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All Prayers

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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 Hephaestus and Athena

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 20

    Sing, clear-voiced Mousa, of Hephaistos famed for inventions. With bright-eyed Athene he taught men glorious crafts throughout the world — men who before used to dwell in caves in the mountains like wild beasts. But now that they have learned crafts through Hephaistos the famed worker, easily they live a peaceful life in their own houses the whole year round. Be gracious, Hephaistos, and grant me success and prosperity!

    Greek · hymn
    Hephaestus, Athena
    InvocationPetition
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)
    →
  2. 002

    Hymn to Hestia

    ANONYMOUS (HOMERIC CORPUS) · HOMERIC HYMNS · 29

    Hestia, in the high dwellings of all... you have gained an everlasting abode and highest honour: glorious is your portion and your right. For without you mortals hold no banquet... And you, Argeiphontes, Son of Zeus and Maia, messenger of the blessed gods, bearer of the golden rod, giver of good, be favourable and help us, you and Hestia, the worshipful and dear. Come and dwell in this glorious house in friendship together; for you two, well knowing the noble actions of men, aid on their wisdom and their strength. Hail, Daughter of Kronos, and you also, Hermes Khrysorrapis! Now I will remember you and another song also.

    Greek · hymn
    Hestia, Hermes, Zeus, Maia, Cronus
    InvocationPetition
    archaic Greek (7th-4th c. BC)
    →
  3. 003

    Hymn to Aphrodite

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 55

    Ourania, illustrious, laughter-loving queen, sea-born, night-loving, of awful mien; crafty, from whom Ananke first came, producing, nightly, all-connecting dame. 'Tis thine the world with harmony to join, for all things spring from thee, O power divine. The triple Moirai are ruled by thy decree, and all productions yield alike to thee: whatever the heavens, encircling all, contain, earth fruit-producing, and the stormy main, thy sway confesses, and obeys thy nod, awful attendant of Bakkhos God. Goddess of marriage, charming to the sight, mother of the Erotes, whom banquetings delight; source of Peitho, secret, favouring queen, illustrious born, apparent and unseen; spousal Lukaina, and to men inclined, prolific, most-desired, life-giving, kind. Great sceptre-bearer of the Gods, 'tis thine mortals in necessary bands to join; and every tribe of savage monsters dire in magic chains to bind through mad desire. Come, Kyprogenes, and to my prayer incline, whether exalted in the heavens you shine, or pleased in odorous Syria to preside, or over the Aigyptian plains thy care to guide, fashioned of gold; and near its sacred flood, fertile and famed, to fix thy blest abode; or if rejoicing in the azure shores, near where the sea with foaming billows roars, the circling choirs of mortals thy delight, or beauteous Nymphai with eyes cerulean bright, pleased by the sandy banks renowned of old, to drive thy rapid two-yoked car of gold; or if in Kypros thy famed mother fair, where Nymphai unmarried praise thee every year, the loveliest Nymphai, who in the chorus join, Adonis pure to sing, and thee divine. Come, all-attractive, to my prayer inclined, for thee I call, with holy, reverent mind.

    Greek · hymn
    Aphrodite, Eros, Peitho, Adonis, the Moirai, Ananke, the Nymphs
    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)
    →
  4. 004

    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
    →
  5. 005

    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
    →
  6. 006

    Hymn to Prothyraea

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 2

    O venerable Goddess, hear my prayer, for labour pains are thy peculiar care. In thee, when stretched upon the bed of grief, the sex, as in a mirror, view relief. Guard of the race, endued with gentle mind, to helpless youth benevolent and kind; benignant nourisher; great nature's key belongs to no divinity but thee. Thou dwellest with all immanifest to sight, and solemn festivals are thy delight. Thine is the task to loose the virgin's zone and thou in every work art seen and known. With births you sympathise, though pleased to see the numerous offspring of fertility. When racked with labour pangs, and sore distressed the sex invoke thee, as the soul's sure rest; for thou Eileithyia alone canst give relief to pain, which art attempts to ease, but tries in vain. Artemis Eileithyia, venerable power, who bringest relief in labour's dreadful hour; hear, Prothyraia and make the infant race thy constant care.

