# Chant of the Magi at the Fire-Altar explained — Poetry

> Chapter companion for Poetry by Henry van Dyke Jr..

## What happens

A hymn of worship and adoration to the divine Spirit, praising truth, purity, and goodness while seeking cleansing from falsehood and evil. The chant invokes Mazda to shine light and joy upon all humanity, believers and unbelievers alike, and concludes with an offering of love and song.

## Themes in this chapter

### Faith and Doubt

The Magi express unwavering faith in Mazda, seeking cleansing from falsehood and evil, and praying for light to overcome darkness and sadness.

### Spiritual Peace and Rest

The chant invokes divine light and joy to pour out on the worshippers, offering a sense of peace and holy love amid the night.

## Character check-ins

### Unknown

The collective voice of the Magi offering worship and prayer.

## Key lines

> We worship the Spirit Divine, all wisdom and goodness possessing, Surrounded by Holy Immortals, the givers of bounty and blessing.

We honor the divine Spirit, full of wisdom and goodness, surrounded by holy immortals who bestow gifts and blessings.

_Opening declaration of worship and acknowledgment of divine attributes._

> Hear us, O Mazda! Thou livest in truth and in heavenly gladness; Cleanse us from falsehood, and keep us from evil and bondage to badness; Pour out the light and the joy of Thy life on our darkness and sadness.

Listen to us, O Mazda! You live in truth and heavenly joy; purify us from lies, protect us from evil and bondage to sin, and pour the light and joy of your life upon our darkness and sorrow.

_Central petition for purification and divine illumination._

> Shine on our gardens and fields, Shine on our working and weaving; Shine on the whole race of man, Believing and unbelieving; Shine on us now through the night, Shine on us now in Thy might, The flame of our holy love and the song of our worship receiving.

Let your light shine on our gardens, fields, work, and weaving; shine on all humanity, both believers and non-believers; shine on us now through the night with your power, as we offer the flame of our sacred love and our song of worship.

_Universal blessing requested for all aspects of life and all people._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters/chant-of-the-magi-at-the-fire-altar
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/poetry_10_se/chapters