20+C+M+B+16
Today is the last day of Christmas, also known as Epiphany.
There are a lot of events and meanings that get tacked onto this day: the baptism of Christ, the extension of grace to gentiles, and most importantly the visitation of the Three Magi-Kings.
The three Magi: Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar are mentioned in several grimoires. The Epiphany Mass is when special chalk for making the circle mentioned in the 6th and 7th books of Moses gets consecrated.
Catholics of course use the chalk to mark their door with the year and initials of the three wise men.
20 + C + M + B + 16
The initials also stand for Christus mansionem benedicat, “May Christ bless the house.”Carmelites use the following prayer:
The three Wise Men, Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar followed the star of God’s Son who became human two thousand and sixteen years ago. May Christ bless our home and remain with us throughout the new year. Amen.
Visit, O blessed Lord, this home with the gladness of your presence. Bless all who live or visit here with the gift of your love; and grant that we may manifest your love to each other and to all whose lives we touch. May we grow in grace and in the knowledge and love of you; guide, comfort, and strengthen us in peace, O Jesus Christ, now and forever. Amen
I have to thank Dr. Al Cummins for posting a link to an amulet that links the Kings to Atropos – the eldest of the fates.
There are lots of other traditions related to Epiphany: The Three Kings Cake, the Candlelight Mass, etc.
Whether you care about any of this or not, its a good opportunity to take a sip of a Three Wise Men cocktail:
1 part Scotch Whisky (recommend a blended Scotch for Coctails. Johnnie Walker Red or Black. Green, Gold and Blue should never be mixed with anything else.
1 part Tennessee Whiskey (e.g., Jack Daniels).
1 part Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey (e.g., Jim Beam White or Black Label).
Serve either neat or on the rocks, according to taste.
Variations include:
Three Wise Men go Hunting, which is the recipe above with the addition of Wild Turkey Bourbon.
Three Men and a Baby: recipe above, add milk. (YUCK!)