Our Lady of Celestial Fire

Greater (Eleusinian) Mysteries: 7th Day (Plemohkoai)


October 5

(Greek) Ancient: 15–21 Boedromion (the festival begins on the full moon and continues to the third quarter)
In origin the Great (Eleusinian) Mysteries were a festival for the autumn sowing. They are, of course, mysteries, so some things about them remain concealed, in particular, the contents of the Sacred Kistai (boxes) and the actual initiation of the Mustai (Initiates). Anyone can be initiated, regardless of age or sex.

The festival is conducted by the Archon Basileus and four assistants. Two of these, the Hierophantes and Dadoukhos (Torch Bearer) wear the ependutes (a long-sleeved tunic ornamented at the hem and shoulders), headband and Thracian knee-boots; they carry one or two long torches. Further, there are Mustagogoi (Initiate Guides), who guide individual postulants, often their friends, through the initiation.

7th day: Plemokhoai
Each Mustes has two water-filled Plemokhoai (Flowing Floodtides), which are earthenware vessels shaped like a spinning-top; one is tipped out to the east and the other to the west, while the Mustes pronounces a spell known only to initiates. [LEM 155; NFR 25; PFA 59–72; SFA 24–35]