A proskynema is translated as “adoration” of a deity. On the Temple of Philae pilgrims left notes of when they had done a proskynema to the Goddess Aset. There is even a few papyri fragments which stated that Sarapis and Sobek were offered proskynema in one’s household (1).
Prosykensis is a Greek word for adoration. These are sacred gestures meant to honor the Gods. These would be hand gestures done for the Hellenic deities or the Egyptian ones such as raising your palms to the sky for the Olympians or to the ground for the Deities or the Underworld or your palms facing the image of a deity. Or this would be a henu or dua gesture for the Egyptian deities as well as full prostration before the holy image or shrine (2).
This may also be in the context of a ritual where words were spoken, a gesture was performed and an offering was given. In some cases, this was every day so the offering would be something easily accessible such as wine or water or fruit or a grain such as bread or barley (3).
There are a few of these festivals that I know of so far. They are also listed on my festivals page here: Aset Festivals.
3 Peret/Pamenot/February
29-Adoration of Aset of the Many Names/Proskynema
4 Peret/Parmuthi/March
9 of March-Adoration of Aset, the very Great Goddess, Sovereign and Savior/Proskynema
In the descriptions of these events we have some epithets of the Goddess Aset. In one of them Aset is of the Many Names and this describes Her as a Goddess of many names and forms and epithets. You could honor Aset as a shapeshifter or recite a hymn with Her many epithets or aspects or forms mentioned like chapter 142 of the Book of the Dead or if you are more Classically inclined one of the Aretalogies.
In the next one Aset is honored as Aset, the very Great Goddess, Sovereign and Savior. Here She is described as supreme Goddess who is a Sovereign Queen and one who is a savior to Her people. She aids those who call upon Her. So you could honor Aset as a Great Lady with immense power and sovereignty. She is the one who saves those who call upon Her. She is the savior Goddess par excellence.
She did not stop searching for Her husband and She never stopped caring for Her son. And Her son stands in for everyone. Think about that a minute. She will aid and protect you as fiercely and as compassionately as She would Her son Heru. She is the single Mother who cares for millions.
Adoration to Aset. Homage to Aset.
May I bow before You in adoration and praise.
Sources
(1) Lewis, H. Jeremiah. The Balance of the Two Lands: Writings on Greco-Egyptian Polytheism. (Nysa Press, 2009), 39-40.
(2) Lewis, H. Jeremiah. The Balance of the Two Lands: Writings on Greco-Egyptian Polytheism. (Nysa Press, 2009), 141-142.
(3) Lewis, H. Jeremiah. The Balance of the Two Lands: Writings on Greco-Egyptian Polytheism. (Nysa Press, 2009), 39-40.
Fiercely Bright One 