    Greek · hymn
    Prothyraea, Artemis, Eileithyia
    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)
    →
  7. 007

    Prayer to Venus Verticordia and Fortuna Virilis

    OVID · FASTI · 4.133-162

    Duly do you worship the goddess, you Latin mothers and brides, and you too who wear not the fillets and long robe. Take off the golden necklaces from the marble neck of the goddess; take off her gauds; the goddess must be washed from top to toe. Then dry her neck and restore to it her golden necklaces; now give her other flowers, now give her the fresh-blown rose. You too she herself bids bathe under the green myrtle, and there is a certain reason for her command; learn what it is. Naked, she was drying on the shore her oozy locks, when the satyrs, a wanton crew, espied the goddess. She perceived it, and screened her body by myrtle interposed: that done, she was safe, and she bids you do the same. Learn now why you give incense to Virile Fortune in the place which reeks of warm water. All women strip when they enter that place, and every blemish on the naked body is plain to see; Virile Fortune undertakes to conceal the blemish and to hide it from the men, and this she does for the consideration of a little incense. Nor grudge to take poppy pounded with snowy milk and liquid honey squeezed from the comb; when Venus was first escorted to her eager spouse, she drank that draught: from that time she was a bride. Propitiate her with supplications; beauty and virtue and good fame are in her keeping. In the time of our forefathers Rome had fallen from a state of chastity, and the ancients consulted the old woman of Cumae. She ordered a temple to be built to Venus, and when that was duly done, Venus took the name of Changer of the Heart from the event. Fairest of goddesses, ever behold the sons of Aeneas with look benign, and guard your offspring's numerous wives.

    Roman · ritual
    Venus Verticordia, Fortuna Virilis
    InvocationPetition
    early 1st c. AD
    →
  8. 008

    Prayer to the ancestors

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Triakas — Prayer to the Ancestors

    I honour the Venerable Ancestors with my prayers. O' Glorious Founding Fathers, I invoke your illustrious name. It is through you that we have seen our Sacred earth, it is you who guide us as we follow the road of Honour and Virtue. May we be worthy of the glory of your generations. To hold unfadingly your living memory with great Fortitude! I pour libations in memory of you, strengthening, with this wine, our sacred bond! May you always be a support and a solid foundation to our household, O' Immortal Ancestral Souls!

    Greek · ritual
    GratitudeInvocationDedication
    →
  9. 009

    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
    →
  10. 010

    Prayer to Artemis and the Moirai

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Wedding Ceremony — Prayer to Artemis and the Moirae

    I call You, O' royal Artemis, illustrious daughter of Zeus, modest maid, of the brave heart, nurturer, protectress of young children, and Moirae, friendly children of Nyx, come to me who prays, You who are clad in purple, You are the authorities of good order, perfect eye of Zeus. Lakhesis, Klotho and Atropos, only You see the whole of mortal life. Hear my prayers, accept these holy libations, grant a bright and thriving life, full of merriment.

    Greek · ritual
    Artemis, the Moirai
    PetitionInvocation
    →
  11. 011

    Prayer to Demeter

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Namegiving Ceremony — Hymn to Demetra Kourotrophos

    O' Dio, mother of all, illustrious Goddess, venerable Demetra, You who nurtures the children and grants peace, wealth and happiness. Much-desired beloved Goddess, who takes care of all people. Affectionate, child-nurturer; You who holds the newborn children in your arms; blow sweetly on my child, granting the virtues of the soul to him/her and the beauty of nature.

    Greek · ritual
    Demeter
    PetitionInvocation
    →
  12. 012

    Prayer to Gaia

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Eniausia — first anniversary — Prayer to Gaia

    Goddess Gaia, mother of all Gods and mortals. All-nurturing, all-giving, all-fulfilling, seat of the undying world. Immortal, venerable, multi-formed maiden, many flowered Goddess of the happy fate. O' Goddess Gaia, we have come to give thanks, for the hospitality you extend to the body of [name of deceased].

