Great Rite
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In Wicca, the Great Rite is either ritual sexual intercourse, or else a ritual symbolic representation of sexual intercourse. In the symbolic version the High Priest plunges the athame, or ritual knife, (the male symbol) into a cup or chalice (the female symbol) which is filled with wine and is held by the High Priestess. The Great Rite symbolizes creation in the union of the Maiden Goddess with the Lover God, and thus is also known as a fertility rite.
A variety of ritual occasions call for the Great Rite to be performed, such as during the festival of Beltane on or about May 1st in the northern hemisphere and November 1st in the southern hemisphere.[1][2] Most often, it is performed by the High Priest and High Priestess, but other members can be elected to perform the Rite.
[edit] See also
[edit] Notes
- ^ Morrison, Dorothy (2001). The Craft: A Witch's Book of Shadows. Llewellyn Worldwide, p. 153.
- ^ Hume, Lynne (1997). Witchcraft and Paganism in Australia. Melbourne: Melbourne University Press.
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