What Sabbath, Equinox, or Ceremony is the Great Rite held? I was thinking a handfasting.
2006-08-29 08:03:39 · 12 answers · asked by ScoobyLover 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
In Wicca, the Great Rite is ritual sexual intercourse but more commonly 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) that 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. Most often, it is performed by the High Priest and High Priestess, but other members can be elected to perform the Rite.
Yeah, I'm quoting Wikipedia but they pretty much have it right. The Great Rite will definitely be happening at my handfasting. It will be the full moon before Beltaine next year.
Blessed Be )O(
2006-08-29 08:08:32 · answer #1 · answered by PaganPoetess 5 · 3⤊ 0⤋
It really depends on the tradition. For some the Great Rite is celebrated every Sabbat. For others it is recognized spring and summer. There are no hard and fast rules.
I guess I were doing a handfasting I'd shoot for May Day (Beltane) or the spring equinox.
Blessed Be
Pabs
2006-08-29 08:10:37 · answer #2 · answered by Pablito 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The Great Rite is or can be celebrated at all the Sabbats and Esbats. I think it would be perfect at a handfasting. Blessed be!
2006-08-29 08:06:58 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Beltaine, honey.
Though Jeff Foxworthy does tell a joke about having been born nine months to the day of his parents' wedding, and figures that right after the ceremony, they said, "Hey, Rev, can you turn around a moment?" :-D
2006-08-29 08:06:32 · answer #4 · answered by GreenEyedLilo 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beltane
2006-08-29 08:10:47 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why would anyone hate Wicca, other than out of ignorance.
Wicca is one of the few religions who EXPLICITLY not only tolerate, but validate all other religions. The believe that all are valid paths to understanding deity.
Hating Wicca would be like hating tolerance itself.
2006-08-29 08:07:05 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 5⤊ 1⤋
For the most part, Beltaine.
2006-08-29 08:14:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Beltaine, though it can be done at any festival.
- 16 yo Pagan
2006-08-29 08:07:12 · answer #8 · answered by Lady Myrkr 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i believe beltane around May 1st.
2006-08-29 08:07:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
whats wiccan?
2006-08-29 08:08:43 · answer #10 · answered by ryanisalifestyle 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