    Greek · ritual
    Gaia
    GratitudeInvocation
    →
  13. 013

    Prayer to Hermes

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Burial Ceremony — Hymn to Hermes Khthonios

    O' Hermes who dwells on Kokytos' necessary path of no return, who guides the souls of mortals to Hades. Child of Dionysos, the Bacchic dancer, and, the Kore from Paphos, Aphrodite of the curving lashes. You who serves in the holy house of Persephone, as a guide to the ill-fated souls of the earth, with whom you descend at the fateful hour. Bearer of the sacred staff of sleep, who brings rest to everything, and again, in turn, awakens those who slumber, for, to you, the goddess Persephone has granted the honour of guiding human souls in their relentless and eternal march into wide Tartarus. O' God, may you guide with your staff the soul of [name of deceased], who is a child of Ouranos and Gaia, guide them to the Elysian Fields, the pure place with wondrous light, and filled with joyful voices and dance, with hushed sacred sounds and holy images.

    Greek · ritual
    Hermes
    InvocationPetition
    →
  14. 014

    Prayer to Peitho

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Wedding Ceremony — Prayer to Peitho

    Sweet renowned Peitho, Beneficence and grace to mortals, Your word is of the greatest sanctity, it is to You, O' Goddess, that we open our hearts. I pray that our journey in life be prosperous, with love and mutual commitment, that we may not consider anything more important or equal to our Love, and as Love joins and makes everything into one, may it join our lives, our minds and our souls.

    Greek · ritual
    Peitho
    PetitionInvocation
    →
  15. 015

    Prayer to Zeus and Hera

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Wedding Ceremony — Prayer to Zeus and Hera

    I invoke the Great, the Pure, the Imperishable, the Much-honoured, Father of the Blessed gods and of men; Greatest Zeus and Hera, Queen of all, Blessed wife of Zeus, Mistress of Matrimony, well-disposed Mother. Come to us and grant to the newly-weds, health and nurturing peace, a life of mirth and well-being — a life of mutual dedication.

    Greek · ritual
    Zeus, Hera
    PetitionInvocation
    →
  16. 016

    Prayer to the Agathos Daimon

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Ceremony for the Sacred Days — Prayer to Agathodaimon

    I address myself to You, O' Bountiful guardian of our Household who determines the fortune of people. You who are at the centre of our home, bringer of wealth, vigilant counsel of mortals. Fertile, gentle god, companion of Agathe Tyche, mighty foundation of happiness. To You, I raise my cup, pouring a sacred libation. May You, the footprint of the Immortals on earth, be the mentor of our Household. That prosperity, good fortune and wealth never be absent from our home. Welcome Agathodaimon, companion to Zeus Ktesios.

    Greek · ritual
    the Agathos Daimon
    InvocationPetitionDedication
    →
  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
    →
  18. 018

    Prayer to the Lares

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 1.1.19-24

    Lares, and you gods also, who earlier made our household fruitful and fortunate, may you guard and bless the little that remains today on our farm. Lares, accept what your kindred present to you. For you a lamb shall be offered when around your altar you'll hear rustic boys shouting, 'Io! Give us fine harvests and fruitful vines!'

    Roman · personal
    the Lares
    PetitionDedication
    1st c. BC
    →
  19. 019

    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
    →
  20. 020

    Prayer to the Manes

    OVID · FASTI · 5.435-443

    After he has cleansed his hands with pure fountain water, he takes up the black beans in his mouth and turns, casting them back over his shoulder as he says, 'This I send to you, Manes, with these beans I redeem me and mine.' When nine times he has said this, then he says, 'Manes of my forefathers, leave this place.'

    Roman · ritual
    the Manes
    Protection
    Augustan
    →
  21. 021

    Prayer to the Manes

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · CIL VI 18817

    Whole-heartedly I pray to you, most holy Manes, may you admit my dear husband among you, and, may you want to be most indulging in this, that in the hours of the night I may see him and also be advised by him on what to do, in order that I may be able to swiftly and sweetly come stand by his side.

    Roman · personal
    the Manes
    Petition
    →
  22. 022

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · childbirth prayer

    Grant her the strength, Carmentis, to whom I ask, to whom I pray; extend your assistance to her. Bring with you every herb for ending pain, and soothing songs to sing over her; from across the ocean, from distant shores, bear such herbs as will cure her most severe ills, or whatever else she may most fear. Rack this girl no longer with pain, nor cruelly delay her birthing.

    Roman · personal
    Carmenta
    PetitionInvocation
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)
    →
  23. 023

    Prayer to Janus

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 134

    Father Janus, to You I pray with good prayers, offering You this pile of cakes, so that You might willingly be favorable to me and my children, to my home and household. Father Janus, for the same reasons given in the good prayers I prayed while offering You piled cakes, may You accept and be honored by this portion of wine I pour.

