The holy union of feminine and masculine energy is known as the Great Rite.
- In theory, every act of sexual intercourse might replicate the Great Rite, but the word generally refers to ceremonial sex for a specific goal, such as healing, fertility, or magic.
- To legitimate his claim to reign in several ancient civilizations (Sumeria, Celtic Ireland), the male monarch must yearly join with a certain Goddess, as channeled through the body of her priestess.
- Sacred prostitution and sex magic are both founded on this premise.
- The Great Rite is still practiced in certain contemporary spiritual groups, albeit it is now more typically represented symbolically than than literally—hence the ceremonial blade in the chalice.
You may also want to read more about Paganism here.
Be sure to check out my writings on Religion here.
