Omphalos Ceremony Dedicated to Apollo


Omphalos of Delphi, Archaeological
Museum of Delphi, Greece.

About five years ago, as I was starting my practice with Apollo, I came across the book "The Oracle: Ancient Delphi and the Science Behind Its Lost Secrets." I became fascinated by the concept of omphaloses. An omphalos is a religious stone artifact that signifies the sacred site of Delphi. Omphalos translated means 'navel' and Delphi was believed to be the center hub of the world. The Omphalos of Delphi is referred to as a baetyl and embodies the divine experiences of a deity.

During that time, I was enrolled in a ceramics class and felt inspired to create one to symbolize my home under the Sun's protection and strengthen my boundaries. I fashioned the omphalos from clay, a project that can be easily replicated at home. The design resembles a tall bowl. I then crafted a net pattern using dried bean pods, pressing them into the clay. To complete it, I found a star sun stamp and placed it in the center.

Once it was fired in the kiln, I performed a small ritual to empower it. I have since refined the wording for publication here.

To craft your own omphalos, gather the following materials:

  • Clay (air dry is fine if making it at home and you do not have access to a ceramics studio)
  • Items to imprint and add texture to the clay
After creating the omphalos you will call upon Apollo and ask him to bless it. You will need:
  • A candle
  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Bay leaf
  • Chamomile
  • Clove

Place the candle on top of the omphalos and recite this prayer:

Hail Apollo, I honor you and request your blessing upon this omphalos that I have created in your name. May it serve to designate my home as a sacred, protected space, much like Delphi.

Please bless my abode with your divine protection. Drive away thieves and malevolent forces with the brilliance of your light, dear Phoebus.


Anoint a candle and invoke the herbs as you incorporate them. Place the candle on top of the omphalos. 


With this offering, I ask you to cleanse this home and bring healing to all who enter, instilling love and peace within.

Through this honey, may you bless this home with kindness, fostering happiness and unity among its residents.

May this chamomile attract luck and prosperity to our doorstep.

Clove, fortify our family and shield us from adversaries.

Lastly, in honor of you, dear Apollo, the Bay Bearer, I call upon the bay leaf. Let this laurel alleviate the suffering of all who visit, and protect us from evil at all times. Bring fortune to those who dwell here and offer sanctuary to those in need.

Hail, leader of Delphi! Empower this omphalos and mark this home, create a boundary with your divine presence.

Abaios,

Paean,

Phoebus,

Klarios,

Oulios,

Alexikakus,

Hail God of the Sun!

Hail God of the Muses!

Hail Apollo!


Light the candle, and if you feel inspired, consider making an extra offering. I remember doing this for the elemental spirits of the Sun outside. Once the candle has completely burned down, place the omphalos in an outdoor location. To further enhance its power, it is advisable to make monthly offerings to Apollo on the seventh of each month. 

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