I performed some divination to prepare for Anthesteria this year (which begins at sunset today, Feb 9th, this year), and it was more fruitful than usual. In fact, immediately after jotting down notes which were personally relevant to me, other pieces started collating and coming through, like I was receiving a download that was meant for... not just me. (Which is unusual, I don't consider myself a very good diviner.) So here's what I wrote down. If it resonates, then it's for you.
Anthesteria's 3 distinct days have a natural flow of energy (mythic, communal, built by repetition and ancestors and also simply of the earth and nature here and now at a particular liminal time), and we can tap into that in a myriad of ways. Ask yourself who and where you are in your own mythic narrative, and from there how you can participate in this arc. It doesn't have to be all the things, it can be a mini arc in the grander arc if you wish. As long as it's personal and present for you. Consider the stories of the festival. Consider the energies of each day. It's a powerful microcosm. And each time we show up and participate it has the potential to be a sort of initiation.
As the pitchers come out, ask yourself what seeds do you wish to plant for the coming year? What is blossoming and unfolding within you, what desire is stirred by the coming of the god ? What obstacles or fears need to be removed to clear the way? What needs to be destroyed or torn apart to make way for rebirth? What spell can you cast on yourself? What if the festival itself is viewed as a ritual, rite or myth... Or a play in 3 parts? Although intention is powerful and guides the transformation to an extent, one will likely be transformed regardless. Participating is key: like the path of the labyrinth, you walk or you don't. Be freed of doubts, follow the thread, and pay attention to signs and omens.
