Hekate's Deipnon

Deipnon (pronounced dipe'-non), sometimes called Hekate's Deipnon or Hekate’s Supper (Hene kai Nea) and is one of 3 major Hellenic festivals or celebrations that occur during the dark phase of the moon (which I interpret as starting the night before the new moon, not the new moon itself, as that is generally given as one of Hekate's sacred times). Some celebrate on the last day of the month as our calendar is different from that of the ancients. I've seen some who celebrate it starting on the night of the full moon as well as the 13th of every month. Personally, I say to each their own. I prefer the clean all day on the dark moon then the actual diepnon at sundown the night of, followed by Noumenia the following day (new moon) and lastly the Agathós Daímōn. These 3 festivals are not specifically linked if you follow one particular deity. I myself do not follow a traditional Hellenic path at the moment as I'm currently only following Hekate instead of a full pantheon/multiple deities. That may later change so for now, I'm not specifically called to do all 3 days.

For Hekate's Supper it is customary to offer a meal to Hekate and the restless spirits, or in some modern practices, offered to Hekate and the less fortunate. This is based on the following text being interpreted thusly:

Aristophanes, Plutus 410 ff (trans. O’Neill) (Greek comedy C5th to 4th B.C.):
“Ask Hekate whether it is better to be rich or starving; she will tell you that the rich send her a meal every month [i.e. food and offerings placed inside shrines to Her] and that the poor make it disappear before it is even served.”

Many disagree on whether that is encouraging you to feed the poor (by way of soup kitchens or donations to food pantries and homeless shelters for instance) or if it means the poor are desperate enough to risk the wrath of the gods by stealing from them. Realistically the gods themselves don't come down and partake of our offerings so if a homeless animal or person happens upon it and takes it, well, more power to them. However I don't believe in *replacing* the proper ritual deipna offerings with charity work. You may do additional charity work in honor of Hekate but *I* personally wouldn't recommend calling that your diepnon by itself. Again, to each their own.

For your deipnon there are several things you may do: Oxuthumia is the (perhaps ritual) household purification in Hekate’s name. The house is swept and smoked/purified, mopped and tidied, especially your altar(s)/shrine(s) to Hekate (and others/main) and sacred spaces. Collect the dirt, dust, candle drippings, incense nubs, bits of cloth or string, foods from the last month that have fallen to the floor. Also, don't forget YOURSELF. A ritual bath and or khernips, or lustral waters (water, salt ((or salt water/sea water)) and fire, blessed and purified). You shouldn't work hard to get your house in order and forget yourself. Also a Kathiskos (a food offering to Zeus, again mainly for the Hellenic path) filled each Noumenia and emptied each Deipnon. Further, any remnants of offerings from the previous month, such as if you've made an offering or libation of wine but still have some remaining, offer the remnants up to Hekate. Everything should either be burned or be included in the supper/libation. Another rite much less common today is that of Katharmata which are portions of "household sacrifices" that are not used like waste water and blood, and that of Katharsia from the remains of sacrifices such as the bones and entrails. These were used along with a clay censer to fumigate and purify the house. Later, if you incorporate this practice, the sweepings are left at the crossroads (or other liminal place) along with the supper. An indoor shrine is not usually a sufficient space as the offerings are to be left and you must not look back on them. The Katharmata, Katharsia and Oxuthumia were all connected with the purification and expiation to Hekate at regular intervals to bless the home.

For the deipnon itself, offerings such as: bread, cheese, garlic, leeks, raw eggs, honey, cakes (such as the asamphiphôn), fish, apple, fig, pomegranate, olives and libations (wine, cider, milk, tea, etc). I also like to include a lit candle and incense  (UPG - unverified personal gnosis but she's told me she prefers saffron though I haven't found it easily locally and need to order it online).

For the ritial, since you can't look back and you will be leaving these offerings, you may want to unvest in biodegradable plates such as those made from palm or banana leaves. You may also include incense (stick, powdered, cone and the necessary accompaniments - burner and charcoal briquettes). Candles, your libation, the supper offerings and a statuary or framed picture or other image of Hekate. Include anything that feels right to YOU, or that you feel She has called you to include. Once you have all your offerings and earlier rites (to clean/purify/collect offerings) you may begin the final deipnon rite (which can begin indoors or out), you can spend a few moments of contemplation, speak words of praise, read/chant hymns, burn offerings (not the libations or foods). Light your candles and/or incense, pour your libations if applicable. Present Her supper and speak your thoughts/wishes for this rite/deipna. This should be done at a *triple* crossroad but if that's not possible, do what you can. That may be where your sidewalk from your door meets the street, or at a special place in your yard or even in its own trash receptacle (to be taken out immediately). Place your offerings, turn and walk away. Do NOT look back. To look back is a sign of disrespect and invites the wandering restless spirits to bring misfortune to you. Try to remain indoors once you've placed your offerings at sundown. Use this time for divination work especially that which incorporates Hekate.

This post has taken hours to write but I got through it. Here's to the coming deipnon this Saturday (September 12, 2015) or whichever day you choose to celebrate.