    Roman · ritual
    Janus
    PetitionDedication
    2nd c. BC
    →
  24. 024

    Prayer to Juno

    APULEIUS · METAMORPHOSES · 6.4

    O spouse and sister of Mighty Jupiter, whether You are worshipped and adored in the public rites of the temples of Samos, or whether You are called upon singularly by women in their tearful moment of giving birth, Your glory is nourished. Famous among the Argives whose walls You defend, You who all the east venerates as Life-giving Zygia, who all the west names Lucina, may You be an advocate for me against my utter downfall, Juno Sospita, and endure until the end in all my weary labors, exhausted as I am, deliver me from imminent peril and free me from my fears, for I know You are accustomed to come of Your own accord to the assistance of such women who are pregnant and in danger.

    Roman · literary
    Juno
    PetitionInvocation
    2nd c. AD
    →
  25. 025

    Prayer to Mother Earth

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · VI.9204

    Mother Earth, indeed to You I pray, settle lightly on these bones, as she knew that piety is the reward of she who merits it, and whoever sincerely stands out in performing her own pious duties may be carried on that happy path to the Gods above.

    Roman · personal
    Mother Earth
    Petition
    →
  26. 026

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · healing prayer

    Draw near, Carmentis, and expel the illness from this tender girl. Come quickly, Carmentis. Believe me, never shall You regret at having laid Your healing hand upon this comely girl. Do not allow her form to languish pale and thin, nor disfiguring hue to mark her feeble limbs, and whatever ill has come upon her, whatever dread things we fear, may the rushing river-waters carry them away to the sea. Come, Holy Mother, and bring with You soothing herbs and healing songs as will ease her wearied body.

    Roman · ritual
    Carmenta
    PetitionInvocation
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)
    →
  27. 027

    Prayer to Ceres

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 134

    Ceres Mater, to You I pray with good prayers, offering You this pile of cakes, so that You might willing be favorable to me and my children, to my home and household. Ceres Mater, for the same reasons given in the good prayers I prayed while offering You piled cakes, may You accept and be honored by this portion of wine I pour.

    Roman · ritual
    Ceres, Janus, Jupiter, Juno
    PetitionDedication
    2nd c. BC
    →
  28. 028

    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
    →
  29. 029

    Prayer to Diana

    HORACE · CARMINA · 3.22.1-8

    Guardian of hills and forest groves, Virgin, whom young mothers thrice invoke at childbirth, listen and deliver them from death. Triple goddess, to You I dedicate this pine tree that now overhangs my villa and each year the blood of a wild boar, who ponders an oblique thrust, I will gladly give to its roots as drink.

    Roman · personal
    Diana
    InvocationDedicationPetition
    Augustan
    →
  30. 030

    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
    →
  31. 031

    Prayer to Diana and Eileithyia

    OVID · AMORES · 2.13.19-26

    Ilithyia, You who are compassionate towards women in labor, who suffer with great pains in their womb, their bodies strained in slow birth of the hidden child, gently attend to her, Ilithyia, and favor my prayers. She is worthy of Your aid, reward her with life, I will myself, dressed in pure white robes offer frankincense upon Your altar, I will myself carry votive gifts to lay at Your feet. And to Your altar's inscription I shall add, 'By Naso, for Corinna saved.' Act in this manner, and receive the legend inscribed and the gifts in Your sanctuary.

    Roman · personal
    Diana, Eileithyia
    PetitionDedication
    Augustan
    →
  32. 032

    Prayer to Diana

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 9.608-635

    Virgin Goddess of the sacred groves, whose unkind banners and fierce battle cries I follow, scorning my sex in a manner unlike the Greeks. If ever did I not boldly enter Bacchic revelries of the night, and even after I married, though my virgin purity was soiled, in my heart of hearts I remained a virgin huntress. I took no care to hide my fault from You in some secret cave, but held out my son to You, confessed my shame and trembling laid him at Your feet. He was not of degenerate blood, not weak or mild, but straightaway he crawled to my bow and as a babe cried for my arrow. For him I pray — whose fate causes me these restless nights and threatening dreams — for him, who now audaciously goes too boldly off to war, I pray to You that I may see him victorious, or, if I pray for too much, grant at least that I may see him once more. I pray, merciful Dictynna, by Your mother's labors and Your brother's glory, with all Your arrows pierce deeply this unhappy womb, and let him first hear of his wretched mother's death.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    PetitionOath
    1st c. AD
    →
  33. 033

