Saturday, September 6
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 23 – SHAZU)
“Knower of hearts, discerner of secret things,
Revealer of that which is hidden in darkness.”
Reflection:
With the name Shazu, Marduk is Judge of Intention. He sees not what is done only, but why it is done. This is the beginning of divine judgement. In the season of descent, all hidden things come forth. The priest who would walk with Marduk must consent to be known.
Chant:
Shazu, O Watcher in the Silence,
Search the depths of my intent.
Let no shadow go unmeasured,
Let no secret remain unjudged.
Weigh me in the balance of truth.
Saturday, September 13
Text: Enuma Elish, Tablet VI
“Marduk examined the bones and sinews,
He measured the blood and spoke the name.
From sacrifice he made life and law.”
Reflection:
Creation comes through sacrifice. From the slain body of a rebel, Marduk fashions mankind and divine ordinance. The lesson is clear: there is no sanctity without offering. Every structure worth keeping is built upon something yielded.
Invocation:
O Giver of Order through Offering,
Let my surrender become structure.
Take from me what is old, and
Return to me the new law.
Write Thy will upon my marrow.
Saturday, September 20
Text: Hymn to Marduk the Avenger
“He rides upon the storm to execute justice,
The cry of the oppressed is heard in his hall.
The wicked are scattered at his approach.”
Reflection:
In this name, Marduk is a storm not of chaos but of vengeance against iniquity. His justice is swifter than ritual, and his hearing more accurate than any tribunal. To follow him is to do no harm to the weak and to fear no accusation.
Chant:
Storm-Walker, Defender of the Crushed,
Let Thy voice thunder in the camp of injustice.
Vindicate the wronged and silence the violent.
Make me neither accuser nor coward.
Let Thy sword not find me guilty.
Saturday, September 27
Text: Fifty Names of Marduk (Name 45 – NAMTILLAKU)
“He who restores the dead to life,
Lord of purification and the sacred flame.”
Reflection:
At the close of the month, the descent begins to reveal its purpose—not annihilation, but renewal. Marduk is not only a god of life but of return. Even the judged may be restored, and that which is burned may yet be refined.
Invocation:
Namtillaku, Flame of the Sacred Fire,
Restore what is worthy in me.
Burn away the residue of untruth.
Let life return to my limbs,
And let my spirit rise in Thy breath.