All Prayers

The complete list of the collection's prayers, hymns, vows and inscriptions — from the Homeric hymns of the seventh century BC to votive inscriptions from the Roman provinces. Every text carries the original in Greek or Latin, a translation, an exact reference to the edition, and a commentary.

1. 001

   Hymn to Zeus

   CLEANTHES · HYMN TO ZEUS

   Most glorious of the immortals, many-named, forever almighty, Zeus, first author of nature, steering all things by law —

   Greek · literary

   Zeus

   PraiseInvocationPetition
   3rd c. BC

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2. 002

   Second Hymn to Telesphorus

   ANONYMOUS (INSCRIPTION FROM ATHENS) · INSCRIPTIONES GRAECAE II³ 4, 939 · ll. 30-42

   Hail then to me, O healer, O greatly honoured one, play, Telesphoros, play, hail — and you with your

   Greek · ritual

   Telesphorus, Asclepius

   PraiseInvocation
   2nd-3rd c. AD

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3. 003

   Prayer to Poseidon

   ARION (PRESERVED BY AELIAN) · AELIAN, ON ANIMALS · 12.45

   Highest of the gods, lord of the sea, Poseidon of the golden trident, earth-shaker in the swelling brine, around thee the finny monsters in a ring swim and dance, with nimble flingings of their feet leaping lightly, snub-nosed hounds with bristling neck, swift runners, music-loving dolphins, sea-nurslings of the Nereid maids divine, whom Amphitrite bore, even they that carried me, a wanderer on the Sikelian main, to the headland of Tainarion in Pelops' land, mounting me upon their humped backs as they clove the furrow of Nereus' plain, a path untrodden, when deceitful men had cast me from their sea-faring hollow ship into the purple swell of sea.

   Greek · hymn

   Poseidon, Amphitrite, the Nereids

   GratitudePraise
   archaic Greek (preserved by Aelian, 2nd-3rd c. AD)

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4. 004

   Prayer to the Charites

   PINDAR · OLYMPIAN ODES · 14.1 ff

   Whose haunts are by Kephissos' river, you queens beloved of poets' song, ruling Orkhomenos, that sunlit city and land of lovely steeds, watch and ward of the ancient Minyan race, hear now my prayer, you Kharites three. For in your gift are all our mortal joys, and every sweet thing, be it wisdom, beauty, or glory, that makes rich the soul of man. Nor even can the immortal gods order at their behest the dance and festals, lacking the Kharites' aid; who are the steward of all rites of heaven, whose thrones are set at Pytho beside Apollon of the golden bow, and who with everlasting honour worship the Father, lord of great Olympos. Euphrosyne, lover of song, and Aglaia revered, daughters of Zeus the all-highest, hearken, and with Thalia, darling of harmony, look on our songs of revel, on light feet stepping to grace this happy hour... I come to praise Asopikhos, whose Minyan house, Thalia, now of your favour wears the pride of the Olympian victor.

   Greek · hymn

   the Charites, Aglaia, Euphrosyne, Thalia

   InvocationPraise
   5th c. BC

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5. 005

   Prayer to Eileithyia

   PINDAR · NEMEAN ODES · 7.1 ff

   Goddess of childbirth, Eileithyia, maid to the throne of the deep-thinking Moirai, child of all-powerful Hera, hear my song. For without thee should we see neither the light of day, nor know the kindly dark, nor win the gift of Hebe, thy sister, the glorious limbs of youth.

   Greek · hymn

   Eileithyia, Hera, the Moirai, Hebe

   InvocationPraise
   5th c. BC

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6. 006

   Prayer to Bacchus

   SENECA · OEDIPUS · 403-441; 503-508

   Let the people's hymn sound with the praise of Bacchus. Bind your streaming locks with the nodding ivy, and in your soft hands grasp the Nysaean thyrsus! Bright glory of the sky, come hither to the prayers which thine own illustrious Thebes, O Bacchus, offers to thee with suppliant hands. Hither turn with favour thy virginal face; with thy star-bright countenance drive away the clouds, the grim threats of Erebus, and greedy fate. Thee it becomes to circle thy locks with flowers of the springtime, thee to cover thy head with Tyrian turban, or thy smooth brow to wreathe with the ivy's clustering berries; now to fling loose thy lawless-streaming locks, again to bind them in a knot close-drawn; in such guise as when, fearing thy stepdame's wrath, thou didst grow to manhood with false-seeming limbs, a pretended maiden with golden ringlets, with saffron girdle binding thy garments. So thereafter this soft vesture has pleased thee, folds loose hanging and the long-trailing mantle. Seated in thy golden chariot, thy lions with long trappings covered, all the vast coast of the Orient saw thee, both he who drinks of the Ganges and whoever breaks the ice of snowy Araxes. On an unseemly ass old Silenus attends thee, his swollen temples bound with ivy garlands; while thy wanton initiates lead the mystic revels. Along with thee a troop of Bassarids in Edonian dance beat the ground, now on Mount Pangaeus' peak, now on the top of Thracian Pindus; now midst Cadmean dames has come a maenad, the impious comrade of Ogygian Bacchus, with sacred fawn-skins girt about her loins, her hand a light thyrsus brandishing. Their hearts maddened by thee, the matrons have set their hair a-flowing;

