A new year prayer

The First hath dawned. With Yama may it be a cow to pour forth milk. May she be rich in milk and stream for us through many a coming year.

May she whom Gods accept with joy, She who is Consort of the Year, bring us abundant happiness. Thou whom with reverence we approach, O Night, vouchsafe us long to live; bless us with increase of our wealth.

This same is she whose light first dawned upon us: Great powers and glories are contained within her: a first-born bride, she conquers and bears children. Loud was the wooden pass-gear’s ring and rattle, as it made annual oblation ready. May we be lords of riches, with goodly children and good men about us.

Accept, O Jatavedas, our oblations. Tame animals of varied form and colour - may all the seven abide with me contented. Make me prosper, Night! May the favour of the Gods attend us. Filled full, O Ladle, fly thou forth. Completely filled fly back again. Serving at every sacrifice bring to us food and energy.

This Year hath come to us, thy lord and consort, O Ekashtaka.
Vouchsafe us children long to live, bless us with increase of our wealth.

The Seasons, and the Seasons’ Lords I worship, annual parts and groups. Half years, Years, Months, I offer to the Lord of all existing things.

I offer to the Seasons to Months, to Years. Dhatar, Vidhatar, Fortune, to the lord of all existing things.

With fatness and libation we sacrifice and adore the Gods. Wealthy may we retire to rest in our homes.

Ekashtaka, burning with zealous fervour, brought forth her babe the great and glorious Indra. With him the Gods subdued their adversaries: he became the Dasyus’ slayer.

Indra’s and Soma’s mother! thou art daughter of Prajapati. Satisfy thou our hearts’ desires. Gladly accept our sacrifice.

From Hymns of the Atharva Veda by Ralph TH Griffith