Using Indo-European Liturgical Language

 Translate the following liturgical phrases into your Hearth Culture language:

	English	Greek
a.	We are here to honor the Gods	είμαστε εδώ σε τιμήσουν μας θεούς!	Eimaste edo se timisoun mas Theous!
b.	So Be It	έστω	Esto!
c.	Ancestors, accept our offering!	πρόγονοι, δέχομαι θυσία μας!*	Prógonoi, dechomai thysia mas!
d.	Nature Spirits, accept our offering!	δαίμονες, δέχομαι θυσία μας!*	Daimones, dechomai thysia mas!
e.	Gods, accept our offering!	Θεοί, δέχομαι θυσία μας!*	Theoi, dechomai thysia mas!
*I actually used “sacrifice” instead of “offering” in these phrases.
f.	Sacred Well, flow within us.	ίερόο φρέαρ, ροή μέσα μας.	Ieroo frear, roi mesa mas
g.	Sacred Tree, grow within us!	ίερόο δένδρον, αυξάνω μέσα μας.	Ieroo dendron, af̱xano̱ mesa mas.
h.	Sacred Fire, burn within us	ίερόο Πυρό, καίνε μέσα μας	Ieroo pyro, kaine mesa mas
i.	Let the Gates be open!	Αφήστε το πύλαι είναι ανοικτή!	Afiste to pylai einai anoikti!
j.	Gods, give us the Waters!	θεοί,να μας δώσει το ύδωρ	Theoi, na mas dosei to ydo̱r
k.	Behold, the Waters of Life!	παρατηρώ, την ύδωρ από βίος	parati̱ró̱, ti̱n ýdo̱r apó víos
l.	Ancestors, we thank you.	πρόγονοι, εμείς ευχαριστούμε σας.	Progonoi, emeis ef̱charistoume sas.
m.	Nature Spirits, we thank you	δαίμονες, εμείς ευχαριστούμε σας.	Daimones, emeis ef̱charistoume sas.
n.	Gods, we thank you.	θεοί, εμείς ευχαριστούμε σας.	Theoi , emeis ef̱charistoume sas.
o.	Let the Gates be closed!	Αφήστε το πύλαι σε κλείσω	Afiste to pylai se kleiso̱.

These translations were created by looking up the vocabulary in the resources listed in the bibliography.  I then used those texts to try to establish an understanding of Greek grammar to try to make these phrases as accurate as possible.   I also ran all of these phrases through Google Translate in order to try to make sure they made sense in the translation.

2. What do you consider to be the importance of using phrases in a hearth culture language other than Modern English (or your own native language) in ADF ritual? (Minimum 200 words)

I think that using the language of a hearth culture can have multiple uses within ADF rituals.  By using a language that is different than what is spoken typically, it puts you in a different frame of mind and can help you to separate the ritual from the “mundane” aspects of your life.  It can also be an additional way of showing your devotion to the Kindreds, and expressing how much you honor them. It takes time and practice to be comfortable using another language, especially when speaking it out loud, so showing that you’ve put in that effort can almost be an offering in itself. 

On the other hand though, using a foreign language can make the ritual more difficult for some people.  Not only does it decrease the comfort level for many people, especially if you’re doing a public ritual where not everyone may know the words, but also it may make it more challenging for people to participate if you’re not using a language that is common to everyone.  Also, if you’re not incredibly comfortable doing rituals to begin with, adding a layer of complexity like the use of a foreign language may damage morale and make performing rituals less enjoyable.

Overall, I would say that I can see how using a foreign language could boost your connection to your Kindreds and be useful as part of a ritual, but I don’t believe that it is necessary to include another language in order to have a beautiful and moving rite.

Bibliography

Lexilogos. Ancient Greek Dictionary. January 2015 <http://www.lexilogos.com/english/greek_ancient_dictionary.htm>.

Luschnig, C.A.E. An Introduction to Ancient Greek. Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing Company, Inc, 2007.

Morwood, James. Oxford Grammar of Classical Greek. New York: Oxford University Press, 2001.

The Joint Association of Classical Teachers' Greek Course. An Independent Study Guide to Reading Greek. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2008.