   Roman · hymn

   Bacchus, Liber, Phoebus, Ariadne, Palaemon

   InvocationPraise
   1st c. AD

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7. 007

   Prayer to Artemis

   CALLIMACHUS · HYMNS · 3.1-3; 122-141; 225-250; 259-268

   Of Artemis we hymn — no light thing is it for singers to forget her — whose study is the bow and the shooting of hares and the spacious dance and sport upon the mountains. The fourth time — not long was it ere thou didst shoot at the city of unjust men, those who to one another and those who towards strangers wrought many deeds of sin, forward men, on whom thou wilt impress thy grievous wrath. On their cattle plague feeds, on their tilth feeds frost, and the old men cut their hair in mourning over their sons, and their wives either are smitten or die in childbirth, or, if they escape, bear birds whereof none stands on upright ankle. But on whomsoever thou lookest smiling and gracious, for them the tilth bears the corn-ear abundantly, and abundantly prospers the four-footed breed, and abundant waxes their prosperity: neither do they go to the tomb, save when they carry thither the aged. Nor does faction wound their race — faction which ravages even the well-established houses: but brother's wife and husband's sister set their chairs around one board... Lady, of that number be whosoever is a true friend of mine, and of that number may I be myself, O Queen. And may song be my study forever. In that song shall be the Marriage of Leto; therein thy name shall often-times be sung; therein shall Apollon be and therein all thy labours, and therein thy hounds and thy bow and thy chariot, which lightly carry thee in thy splendour, when thou drivest to the house of Zeus... Lady of many shrines, of many cities, hail! Khitone, sojourner in Miletos; for thee did Neleus make his Guide, when he put off with his ships from the land of Kekrops. Khesias and Imbrasia, throned in the highest, to thee in thy shrine did Agamemnon dedicate the rudder of his ship, a charm against ill weather, when thou didst bind the winds for him, what time the Akhaian ships sailed to vex the cities of the Teukroi, wroth for Rhamnusian Helene. For thee surely Proitos established two shrines, one of Artemis Kore for that thou didst gather for him his maiden daughters, when they were wandering over the Azanian hills; the other he founded in Lousa to Artemis Hemere, because thou tookest from his daughters the spirit of wildness. For thee, too, the Amazones, whose mind is set on war, in Ephesos beside the sea established an image beneath an oak trunk, and Hippo performed a holy rite for thee, and they themselves, O Oupis Queen, around the image danced a war-dance — first in shields and armour, and again in a circle arraying a spacious choir. And the loud pipes thereto piped shrill accompaniment, that they might foot the dance together. And the echo reached unto Sardis and to the Berekynthian range. And they with their feet beat loudly and therewith their quivers rattled. And afterwards around that image was raised a shrine of broad foundations. That dawn shall behold nothing more divine, naught richer. Easily would it outdo Pytho. O Mounikhia, Limenoskope, hail, Pheraia! Let none disparage Artemis. For Oineus dishonoured her altar and no pleasant struggles came upon his city. Nor let any contend with her in shooting of stags or in archery. For the son of Atreus vaunted him not that he suffered small requital. Neither let any woo the Maiden; for not Otos, nor Orion wooed her to their own good. Nor let any shun the yearly dance; for not tearless to Hippo was her refusal to dance around the altar. Hail, great queen, and graciously greet my song.

   Greek · hymn

   Artemis

   InvocationPraisePetition
   3rd c. BC

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8. 008

   Prayer to Asclepius

   ANONYMOUS (INSCRIPTION FROM ERYTHRAI) · GREEK LYRIC (CAMPBELL, VOL. V) · fr. 939

   Sing, youths, of Paian, skill-famed, Leto's son, Far-shooter — ie Paian! — who fathered a great joy for mortals when he mingled in love with Koronis in the land of the Phlegyai — ie Paian! — Asklepios, the most famous god — ie Paian! By him were fathered Makhaon and Podaleirios and Iaso — ie Paian! — and fair-eyed Aigle and Panakea, children of Epione, along with Hygieia, all-glorious, undefiled; ie Paian! Asklepios, the most famous god — ie Paian! Greetings I give you: graciously visit our wide-spaced city — ie Paian! — and grant that we look on the sun's light in joy, approved with the help of Hygieia, all-glorious, undefiled : ie Paian! — Asklepios, the most famous god — ie Paian!

   Greek · hymn

   Asclepius, Apollo, Hygieia, Iaso, Aegle, Panacea, Epione, Machaon, Podaleirius

   InvocationPetitionPraise
   Greek (BC, exact date uncertain)

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9. 009

   Hymn to Artemis

   ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 27

   I sing of Artemis with shafts of gold, strong-voiced, the revered virgin, deer-shooting, delighter in arrows, own sister to Apollon of the golden sword. Over the shadowy hills and windy peaks she draws her golden bow, rejoicing in the chase, and sends out grievous shafts. The tops of the high mountains tremble and the tangled wood echoes awesomely with the outcry of beasts: earth quakes and the sea also where fishes shoal. But the goddess with a bold heart turns every way destroying the race of wild beasts: and when she is satisfied and has cheered her heart, then the huntress who delights in arrows slackens her supple bow and goes to the great house of her dear brother Phoibos Apollon, to the rich land of Delphoi, there to order the lovely dance of the Mousai and Kharites. There she hangs up her curved bow and her arrows, and heads and leads the dances, gracefully arrayed, while all they utter their heavenly voice, singing how neat-ankled Leto bare children supreme among the immortals both in thought and deed. Hail to you, children of Zeus and rich-haired Leto! And now I will remember you and another song also.

   Greek · hymn

   Artemis, Apollo, Leto, the Muses, the Charites

   InvocationPraise
   archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

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10. 010

    Hymn to Ares

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 8

    Ares, exceeding in strength, chariot-rider, golden-helmed, doughty in heart, shield-bearer, saviour of cities, harnessed in bronze, strong of arm, unwearying, mighty with the spear, O defender of Olympos, father of warlike Nike, ally of Themis, stern governor of the rebellious, leader of the righteous men, scepted King of manliness, who whirl your fiery sphere among the planets in their sevenfold courses through the aither wherein your blazing steeds ever bear you above the third firmament of heaven; hear me, helper of men, giver of dauntless youth! Shed down a kindly ray from above upon my life, and strength of war, that I may be able to drive away bitter cowardice from my head and crush down the deceitful impulses of my soul. Restrain also the keen fury of my heart which provokes me to tread the ways of bloodcurdling strife. Rather, O blessed one, give you me boldness to abide within the harmless laws of peace, avoiding strife and hatred and the violent fiends of death.