    Prayer to Diana

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 11.557-560

    Gracious Diana, virgin daughter of Latona, who inhabits sacred groves and nurtures woodlands, I, her father, vow this child into service as Your handmaiden. Holding Your weapons before all others, Your suppliant flees on the wind from the enemy. Bear witness to my vow, I pray, O Goddess, and accept her as Your own, whom I now commit to a precarious breeze.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    DedicationOath
    Augustan
    →
  34. 034

    Prayer to Diana

    VIRGIL · ECLOGUES · 4.8-10

    Only do You, at the boy's birth, in whom a golden race now arises the world over, and the men of iron first begin to pass away, You alone favor him, chaste Lucina; indeed Your own Apollo reigns.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan
    →
  35. 035

    Prayer to Apollo

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 3.10.1-10; 25-26

    Draw near, Apollo, and expel the illness from this tender girl, come, draw near. Phoebus of flowing hair unshorn, hear me and hasten. If, Phoebus, You apply Your healing hand to her, You will not regret saving her. Allow not that she should waste away emaciated, or that her color should wane to pallor, or that her limbs should lose their strength, and do not wait until her white limbs turn to a hideous color. Whatsoever this illness may be, whatever sorrow we may fear it will bring, carry it off with the waters of a swift running stream to the seas. Holy one, come! And bring with You all Your delicacies, all Your songs, and all else that will soothe the sick.

    Roman · personal
    Apollo
    PetitionProtection
    1st c. BC
    →
  36. 036

    Prayer to Apollo

    VIRGIL · AENEID · 3.85-89

    Grant us our own, Lord of Thymbra, grant the tired and worn, and their children, a city behind defensive walls in a tamed land. Safeguard a new Troy, built by those Trojan sons who escaped the Greeks and severe Achilles. Who now must I follow? Where do you urge me to go? Grant, Father, a sign, and flow into our souls.

    Roman · literary
    Apollo
    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan
    →
  37. 037

    Prayer to Eileithyia and Athena

    ARISTOPHANES · LYSISTRATA · 742 ff

    Oh! goddess divine, Eileithyia, patroness of women in labour, stay, stay the birth, till I have reached a spot less hallowed than Athene's mount!

    Greek · personal
    Eileithyia, Athena
    Petition
    5th-4th c. BC
    →
  38. 038

    Prayer to Eileithyia

    CALLIMACHUS · EPIGRAMS (GREEK ANTHOLOGY 6.146) · 54

    Eileithyia, come thou when Kykainis calls, to bless her pains with easy birth.

    Greek · personal
    Eileithyia
    Petition
    3rd c. BC
    →
  39. 039

    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)
    →
  40. 040

    Hymn to Hera and Zeus

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 16

    O royal Hera, of majestic mien, aerial-formed, divine, Zeus' blessed queen, throned in the bosom of cerulean air, the race of mortals is thy constant care. The cooling gales thy power alone inspires, which nourish life, which every life desires. Mother of showers and winds, from thee alone, producing all things, mortal life is known: all natures share thy temperament divine, and universal sway alone is thine, with sounding blasts of wind, the swelling sea and rolling rivers roar when shook by thee. Come, blessed Goddess, famed almighty queen, with aspect kind, rejoicing and serene.

    Greek · hymn
    Hera, Zeus
    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)
    →
  41. 041

    Hymn to Artemis

    ANONYMOUS (ORPHIC CORPUS) · ORPHIC HYMNS · 36

    Hear me, Zeus' daughter, celebrated queen, Bromia and Titanis, of a noble mien: in darts rejoicing, and on all to shine, torch-bearing Goddess, Diktynna divine. Over births presiding, and thyself a maid, to labour pangs imparting ready aid: dissolver of the zone, and wrinkled care, fierce huntress, glorying in the sylvan war: swift in the course, in dreadful arrows skilled, wandering by night, rejoicing in the field: of manly form, erect, of bounteous mind, illustrious Daimon, nurse of humankind: immortal, earthly, bane of monsters fell, 'tis thine, blest maid, on woody mounts to dwell: foe of the stag, whom woods and dogs delight, in endless youth you flourish fair and bright. O universal queen, august, divine, a various form, Kydonian power, is thine. Dread guardian Goddess, with benignant mind, auspicious come, to mystic rites inclined; give earth a store of beauteous fruits to bear, send gentle peace, and health with lovely hair, and to the mountains drive disease and care.

