We now arrive at November, the final month of the Autumnal Quarter. The Marduk Lectionary for this month draws us into threshold-space—a descent to the lowest chamber before the renewal of the cycle at the Winter Gate. In November, Marduk is encountered as the Keeper of Fate, the God Who Waits, the Lord of Closed Doors, and the One Who Judges in Silence.
This is a time of inward finality, where the initiate or priest stands not to ask, but to listen. Let these rites be performed without haste, in the manner of one preparing for judgment.
Saturday, November 1
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 47 – SHAGGIM)**
“He who makes the dead speak and silences the boastful.
Who walks in the shadow and commands without word.”
Reflection:
Marduk is Lord even over silence and death. The priest who enters this season must cease performance and become presence. It is no longer the time for many words. The god walks in the unseen places, and commands not with a voice, but with weight.
Chant:
Shaggim, Walker of the Shadow-Hall,
Teach me to speak only when the time is ripe.
Silence my pride, raise what is worthy in me.
Let the dead truths arise,
And the vain fall away in dust.
Saturday, November 8
Text: Enuma Elish, Tablet I (inverted reading)**
“There was no name, no destiny fixed.
The waters were mingled, without form, without decree.”
Reflection:
Before creation, there was void. This reading, inverted from the beginning, now reflects the approach of ending. In winter, all things return to primordial stillness. Marduk, who once made order, now withholds it. The soul must not fear this. In unmaking, there is preparation for remaking.
Invocation:
O Lord of the Formless Hour,
When decree is withheld and name is silent,
Dwell with me in the void.
Let me not tremble in the dark.
Prepare my soil for Thy next word.
Saturday, November 15
Text: Ritual Formula for Opening the Tablet of Destinies*
“Who shall open the Tablet, save the one to whom it was given?
Who dares unseal fate, save the Lord of the Seals and Circles?”
Reflection:
The Tablet of Destinies is not read, it is received. The initiate who presses forward with self-will is denied. Only the one called is shown the line of his fate. Marduk does not reveal secrets to the curious but to the obedient.
Chant:
Holder of the Sealed Tablet,
I ask not for Thy scroll.
Show me only my next step.
Let the circles close where they must,
And let the new be sealed only in Thy breath.
Saturday, November 22
Text: Hymn to Marduk’s Throne of Silence*
“Upon the throne of lapis, none approach.
Between two fires He sits, unmoved, unseen.
The gods wait for His word,
But He waits for theirs.”
Reflection:
Divine authority is not always in speech. In this season, Marduk’s throne is not empty, but still. He rules without motion. Let the devotee do likewise. Stand firm. Do not rush to end what has not yet spoken. This is the trial of waiting.
Invocation (Whispered):
O Seated Flame between the Pillars,
I approach not to ask but to wait.
Let my stillness be worship,
Let my endurance be praise.
Speak only when I am silent enough to hear.
Saturday, November 29
Text: Closing Verses of the Fifty Names*
“Praise him, O priest and king,
Remember him in stillness and in word.
Let his names not be forgotten,
That order may rise again in the appointed time.”
Reflection:
The Autumn cycle ends not with revelation, but with remembrance. Marduk requires that his names be preserved. This is not noise, but fidelity. The rites of winter will come. Let the priest now seal the altar, clean the tools, and speak no more than necessary.
Chant (Final):
Marduk, whose Name holds the sky,
I go now into the silent season.
Let Thy memory be my crown,
Thy names my hidden fire,
Until the time comes again to speak.
CLOSING RITUAL RUBRICS – NOVEMBER
Orientation: Face North — the gate of closure, the direction of deep silence
Incense: Laurel, fir resin, cold myrrh, ashes of former offerings
Vestments: Grey, black, or unbleached linen; veils may be worn
Tools: None visible; altar should be bare or covered with single black cloth
Gesture: Open palms, eyes closed, head inclined