Great_Rite

Purpose:

The Great Rite is a ritual that reinforces the idea that reality is One. The illusion that there is a separateness is dispelled through the actions of the participants. The High Priest and the High Priestess become representatives of the God and Goddess. Their divine union energies the Circle. The duality of the sexes is dispelled. It is by raising energy through this consummation, the Circle is strengthened in its ineffable understanding of the One.

The Great Rite happens on three levels. On the physical level, it takes place with a Priest or Priestess. On the psychological level, it takes place with the animus or anima. And on the metaphysical level, it takes place with the Goddess or the God.

The Great Rite is most often done actually by a couple who are already together, or when the initiate and High Priest or High Priestess wish it. On the psychological level, the anima and the animus can be considered as our initiators into the world of the True Self. Just as it is a Priest or Priestess of the opposite sex who will perform the rite for us, so too it is our unconscious minds symbolized by the contra-sexual animus or anima who will initiate within us the psychic change which leads to individuation.

Preparation:

Within the Magic Circle, all working tools are present. The tools are: athame, chalice, sacred oil, and wine and cake..

Participants preparation:
- Ritual cleansing
- Skyclad or robed.
- Emphasis is on the unity of the Goddess and the God and their ultimate reconciliation as the One.

The chalice should be filled with wine.

Circle Consecration:

High Priestess casts the Circle.

The Coven, except for the High Priestess and High Priest, arrange themselves around the perimeter of the circle, man and woman alternately as far as possible, facing the center.

The High Priestess and High Priest stand facing each other in the center of the circle, he with his back to the altar, she with her back to the South.

The High Priest kneels before the High Priestess and gives her the Five Fold Kiss; that is, he kisses her on both feet, both knees, yoni, both breasts, and the lips, starting with the right of each pair. He says, as he does this: