The Scarlet Letter
Volume II, Number 2 | October 1994
Column: Heretics For Tea & Crumpets
Thelemic Ecclesiastical Rite for the Benediction of Animals
By Dionysus Soter, Deacon E.G.C.

This ritual is remotely modelled on an early medieval rite performed by European churches. As such, it is a good example of the "catholicity" of church ritual: priests of the Latin rite began to do ritual to protect animals because that was a magico-religious function in great demand among the rural populace.

2-5 officers are required. The lines designated "P" may be pronounced by a Priest or Priestess. A Deacon is also required. If desired, Children may attend the Priest or Priestess. The Negative Child would carry a bowl of water consecrated in a previous Gnostic Mass, and the Positive child would carry a rose or a sprig of acacia.

The rite does not require a temple set for the Gnostic Mass, though it may be held in one. If so, the Deacon should begin in his place to the west of the fire altar. It may follow a Mass directly, in which case the officers should depart the temple, and the Deacon reenter first. If no Mass or other ecclesiastical work has preceeded the benediction, the Deacon should banish before proceeding.

* * * * *

D: I am alone, there is no god where I am.
Is a god to live in a dog? No!
There is death for the dogs
...death is the crown of all. (from CCXX:II)

The Priest or Priestess enters and stands at the foot of the steps to the high altar.

P: It is not necessary to understand; it is enough to adore. We ignore what created us, we adore what we create. Let us create nothing but GOD! (from CCXXXIII:XXI)

Domestic animals are the creations of man as god, and the gods of man as a creature.

D: (signs + at each name and may also take on the corresponding god-forms) Apis the bull-god
Hathoor the cow-goddess
Bast the cat-goddess
Anpu the dog-god
Suti the pig-god
Unnut the hare-goddess
Horus the hawk-god!

ALL: AUMGN. AUMGN. AUMGN.

Each animal is brought in turn to the East in a deosil fashion for the benediction:

P: Secret of secrets that art hidden in the being of all that lives, hearten and comfort this [dog, cat, turtle, or whatever type of animal is blessed-alternately, the animal's proper name may be used], that it* may be a joy to its household. May it* know its* friends from its foes. May it* live with vigor and die with dignity. (Makes + on animal with water)

GLORIA PATRIL ET MATRI ET FILIA ET FILIAE ET SPIRITUI SANCTO EXTERNO ET SPIRITUI SANCTO INTERNO UT ERAT EST ERIT IN SAECULA SAECULORUM SEX IN UNO PER NOMEN SEPTEM IN UNO ARARITA.

The Deacon may dismiss or entertain any people remaining.

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