*Pagan Daily Devotionals*

*The Great Rite *

The Great Rite of Wicca is part of traditional Wicca (Gardnerian or Alexandrian trads, for example). It's a sexual ritual involving intercourse, usually between the High Priest and High Priestess. The purpose of the Rite is to celebrate the sacred marriage between the God and Goddess. The Rite is often misunderstood, both among Pagans and non-Pagans alike.

Non-physical variations on the Great Rite exist, using a chalice and athame for
a symbolic sexual union. Some strict traditionalists frown upon this sort of
'watering-down' of a powerful ritual.

It's also sometimes performed as part of a third-degree initiation, though in
this case it's more often performed symbolically.

Do you think that sex is appropriate in a coven setting? Wicca does have a very
strong fertility aspect to it, and the bonding between God and Goddess is very
important. Would you be able to perform the Great Rite with someone (not your
significant other) in the name of religion?

I'm not actually asking for answers here, just giving you something to think about. :)

assembled by"bunky"@DiamondGirls