We now turn to May, the final month of the Spring Quarter, in which the spiritual and ritual seeds of March and April come to fruition, proclamation, and strengthened dominion. May marks the closing of the Season of Emergence and prepares the priesthood for the heat, trials, and expansion of the Summer Quarter. It is a month of sacred proclamation, fruit-bearing, and open honouring of the divine Name.
In May, Marduk is encountered as Fulfiller of the Vow, Master of Harvest’s First Breath, He Who Rides in Glory, and Banner-Bearer of the Heavenly Assembly.
Saturday, May 2
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 30 – SHILAMMU)**
“He who makes good the promise,
Who delivers the fruit at the time appointed,
Whose word does not return empty.”
Reflection:
May begins with fulfillment. What was promised must now begin to appear. If the rites have been rightly conducted, the god gives increase. Let the priest offer gratitude—not for dreams, but for signs of their becoming. This is not the time for new vows, but the honouring of kept ones.
Chant:
Shilammu, Keeper of Fulfillment,
Thy word has borne fruit.
Let my mouth be filled with thanks,
My altar with offerings,
That none may doubt the power of Thy Name.
Saturday, May 9
Text: Hymn of Marduk’s Rising in Procession (Esagila liturgy)*
“He rides before the gods,
His banner is flame,
His Name is cried in every gate,
And the people fall in reverence.”
Reflection:
This is a time of proclamation. Marduk is no longer concealed in the sanctum but is revealed in procession. The rite should now go beyond the private. Let banners be raised, sacred names proclaimed, and prayers said aloud. This is the god in glory.
Invocation:
Marduk, Rider Before the Hosts,
Let Thy banner be lifted above my house.
Let Thy Name be declared among the dwellings.
I will not whisper where I should cry aloud.
Thy praise is my law and my strength.
Saturday, May 16
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 20 – TIAMATKAL)**
“He who subdues the stormer without anger,
Who brings peace through command,
Who walks with fire but burns not the faithful.”
Reflection:
As growth matures, dangers reemerge. Yet Marduk brings peace without wrath, dominion without destruction. The priest must walk with strength, but not with pride. Let control be quiet and precise. Marduk rules not by frenzy, but by balance.
Chant:
Tiamatkal, Subduer of the Tempest,
Walk with me in fire and not in rage.
Let my strength be Thy strength,
My silence be Thy word.
Bring peace to my field, and rest to my threshold.
Saturday, May 23
Text: Tablet of the Spring Conclusion (Late Babylonian Prayer)*
“He has walked the circuit.
The offering is accepted.
The house is full.
Let the god rest in His place, and let the priest declare: It is done.”
Reflection:
The labors of spring now draw to their appointed end. What is unfinished must be closed. This is the rite of conclusion. Let all altars be anointed anew. Let the names of Marduk be spoken once again in order. And then—rest. The sacred house is full.
Chant:
Marduk, Whose Circuit is Complete,
Accept my last offering of spring.
Let the walls stand firm,
Let the gates remain open,
And let Thy resting place be bright with my devotion.
Saturday, May 30
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 50 – TUTU, proclaimed once more)**
“He whose names are many but whose essence is one.
The god of gods, the king of kings,
Who is honoured at the beginning and end alike.”
Reflection:
The Spring Quarter ends as it began—in the Name of Names. Tutu, the encompassing presence of Marduk, is the crown of the cycle. Let this day be marked with a great invocation of all Fifty Names. The rite is not renewal now—but preparation for expansion in fire.
Final Spring Chant:
Tutu, Flame-Wreathed Sovereign,
Thy names are my crown.
I lift each in reverence.
As I close this gate,
I await the gate of fire.
Let the Summer come, and let me be ready.
MAY RITUAL RUBRICS – SEASON OF FRUITFULNESS AND PROCLAMATION
Orientation: East and outward-facing – for public rites and processions
Colors: Red-gold, sapphire, and ivory
Vestments: Full ritual garments, embroidered sashes, head coverings permitted
Incense: Cinnamon, copal, bay laurel
Offerings: Cooked grain offerings, early fruit, oil poured in thanksgiving, water poured at the gate of the home or temple
Sacred Act: Public reading of the Fifty Names of Marduk, procession with banner or tablet, public prayer or invocation
Gesture: Arms lifted in proclamation; head bowed only after final invocation