures this time! Every time I see one I am amazed at how otherworldly they seem.