Demeter was widely worshipped throughout Greece, and her sanctuaries and temples remain to this day. Most of these sacred places are built on or near a natural spring, and it is believed that worshippers would bathe in the springs to "renew" themselves or be "baptized" into the cult of Demeter. One of the most famous and best-kept places of Demeter worship is Eleusis, about 20 miles west of Athens and site of the Eleusinian Mysteries. The Mysteries were held twice a year, in or around March and September, and the rites were so sacred that to reveal their contents was punishable by death, so we actually know little about their exact nature.
It was believed by the followers of Demeter that Eleusis was the site of her reunion with her daughter, and today you can still see the Ploutoneion, a sacred cave from which Persephone emerged from the underworld. Here also is the Callichoron Well, where, according to the Homeric Hymn to Demeter, the goddess rested during her search for Persephone. This well was the site of ritual bathing and a dance was performed around the well as part of the Eleusinian rites. Near to the archaeological site of Eleusis is the Archaeological Museum of Eleusis, built in 1889 to display the many finds from the excavation of the settlement. Here you will find statues of Demeter and Persephone, as well as other gods and goddesses who were worshipped here, such as Asclepios, the god of medicine and Artemis, goddess of the hunt and sister of Apollo. The Eleusis excavation and museum are open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 8:30 AM to 3:00 PM with ticket prices at 500 drachmas (roughly $2.50 USD).
For those of us unable to commune with Demeter in her native Hellas, the Aquarian Tabernacle Church offers the Spring Mysteries Festival, held this year from April 9th to the 12th. Rites include the Purification Parade to the Sea, the Lesser Mysteries for first time attendees and the Greater Mysteries for returning patrons. Registration fees include room and board, and they are on a sliding scale if received before March 31st. For details, contact the Aquarian Tabernacle Church at (360) 793-1945 or e-mail to ATC@AquTabCh.org.
For those of us who wish to celebrate the rebirth of the earth in a more private, less structured fashion, I suggest a ritual bath in one of the many natural hot springs found in the Pacific Northwest. There are a number of secluded areas throughout Washington, Oregon and British Columbia that are home to undeveloped hot-springs open to the public year round. Some of them are only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles or a half-day hike through the mountains, but a number are easily reached via a five or ten minute walk in the woods.
Baker Hot Springs, in the Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest can be reached by taking Exit 230 off I-5 and driving east on Highway 20. After going through Hamilton, turn left on Baker Lake Road and continue about 20 miles to Baker Lake Resort. Turn left on Forest Service Road Number 1144 (a gravel road, so watch out!) and go about 3 miles to the scenic overlook and parking area. The trail to the hot springs is unmarked, but begins opposite the view point. A board covered 1/4 mile walkway leads the way to the sandy bottomed springs. Bathing suits are optional, and the tranquil site is ideal for personal ritual. Just don't be surprised if others are there enjoying the solitude.
Other springs in this area include the Olympic Hot Springs on the Olympic Peninsula and Scenic Hot Springs in Skykomish. The Olympic Hot Springs are a 2-1/2 mile hike from the end of Hot Springs Road in the Olympic National Park near Port Angeles. They can be crowded on weekends and you should call the park to make sure the road is open. A more secluded option is Scenic Hot Springs, whose location are kept unpublicized by a group called Friends of Scenic Hot Springs in an attempt to prevent overcrowding and development. For details you can write to P.O. Box 268, Skykomish, WA 98288. However you choose to celebrate, Happy Oestara to you, and happy traveling!
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