    Greek · hymn
    Artemis
    InvocationPetition
    Hellenistic to Roman imperial (3rd c. BC – 2nd c. AD)
    →
  42. 042

    Prayer to Mars

    SILIUS ITALICUS · PUNICA · 3.126-127

    But You, O Mars, Father of Warfare, have pity on us, turn evil aside from us and preserve my husband's life as inviolable to all Trojan assaults.

    Roman · personal
    Mars
    PetitionProtection
    late 1st c. AD
    →
  43. 043

    Prayer to Apollo

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Wedding Ceremony — Prayer to Apollon

    I remember and do not forget Apollon Hekateios. Come, O' Blessed Paian, bright Phoibos, IE IE, bestower of bliss, Thou who sees the expanse of the sky and the happy earth from up high. From ages past, it is a sacred tradition to invoke You. Come to me who prays and disperse dread disease and suffering.

    Greek · ritual
    Apollo
    InvocationPetition
    →
  44. 044

    Prayer at a child's naming

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Namegiving Ceremony — Prayer

    O' Immortal Gods, I call upon you to come with good disposition and to grant to [child name] a blissful life, a life of pleasure and a life of virtue guided by reason, nature and ethos. Honoured Ancestors, help this child to continue your name and your deeds. May the Gods ever Protect and Sustain [child name].

    Greek · ritual
    PetitionDedication
    →
  45. 045

    Prayer to Persephone

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Burial Ceremony — Farewell to the Deceased

    Farewell, beloved [name of deceased], you will be in our memories throughout this life. We shall commemorate and honour you as you deserve. Mighty Persephone, receive [name of deceased], all that is beautiful flows unto you. Beloved [name of deceased], may your memory be everlasting.

    Greek · ritual
    Persephone
    Dedication
    →
  46. 046

    Prayer to Hecate

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Enata — 9th day ceremony — Prayer to Hekate

    I call upon Hekate Khthonia, the saffron-robed, who cares for the souls of the dead. Queen and key-bearer of the whole world. Khaire Hekate Prothyraia, Almighty Maiden Ênodia, O' Goddess, may you lead the soul of [name of the deceased] on the illuminated paths of the Gods.

    Greek · ritual
    Hecate
    PetitionInvocation
    →
  47. 047

    Prayer to Plouton

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Burial Ceremony — Prayer to Plouton

    O' Plouton, who holds the keys to the earth, Zeus Khthonios, wielder of the sceptre. You who reigns over mortals through death. You alone award deeds, revealed and unrevealed, You who exults in the sacred venerations. I call on You to benevolently receive [name of deceased] in your domain.

    Greek · ritual
    Plouton
    PetitionInvocation
    →
  48. 048

    Prayer to Helios and Hecate

    SOPHOCLES (ADAPTED) · RHIZOTOMOI (LOST) · Triakas Ceremony — Invocation of Helios and Hekate

    Lord Helios, sacred fire, O' spear of Enodia, which She wields as She journeys to Olympos and while travelling amongst the sacred crossroads of the Earth. She who is crowned with oaken wreaths and coils of serpents, bless on this last day of the month the offerings which I am about to prepare for the venerable ancestors and keep all evil away from us.

    Greek · ritual
    Helios, Hecate
    InvocationPetitionProtection
    5th c. BC (Sophocles) — adapted
    →
  49. 049

    Prayer to Hermes

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Noumenia — Ode to Hermes

    Heed my prayer, Hermes of the roads, Zeus' Messenger, You who has an almighty heart, dear friend of mortals. With this modest libation, I evoke Thee to come as Protector of this Oikos and our land, swift-footed Messenger of the Will of the Gods!

    Greek · ritual
    Hermes
    InvocationPetition
    →
  50. 050

    Prayer to Zeus

    LABRYS POLYTHEISTIC COMMUNITY · HELLENIC POLYTHEISM: HOUSEHOLD WORSHIP · Noumenia — Hymn to Zeus

    O' Zeus, Father Zeus, You are the power in the heavens, You who judges the deeds of men to be lawful or devious, and dispenses justice upon hubristic beasts. Come, O' Blessed Ktesios and Erkeios, benevolent, comforting and bearing wealth with Agathodaimon.

