The Bloody Feast

With Liberalia approaching (March 16-19) I feel Dionysus's presence more and more. Traditionally this festival was a celebration of young Roman boys putting on the toga of an adult and becoming a man. Since I am past that age I will be celebrating Dionysus in his three forms Creator Savior Liberator.


On the second day, the day in celebration of Zagreus, I will partake in the Bloody Feast. This is a reenactment of baby Zagreus being torn apart by the treacherous Titans. The ancient devotees of Dionysus would go out into the woods or mountains to find some wild place hidden from curious eyes. There they would plunge a staff into the ground and tie a cord near the top of the staff. They would then take the cord and mark out a circle with the staff standing at the center. This circle marked the edge of the sacred space that would be used during the rituals. Later that night a congregation of devotees would assemble outside of the city or town. They would wear masks resembling various gods, nature spirits, and literary characters. Each member would be given a torch and wine glass. Within the procession would be various offerings and a few animals. One of these animals would become the sacrifice used during the Bloody Feast. At sunset the procession would make their way to the sacred ground and the rites would begin. At some point during the night, when most of the worshipers are in trance, a bull or goat would be brought to the center. The worshipers would turn on the beast and devour it.


Any of us who have read our mythology know the stories of the Maenads attacking both man and beast in an ecstatic frenzy. King Pentheus of Thebes is one of the most famous victims. He challenged Dionysus and tried to prevent His worship. Dionysus warned Pentheus of the consequences but he didn't listen. Eventually Pentheus tried to kill Dionysus during an orgy. Dionysus drove His followers mad and turned them against Pentheus who was quickly torn to pieces. Now Pentheus wasn't necessarily meant to be part of the Bloody Feast but his own foolishness led him to his ruin.


When the ritual is conducted properly it is a communion similar in scope to those seen in Christianity. The flesh of the sacrificial animal becomes the flesh of Zagreus. Just like how the tart is seen as the flesh of Christ. Another similarity would be the role of wine. Wine is seen as the blood of Christ and the blood of Dionysus.One consumes the flesh and drinks the wine in order to come closer to Dionysus and feel His presence in a more intimate way.


Now I won't be leading a procession or using a live animal like the ancients did.  Instead I will conduct my regular Liberalia ritual including singing dancing and yes eventually the Bloody Feast. Throughout day I will be fasting to help purify my body for the rites. Around 6pm or 7pm I will set up my ritual space in a similar fashion to the ancient worshipers. If it is warm enough I will go out in the woods to do this but if it isn't I will remain indoors. After the sun goes down I will start the rituals which I am keeping a secret. Around midnight I will begin the Bloody Feast with a trance dance. The entire ritual will be from sundown to sun up with no breaks obviously. Last year I celebrated with some open minded friends and I'm hoping this year I can do the same.


Gods bless and happy Liberalia!