by Rev. Jean “Drum” Pagano
We are told, from long ago, that all life requires water. We see water all around us, but it has a will of its own. There are times that the waters are healing; there are times when the waters are harmful; there are times when the waters rise up to nurture; there are times when the waters arise in anger. There are times when the waters are placid and serene.
This is the story of the coming of the waters and the blessings extended to all the Earth from Tishtrya. Tishtrya lived among the stars. In the heavens, he protected the Moon and held the many waters that would come to men and beasts. Offering would be made to Tishtrya for the coming of the beneficial waters.
Tishtrya is a bright light in the sky. Many look to his arrival in the heavens with the hopes and promises of beneficial waters. Offerings would be made to him for the blessings he bestowed. In the heavens he would hold the waters like those of the wide ocean.
Tishtrya is thankful for the offerings that are made to him. For these offerings, he moves the clouds from the ocean to the land bringing rain and fertility with them. These are the gifts that he does give.
Tishtrya is thankful for the offerings that are made to him. For these offerings, he makes the springs run with waves as thick as a horse’s size and still thicker. These are the gifts he does give.
Tishtrya is thankful for the offerings that are made to him. For these offerings, he brings water to the plants and also to Mitra’s wide pastures. These are the gifts that he does give.
Tishtrya is thankful for the offerings that are made to him. He subdues the Pairiska that would make the waters boil over. His intercession makes the waters flow gently and spread ease and joy on fertile countries. These are the gifts that he does give.
Tishtrya is thankful for the offerings that are made to him. He takes the waters and washes away all fears. He brings health to all creations. He is lord and overseer above all stars. These are the gifts that he does give
Tishtrya is thankful for the offerings that are made to him. He comes at his appointed time and moves through the heavens like a young man of fifteen years. Bright in the sky, he brings the flowing waters and the seeds that are found therein: to the fields, to the animals, to the people of all nations. Our offerings sustain him – they keep the waters flowing; they bring fertility, like a young man of fifteen years. He is a bright light in the sky that brings the flowing of waters and the gift of fertility; these are the gifts that he does give.