    Greek · ritual
    Zeus
    InvocationPetition
    →
  51. 051

    Prayer to Jupiter

    CATO · DE AGRICULTURA · 132

    Jupiter Dapalis, it is a tradition in my family that a cup of wine be offered to You in thanksgiving for the sacred feast. For this reason may You accept this feast offering. Jupiter Dapalis, may You be strengthened by this feast, may You be warmed by this small portion of our wine that I offer.

    Roman · ritual
    Jupiter
    DedicationGratitude
    2nd c. BC
    →
  52. 052

    Prayer to the Lares

    ENNIUS · ANNALES · I fr. 141

    And you Lares, care for our house that you established.

    Roman · personal
    the Lares
    Petition
    3rd-2nd c. BC
    →
  53. 053

    Prayer to the Penates

    PLAUTUS · MERCATOR · 834-835

    Divine Penates of our ancestors, to you I commend the good fortune of my parents, and to you, Spiritual Father of our family, that you safeguard them well.

    Roman · personal
    the Penates
    PetitionDedication
    2nd c. BC
    →
  54. 054

    Prayer to Silvanus

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · III.5561

    Happiness dwells in here, where nothing evil may enter.

    Roman · personal
    Silvanus
    Protection
    →
  55. 055

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · popana offering

    In You, dearest Mother, in Your hands we place our safekeeping. Carmentis, in offering to You this cake of cheese I pray good prayers in order that, pleased with this offering of popana cake, You may be favorable towards our children and to us, towards our homes and our households.

    Roman · ritual
    Carmenta
    DedicationPetition
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)
    →
  56. 056

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · matrons' prayer

    Accept, O Carmentis, this offering of incense. Cheerfully have Your daughters come to adorn Your shrine of matrons. Come, most venerable Goddess, appear in flowing robes and nod Your assent to the milk that is poured in your honor and the cakes piled high to await you. Bring with You every soothing song to sing; every charm to bring peace and solace. Across the seas, from distant shores, bear with You the words by which we may praise the Gods. O most merciful Mother, we pray for a blessing from Your generous and temperate right hand.

    Roman · public
    Carmenta
    InvocationPetition
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)
    →
  57. 057

    Prayer to Hercules

    NUMISIA AFRODITE · CIL · CIL VI 286

    I, Numisia Afrodite, gave this gift to Hercules on behalf of my son and family.

    Roman · personal
    Hercules
    Dedication
    →
  58. 058

    Alcmena's oath

    PLAUTUS · AMPHITRYON · 831-834

    By the Highest Gods ruling in the heavens, by Juno, too, She whom most of all I fear and venerate, I swear that no mortal man has ever come near enough to touch me or in any way impugn upon my chastity or has given me cause for shame.

    Roman · literary
    Juno
    Oath
    2nd c. BC
    →
  59. 059

    Prayer to Mother Earth and the Manes

    ANONYMOUS · CARMINA LATINA EPIGRAPHICA · II.1029.5-6

    Now, Manes, I call you to witness, on these bones I leave behind, may the earth put atop them lie gently.

    Roman · personal
    Mother Earth, the Manes
    Petition
    →
  60. 060

    Prayer to the Manes

    ANONYMOUS · CARMINA LATINA EPIGRAPHICA · II.1147.3-4

    Now if virtue is rewarded among the Manes, within the changeable shadows, then I pray that the Mother may give honor and gratitude to you.

    Roman · personal
    the Manes
    Petition
    →
  61. 061

    Prayer to Mother Earth

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · III.1760

    To You I pray, Mother Earth, may You settle lightly on her remains, she who knew the reward of piety and merits it.

    Roman · personal
    Mother Earth
    Petition
    →
  62. 062

    Prayer to Earth

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · VI.18149

    Goddess Tellus, I pray, may You eternally embrace the holy remains of those named on this tombstone.

    Roman · personal
    Earth
    Petition
    →
  63. 063

    Prayer to Mother Earth

    ANONYMOUS · CIL · VIII.9473

    Fertile Terra, I pray, You may settle lightly on these remains, not harshly on the cremated remains of this infant.

