“This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me.” -1 Corinthians 11:25 KJV
Within your home temple is an altar. When we went over dedicating the altar, we mentioned tools one may place upon their altar:
- The Rod of Aaron in the eastern spot to represent Air and God the Father
- The Panticle to the North to represent Earth and Heavenly Mother
- The Chalice, with water in it, to the West to represent Water and Jesus Christ/YHVH
- The Athame to the South to represent the Fire and the Holy Spirit
All tools should be made of natural substances; wood, stone, pure metals (as pure as possible). The Lord has commanded us that no iron should be placed upon our altars (Deuteronomy 27:5). Based on this, the Fellowship recommends avoiding plastic as well, as it too is a man-made substance.
Water: Cup/Chalice
The cup or chalice is the easiest of the tools to identify and understand due to its use in the Sacrament of Communion. For the chalice, I recommend a pewter cup, though glass, wood, or silver may also be used. Pewter is more affordable than silver and it will work as well, and wood is already on the altar as the rod. Wash the chalice using some soap in warm running water. Please do not use still, stagnant water. I made my own soap from dried sapindus berries (soap nuts or soap berries), but this is not necessary. The whole time washing and rinsing it, one should channeled their positive energy – letting it flow from them to the chalice.
Dedication
To dedicate the chalice, one should hold the chalice their left hand, placing the right over it. In prayerful meditation, one should then move their energy, combining it with the power of the Holy Spirit, letting it flow through the chalice to charge it. Once the energy is flowing comfortably the ritual may begin. Read the following parts of the 23rd Psalm in the Old Testament:
“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.
He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.” -Psalms 23: 1-3, 5-6; KJV
After reading these verses, say a prayer dedicating the chalice as the cup that may runneth over, as mentioned in verse 5, to God. Elohim (God the Father, Air, and God the Mother, Earth), Jesus Christ (Water), and the Holy Spirit (Fire) should all be invoked in the prayer. After the prayer, place some water or wine in the cup and read a prayer for blessing the sacramental wine. Replace the word “wine” with “water” if water is used to replace the wine or juice.
“O God the Eternal Father, we ask thee in the name of thy Son, Jesus Christ, to bless and sanctify this wine to the souls of all those who drink of it, that they may do in remembrance of the blood of thy Son, which was shed for them, that they may witness unto thee, O God the Eternal Father, that they do always remember him, that they may have his Spirit to be with them. Amen.” -Avahr 31:24, Moroni 5:2 OPV, 5:3 RAV
Drinking the sacramental water or wine will serve as the conclusion of the dedication.
Conclusion
One may prepare their tools before or after the altar has been prepared. When not in use, be sure to properly store them. They may be placed on the altar as a reminder of the sacred nature of one’s home temple, or placed somewhere else to keep them clean and safe. Some put a white cloth over them to keep dust and dirt off of them. These are personal choices that should be made prayerfully and practically. Other tools may be placed on the altar as well, such as an incense burner, a vial of oil for blessing the sick, etc. It is recommended that open scriptures be laid on the altar when not in use.
“And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it.” -Matthew 26:27 KJV