    Greek · hymn

    Ares

    InvocationPetitionPraise
    late antique (Homeric corpus, hymn 8 is post-classical)

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11. 011

    Hymn to Athena

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 28

    I begin to sing of Pallas Athena, the glorious goddess, bright-eyed, inventive, unbending of heart, pure virgin, saviour of cities, courageous, Tritogeneia. From his awful head wise Zeus himself bare her arrayed in warlike arms of flashing gold, and awe seized all the gods as they gazed. But Athena sprang quickly from the immortal head and stood before Zeus who holds the aegis, shaking a sharp spear: great Olympos began to reel horribly at the might of the grey-eyed goddess, and earth round about cried fearfully, and the sea was moved and tossed with dark waves, while foam burst forth suddenly: the bright Son of Hyperion stopped his swift-footed horses a long while, until the maiden Pallas Athena had stripped the heavenly armour from her immortal shoulders. And wise Zeus was glad. Hail to you, daughter of Zeus who holds the aegis!

    Greek · hymn

    Athena

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-6th c. BC)

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12. 012

    Prayer to Terminus and Jupiter

    OVID · FASTI · 2.659-684

    You set bounds to peoples, cities, great kingdoms: without you every field would be disputed. You curry no favour: you aren't bribed with gold, guarding the land entrusted to you in good faith. If you'd once marked the bounds of Thyrean lands, three hundred men would not have died, nor Othryades' name be seen on the pile of weapons. O how he made his fatherland bleed! What happened when the new Capitol was built? The whole throng of gods yielded to Jupiter and made room: but as the ancients tell, Terminus remained in the shrine where he was found, and shares the temple with great Jupiter. Even now there's a small hole in the temple roof, so he can see nothing above him but stars. Since then, Terminus, you've not been free to wander: stay there, in the place where you've been put, and yield not an inch to your neighbour's prayers, lest you seem to set men above Jupiter: and whether they beat you with rakes, or ploughshares, call out: 'This is your field, and that is his!' The lands of other races have fixed boundaries: the extent of the City of Rome and the world is one.

    Roman · hymn

    Terminus, Jupiter

    PraiseInvocation
    early 1st c. AD

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13. 013

    Prayer to Aphrodite and Eros

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Wedding Ceremony — Hymn to Aphrodite and Eros

    We praise the Golden-wreathed, modest, matrimonial, exceedingly beautiful Aphrodite. You who wears upon your immortal head a well woven wreath of gold, You rouse a sweet yearning in Gods and men alike. Khaire, Cyprus-born Goddess, who brings gentle holy gifts to mortals. And You, sweet Eros, winged, powerful archer, who fills people with fire, keen key-bearer of all, filling our lives with joy. Come O' Blessed Gods who grants desired descendants, friends of men and women, nurturers of mortals.

    Greek · ritual

    Aphrodite, Eros

    InvocationPraise
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14. 014

    Prayer to Apollo and Asclepius

    MAKEDONIKOS OF AMPHIPOLIS · INSCRIPTIONES GRAECAE II³ 4, 777

    We praise the silver-bowed Delian, Zeus's beautiful quiver, silently holy and compassionate, IE PAIAN. Like the Aglaion Êrnos, the supplicant pledges with olive and laurel branch in hand, IE PAIAN, calling upon the leader of the Muses, singing pure hymns to the far-shooting son of Leto, IE PAIAN. Asklepios, kindly youth, defender against any born disease, warder of mortal woes, IE O IE PAIAN. To Kentauros, the pain warder of humans, You taught all the secret healing arts on the peaks of Mt. Pelias, IE PAIAN. Child of Koronis, mild man and modest spirit, IE PAIAN. Adorning the Hellenic lances of the young soldiers, IE PAIAN. Children of Epione and noble Hygeia, Iaso, Akeso and Aigle and Panacea, IE PAIAN. Khaire, illustrious spirit, great benefit of mortals, IE O IE PAIAN. You are gentle, Makar, eliminate dread diseases, IE O IE PAIAN. Come Blessed Paian and grant to your supplicant much-desired health.

    Greek · ritual

    Apollo, Asclepius

    PraisePetitionInvocation
    2nd-1st c. BC

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15. 015

    Prayer to Athena

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Heliodites — Hymn to Athena

    Most High Goddess Pallas, golden wreathed Athena, Great Goddess of the World; You who sprang fully armed from our Father's venerable head. Virgin goddess who awakens in us the indestructible and illuminated Nous. Shield-bearing, Immaculate, You who governs the Whole World. Untamed Metis who merges the opposites, thrice-born Maiden; bright flower. You have filled the mind of the Father with the laws of Universal Beauty. You are all which exists, all which is still to come and all that has been. Glorious Goddess, Bright-eyed Maiden, grant the strength and love to raise me from the embrace of Gaia to illuminated Olympos. O' Goddess, offer to us your immaculate Wisdom and mental power, granting us the blessings of Olympos that uplift the soul, banishing the great illusions of the World.

    Greek · ritual

    Athena

    InvocationPetitionPraise
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16. 016

    Prayer to Hecate

    ANONYMOUS · GREEK MAGICAL PAPYRI (PGM IV) · 2785-2870

    Come to me, O' beloved lady, three faced Selene, listen, with kindness, to my sacred chant. Youthful, exulted Jewel of the Night, bringing light to mortals; child of early dawn, riding joyfully on fierce bulls, O' Queen, driving the chariot along the path of Helios; In triple form, You dance, three-headed, with the three Kharites, revelling with the stars, and Dike and the threads of the Moirae; Klotho, and Lakhesis as well as Atropos, and Persephone, Megaira and Allecto. Multi-formed, your hands armed with the dreaded dark lamps, your mane of terrifying serpents shakes upon your brow, from your mouth is heard the roaring of bulls. Solitary, night-crier, bull-faced, bull-headed, you have the eyes of bulls, you have the voice of dogs, you hide amongst lions by taking their shape. Your ankles are wolf-shaped, fierce dogs are your friends, hence they call you Hekate, illustrious Mene, you dart through the air as arrow-shooting Artemis, four-faced goddess, of the four names, of the four roads. Artemis, Persephone, deer-shooting, night-shining, triple striking, triple sounding, triple headed, triple named Selene; three-pronged, triple-faced, triple-necked and of the triple roads. Come, graciously hear my call, You who oversees the wide world of the night, darkness voyaging Goddess; famed, easy-birthing, bull-faced, horned, mother of Gods and men, Nature's All-Mother. You frequent Olympos, traversing the broad and boundless abyss, You are the beginning and the end, You alone rule all.

