This ritual is remotely modelled on an early medieval rite performed by European churches. As such, it is a good example of the catholicity of church ritual: priests of the Roman Catholic Church began to do ritual to protect animals because that was a magico-religious function in great demand among the rural populace.

2-5 officers are required. The lines designated "P" may be pronounced by a Priest or Priestess. A Deacon is also required. If desired, Children may attend the Priest or Priestess. The Negative Child would carry a bowl of water consecrated in a previous Gnostic Mass, and the Positive child would carry a rose or a sprig of acacia.

The rite does not require any special temple setting. It may follow a Mass directly, in which case the officers should depart the temple, and the Deacon reenter first.

D: "I am alone, there is no god where I am. Is a god to live in a dog? No! There is death for the dogs. . . . death is the crown of all." (from CCXX:II)

The Priest or Priestess enters and stands in the East.

P: "It is not neccessary to understand; it is enough to adore. We ignore what created us, we adore what we create. Let us create nothing but GOD!" (from CCCXXXIII:XXI) "Domestic animals are the creations of man as god, and the gods of man as a creature."

D (signs + at each name and may also take on the corresponding god-forms):

"Apis the bull-god
"Hathoor the cow-goddess
"Bast the cat-goddess
"Anpu the dog-god
"Suti the pig-god
"Unnut the hare-goddess
"Horus the hawk-god!"

ALL: AUMGN. AUMGN. AUMGN.

Each animal is brought in turn to the East in a deosil fashion for the benediction:

P: "Secret of secrets that art hidden in the being of all that lives, hearten and comfort this [dog, cat, turtle, or whatever type of animal is blessed--alternately, the animal's proper name may be used], that it* may be a joy to its household. May it* know its* friends from its foes. May it* live with vigor and die with dignity. (Makes + on animal with water.)
GLORIA PATRI ET MATRI ET FILIA ET FILIAE
ET SPIRITUI SANCTO EXTERNO ET SPIRITUI SANCTO INTERNO
UT ERAT EST ERIT IN SAECULA SAECULORUM
SEX IN UNO PER NOMEN SEPTEM IN UNO ARARITA."

*or "he" or "she," as appropriate

The Deacon may dismiss or entertain any people remaining.

This ritual was originally published in The Scarlet Letter.

It was first performed by Priestess N.V. Continuity P. and Deacon Dionysus Soter
at Circle of Stars Sanctuary of Scarlet Woman Lodge OTO.