THE GREAT RITE

This rite should be done at a pace which can best be described as languishingly. To rush or become upset because the unexpected occurs is to miss the whole point of the experience.

Although in times past this rite may have been done within view of others, I do not feel it is appropriate for people who have received the socialization of our present culture. In time, this may change. This rite is the highest sacrament of the Craft and involves the attainment of ecstasy, which may be missed if there is exhibitionism present which is aimed more to ego fulfillment. I believe the key to the ecstatic experience is love in its purest and most potent form, of which nothing truly can be said and must be experienced to be known.

GOD INITIATES THE GODDESS, The Liturgy:

You are the Goddess.

Your eyes send forth a silver light

that reaches deep and fills a void

within my breast.

You are the Goddess.

I burn this incense as tribute,

to your beauty, and pray you will accept it,

as I pray you will accept my love.

You are the Goddess.

I offer you my bed,

which lies upon this bit of earth,

that you will make holy if you will

but lay upon it.

You are the Goddess.

I share this wine with you,

as I hope and pray

that we shall share each other.

You are the Goddess.

I anoint you with this oil,

which is as the fire that burns within me

in longing for you.

You are the Goddess.

I kneel at your sacred altar

wherein lies the Cauldron of Regeneration,

upon which I place a kiss and offer myself

that I too may be regenerated.

GODDESS INITIATES THE GOD, The Liturgy:

You are the God.

Your eyes send forth a golden light

that reaches deep and fills a void

within my breast.

You are the God.

I burn this incense as tribute,

to your strength, and pray you will accept it,

as I pray you will accept my love.

You are the God.

I offer you my bed,

which lies upon this bit of earth,

that you will make holy if you will

but lay upon it.

You are the God.

I share this wine with you,

as I hope and pray that we

shall share each other.

You are the God.

I anoint you with this oil,

which is as the fire that burns within me

in longing for you.

You are the God.

I kneel before your sacred temple,

wherein lies the Pillar of Strength,

upon which I place a kiss and offer myself

that I too may be strengthened.