    Greek · ritual

    Hecate

    InvocationPraise
    3rd-4th c. AD

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17. 017

    Prayer to Hestia

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Hymn to Hestia

    Hestia, royal daughter of almighty Kronos, You who holds the central abode, the magnificent perpetual fire, elevate the respectful suppliants who worship You in their holy ceremonies, grant to them ever-flourishing happiness, glad and pure, O' dwelling of the Blissful Gods, steady support of mortals, eternal, glow-formed, needed by all, come, smiling Blessed Goddess, accept these offerings with kind heart, inspire happiness and gentle health.

    Greek · ritual

    Hestia

    InvocationPetitionPraise
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18. 018

    Prayer to Hygieia

    ARIPHRON · PAIAN TO HYGEIA

    O' Hygeia of the Blissful Ones, you are most revered by mortals; with you I traverse the life remaining in me. For what is the joy of wealth or of children, or what brings people closer to the Gods? The power of a king or the secret lust brought by Aphrodite, or that obvious relief from pain which is the god sent delight. With you, blissful divine Hygeia, the company of the Kharites shine and bloom, without you, no one has well-being.

    Greek · ritual

    Hygieia

    PraiseInvocation
    4th c. BC

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19. 019

    The Prayer of Musaeus

    PLETHON / MOUSAIOS ADAPTATION · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Noumenia Ceremony — Prayer of Mousaios

    King Zeus and Gaia and sacred heavenly flames of Helios; holy light of Mene and all the stars; and You, dark haired Poseidon, earth-shaker; pure Persephone and Demetra of the bountiful fruit; Artemis, the maiden archer and farshooting Phoibos, who dwells in the sacred valley of Delphi, holding the highest honours amongst the Blessed; dancing Dionysos, bold Ares and powerful holy Ephaistos, foam-born goddess, bearer of famous gifts, and You, King of the Underworld, great and venerable God; Hebe and Eileithia and brave Heracles, and the great providence of Dikaiosyne and Eusevia; I also call the splendid Nymphs and Pan, the Great, and Hera, vigorous wife of aegis-bearing Zeus; I invoke the lovely Mnemosyne and the nine sublime Muses and the Kharites and the Horês of the Eniautos, Leto with the beautiful limbs, the modest Theio and Dione, the Kouretes, the armed Koryvantes, and the Kaveires, as well as our great Saviours, the indestructible children of Zeus, the great Idaian gods and the heavenly messenger, Hermes, the communicator, and Themis, the diviner of men, I invite venerable Nyx and brightly glowing Day, Pisti and Dike and the immaculate Lawgiver, Rhea and Kronos and the dark-veiled Tethys, Okeanos, the Great, and his daughters, the Okeanides, Atlas' and Aionos' superior power, and the eternal Time, and the splendid water of Styx, the soothing Gods and the benevolent Pronoia; the all-holy Daimona of the Gods and the malevolent of mortals, all heavenly, air and water Gods, all Gods of the earth, and of the fire, and of the underworld. Semele and the company of Bakkhos; Ino Leukothea and Palaimon, the bliss-giver, Sweet tongued Nike and queen Adrastea, and the great king, giver of tranquillity, Asclepios, Pallas, the fearsome maiden, and all the Winds and the Thunder, the steady foundation of the Kosmos, Mother of the Immortals, Attis and Mena, I call the Goddess Ourania together with her immortal pure Adonis, the Beginning and the End — the greatest of all. Come with benevolence and happy hearts, to this holy ceremony and sacred libation.

    Greek · ritual

    Zeus, Gaia, Helios, Poseidon, Persephone, Demeter, Artemis, Apollo, Dionysus, Ares, Hephaestus, Aphrodite, Hades, Hermes, Hera, Athena, Asclepius

    InvocationPraise
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20. 020

    Prayer to Selene

    ANONYMOUS / ORPHIC TRADITION · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Full Moon Ceremony — Hymn to Selene

    Hear us, O' Goddess, light-bearing Queen, divine Selene; bull-horned Mene, night-roaming, airborne, nocturnal, torch-bearing, dark maiden; Mene, who waxes and wanes, masculine and feminine; illuminating, horse-loving, mother of time; fruit-bearing, amber, atmospheric, all-shining, each night; You, the all-seeing, vigilant, filled with beautiful stars, joyful in the silence and the fortunate night; bright, joy-bringing, full-cycled, jewel of the night; O' star-queen, long-veiled, variable, all-wise maid, approach with bliss and delight; rich with stars and shining light three-fold; protect your new suppliants, O' Maid.

    Greek · ritual

    Selene

    InvocationPetitionPraise
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21. 021

    Prayer to the Lares

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 1.10.15-25

    Lares, gods of my fathers, preserve me! While young and still nursing, you guided me when I played at your feet. Let none profane your antique images: rough-hewn wooden statues set upon altars of upturned sod then dwelled among our grandfathers. In those days humble reverence provided you with sweet honey alone, you stayed in meager shrines made of twigs, in tattered robes the gods were pleased with offerings of grapes and wreathes of wheat set upon carved heads. Lares, turn away from us those who scheme against us with their bronze weapons.

