Ancient Athenians held that once a lunar month, Hekate led the spirits of the unavenged or wrongfully killed accompanied by hounds from the underworld up from Hades.
The Deipnon consists of three main parts: 1) the meal that was set out at a crossroads, 2) an expiation sacrifice, and 3) purification of the household.
The specific foods mentioned most often in primary sources are those usually associated with offerings for the dead: raw eggs, some type of small cake, garlic, leeks and/or onions, and fish.
[10] Prior to the sacrifice taking place, each member of the household touched the dog, transmitting all of their bad deeds onto this sacred animal of Hekate.
Once the dog was sacrificed, the head of the family performed divination by reading the entrails to be sure the sacrifice was accepted and any act of offense against the Titan or the Gods was wiped clean.
[13] “Whatever is thrown or dropped is lost to this world, whatever is caught is gained” - Pausanias, Description of Greece I, 17, 3; Aelius Spartianus, Hadrian XXVI, 7.
[15] Current methods of observing the Deipnon by modern adherents of the indigenous Athenian religion mix traditional forms of ritual with new.
In some cases, the new ritual practices are due to adapting to modern life in a very different culture than that of ancient Athens.
While some still seek out a crossroads, others place the meal on a central altar in their home or apartment for a day and then dispose of the offering later.
People currently do not have ashes from sacrificed animals, dog carcasses, or waste blood in homes and apartments.
[20] Donating time at a soup kitchen serving meals is another act of charity and goodwill done to observe the Deipnon.
[21] Other practices are resolving personal and/or financial obligations[22] and emptying and cleaning a special jar kept in a pantry or on an altar in honor of Zeus Ktesios.