Category Archives: Tegobessus

The Hearth Rite is a central pillar of your Tegobessus. It strengthens many aspects of your custom and serves as a direct line of connection to the sacred. While personalization is welcomed, all members of Bessus Nouiogalation (BNG) are encouraged to know and perform the Adaððus Aidoniâs regularly. In doing so, we tend our relationship with the Dêuoi and reinforce the spiritual bonds that connect our scattered homes into a unified Touta.

Few rites are as foundational as the Adaððus Aidoniâs (Read more in-depth about this rite HERE) — the Hearth Rite. Rooted in the veneration of Aidonâ, the sacred hearth-flame and Deuos of the home, this rite ties our daily and weekly rhythms to the divine center of our lives. Aidonâ is ever-present wherever the flame is lit: whether in a traditional hearth, a candle on your shrine, or a small devotional fire — she is there.

But hearth rites are more than routine. They are an act of cosmogony. Every motion, word, and offering reaffirms your place in the cosmos. Through this rite, we enact the world’s ordering, mirroring creation itself and grounding ourselves in the eternal dance of Samos and Giamos.

To keep this practice accessible to all, BNG follows a simple, meaningful format:

• Invocation of the Three Realms of Drus — Albios, Bitus, and Dubnos
• Offering of Ponem (Mugwort), for purification and sacred connection
• Presence of Carnonos, Deuos of the in-between, as Gatekeeper between realms

What follows is the core version of the BNG Hearth Rite. It can be adapted as your own custom grows, but this form serves as a shared ritual foundation — simple, meaningful, and powerful.

Each Galatis is encouraged to perform this rite at least once a week. It nourishes Dêuocariâ (Piety), Luxtiâ (Duty), and Decos (Honor), anchoring your home within the sacred rhythm of our tradition.

---

How to Perform the Hearth Rite

This version of the Hearth Rite features an invocation to Galatos, the Toutatis of BNG, but it may be adapted for other deities (Dêuoi), Regentiâ (Ancestors), or Bituatî (Land Spirits). Additional Invocations can be found HERE.

1. Glanosâgon (Purification)

• Wash hands: Glanolamâs — “Clean hands”
• Swipe forehead: Glanobritus — “Clean mind”
• Swipe down face: Glananation — “Clean soul”

This symbolic cleansing prepares us to enter sacred time and space.

---

2. Louceton (Lighting the Flame)

• Light your Dagilâ (hearth candle or flame).
• Say: Dauiûmî aidun sondon Aidoniâs — “I light this flame of Aidonâ”

---

3. Establishing Sacred Space

• Circumambulate sunwise (clockwise) around the flame 3x with Ponem (Mugwort), lit from the flame.
• Visualize Drus: its roots in Dubnos, trunk in Bitus, branches in Albios.

Say:

Gaulish:
Albios ux nos, Bitus ambi nos, Dumnos uo anse, exugriûmî in sindon mediolanon do legiû nemeti mou. Aidona aidus tou berait teððin eti leucetun, ac cei butâ tou anauâit comadberon anson. Datiûmî addatun sindon tei.

English:
Albios above us, Bitus around us, and Dumnos below us, I enter into this sacred center to establish my nemeton. Aidonâ, may your flame bring warmth and light, and may your presence enrich our communion. I give you this offering.

---

4. Offering to Aidonâ

• Offer herbs or incense to the flame.

---

5. (Optional) Gatekeeper Invocation

Carnonos serves as the Gatekeeper of BNG. His invocation helps open the paths between realms.

Gaulish:
Adgariomos Carnonon, Ancorios mantalon, Agios matos alami, Arxiomos agnî eri adàððun sondon. Uêdiâs anson cluâontor. Rodâmos addatus etic bratun tê.

English:
We call upon Carnonos, Opener of the ways, Wise guide of the herd. We ask for your guidance during this rite. May our prayers be heard. We give offering and thanks to you.

---

6. Adgarion (Invocation to Deity)

Here we invoke Galatos, our tribal protector.

Gaulish:
Adgariomos Galatû Toutatî, Latis Toutiâs, Nertos urittosergios, Uernos Anson, Anegestûnis etic rodîestû tancon. Rodâmos addatus etic bratun tê.

Optional:
Arcîmî ratobo Galatîs — I ask for blessings to the Galatî.

English:
We invoke Galatos, hero of the people, mighty against disease, our protector. You give us peace and guidance. We offer you our thanks.

---

7. Silence and Communion

Sit or kneel quietly. Listen, feel, and commune.

---

8. Incoron (Closing the Rite)

• Circumambulate sunwise three times.

Gaulish:
Albios ux nos, Bitus ambi nos, Dumnos uo anse, nu adgabiûmî mediolanon sindon. Brâton tei, Aidona, are teððun etic leuceton. Brâton tei, Carnone, are ancoriaton mantalonon. Molâiûr te. Exiâiûmî tancû. Eðði senâtun.

English:
Albios above us, Bitus around us, and Dumnos below us, I now leave this sacred center. Thanks to you, Aidonâ, for warmth and light. Thanks to you, Carnonos, for guiding the paths. I praise you. I go in peace. It is done.

