Megalesia commemorates an event from around 204 BCE when a special meteorite from Phrygia was placed ceremoniously on Palatine Hill in the Temple of Victory. This was done by the Romans after one of the Sibyls claimed it could save Rome from losing a war with Carthage. This stone was considered sacred; to the Phrygians it represented the goddess Cybele, whom the Romans called Magna Mater, which means "Great Mother."

The movement of the stone was a success. Crops were bountiful and the Second Punic War ended the following year. Annually, an event called the Megalesia celebrated Cybele with a parade and banquet, games, and other forms of entertainment.

Today, choose a special stone to honor the goddess Cybele (or any Great Mother figure)—even better if you have a piece of meteorite. Dedicate the stone and keep it in a visible place or on your altar. Use this chant in your dedication:

Great Mother, hold us, nurture us in life.
Great Mother, guard us, protect us all from strife.
Great Mother, teach us, help us see your face;
Great Mother, love us, help us learn your grace.