Prayers to Losna (Luna)

 

Etruscan prayer to Losna

O Losna, Lady of the Night's Unveiling, thee we invoke within this sacred space, thy devoted children of Populonia, standing now before thine consecrated altar. Thou art she who traverses the silent vault when the fiery chariot of Usil hath passed beyond the western hills. Thine is the cool radiance, the silvered light that bathes the sleeping earth and reveals the pathways hidden by the sun's full glare.

We praise thee, O Losna, whose countenance doth wax and wane in accordance with the immutable laws writ across the heavens by Tinia himself. Thou art the watcher in the darkness, the eye that blinks not through the long hours. Thy subtle power draws the deep waters of the sea towards the shore and commandeth their return; the rhythm of thy celestial dance guides the planting and the harvest. Thine influence touches the hidden tides within the living form, the cycles unseen yet deeply felt.

The augur looks unto thee, O Mysterious One, seeking omens in thy halo, in the swift passage of clouds across thy face, in the company thou keepest with the stars. Thy light falls upon the Haruspex's knife and the secrets held within the offered entrails. Thou art the mistress of the quiet hour, the guardian of secrets, the inspiration for dreams that may foretell that which is to come.

Therefore, we beseech thee, Gracious Losna: cast thy benevolent gaze upon us, thy people. Grant thy steady light to guide the nocturnal traveller safe upon his journey. Ward off the unquiet spirits and the creatures that shun the day, that our homes and flocks may rest secure under thy watchful presence. Bestow upon thy worshippers clarity in the night's visions and favourable signs in thy passage across the firmament. Let thy full brilliance signify abundance and thy gentle crescent promise growth renewed.

For thou art Losna, the Shiner, the Reflector of Truths, whose domain is the mystery of the night sky. Thy beauty is a balm, thy power undeniable. Before thee, we offer our reverence and seek thy continued favour. Shine upon us, O Losna, now and through all the nights ordained to follow.

Etruscan Losna hymn

O Losna, Thou Mistress of the Night Sky, She Who doth command the lunar orb and its passage through the heavens. We, Thy people, stand within this consecrated precinct, mindful of Thy power and Thy dominion over the darkness.

We acknowledge Thee, O Losna, whose pale light doth reveal secrets hidden by the sun, and whose regular cycle doth govern the tides of the sea and the watches of the night. Thou seest all that transpires when the world doth rest or wake beneath Thy gaze.

Be Thou favourable, we beseech Thee, unto this community, unto its magistrates, unto its families, and unto the lands which sustain us. As Thou dost wax and wane in Thy celestial journey, grant that our fortunes may increase and be guarded from sudden decline. Guard Thou the gates of our city through the dark hours. Let Thy silver glow be a shield against unseen peril, against spirits that wander, and against the ill-intentions of men concealed by shadow. Grant Thou clarity to the diviner who seeketh knowledge by Thy light, that his interpretations be true and for the benefit of all. For the rites duly performed, for the incense dutifully burned upon Thine altar, for the offerings presented according to ancient custom, incline Thine ear, O Losna. Look Thou upon us with benevolence. Ward off blight from the fields that rest under Thy dew; keep pestilence from our homes that sleep under Thy watch.

Mighty Losna, whose influence toucheth both the heavens above and the earth below, accept Thou this homage. Grant Thy continued protection and Thy steady light. Yea, quickly and swiftly!