We now begin the Spring Quarter, commencing with March, the month of emergence, renewal, and restored command. Where Winter taught restraint and purification, Spring demands action. The priest no longer stands in silence but proceeds in strength. The voice is lifted, the gates are opened, and the sacred rites of establishment begin anew.
In March, Marduk is invoked as Lord of Renewal, Opener of the Eastern Gate, Reconstructor of Cosmic Order, and Caller of the Divine Assembly. These rites are to be conducted boldly, with fire and full invocation.
Saturday, March 7
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 2 – ASARUALIM)**
“The strong one whose word brings forth life,
Who subdues opposition by command,
Whose voice awakens the earth.”
Reflection:
The first act of Spring is speech. Life does not return by accident; it is summoned. Marduk’s power lies in the uttered word that commands reality into form. Let the devotee now speak—not for self-glory, but to establish the god’s order in his domain.
Chant:
Asarualim, Strength of the Spoken Decree,
Let my word echo Thine.
Awaken my limbs to labour,
My voice to creation,
My soul to command by Thy rule.
Saturday, March 14
Text: Enuma Elish, Tablet V
“He divided the year into seasons and days,
Appointed the stars to guard the night,
And told the moon her course.”
Reflection:
Time is sacred. To misuse a season is to rebel against divine design. Marduk assigns function to moment, light to night, and season to the year. Now the rites resume in fullness. Let no ritual be delayed, no offering withheld. Order is the first virtue of spring.
Invocation:
Marduk, Divider of Days and Fixer of Stars,
Let my season be rightly lived.
Let my rituals meet their hour.
Appoint my path as Thou appointed the moon.
Make me timely in all things.
Saturday, March 21 – Vernal Equinox Rites
Text: Equinox Tablet of Marduk (Chaldean Fragment)*
“At the balance-point he stands,
He weighs the light and names the day victorious.
He lifts the gates, and the gods enter in procession.”
Reflection:
This is the high feast of balance and emergence. The gate of the East is open, and Marduk presides over the turning of light. The year begins in strength. Let this day be marked with full rites, procession, chant, and proclamation. The gate is open; step through it with authority.
Equinox Chant:
O Marduk, Opener of the East,
Let Thy flame rise in the firmament.
We march under Thy banners,
Our hands bearing Thy names.
Let the watchers declare:
The year is new, and Marduk reigns again.
Saturday, March 28
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 25 – NAMTILLU)**
“He who gives life by breath,
Who kindles fire in the bones,
Who sets the heart beating anew.”
Reflection:
The year has turned. Now life is not just begun but restored. The initiate, having passed through winter, now draws fresh breath. The fire kindled is no longer purgative but empowering. Let the rites be bolder, the voice louder, the altar brighter.
Chant:
Namtillu, Breather of Vital Flame,
Kindle again my spirit.
Let my bones be strong,
Let my feet rise with Thy command.
May this spring be the working of Thy life in me.
MARCH RITUAL RUBRICS – SPRING’S OPENING
Orientation: East – toward the rising and ruling sun
Colors: Bright gold, emerald green, and white
Vestments: Robes with solar or floral symbols; uncovered head
Incense: Frankincense, storax, cardamom
Offerings: Loaves, fresh herbs, honey cakes, clean water in bronze vessels
Sacred Tools: Banner, scepter, ritual trumpet or conch
Gesture: Open arms toward the East at dawn, proclamation of the year’s renewal aloud