Why Sex for Initiations?

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Robert Chapman on July 8, 2009 at 9:02am

There exists a rite called The Great Rite, which is the union of male and female, God and Goddess, etc. It is mostly done symbolically these days with an athame and chalice, but some Trads do (in my knowledge) still practice this. It is a sacred union symbolizing creation and balance and all that other fun stuff. ;p

Well, that's the basic way of putting it. It's one of those things that would fall into the realm of The Mysteries, as it goes way deeper than my silly explanation, but that's the gist of it.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SIN on July 8, 2009 at 9:10am

This has also been my understanding. The union of man and woman, (male and female) is quite powerful in both a metaphoric and literal context. The sex act in itself, is a form of alchemy.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sagemoon on July 8, 2009 at 9:12am

I've ran with a lot of groups from various traditions and I don't think most groups practice that way. If I joined a group, and the HP told me I needed to have sex with him/her to be initiated into the group, I'd kick that person in the shins and walk away. The great rite is a beautiful thing between two people who love each other. I believe the appropriate times to use this is for handfastings, weddings, attempts to create a child and such WITH the person you want to be with, not as an obligation to your HP. Then again, I'm not wiccan so perhaps my words don't count...

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Robert Chapman on July 8, 2009 at 9:18am

lol. I think if you were to ever join a group that practiced the Great Rite it would be with the understanding that you knew about it and accepted that. lol

In my experience, the symbolic act was more a focus of the Third Degree Initiation. But the athame/chalice version is done at all ceremonies during the Devotion of the Altar.

I would also be uncomfortable with actual sex in circle and wouldn't join a group that did such things. It's not for me.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sagemoon on July 8, 2009 at 9:22am

Ah, that is what I had in mind...Could you imagine having sex with the HP in the middle of the circle? I couldn't do it. I can't put myself on display like that. But even to perform the great rite in privacy with the HP...if I didn't have feelings for the person, I couldn't do it. The great rite means more to me than just a symbolic act on behalf of a group. I want to choose my partner, not feel an obligation to someone.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Robert Chapman on July 8, 2009 at 9:35am

Well, there is much more to the real act of it than just student to HP or HPS, but I totally get what you are saying. Often it is a man/wife or other partnership that goes through the process together. So there are real bonds of love and affection, which add to the power of the Rite itself. I do not think it's done just to do it, selecting two random coven mates or what-have-you..lol But there may be some groups who do such things, it's hard to say.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Sagemoon on July 8, 2009 at 12:15pm

That sounds reasonable. After I made my last post I got in the shower and thought "gosh, maybe I just have a dirty mind today, thinking about spectator sex." : ) I think I may have to explore that possiblity with my guy tonight (he, he, he). He'll probably appreciate my investigation of how dirty my mind can get.

Ok, now I know I'm having a "dirty mind" day. Shame on me for posting this. Or am I allowed to blame Brandon for posting the word "SEX" which I saw first thing this morning?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by rattlegrasshare on July 8, 2009 at 9:31am

In my experience, the symbolic act was more a focus of the Third Degree Initiation. But the athame/chalice version is done at all ceremonies during the Devotion of the Altar.

I believe that is the case also.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by rattlegrasshare on July 8, 2009 at 9:19am

It's done as a third degree initiation and done between the initiates but only if they want to and it's usually between partners.

Why it's done: well I think (this is my opinion only) it is because most people getting a third degree are going to start their own coven and will be working together in something that is fairly important, so the great rite will give them an intimacy beyond that of working partners. Though as I said most initiates will be couples anyway. There is also (as Robert said) the symbolising of creation and I'm sure other more subtle things. Also there is the energy that sex raises.

I'm not a third degree priestess so I can't really say (and if I was I couldn't tell you lol). Have you read the witches bible by the Farrars'? It will probably be mentioned in there.

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rain on July 8, 2009 at 9:46am

Nope. Unfortunately I don't have the necessary income to expend money on actual text so I resort to pdf.

And I dont have a lp with an external yet ehehh

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by rattlegrasshare on July 8, 2009 at 10:07am

What about the library?

I have to book at home if I get time tonight I'll have a look and post anything that's relevant if you like?

▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Rain on July 8, 2009 at 10:16am

Well, I really am not all that interested in Wicca, but the initiation was a burning question.

I just didn't get it.

▶ Reply to This

• First
• Previous
• Next
• Last