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Thegreat rite is aWiccan ritual involving symbolic sexual intercourse with the purpose of drawing energy from the powerful connection between a male and female. Both receive more power.[1] It is an uncommon ritual in a full coven, as it is used when the coven is in need of powerful spiritual intervention.[2] Most often it is performed by thehigh priest and priestess of a coven, but other participants can be selected to perform the rite.
In the symbolic version the high priestess plunges theathame, or ritual knife that represents the masculine, into a cup orchalice which represents the feminine. The chalice is filled with wine and is held by the high priest. The great rite symbolizes creation in the union of the maidengoddess with the lovergod, and thus is also known as afertility rite.[citation needed]
A variety of ritual occasions call for the great rite to be performed, such as during the festival ofBeltane on or about May 1 in the northern hemisphere and November 1 in the southern hemisphere.[3][4]
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