(Brief descriptions of the purposes for some Ancient Egptian Festivals. Some have links to specific entries on the Ritual page.)
OPET
FESTIVAL:
The Opet Festival,
or the Ancient Egyptian New Year, was a festival to celebrate the Innundation
or flooding of the Nile. The inhabitants depended on the annual flooding
to bring rich black soil from Nubia, so they could grow their crops.
If the flood was too low there was famine. If it was too high, the
rich soil would be swept away and there would be famine. So part
of the festival was dedicated to offerings and prayers to ensure a good
flood. The Innundation was said to be the tears of Isis as she searched
for Osiris. The signal for the Opet festival was the rising
of the Star Sirius over the horizon. Sirius is the symbol of Isis,
and the symbol of Osiris is the constellation of Orion. Both of these
in the skies signaled Isis finding Osiris.
TEMPLE
DEDICATION:
In Ancient Egypt
the Pharoah would always be present at a ground-breaking of a new Temple.
They would bury amulets and other items under the corners of the foundations.
We can't exactly do that here as the building is already built, but at
our Temple Dedication we will be putting items in a container and symbolically
bury it under the foundation. You are welcome to add something
that symbolizes your loving relationships with your dieties.
NEW
MOON RITE:
A New Moon is
a time for introspection, a time for clearing out, cleansing and preparing
for a new beginning. It is a time for healing and working on emotional
matters. You are invited to bring any of your magickal items that
need a good spiritual cleansing. The power of a circle can create
startling results.