We now turn to January, the heart of the Winter Quarter, and the true season of sacred rebuilding. In this month, the practitioner stands not only before the altar but within it—enacted as priest, witness, and offered vessel. January marks a time of temple reconstitution: the alignment of time, speech, offering, and divine attention.
Marduk, in this month, is the Architect, the Caller of Oaths, the Flame Within the Foundation, and the Breath That Lays the First Stone.
Saturday, January 3
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 14 – BARASHAKUSHU)**
“He who makes firm the temple;
who strengthens the beams and seats the divine image within.
His hands hold fire, but his feet walk the line of law.”
Reflection:
January begins with the reestablishment of the sacred house. Marduk does not only receive rites—he upholds the structure in which they are offered. Let the practitioner begin all things in stability. There is no invocation more sacred than lawful order.
Chant:
Barashakushu, Upholder of the Temple,
Seat Thy presence in my rite.
Let the floor not crack, nor the beams shift.
Place Thy image in the center,
That the house may be truly Thine.
Saturday, January 10
Text: Prayer from the Foundation Tablets of Esagila*
“As the foundations are measured, so are destinies.
As the bricks are laid, so shall the years be fixed.
Let not a single measure be crooked,
For the god sees even what the plumb-line does not.”
Reflection:
Foundations are both literal and metaphysical. Every intention, every word of prayer, every movement in ritual must be rightly aligned. It is not the height of the altar, but its balance, that ensures divine indwelling.
Invocation:
O Marduk, Plumb-Line of the Divine Craftsmen,
Measure my work and mark my soul.
Let no crooked beam deceive Thee.
May every step I take rest upon Thy decree.
Saturday, January 17
Text: Hymn to Marduk the Oathkeeper*
“He who hears the vow and seals the tongue,
Who records in flame the speech of the righteous,
And burns away the lie before it rises.”
Reflection:
A new year requires new oaths. But an oath before Marduk is not to be made lightly. He records not the sound, but the spirit. Speak not in haste. Let the vow be weighty, pure, and considered. Then speak it aloud before flame.
Chant:
Marduk, Binder of Word and Flame,
I vow this before Thee,
As my hand gives, let not my will withhold.
As my lips speak, let my feet perform.
Seal my vow in fire, that I may not turn away.
Saturday, January 24
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 33 – NINNIBRU)**
“He who walks in the holy cities,
Whose step sanctifies the dust,
Whose gaze consecrates the street and the sanctuary alike.”
Reflection:
Marduk is not confined to the temple. He walks in the midst of the people. Let the sanctity of the temple spill out into daily movement. Let the street and the house become as holy ground, for the god sanctifies by nearness.
Invocation:
Ninnibru, Walker Among the Holy Roads,
Let every path I take be known to Thee.
Let the dust beneath my feet praise Thee.
Sanctify my journey and my return,
That all my going may be in Thy Name.
Saturday, January 31
Text: Hymn of the Year’s Rise (Neo-Babylonian fragment)*
“Now the sun climbs in renewed strength,
And the holy word is again spoken in the courts.
The king calls, and the god answers.
The watchers mark the stars once more in joy.”
Reflection:
As January ends, the light strengthens. The rite that was whispered in the dark now may be sung. The presence of the god is no longer veiled, but invoked in full voice. Let this day be marked with chant, thanksgiving, and bold invocation.
Chant:
Rise, O Word of the Year’s Beginning,
Shine again in the high place.
Let the watchers mark Thy ascent,
Let the singers echo Thy Name.
Marduk, let this new circuit be to Thy glory.
JANUARY RITUAL RUBRICS – SEASON OF FOUNDATION
Orientation: East, or Centre-Facing—symbolising the rebuilt foundation
Vestments: Bright white, stone-grey, and gold; priests may wear corded belts
Incense: Cassia, myrrh, pine sap
Offerings: Flour mixed with oil, written vows burnt before a flame, a bowl of clear water symbolising oath purity
Ritual Tools: Plumb-line, stylus (or reed), square or compass as symbolic items on the altar
Sacred Gesture: The touching of hand to heart and then to forehead before speaking any vow or offering