Armenian Pantheon

Astghik, Star of Love and Waters

Little Star, Lady of the Springs

The Rose and Water Prayer

Astghik, little star who bathes in the river at night and lights the hills with your going, accept these roses and this clear water. You made the fields bloom where your love passed. Make my affections generous and my house hospitable. Keep the spring in me from running dry, and let what I pour out return as rain.

Poured, not spoken alone: sprinkle water with a rose or a green branch while reciting.

Ideas for Offering

  • Sprinkle water on those you love in the manner of Vardavar
  • Float rose petals in a shallow bowl and refresh them weekly
  • Carry water from a spring to your altar rather than from the tap when you can
  • Give roses to someone without explaining why

Accepted Offerings

  • Roses — petals, buds, and rosewater
  • Spring water and rain water
  • Wheat, apricots, pomegranates, and grapes
  • Doves' images, and small star-shaped tokens
  • Lace, incense, and clean white cloth

Offering Taboos

  • Do not offer stagnant, dirty, or reused water
  • No hunting talk or blood offerings at her shrine
  • Do not mock lovers or the young before her
  • Keep her altar cloth clean; dust is a discourtesy