Welcoming

Now the participants and officiants welcome each other as they also welcome the deities into the temple. Since this process is held and supported by mutual respect and connection, the welcome also extends to the temple itself as a being that participates in the ritual along with the human organizers and divine guests.

Move into the ritual space in an orderly procession while singing the opening chant:

We enter the temple in love and peace;
We enter the temple together.

Repeat the chant at least three times, until everyone is inside the ritual area.

Now the people who are carrying the deity figurines should set them on the altar one at a time. Again, the Mothers go first, followed by any other deities who will have a place on the altar. Set the trays and baskets on the side table.

Once the figurines are all on the altar, perform the call and response to honor the Mothers:

Leader: Rhea is here!
Participants: We are children of the Earth!
Leader: Therasia is here!
Participants: We are children of the Sun!
Leader: Posidaeja is here!
Participants: We are children of the Sea!

Welcome the Mothers and any other deities you’ll be connecting with or honoring in this ritual:

Welcome, Rhea! Welcome, Therasia! Welcome, Posidaeja! Welcome [OTHER DEITY NAMES]! The temple is consecrated by your presence.

After this, you can continue.