Discussing Purificatio - Stage I [SOCIETAS NUMAEA]

[Lucius Curtius Philo]

[Marcus Grattius Frenzius]

Water should be aspersed over the altar and the surrounding space. Woolen fillets or februa are wrapped around the altar three times. Pure water comes from a living source, i.e, a stream, river, etc and not a stagnant one such as a pond. I've seen arguments against using tap water because it comes into contact with metal, but I've also seen arguments for it because it flows and therefore can be similarly defined as "living". The alternative would be to obtain it from a local source in one's locale if possible or otherwise purchasing spring water which in itself also comes into contact with metal. I will typically purchase a bottle of spring water as it adds a certain tone of being willing to give up something (in this case money) to provide the Gods with the best.

[Gaia Cassia Longina]

Salve,
I agree with Nero about the running water. However, I just use my tap water or when I am in Rome, I go to the public fountains to get my water.
I also believe that everything on the altar should be cleansed before the next use. I usually do this at night before I go to sleep. I wash everything (if there was wine, which their usually is- being the sacerdos for Liber! - or any other food offering) including the altar and statues.

[Lucius Curtius Philo]

[Lucius Vitellius Triarius]

I like the option of the WORDS TO BE SPOKEN. It adds variation.

[Lucius Curtius Paullus]

Salve,
This is just my view, but tap water is not living water. with the chemical treatment, and the additives the water is not hale and whole. the essence of it is gone. I had one time herd if the offering is not good enough for your body, what do you think the Diis think about what seconds you give them.
but it is just my thought, and I am not trying to say anyone is doing anything wrong.

[Lucius Curtius Philo]

Salve Paulle!

Yes, I can appreciate your view. You certainly have a point. Personally I use bottled spring water. I only use such water that is bottled in glass. But that is just my personal thing.

I think the main point is that the water is not from a stagnant source (eg. pond, pool, etc) and that it is pure water, or as pure as possible (eg. not sea water or some other mixture). Regarding your comments on municipal water, I think this is very variable. In some locations municiple water comes from a spring source and is only minimally treated. If that is the case such water is not all that different from that delivered by the ancient aqueducts into Rome. I think this is probably as pure, if not more so because of modern technology, as that water used by the ancients and collected at the local fountain. But you are also right. Some municiple water is very lacking. Such a thing is very common in most countries.

Bottomline? I think your line of questioning, "would you drink it?" is very appropriate. If the answer is no, then certainly you should do better for the divine Gods and Goddesses.

I think this is very practical, dare I say Roman solution to this matter. Any additional perspectives?

vale.

Philo