At the edge of the village, as dusk drapes the land in violet shadow, a farmer casts a bronze wheel into the spring. His whisper rides the water — a prayer for rain, for fertile soil, for balance — even as the drums of war beat faintly on the horizon, carrying the shadow of Alesia.
Behind him, the hearth burns bright; his wife tends the flames, murmuring blessings, while their child fingers a small amber amulet at the neck, a talisman against fate.
In the moonlit woods nearby, a healer stoops, cutting herbs with her left hand, honoring the old ways in solemn silence.
And on the morrow, a warrior will claim the champion’s cut of meat at the feast, raising his right hand — the sacred hand — in oath before the gods, steel and spirit intertwined, ready to meet the tide of battle at Alesia.
This is a praise story, reflecting the everyday life of the Gaul on the eve of the fall of Alesia — a moment to honor the ordinary acts, the quiet rituals, and the courage woven into daily life. As we move towards October 4th, which is a time to honor those at Alesia, let’s all light a candle to remember and honor those Senistrei.
The Rite: This is using our Molātocridiū and inspiration from our Gaulish brother D’ian.
Cleanse: This prepares you physically and spiritually for ritual.
- Wash hands and say: Glanolamâs “Clean hands”
- Swipe your forehead and say: Glanobritus “Clean mind”
- Swipe down the face with both hands and say: Glananation “Clean soul” (This is based on the idea of the soul residing in the head.)
Light Candles: Light a candle or candles in honor of the ancestors. (if you can keep the candle burning do so (unless you have cats lol)
Turn Left: Begin by turning to the left once. This shifts your orientation toward the ancestral realm.
Invoke the Ancestors (while lighting incense):
- Gaulish: Senomaterês etic Senaterês . Senoueniâs
- English: Old mothers and old fathers . Old families
Libation: Pour a small amount of your drink onto the ground or in cups as an offering, then take a sip yourself.
Right-Hand Kiss: Kiss your right hand and place it on the ground in honor of your ancestors.
Turn Right: Turn to the right to symbolically leave the otherworld. This ensures a safe return from the ancestral realm.
Sit in silence, allowing a sacred silence to fall. Listen for omens and the voices of the ancestors.
Offer praise and acknowledgment to the ancestors.
- Gaulish: Molâmî Senistrei
- English Translation: I praise you, Ancestors.
Bessus Nouiogalation 