This is a simple rite honoring the continuity of life through those who came before us, those who share the world with us, and those who have yet to come. We do not exist apart from what came before us, nor are our actions without consequence for what follows. Our lives are shaped by countless beings, relationships, and events, many of which we may never fully know.
In Bessus Nouiogalation, we understand ourselves as participants in a living world filled with relationships and responsibilities. The ancestors are part of that story, as are the land, the Dêuoi, the spirits, and the generations who will inherit what we leave behind.
This rite invites us to recognize continuity, give thanks for what we have received, and consider what we are passing forward.
The three stones represent:
- Those Who Came Before — The ancestors and all those whose lives contributed to our own.
- Those Who Are Here — The living world and the relationships that sustain us.
- Those Yet to Come — The generations who will inherit the consequences of our actions.
Water is poured over the stones as an offering and as a symbol of the continuity that connects them.
Preparation
- Gather three stones and a small vessel of clean water.
- If gathering stones from the land, do so with care and respect for the place. The stones need not be special in appearance or size. Their meaning comes from the intention and relationships expressed through the rite.
- The stones may be collected from the surrounding land, where appropriate and permitted, or chosen from stones already in your possession.
- Each stone may be left unmarked or given a symbol reflecting its meaning.
- Arrange the stones before you in a row, from left to right: past, present, and future.
- Take a moment to become still and attentive to the place where you stand.
- You can make or find a bag to carry them on your person and do this rite whenever you feel the need.
First Stone — Those Who Came Before
To the ancestors.
I remember the ancestors.
I honor the ancestors.
Regentiobos.
Commeniûmî regentiūs.
Dugiûmî regentiūs.
Second Stone — Those Who Are Here
To the Earth, the people, and the Gods.
I care for the Earth and the people.
I honor the Gods.
I honor the spirits.
I honor Sacred Law.
Litauiī, toutī, dêuobos.
Carāiûmî Litauian etic toutan.
Dugiûmî dêuūs.
Dugiûmî anatian.
Dugiûmî dedmin.
Third Stone — Those Yet to Come
To the descendants.
I care for the descendants.
I entrust an inheritance.
Ategniobos.
Carāiûmî ategniūs.
Neiāiûmî orbiion.
Offering of Water
I offer water.
I remember.
I honor.
I care.
Readdāiûmî dubron.
Commeniûmî.
Dugiûmî.
Carāiûmî.
Threefold Closing
May I remember those who came before.
May I honor those who are here.
May I care for those yet to come.
Commenânmî regentiūs.
Dugânmî biuoi.
Carânmî ategniūs.
