TYPE 4

THE LARE HOUSE SPIRITS

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THE LARE HOUSE

In the Aridian Tradition, we have a belief in spirits known as

the Lare (Lar-ay), or Lasa (Lah-sah). In a way, these are spirits who

carry the memories of our Ancestors. They are the Collective Con-

sciousness of our Clans. They are also Nature spirits similar to the

Elven or Fay, but are considered a different Race.

The Lasa appear in Etruscan Mythology and the Lare appear in

Roman Mythology. In the Aridian Mythos there is a blending of the two.

Aridian Initiates are required to obtain, or to construct, a Lare

house, as part of their training. These spirits houses can be of any

design, however the Roman Temple design is the most common. These are

simply two pillars supporting a cross beam. At the base is a small

protruding ledge upon which offerings may be placed. As part of the

Community rites a votive candle is placed on the ledge. Whenever

someone in the Family has a birthday, or some other personal event,

the candle is lit as part of the Celebration. The children of our Clan

seem to enjoy lighting the candles, and sharing in the tradition of

the Lare.

Offerings are placed before the Lare house on each of the Season-

al Rites, and each Full Moon. These are usually offerings of grain, or

nectar. Nectar is a mixture of milk, honey and wine. As part of the

Rite of the Lare, the names of our ancestors (and "departed" Clan

members) are recalled in a "toast" before the Lare House. This tradit-

ional rite has served to preserve the lines of descent back into Time.

We view the Lare as many spirits who comprise a single Conscious-

ness. In other words as a Community of spirits. They are connected to

us through our worship of the Nature and the Old Ways, and through

that of our Ancestors. Through our practices they recognize us as

those who gathered in ancient times, and they "follow" us through

Time. This is a very primitive belief, but is still honored today.

BLESSED BE. [Raven]