| The Great Rite |
| Sometimes a couple will chose to continue a handfasting ritual, or follow one up, with The Great Rite. In this ritual they become the archetype of the God and Goddess incarnate in order to bring to union the most sacred and powerful living communion known; where man and women, earth and sky, become one. In olden days the Great Rite was practied to ensure fertility, good harvests, and good weather. There are still times today when couples may choose to invoke this Rite as a part of their lovemaking. It is of the utmost importance that the right thought and proper attitude should be taken before this is done. The Great Rite is not sex for sex's sake, it is a means to raise pur magickal energy to be directed from the happiness of the couple or urgent situations. My personal recommendations are that the persons preforming this Rite should be either married or a romantic couple. If neither of these apply I urge them to at the very least be unattached. The Great Rite can also be acted out symbolically, and this is a more popular way of preforming it in a coven setting. When symbolicially enacting the Great Rite use an athame, wand, or sword and a cup, horn, or cauldron for the best and most easily reconsiable act. Even when symbolic it should be done with the most reverance and respect. I would also like to point out that sexual intercourse should NOT be mandatory in any coven, nor should it part of any coven's rites. Sexual intercourse should never be forced or taken lightly and if it ever is it is not in the name of the Goddess. |
| Incense: Orchid, lemon and rose Ritual Soap: Rose and jasmine for the woman. Patchouli and cinnamon for the man. Invocation: Lord of the Spirit, Wind of Understanding, we call and charge you. Smell the sandalwood upon our hearth, as yellow flames dance with the wind. Come to us. Surround us with your essence. Empower our ver breath this night. Lord of Srength, Spark of our Will, we call and charge you. See the thistle and holly upon our fire as the red candle greets the sky. Come to us. Grant us your strength and purity or purpose, pray, burn within us this night. Lady of Spheres, Water of Creation, we call and charge you. Savour the heather and ivy which billows in praise, as blue wax drips towards your sea. Come to us. Let waves of healing and unity meet the shores to fill our souls this night. Lady of Stars, Speaker of Mysteries, we call and charge you. Feel the jasmine and sage burn ever upward as the green taper lights the dark and come to us. Let our seeds of magic grow without, and Ye within, this night. (invocation taken fron A Victorian Grimoire by Patricia Telesco) - The couple should have privacy - Natural surroundings are ideal, however the couple's comfort should of course be the main concern - It is "tradional" for the Great Rite to be missionary, with the woman's arms out and knees up so that a five pointed star is formed. - Drums or other low, energetic music with a steady beat may help |
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