    Roman · personal

    the Lares

    PetitionProtectionPraise
    1st c. BC

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22. 022

    Prayer to Mercury

    HORACE · CARMINA · 1.10.1-8; 17-20

    Mercurius, by Atlas born to Maia, God who fashioned our uncivilized ancestors into cultured men of urbane speech and athletic bearing, to You I sing, Messenger of the Gods and of mighty Jove, inventor of the curved lyre, it pleases You to compose secret jokes and play pranks skillfully. Gladly You restore pious souls to their proper places and by the golden staff confine the trivial quarrel. Dear are You to the Gods above and below.

    Roman · literary

    Mercury

    PraiseInvocation
    Augustan

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23. 023

    Prayer to Earth

    ANTONIUS MUSA · PRECATIO TERRAE

    Holy Goddess, Tellus, Mother of all Nature, engendering all things and regenerating them each day, as You alone bring forth from Your womb all things into life. Heavenly Goddess, overseeing all things on earth and throughout the seas, in whatever by silent nature is restored in sleep and in death, in the same way that You put to flight the Night with the Light You restore each day. Earth, Enricher of Life, You dispel the dark shadow of death and the disorder of vast endless Chaos. You hold back the winds and storms, the rain showers and tempests. You alone regulate the weather cycles. You give the Food of Life unfailingly, in fidelity, and when the soul by necessity departs, in You alone do we find refuge. Thus, whatever You give, in You all will be returned. Deservedly are You called Great Mother of the Gods. You are the Great Goddess, the Queen of Heaven. You, Goddess, I adore. I call upon Your power, come. Make what I ask to be readily and easily accomplished.

    Roman · ritual

    Earth

    InvocationPraisePetition
    1st c. BC - 1st c. AD

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24. 024

    Prayer to Earth

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 8.303-324

    O eternal Creatrix of Gods and men, who animates forest and stream with soul, and joins seeds of life together throughout the world, and You bear the stones of Pyrrha that were enlivened into men by the hand of Prometheus. Hungry men You were first to give nourishment with a variety of foods. You encircle and carry the sea within You. Under Your power are the gentleness of domesticated herds and the ferocity of wild beasts and the repose from flight of birds. Firm and immobile, unsetting power of the earth suspended in the vacuum of space, You are the center around which the rapid heavens revolve. Therefore are You the Bountiful who nourishes so many nations. I pray You allow that those warriors who spend their last breath in the battle will have their souls return once more into the heavens.

    Roman · literary

    Earth

    InvocationPraisePetition
    1st c. AD

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25. 025

    Prayer to Venus

    LUCRETIUS · DE RERUM NATURA · 1.1-9

    Venus Genetrix, charmer of gods and mankind, nurturing Mother, beneath the starry signs that glide through the night, You enliven the ship-bearing seas and the fruitful earth, since it is through You that all things are conceived and animated into life to behold the Light of Day. Goddess, for You the winds make way, the heavenly clouds open at Your coming, the miraculous earth greets You with sweet scented flowers, for You the surface of the seas laugh, and the peaceful heavens glisten in luminescence.

    Roman · literary

    Venus

    InvocationPraise
    1st c. BC

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26. 026

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · Hail prayer

    Hail, Carmentis, Goddess of song and prophecy. From Your father Sebathus, Telon, king of the Taphonians, took You away from the river shores of Naples to the isle of Capree, there as Bateia, wife of Oebalus, to become mother to Spartans and Sabines alike. From Campania You set sail with Your son Evander up the River Tiber, showing him where to make land, and teaching him the songs by which to found Paletum. In Your sacred grove beneath the Palatine Hill You sang as Nicostrate the rites by which Hercules was to honor His Father Jupiter. There, too, You met with Dardanian Aeneas, singing for him the vision of Rome that his generations would found upon the Septimonium. There in Your sacred grove you sang to the infant twins as they were nurtured by a she-wolf.

    Roman · ritual

    Carmenta

    PraiseInvocation
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)

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27. 027

    Prayer to Bacchus and Liber

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 4.11-17; 31

    Bacchus they call you, and Bromius, and Lyaeus, born in fire, and Savior also, who alone was born of two mothers. Revered as a God in Nyseus, unshorn Thyoneus, joyful Lenaeus, the sower of grapes, Lord of Nocturnal Revelries, the Bullroarer, and by many more names, Liber, are You known among the Greeks. Adored for your eternal youth, a youth everlasting, you the most beautiful among the celestial Gods high above, to You are sacrifices made when You, without horns upon Your most virgin head, are near and lend us Your assistance. Arising victorious in the East, illuminating those distant lands faded in memory, to outermost India as far as the banks of the Ganges. Calm and mild, may you come to us.

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus, Liber

    InvocationPraise
    Augustan

    →
28. 028

    Prayer to Ceres

    VIRGIL · GEORGICS · 1.338-350

    Before all else, worship the Gods, and to great Ceres pay Her annual due upon the happy sward with sacrifice, at the utmost end of winter, when spring begins to smile. Then are the lambs fat, and the wines most mellow, then is sleep sweet, and dark the shadows fall upon the mountains. Let your rustic youth do obedience to Ceres, one and all; and for Her pleasure mix honeycombs in milk, and offer Liber's ripe produce. Thrice for luck around the young grain let the offerings travel, and all the choir, a joyful company, attend it, and with shouts bid Ceres come to be their house-mate. Let no man dare put sickle to ripened ears until, with woven oak his temples wreath, he foot the rugged dance and chant the lay.

    Roman · ritual

    Ceres

    InvocationDedicationPraise
    Augustan

    →
29. 029

    Prayer to Ceres and Libera

    CICERO · IN C. VERREM · II.5.187-188

    O Ceres and Libera, whose sacred worship is contained in the most important and most abstruse mysteries; You, by whom the principles of life and food, the examples of laws, customs, humanity, and refinement are said to have been given and distributed to nations and to cities; You, again and again I implore and appeal to, most holy Goddesses, who dwell around those lakes and groves of Enna, and who preside over all Sicily — You whose invention and gift of corn, which You have distributed over the whole earth, inspires all nations and all races of men with reverence for Your divine power.

    Roman · public

    Ceres, Libera

    InvocationPraise
    1st c. BC

    →
30. 030

    Prayer to Ceres

    M. HORATIUS PISCINUS · HARVEST PRAYER TO CERES (MODERN RECONSTRUCTION)

    O most holy Ceres, nurturing Mother, whose sacred womb gave birth to both Gods and men; You, Vervactor, who first yoked the oxen and placed the ploughshare to virgin soil; You, Reparator, who first prepared furrows in fallow land; You, Imporcitor, who first made wide our furrows; You, Insitor, who first cast Your bounty on the earth and taught the seed to grow; Obarator, Sarritor, Subruncinator, and You, Sterculinia, who first cared for crops; You, Flora, who make the grain to bear fruit; You, Messitor, who first set scythe to grain stalks; You, Convector, who first spread grain on the sacred harvest floor; You, Noduterentor, who first showed us how to thresh, and You, most holy Ceres, whose very breath separates the white chaff from the golden grain; You, Conditor and Tutilina, who guard the grain in storage; You, Promitor, who first milled the grain and distributed its flour for our daily bread; You, eternal savior, Ceres, lavishing Your bounty upon me and mine, to You, flaxen-haired Ceres, gladly I give thanks and praise, and, from the little I have, to You I willingly make an offering. Accept these, the first fruits of my fields. May my offering incline You more towards me. May You ever nourish me and mine with Your bounty, O most holy and nurturing Mother, gentle Ceres.

    Roman · ritual

    Ceres, Flora, Earth

    InvocationGratitudeDedicationPraise
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31. 031

    Prayer to Diana

    CATULLUS · CARMINA · 34

    Diana, in faith, we are pure girls and boys, allow us to sing to You. Diana, magnificent child of still greater Jove, whose mother Latona gave You birth in an olive grove on Delos. Lady of the Mountains who runs over hills and through dark forests, over the wild rough hill country and through the tall grass of hidden valleys, in mountain pastures cut by roaring streams. Women in the pain of childbirth call you Lucina. You are Trivia, goddess of witches. You are Luna, the luminous moon. Monthly is measured the progress of Your journey through the year while You fill the rustic homes of good farmers with the fruits of the earth. By whatsoever holy name it pleases You, from antiquity have You accepted our customary offerings, preserve in good faith the children of Romulus as ever You graced our ancestors.

    Roman · ritual

    Diana

    PraiseInvocationPetition
    1st c. BC

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32. 032

    Prayer to Diana and Apollo

    HORACE · CARMEN SAECULARE · 1-4; 13-16; 69-72

    O shining Phoebe and forest Diana, Lucidum, shining ornaments of the sky, ever gentle and refined, O sacred brows, give us what we pray for now. Gentle Moon, Ilithyia, Lucina, by whatever name you wish to be called, Gentalis, watch over mothers, may You give them gentle deliveries.

    Roman · ritual

    Diana, Apollo

    PetitionInvocationPraise
    Augustan

    →
33. 033

    Prayer to Apollo and Aesculapius

    QUINTUS SERENUS SAMMONICUS · LIBER MEDICINALIS · Praefatio

    Phoebus Apollo, bearer of health, for You we compose our song, and favorably promote Your discoveries. With Your healing arts, You lead life back when it is withdrawn from us and recall us from joining the Manes in Heaven. You who formerly dwelt in the temples of Aegea, Pergamum, and Epidaurum, and who drove off the Python from Your peaceful house at Delphi, sought a temple at Rome to Your glory, by expelling the foul presence of illness. Come to me now as each time You have fondly strengthen me when often You were called, and may You be present in all that is set out in this book.

    Roman · ritual

    Apollo, Aesculapius

    InvocationPetitionPraise
    2nd-3rd c. AD

    →
34. 034

    Hymn to Aphrodite

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 5

    Mousa, tell me the deeds of golden Aphrodite Kypria, who stirs up sweet passion in the gods and subdues the tribes of mortal men and birds that fly in air and all the many creatures that the dry land rears, and all the sea: all these love the deeds of rich-crowned Kythereia... Hail, goddess, queen of well-builded Kypros! With you have I begun; now I will turn me to another hymn.

    Greek · hymn

    Aphrodite

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

    →
35. 035

    Hymn to Dionysus and Semele

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 1

    Be favourable, O Insewn, Inspirer of frenzied women! We singers sing of you as we begin and as we end a strain, and none forgetting you may call holy song to mind. And so, farewell, Dionysos Insewn with your mother Semele whom men call Thyone.

    Greek · hymn

    Dionysus, Semele

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

    →
36. 036

    Hymn to Dionysus and Semele

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 7

    I sing of Dionysos, the son of glorious Semele... Hail, child of fair-faced Semele! He who forgets you can in no wise order sweet song.

    Greek · hymn

    Dionysus, Semele

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

    →
37. 037

    Hymn to Hera

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 12

    I sing of golden-throned Hera whom Rhea bare. Queen of the Immortals is she, surpassing all in beauty: she is the sister and wife of loud-thundering Zeus — the glorious one whom all the blessed throughout high Olympos reverence and honour even as Zeus who delights in thunder.

    Greek · hymn

    Hera, Zeus, Rhea

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

    →
38. 038

    Hymn to Hermes

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 4

    Mousa, sing of Hermes, the son of Zeus and Maia, lord of Kyllene and Arkadia rich in flocks, the luck-bringing, messenger of the gods whom Maia bare, the rich-tressed Nymphe, when she was joined in love with Zeus... Zeus commanded that glorious Hermes should be lord over all birds of omen and grim-eyed lions, and boars with gleaming tusks, and over dogs and all flocks that the wide earth nourishes, and over all sheep; also that he only should be the appointed messenger to Hades, who, though he takes no gift, shall give him no mean prize... He consorts with all mortals and immortals: a little he profits, but continually throughout the dark night he cozens the tribes of mortal men. And so, farewell, Son of Zeus and Maia; but I will remember you and another song also.