---

Note: This rite is adaptable and may be expanded as one develops their relationship with Aidonâ or other deities. The important thing is consistency and sincerity. Performing the Hearth Rite regularly becomes a sacred rhythm that deepens one’s spiritual life in BNG.

Circumambulate means to walk in a circle around something, especially in a sacred or ritual way. In BNG, we circumambulate the flame — often with Mugwort — to define sacred space and connect to the realms of Drus. This act is a physical and spiritual boundary-setting, turning an ordinary space into a Nemeton.

Cosmogony refers to the story or act of the world’s creation. In ritual, especially the Hearth Rite, our words and actions symbolically mirror this creation. When we invoke the Three Realms and move in sacred patterns, we’re participating in the ordering of the cosmos — weaving our personal rites into the greater pattern of existence.

Morality and ethical behavior are essential components of Bessus Nouiogalation (BNG). While ritual, devotion, and cosmology shape our outward practice, it is our behavior and character that demonstrate the depth of our commitment. Within BNG, we honor both the Three Druid Laws (Trirextoues) and the cultivation of virtue (Îanoi) as a dual foundation for ethical and spiritual living.

The Three Laws (Trirextoues)

These are the only moral precepts clearly attributed to the Druids in antiquity. They are simple, powerful, and timeless.

1. To Honor the Gods

Gaulish: Dugion Dēuūs

This law teaches us to live with gratitude and respect toward the Dêuoi (Gods) and all divine beings. In BNG, this includes maintaining Cantos Roti, the Gifting Cycle, in which we engage in reciprocal relationships through offering, praise, and ethical living. Honoring the Gods is not only a ritual act — it’s a way of aligning with the sacred and recognizing the divine in all things.

2. To Do No Misdeed

Gaulish: Ne Urextus Volson

This law calls us to act with integrity and care — to do no harm to others, ourselves, or the spirits. It applies not just to humans but also to the Regentiâ (Ancestors), Bituatîs (Land Spirits), and Tegatis (House Spirits). It fosters Sumatreiâ — good relationship — with all beings, seen and unseen.

3. To Practice Virtue

Gaulish: Etic Deluātus Nertūs

Virtue is not about outward appearances — it is the cultivation of strength and character from within. Rooted in the Gaulish concept of nertūs (power, vigor, virtue), this law encourages courage, wisdom, and self-discipline. Whether in solitude or in public, a Galatis strives to align their being with the sacred order of the cosmos.

The Virtues of BNG (Îanoi)

BNG expands upon the Trirextoues with a set of twelve core virtues, grouped into three sets of four, each connected to one of the Three Laws. These are not commandments, but guiding principles — living tools to shape one’s soul (anatiâ) and life. You can read more about our Îanoi HERE.

BNG Virtues:

• Dêuocariâ – Piety
  Reverence and love for the Gods, shown through devotion, ritual, and relationship.
• Luxtiâ – Duty
  A sense of responsibility toward others, one’s roles, and sacred obligations.
• Uissus – Wisdom / Knowledge
  Pursuit of truth through study, experience, and discernment.
• Îanolabâ – Right Speech
  Speaking with clarity and integrity. Avoiding gossip or harm through words.
• Doniocariâ – Compassion
  Kindness in action. Feeling with others and responding with care.
• Oigetocâriâ – Hospitality
  Welcoming others as sacred guests. Sharing space, food, and safety.
• Raton – Generosity
  Giving freely of time, blessings, and resources.
• Uiridios – Truth
  Living with honesty and sincerity in all actions and relationships.
• Decos – Honor
  Acting with dignity, keeping one’s word, and cultivating personal worth.
• Uîrolaniâ – Justice
  Fairness, equity, and protection of those in need.
• Galâ – Bravery
  Standing firm in difficulty, speaking truth, and facing life with courage.
• Ûxelliâ – Pride
  Healthy pride in your path, your people, and your values — without arrogance.

These virtues are not static rules, but part of an ongoing practice of self-formation — ways to shape your soul into something worthy of the Dêuoi and future generations. In BNG, morality is not a list of dos and don’ts, but a living relationship with the sacred through thoughtful action, reverence, and personal excellence.

Tegobessus and Your Virtues

The BNG virtues are central to our Touta’s shared practice — all members are encouraged to learn them by heart, as they influence how we relate to the Dêuoi, the Regentiâ, the Bituatîs, and each other. They are the ethical roots that nourish the collective. But your Tegobessus (House Custom) is a deeply personal expression of this tradition. Whether you add to and adopt the full BNG virtue set, build your own, or rely solely on the Trirextoues, what matters most is that you live with intention. Let your values live in your words, actions, and choices. Let them guide who you are becoming — and who you are offering to the world.

As part of Tegobessus (House Custom), you may feel called to take on a spiritual name — one that reflects your role, identity, or path as a Galatis. This is not required, but for many, it’s a meaningful act of self-definition and dedication. It can also mark a turning point in your spiritual journey: a rite of passage, a personal transformation, or the founding of your house custom.

This name is a reflection of your soul, your path, and what you are striving to become.

Why Choose a Spiritual Name?

• To mark your commitment to the path of the Galatîs
• To express your connection to certain deities, spirits, virtues, or ancestors
• To symbolize personal transformation, rebirth, or growth
• To reflect your cosmology, house mythos, or virtues
• To take on a role (e.g., Uatis, Senodruis, Bituatis-carrier, etc.)

How to Choose or Create One

You can base your name on many things — it’s entirely personal and meaningful to you. Here are some starting points:

• Deity connection – names that honor or include an aspect of a deity (e.g., Ogmidanos – “one of Ogmios”)
• Virtues or qualities – draw from the Nauan Nertoi (Nine Virtues), such as Nertomaros (“Great Strength”), Sedulona (“Peaceful One”)
• Nature-based – trees, animals, rivers, winds, e.g., Dercomaros (“Oak-Great”), Alaunia (“of the flowing one”)
• Mythical themes – use your own house myths, cosmology, or symbolic roles
• Ancestral honor – a name that links you to your biological or chosen ancestors
• Use Your Real Name — and Reimagine It. You can absolutely use your given name. Many Gaulish practitioners do! In fact, you can trace the etymology of your real name and translate or adapt it into a Gaulish style. If you’re not sure where to begin, we can help! We can break down the root meaning of your name and explore how it might be adapted using Gaulish elements and word structure.
• Profession or Role – Your name can also reflect your craft, trade, or calling — especially when it forms a major part of your identity. A blacksmith might choose a name like Gobannomaros (“Great Smith”) A healer could choose Belenudonna “Woman of Belenus”)

Forming the Name (Linguistic Tips)

BNG uses reconstructed Gaulish to help deepen the spiritual and cultural resonance of names. Here’s a simple structure:

• [Root Word] + [Suffix]
• Root words can be nouns or adjectives (e.g., Nertos, Sedû, Litauiâ, Bitu, Drus)
• Suffixes might include:
  • -maros/-marā – great, large
  • -rix/-rīx – king, ruler, master
  • -gnatos/-gnatā – child of, born of
  • -dūnon – fortress, power
  • -ū (n.) – abstract noun or concept

Examples:

• Litauimaros – “Great [one] of the Earth”
• Drusgnata – “Child of the Oak”
• Sedūrix – “Peace-ruler”
• Bitugenos – “Born of the Land”

Use your Ueposlougos Nouiogalaticos (BNG Dictionary) to help find the meanings and build names.

Ritual Naming

You may wish to ritualize the naming process. Here are ideas:

• Speak the name aloud before the Aidû (hearth or altar)
• Introduce yourself to the Dêuoi, Bituatîs, and Regentiâ with your new name
• Include the name during an Adgarion (invocation)

Taking on a name is not about claiming power — it is about naming your transformation, your aspiration, and your relationship to the divine and unseen world. Like all things in BNG, it is rooted in intention and Sumatreiâ.

If you’d like help crafting a name — in terms of language, symbolism, or story — members of our Touta are here to help. Reach out. We walk together.

There are many things one can offer the Dêuoi. We usually give an alcoholic beverage—wine, cider, mead, or beer—but if you can’t be around alcohol, whether because you’re underage or for personal, health, or recovery reasons, that’s perfectly fine. You can offer juice, sparkling water, non-alcoholic wine, or any other thoughtful beverage.

These are certainly not the only acceptable offerings. Whole milk, bread, or other foodstuffs are often appropriate. Incense and herbs are also important and often overlooked. The key is to be intentional. An offering doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate—use good sense and offer what is sincere and meaningful.

This practice is not meant to be classist. Offer the best you can within your means. The love and reverence you bring will show. The Dêuoi are not closed off to anyone, regardless of economic condition.

It’s ideal to find something associated with the Dêuos in question, but anything clean, meaningful, and given with respect is acceptable. Remember—it’s the intention that matters most. Offerings are about building a relationship with the Dêuoi, not meeting a requirement. So don’t stress; connect.

After making your offering, take a moment to kneel, bow, or simply sit and commune with the recipient(s).

Datiesti uta dassân, datiûmî uta dassais
“You give that I may give. I give that you may give.”

Addatus — offerings — are acts of sacred gifting to the Dêuoi (Gods) and Senoatîs (Ancestors). These gifts are expressions of gratitude, praise, and reverence, rooted in the understanding that all things carry sacred worth and are deserving of honor.

At the heart of this is the principle of Cantos Roti, the Gifting Cycle, which fosters Sumatreiâ — a good and healthy relationship between us and the unseen world. In this cycle, we offer with open hearts, not as a transaction, but as an affirmation of respect and connection. In return, the Dêuoi, Regentiâ, or Bituatîs may offer their own gifts — insight, blessings, strength, or presence.

This is not about bargaining. It is about mutuality. Through Addatus, we participate in the ongoing conversation between our world and the divine, building a living relationship rooted in honor, reciprocity, and shared presence.