In its "actual" form, the Great Rite is a sexual ritual, involving intercourse between the man and woman concerned. In its symbolic or token form, it may be called a ritual of gender, of male-female polarity but not involving intercourse. To avoid misunderstandings, I must emphasize that to the Witch, sex is holy-- an unashamed and beautiful polarity-force which is intrinsic to the nature of the universe. It is to be treated with reverence, but without prudery. The Craft makes no apology for using intercourse between an appropriate man and woman (i.e: the High Priestess and High Priest of a coven), in private, as a profound ritual sacrement, bringing in all the levels-- physical, astral, mental, and spiritual.
In the ritual, the body of the Priestess is regarded as the Altar of the Goddess whom she represents, and for whom she is the channel. Her womb is revered as the "fount of life without which we would not be" and no apology is needed for this ancient and holy symbolism either.
The question, of course, would be "who are the appropriate man and woman" to enact the "actual" Great Rite instead of the symbolic one? It should only be a man and a woman for whom intercourse is already a normal and loving part of their relationship; in other words, husband and wife, or established lovers. And it should always be enacted in private. Wicca is unashamed, but not promiscuous or voyeuristic.
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STABB
