ᛟThe Old Ways

The Zoroastrian Path · daily practice

The Five Gehs -- Daily Prayer Watches

 ·  Duration: 10 min

Sanctifying the Day Through Five Sacred Hours — The Zoroastrian day is divided into five gehs (watches), each presided over by a different divine being. Praying at each geh sanctifies the entire day and keeps the practitioner in continuous contact with Ahura Mazda. The five gehs mirror the cosmic struggle between Asha (Truth) and Druj (the Lie) -- each watch marks a turning point in the daily battle of light against darkness. Even practicing one or two gehs consistently is powerful.

What you need

  • Awareness of the time of day
  • A moment of stillness (even 30 seconds)
  • Facing a light source if possible (fire, candle, sun, or window)
  • Optional: a kusti for the ritual binding

The rite, step by step

  1. 1

    Recognize the Geh

    At any point during the current geh (watch), pause what you are doing. Take a single breath. Recognize which geh you are in and who presides over it.

  2. 2

    Face the Light

    Turn toward the nearest source of light -- a window, the sun, a candle, or even your phone's flashlight in an emergency. Asha is light. The Lie is darkness. You orient yourself toward truth.

  3. 3

    Recite the Ashem Vohu

    Say: 'Ashem Vohu vahishtem asti. Ushta asti. Ushta ahmai hyat ashai vahishtai ashem. -- Righteousness is good; it is the best. Happy is the person who is righteous for the sake of the best righteousness.'

  4. 4

    Speak the Geh Prayer

    Recite the prayer for the current geh (see above). Speak with conviction -- these are not rote words but declarations of alignment with Asha.

  5. 5

    Set a Micro-Intention

    State one specific thing you will do before the next geh that upholds Good Thoughts, Good Words, or Good Deeds. Keep it small and achievable. Example: 'Before Rapithwin, I will speak one honest thing I have been avoiding.'

  6. 6

    Close

    Say: 'Ahura Mazda, I am present. I am awake. I choose Asha. Until the next geh, I carry Your fire.' Bow slightly and return to your day.

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