Written in 2008 by Erynn Rowan Laurie

[Offerings are prepared, red flowers should be on the altar, and nine candles – red if possible – are laid out.]

The ancient tales speak of those who in death became green. Adonis, Narcissus, Hyakinthos, Hylas, Daphne, and even Miach, son of Dían Cécht, bloomed in their deaths. Yet the divine Antinous created his lotus from the blood of the Mauritanian lion, defying death by the hand of the Divine Hadrian.

From blood, beauty. From defeat, victory. The Divine Antinous is the lotus undying, flower without corruption, risen from the waters undefiled, risen like Osiris. In remembrance of this victory, we acknowledge our own victories. With the aid of the God Antinous – Beatus, Iustus, Benevolens – we give thanks for the power to transcend our failures. In nomine Antinoi Aeterni:

[After acknowledging each victory, light a candle at the invocation.]

As we acknowledge the best of our accomplishments
Antinous-Apollon, Navigator, we give you thanks.

As we revel in the giving and receiving of love
Antinous-Dionysos, Lover, we give you thanks.

As we celebrate the abundance of the world
Antinous-Hermes, Liberator, we give you thanks.

As we see the way before us and set our feet to it with joy
Antinous-Hermes, Navigator, we give you thanks.

As we embrace our passions and follow them
Antinous-Apollon, Lover, we give you thanks.

As we act in devotion and maintain ourselves in fidelity
Antinous-Dionysos, Liberator, we give you thanks.

As we clarify our visions to the brightness of crystal
Antinous-Dionysos, Navigator, we give you thanks.

As we give ourselves to wisdom like a lover
Antinous-Hermes, Lover, we give you thanks.

As we cultivate steadfast courage
Antinous-Apollon, Liberator, we give you thanks.

As these candles burn so then, Antinous—Beautiful, Just, and Benevolent—may our hearts burn with your light. Accept our offerings and our gratitude for your transforming power. Antinous, Salvator, dona nobis pacem.