    Greek · hymn

    Hermes, Zeus, Maia

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

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39. 039

    Hymn to Hermes

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 18

    I sing of Hermes Kyllenios, Argeiphontes, lord of Kyllene and Arkadia rich in flocks, luck-bringing messenger of the deathless gods. He was born of Maia, the daughter of Atlas, when she had made love with Zeus — a shy goddess she. Ever she avoided the throng of the blessed gods and lived in a shadowy cave, and there Kronion used to lie with the rich-tressed Nymphe at dead of night, while white-armed Hera lay bound in sweet sleep: and neither deathless god nor mortal man knew it. And so hail to you, Son of Zeus and Maia; with you I have begun: now I will turn to another song! Hail, Hermes, giver of grace, guide, and giver of good things!

    Greek · hymn

    Hermes, Zeus, Maia

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

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40. 040

    Prayer to Ceres

    OVID · METAMORPHOSES · 5.341-343

    Ceres first turned the earth with the curved plough; she first gave corn and crops to bless the land; she first gave laws; all things are Ceres' gift. Of Ceres I must sing. Oh that my song may hymn the goddess' praise as she deserves, a goddess who deserved high hymns of praise.

    Roman · hymn

    Ceres

    InvocationPraise
    early 1st c. AD

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41. 041

    Hymn to Artemis and Apollo

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 9

    Mousa, sing of Artemis, sister of the far-shooter, Parthenos the virgin who delights in arrows, who was fostered with Apollon. She waters her horses from Meles deep in reeds, and swiftly drives her all-golden chariot through Smyrna to vine-clad Klaros where Apollon god of the silver bow, sits waiting for far-shooting delighter in arrows. And so hail to you, Artemis, in my song and to all goddesses as well. Of you first I sing and with you I begin; now that I have begun with you, I will turn to another song.

    Greek · hymn

    Artemis, Apollo

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

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42. 042

    Hymn to Asclepius and Apollo

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 16

    I begin to sing of Asklepios, son of Apollon and healer of sicknesses. In the Dotian plain fair Koronis, daughter of King Phlegyas, bare him, a great joy to men, a soother of cruel pangs. And so hail to you, lord: in my song I make my prayer to thee!

    Greek · hymn

    Asclepius, Apollo

    InvocationPraise
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)

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43. 043

    Prayer to Hera

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY (ADAPTED FROM ORPHIC) · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Ceremony for Luck — Hymn to Hera

    Hera, Queen of all, blissful wife of Zeus, air-formed and seated in dark blue bays, granting to mortals the gentle soul-nurturing breeze. All begetting, Mother of rain, tender of the winds. No living thing knows the complete nature of life without you, because you partake in everything merged with the sacred air. You alone dominate all and rule over everything. Blissful Goddess, renowned queen of all, may you come with goodwill to our solemn ceremony.

    Greek · ritual

    Hera

    InvocationPraise
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44. 044

    First Hymn to Telesphorus

    ANONYMOUS (INSCRIPTION FROM ATHENS) · INSCRIPTIONES GRAECAE II³ 4, 939 · ll. 19-29

    O young imperishable shoot […] Telesphoros, your excellences […] all-wise, [son?] of the god who looses pain […] […] deathless, grief-banishing […] the all-tongued races of mortals — raise them up out of their toils, you two,

    Greek · ritual

    Telesphorus, Asclepius

    InvocationPetitionPraise
    2nd-3rd c. AD

    →
45. 045

    Prayer to Hecate

    ANONYMOUS / ORPHIC TRADITION · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Full Moon Ceremony — Hymn to Hekate

    I praise Hekate of the crossroads; venerable Enodia, heavenly, khthonian and of the sea; saffron-robed, of the grave, entwined in Bakkhic revelries with the souls of the dead; Perseia, the lonely, rejoicing with the deer; nocturnal, invincible queen, accompanied by dogs and the shrieking of beasts; she of the irresistible countenance, armoured, bull-drawn, key-bearing queen of all the world; ruler, nymph, nurturer, you who frequent the mountains, I plead with you, Maiden, attend this holy ceremony with joyful disposition and good intent towards the worshippers.

    Greek · ritual

    Hecate

    InvocationPraise
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46. 046

    Prayer to Mercury

    MANILIUS · ASTRONOMICON · 1.30ff

    Mercurius Cyllenius, principle author of all sacred knowledge, at times within Heaven, at other times travelling within the starry signs to open the celestial paths to the highest parts above and the lowest paths beneath the earth. You stitch together the stars in the empty void of space into constellations, name them and determine their course; may it have been for us to reverently use the greater powers of the universe that You make.

    Roman · literary

    Mercury

    InvocationPraise
    Augustan

    →
47. 047

    Prayer to Perfidia

    PLAUTUS · ASINARIA · 545-546

    Praise and thanks we ought justly to give to the great god of treachery, Mercurius, for surely there is no end in sight to our own slanderous ways, our deceitfulness or our slyness.

    Roman · literary

    Perfidia

    GratitudePraise
    2nd c. BC

    →
48. 048

    Prayer to Neptune

    PLAUTUS · TRINUMMUS · 819-830

    O Neptunus, brother of Jove and Nereus, heartily and gladly I give you praise and grateful thanks. And to you, Neptunus, before all other gods I offer and accord you the highest thanks. I give you praise, for you know how to treat men fairly; this befits the gods.

    Roman · literary

    Neptune

    GratitudePraise
    2nd c. BC

    →
49. 049

    Prayer to Vesta

    OVID · FASTI · 6.249-250

    Vesta favor me. To You now our voices lift in praise as by this rite it is allowed that we may approach You.

