This is a work in progress.
Notes
Binah is in correspondence with Demeter; and Geburah with Hades.
My initial thoughts are to split this ritual into two "acts", with the actual abduction of Persephone in the first act. This would involve Persephone influenced by Gaia to pick flowers, Hades to emerge to abduct, and all witnessed by Helios and Hecate. This could then either be transmitted to Demeter in the end of this act or the start of the next - or unspoken between. Though I think I prefer the idea that the abduction is never seen. The context of the ritual, and the demeanor of Demeter should be enough for congregants to feel the weight, or lack thereof, as Persephone no longer graces the world. The vase of flowers is both a hint to the actions of Persephone and Gaia, and also to the harvest and vibrancy of the world which has been taken by Hades.
The ceremony, as it is currently, is short and for the most part silent bar a single word spoken by Demeter that represents her journey through the Abyss by the Path of Cheth, and also, more explicitly, to the new Aeon.
Setup
One magi dressed in brilliant blue, as Zeus
One magi veiled and in black, as Demeter
[I'd like to check the colour correspondences for Demeter]
One magi in tau robes with their face hidden, referenced by the BALANCE
An altar dressed in black or indigo cloth.
[It might be appropriate to colour the altar as Persephone]
On top placed a vase of flowers.
TEN candles placed as a circle about the space, THREE of them alight.
Ceremony
DEMETER enters slowly holding an unlit taper.
She looks to the floor and at no point will lift her gaze.
It is best for none of the witnesses to look at her directly.
She approaches the central altar slowly.
DEMETER kneels in a mourning posture.
When she feels compelled to do so she may reach for the vase.
As her fingers touch the vase, the BALANCE takes the vase in an instant, spilling the flowers on the floor.
At no point should anyone acknowledge the flowers from this point on, to step over them would be an acknowledgment.
DEMETER returns to her mourning posture.
The BALANCE extinguishes the THREE lit candles and places a blindfold quietly onto DEMETER.
Silence and stillness.
When she feels compelled to do so, DEMETER will stand and remove her own blindfold.
She will take her unlit taper to each of the TEN candles, intending to light them - but unable.
As she progresses, she displays the emotion of grief before becoming a calm acceptance at the last candle.
She approaches the altar with FOUR steps and makes the sign of N.O.X as she knows them well, without Mater Triumphans, discreetly if she is able.
| DEMETER | Spoken solemnly |
ZEUS walks towards DEMETER and offers his hand.