    Roman · personal
    Mother Earth
    Petition
    →
  64. 064

    Prayer to Mother Earth

    JUVENAL · SATIRES · 7.207-208

    Grant, O Gods, that the earth may lie soft and light upon the shades of our forefathers, may the sweet scented crocus and perpetual spring bloom over their ashes.

    Roman · personal
    Mother Earth
    Petition
    1st-2nd c. AD
    →
  65. 065

    Prayer to Proserpina and Dis Pater

    PROPERTIUS · ELEGIAE · 2.28c.1-2

    O Proserpina, may Your clemency remain merciful on the souls You keep, and may You Dis Pater, Proserpina's consort, not desire to be stern.

    Roman · literary
    Proserpina, Dis Pater
    Petition
    Augustan
    →
  66. 066

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · incense offering

    Carmentis, I make this offering of incense to You and pray with good prayers that You will look kindly and favorably upon our children and upon us, on our homes and on our households.

    Roman · ritual
    Carmenta
    DedicationPetition
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)
    →
  67. 067

    Prayer to Carmenta

    ANONYMOUS · RITUS CARMENTIS · ritual opening

    Come, be present, Carmentis. May Your sisters Porrima and Postvorta attend You. With joyful mind come, Mother of Arcadian Evander.

    Roman · ritual
    Carmenta, Porrima, Postvorta
    Invocation
    modern reconstruction (Nova Roma)
    →
  68. 068

    Prayer to Diana

    OVID · FASTI · 2.449-452

    Thanks be to You, Lucina, who are named for this sacred grove, or else because it is You, Goddess, who brings life into the light of day. Kind Lucina, I pray that You spare pregnant girls from labor's hardship, and gently birth ripened infants from their wombs.

    Roman · personal
    Diana
    GratitudePetition
    Augustan
    →
  69. 069

    Prayer to Diana

    OVID · FASTI · 3.255-256

    Diana Lucina, You have given us light, attend our birthing prayers.

    Roman · personal
    Diana
    PetitionInvocation
    Augustan
    →
  70. 070

    Prayer to Diana

    TERENTIUS · ANDRIA · 232

    I pray, You Gods, grant an easy delivery to this girl, and assign to someone else the ill fate that awaits the day when the midwife makes her mistakes.

    Roman · literary
    Diana
    PetitionProtection
    2nd c. BC
    →
  71. 071

    Prayer to Diana and Juno

    TIBULLUS · ELEGIAE · 3.12.1-8

    Accept, O natal Juno, this offering of incense. Cheerfully, O Lucina, she has come to adorn Your shrine of matrons. Come, most chaste Queen of Heaven, appear in royal robes and nod Your assent to the wine that is poured and the cakes piled high to await You. With You bring every herb for ending pain, and soothing songs to sing; across the ocean from distant shores bear such herbs as will cure our most severe ills, or whatever else we most fear. Rack this girl no more with pain, or cruelly delay her birthing.

    Roman · personal
    Diana, Juno
    PetitionInvocationDedication
    1st c. BC
    →
  72. 072

    Prayer to Apollo

    MARTIAL · EPIGRAMMATA · 4.45.1-2

    An offering I gladly give You, Phoebus, a box of fragrant incense, from Palatinu Parthenius on behalf of his son.

    Roman · personal
    Apollo
    Dedication
    1st c. AD
    →
  73. 073

    Prayer to Sol

    PACUVIUS · MEDUS · fr. 2

    Sol, I call to You that You may guide me on my search for my parents.

    Roman · literary
    Sol
    Petition
    2nd c. BC
    →
  74. 074

    Prayer to Apollo

    PLAUTUS · MERCATOR · 678-680

    Apollo, I beseech you, graciously grant peace, prosperity, safety and sound health to our family, and spare my son by your gracious favour.

    Roman · literary
    Apollo
    PetitionProtection
    2nd c. BC
    →
  75. 075

    Prayer to Apollo

    STATIUS · THEBAID · 7.786-788

    Now my last words before I depart, if any gratitude I owe to your prophet, O Phoebus, I commend my home and family shrines to You, and leave to You the punishment of my faithless wife and my beautiful son's impassioned furor.

    Roman · literary
    Apollo
    PetitionDedication
    1st c. AD
    →