The
Great Rite Symbolism The
Great Rite is probably the most well known or heard about pagan rituals,
and often the most misunderstood! It is a most sacred rite of sexual intercourse
(ritual sex) that pays homage to the polarity of male/female; god/goddess,
priest/priestess. This polarity exists in all things in and around the universe.
The Great Rite therefore expresses the physical, mental, spiritual and astral
union between a man and woman as representations of the God and Goddess.
In most covens
it is often performed with the athame
(sometimes a wand) and the chalice, though
lovers who are also working partners, may sometimes make love in private
ritual.
To many the Great Rite is the Hieros Gamos, The Sacred Marriage or
the Holy Matrimony, which is the union of the God Head (spirit). It's the
top of the spiritual trinity, whose base is the God
and Goddess. This concept is nothing new and dates back to neolithic
periods. Ancient kings required Hieros Gamos, which was a union with
a priestess representing the Goddess, in order to rule.
