The Paterfamilias (or Materfamilia) of the Gens has the ultimate
responsibility for setting precidents regarding the worship conducted
at the household shrine to the Lares (the Lararium). While every family
will have a different specific formula for honoring the Lares and Di Penates
(the Gods of the family and the home, respectively), the following is offered
as a model. At the very least, some sort of prayer to the Lares and Di Penates
should be made every day. There is no need to be capite velato (with the head covered)
on regular days for prayers, nor any lucerna lit or incense offered.
Having washed his hands while saying the prayer of ablution, the Paterfamilias begins the rite. This
prayer is to be said while washing ones' hands in preparation for many of the other rites and rituals of the Religio Romana.
Prayer of Ablution
"Haec aqua a corpore impuritates, modo simile plumbo mutando ad aurum, elluat. Purga mentem.
Purga carnem. Purga animum. Ita est!"
"May this water cast out all of my impurities from my substance as
from lead to gold. Purify my mind, Purify my body, Purify my heart. It is so."
The ritual presented below assumes the Lararium is to the North. When (adoratio) is indicated,
one raises the right hand to the lips, kisses the fingertips of the right hand, and then
extends the hand out in offering. The body should also be swung (twisted) once, left to right,
so that the hand is moved sideways in a "general offering" motion.
"Salve lar familiaris (adoratio). Salvete Di Penates (adoratio). Salve Gen Patris
Familias (adoratio). Salve Vesta Mater (adoratio)."
"Be thou well, family Lars (adoratio). Be ye well, Di Penates (adoratio). Be well,
House of the Paterfamilias (adoratio). Be well, Mother Vesta (adoratio)."
The altar (or lararium) is then touched.
"Ita est!"
"It is so!"
The Paterfamilias turns south in a clockwise direction, assumes the adoratio posture, and
a closing prayer is spoken.
"Quod bonum faustum felix fortunatum salutareque sit mihi (the breast is touched with
the right hand) Genti ________ (insert gens name) ac nationi Novae Romae Universae. Ita est!"
The Paterfamilias facing north once more at the Lararium, touching the altar.
The adoratio posture is once more assumed, twisting the body from right to left as it
is done. The rite is ended.
