The Altar is near the East Gate, although there should be some space between the two for the HP & HPs to stand. The forecourt of the Labyrinth is the area between the Labyrinth and the Altar; it should be large enough to accomodate all the participants.

B. Costumes

1. Ariadne (A), Lady of the Labyrinth Ideally, Ariadne, the Lady of the Labyrinth, is dressed as a Minoan Priestess: flounced dress with a short jacket leaving the breasts bare. (Bare breasts are especially relevant for Ariadne as Nurse.[20]) Alternately, any long ceremonial robe will do. It should be dark (especially dark blue) in color. It is appropriate if the sign of the Labrys (Double Axe) or a Labyrinth pattern appears on her robe or jewelry. Crescent (but not full) moons may also appear.[21] The High Priestess also wears a shawl, covering her head and chest, when she is not in the role of Ariadne (e.g.,when she takes the role of Mother at the beginning and end of the rite).
2. Minotaur (M), The Beast The Minotaur wears an elaborate mask (detailed description given below, see Minotaur Mask), and the Starry Robe (see below). He may wear a bull's tail.[22] Beyond this he is costumed like Dionysos (nude or in a khitôn with kothurnoi, see below).
3. Theseus (T), The Man Ideally, Theseus is nude or clothed in a short khitôn (tunic). For a more Minoan focus, he may wear a codpiece or a prominant phallus sheath.[23] If the Sword is used, then T needs to have a belt in which to put it.

4. Dionysos (D), The God Ideally, kothurnoi (tall leather hunting boots), otherwise nude.[24] Alternately, Dionysos may be dressed in a short khitôn (tunic), as hunter, or, if a Minoan style is preferred, in a loin-cloth with a phallus sheath or prominant codpiece. When the HP is not in the Minotaur or Dionysos roles (e.g. when he takes the role of Father at the beginning of the rite), he wears a long robe or cloak over the D costume.
5. Paides (P) Traditionally, the boys would be naked and the girls would wear robes, but any comfortable clothing will do. It is traditional for several of the P to be cross-dressed (i.e. dressed as the opposite sex).[25]
6. Athena Long robe. If Ariadne is doubling as Athena, then Athena should be identified by Her attributes (e.g. helmet, spear, shield). If Ariadne's breast is bare, it should be covered (e.g. by the Aegis) for Athena.

C. Equipment

1. Prosôpon Minotaurou (The Minotaur's Mask) (See Minotaur's Mask) for details on construction.
2. Linon Ariadnês (Ariadne's Thread) A clew (ball) of gold[26] or yellow colored yarn, sufficiently long to thread the Labyrinth with some to spare, on a spindle from it can be unwound with one hand.
3. Stephanos Ariadnês (Ariadne's Crown) A glittering wreath for the head, especially gold with glittering roses or other solar symbols.[27] (It can be illuminated with a chemoluminescent ring.) The Crown has a ribbon by which it can be hung around T's neck.
4. Dendron Zôês (Tree of Life)[28] The Tree of Life, which is at the center of the Labyrinth, may be an actual Sacred Tree (especially an olive, palm or cedar), or a potted plant, or a wooden Sacred Pillar.[29] It may be decorated with lunar symbols or the Horns of Consecration.
5. Asteroen Pharos (Starry Robe)[30] The Starry Robe (Cloak, Cloth, Sheet etc.)[31] is a dark (esp. purple[32]) with glittering stars,[33] and is large enough to cover a person. It may also be decorated with Horns of Consecration or Bucrania (bulls' heads), the Sun and Moon, as well as cosmological symbols or diagrams.[34]
6. Xiphos Thêseôs (Sword of Theseus) Ideally, the Sword is a Greek-style two-edged short sword, or a dagger.[35]
7. Eiresiônê (Wool-wand) A wand (preferably of laurel), 2-3 feet long, decorated with fruit and pastries in the shape of lyres, cups and vine branches.[36] The ornaments could also be made of paper, clay, foil etc. Have at least one for each Pais (Youth).
8. Keratôn (Horn Altar) The Keratôn (or Bômos Keratinos) on Delos is normally interpreted as an altar made of horns from the left side of the heads of bulls (since the dance goes backwards, in the direction of death).[37] However, I think it is more appropriate to have the Horn Altar be in the shape of the Horns of Consecration or decorated with them.[38] It should have a place for the altar fire as well as space for offerings, incense, libations etc.
9. Herald's Wand: optional It should be possible to hang a wreath on it.
10. Oskhoi: optional Vine branches with grapes on them.[39] In a pinch, use artificial grapes.
11. Keraunos Lithos (Thunder Stone): optional Sometimes the Minotaur is seen fighting back with a Stone,[40] which may be assimilated to the Thunder Stone, used to initiate Minos in a cave.[41]
12. Labrys (Double Axe): optional Preferably a large, Minoan-style Labrys (double axe), which Ariadne can hold as an insignia. (It's convenient if it can be set up in a pyramidal base.) Alternately, she may wear a small Labrys.
13. Horns of Consecration: optional Large Horns of Consecration may stand on an altar near the Tree.[42]
14. Spondai (Libations): Milk, Wine, Honey & Water[43] There should be a small libation vessel of each. In addition, there is a honey offering for Ariadne.
15. Standard Equipment Perirrhantêrion (Bowl of Lustral Water), fire on altar or in cauldron, brand (ideally a laurel branch), Hudôr Theion (Holy Water), white towel for drying hands, incense & censer.

D. Food

1. Panspermia (Allseeds) Boiled beans, leguminous vegetables and cereals boiled in the cauldron. The more different ingredients, the better.
2. Gleukos (New Wine) Get a young, fruity wine.
3. Bread
4. Meat: optional
5. Atharê (Porridge): optional Atharê is a porridge of husked wheat and milk.

E. Music: optional

1. Drum
2. Lyre

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Last updated: Mon Feb 21 11:05:35 EST 2000