Demeter Parting the Night by Meg White, 2010Eleusinian Mysteries - Day Seven: First Night of the Mys

Demeter Parting the Night by Meg White, 2010Eleusinian Mysteries - Day Seven: First Night of the MysteriesOn this day, 22 Boedromion, the mystae waited to experience the first level of initiation at Eleusis. Anticipation built through the day, while the sun rose overhead and descended, for the beginning of one of the most important experiences of their lifetimes. Towards evening, they bathed, donned fresh white garments, and myrtle crowns. They broke their fast with the drink called Kykeon (modern recipes here: X, X, X). At nightfall, the mystagogues (those with knowledge of the sacred mysteries) led them to the Telesterion, the enormous initiation hall with room for 3000 mystae.Because the admonition to keep secret the Mysteries was taken seriously by the initiates, we will never know exactly what transpired in the Telesterion. We know there were clouds of incense, things acted, things revealed, and things said. Darkness was punctuated by brilliant light…and the mystae partook in Demeter’s joy at the Maiden’s return.Apuleius, in his 2nd century CE novel “The Golden Ass”, refers to the Mysteries as encompassing ceremonies of harvest, sacred things enclosed in osier-baskets, furrowed fields, the absconding chariot, the Earth that yields not, a descent into the Night of the Nuptials of Proserpine, and the Ascent into the light of the Maiden’s Restoration.The outcome for the initiates is described in this inscription found at Eleusis: “Beautiful indeed is the mystery given us by the blessed gods: death is for mortals no longer an evil, but a blessing.”Cicero concluded, “So in very truth we have learned…the beginnings of life, and have gained the power not only to live happily, but also to die with a better hope.“ -- source link

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