    Roman · ritual

    Vesta

    PetitionPraise
    Augustan

    →
50. 050

    Prayer to Hercules

    PROPERTIUS · ELEGIAE · 4.9.71-74

    Because Your hands have purified the Earth, the Sabines of Cures called You Sancus, The Holy One. Hail Father Sancus, whom austere Juno now favors. O Sancus, may You wish to be with me and Your spirit be in my books.

    Roman · literary

    Hercules

    PraisePetition
    Augustan

    →
51. 051

    Prayer to Hercules

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 8.301-302

    Hail, Hercules, true son of Jove, an added Glory for the Gods are you. Come now, and dance at your holy rites with skillful feet.

    Roman · literary

    Hercules

    InvocationPraise
    Augustan

    →
52. 052

    Prayer to Bacchus

    VIRGIL · GEORGICS · 2.2-8

    Now shall I sing of you, Bacchus. Without you there would be no woodland or thicket, or slow growing olive grove. Come hither, O Lenaean Father, all things here beckon to be nurtured by your many gifts, the autumn vineshoots laden the countryside with blossoms, the vintage grape harvest foams plentiful to the lips of the wine vats. Hasten, O Lenaean Father, come and, stripped down, tinge your naked feet in new wine must with me.

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus

    InvocationPraise
    Augustan

    →
53. 053

    Prayer to Ceres

    OVID · AMORES · 3.10.3-14; 43-48

    Flaxen-haired Ceres, Your fine tresses wreathed with ears of wheat, why must your sacred rites inhibit our pleasures? Goddess, people everywhere praise your munificence. No other goddess so lavishes men and women with everything good. In earlier times the uncouth peasant never roasted grains of wheat, never knew a threshing floor, but oak trees, those first oracles, provided them with gruel. Acorns, tender roots and herbs made their meal then. Ceres first taught seeds to ripen in the fields, taught how to follow Her with scythe against their golden hair, first broke the oxen to yoke and reveal the fertile earth beneath its curved blade.

    Roman · literary

    Ceres

    PraisePetition
    Augustan

    →
54. 054

    Prayer to Ceres

    VIRGIL · GEORGICS · 1.7-12

    Liber and gentle Ceres, if by your gifts the earth once changed, exchanging Chaonian acorns for rich heads of grain, and receiving your invention of wine from Acheloian cups, and you Fauns, your divine presence an aid for rustics, bring dancing feet, as when Dryad girls frolic with Fauns, of your gifts I sing.

    Roman · literary

    Ceres, Bacchus, the Fauns

    InvocationPraise
    Augustan

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55. 055

    Prayer to Diana

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · CIL X 3796

    Resident of Tifata, Glorious Virgin of hunters, in this place, Daughter of Latona, was Your temple established, renowned by the whole of mankind, Dweller of the Forest, and here as well, an unending praise of life for You who preserves honor.

    Roman · personal

    Diana

    PraiseDedication
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56. 056

    Prayer to Diana

    GRATTIUS FALISCUS · CYNEGETICA · 1-2

    I sing in thanks for the gifts of the Gods, and for those gifts, O Diana, which are under Your auspices, for those skills in which hunters delight.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    GratitudePraise
    Augustan

    →
57. 057

    Prayer to Diana

    HORACE · CARMINA · 1.21.1; 5-8

    Tender virgins recite their prayers to You, Diana, You who delight in dark rivers and quivering forest foliage, wherever You may be, atop the chilly height of Algidus, or in the Erymanthic woods, or verdant Cragus.

    Roman · literary

    Diana

    InvocationPraise
    Augustan

    →
58. 058

    Prayer to Diana and Venus

    LAEVIUS · CARMINA · fr. 26; p. 292

    Therefore adoring You as though You were nurturing Venus Herself, whether You are female, or whether You are male, even so, Illuminating the Night, You are a nurturing Moon.

    Roman · literary

    Diana, Venus

    PraiseInvocation
    2nd-1st c. BC

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59. 059

    Prayer to Sol and Apollo

    CLAUDIUS CLAUDIANUS · IN OLYBII ET PROBINI FRATRES CONSULES PANEGYRICUS · 1-7

    O Sol, whose light embraces the world, you orbit inexhaustible, forever returning, your face glowing on each day, your horses harnessed as a team to drive your chariot, with manes braided pleasantly they rise high, passing over rose-red clouds as you rein their frothing fires. Already yet another year begins, measured by the footsteps of brothers, who as new consuls gladly offer their prayers and vows.

    Roman · public

    Sol, Apollo

    InvocationPraise
    4th-5th c. AD

    →
60. 060

    Prayer to Apollo

    MARTIAL · EPIGRAMMATA · 9.42

    May Myrina's richness ever You hold, Apollo, thus always the swan song, too, may You enjoy, may the well versed sisters ever serve You, the Delphic Pythia ever reveal any of Your oracles, may the Palatia ever love and revere You. Were You ever to ask, and Caesar grant, that he should invest Stella with consular powers, then gladly would I by vow become indebted to You.

    Roman · literary

    Apollo

    PetitionPraise
    1st c. AD

    →
61. 061

    Prayer to Apollo

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 2.5.1-4; 122-123

    Give your favour, Phoebus, to a new priest who enters your temple. Be gracious, and with songs and lyre, come! When your fingers pluck the chords, and you give voice to song, I pray you may inspire my words into your praises. May your hair be ever flowing, Phoebus; may your sister be forever chaste.

    Roman · literary

    Apollo

    PetitionInvocationPraise
    1st c. BC

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62. 062

    Prayer to Bacchus

    GRATTIUS · CYNEGETICA · 475-476

    Liber expels light cares from the heart, Liber brings soothing relief from distress. Liber expels pains from the chest, Liber bears medicine to soothe a fever.

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus

    Praise
    Augustan

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63. 063

    Prayer to Bacchus

    HORACE · CARMINA · 3.25.18-20

    In spring, O Lenaeus Bacchus, I follow You, a god wreathed with ivy.

    Roman · literary

    Bacchus

    PraiseInvocation
    Augustan

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