ritual sacred marriage

which rituals should include the sacred marriage? how and when should it be done?

sorry if this is a stupid question. i cant really find much information about this online.

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This is not a foolish question at all as the ritual of the Sacred Marriage (also known as the Great Rite) is absolutely central and fundamental to Wiccan religious practices. The Sacred Marriage, or Great Rite, is a celebration of the sexual joining of the God and the Goddess from which springs the energy that turns the Wheel of the Year and keeps us and our world alive. The Rite may be done in fact (sexual intercourse) or in "token" by inserting the blade of the Athame (symbolic of the God) into the Chalice (Symbolic of the Goddess) The Great Rite is as central and as important to Wicca as Communion is in the Christian Church.

In my opinion, the Great Rite should be done as part of every Wicca ritual which celebrates the religious aspects of Wicca.. So in my experience, most Wiccan Traditions include it at every Sabbat and Esbat circle. In general, the Rite is conducted immediately after casting the circle for ritual and serves as a way to invite the God and Goddess into the circle so that we may celebrate with them.

In many groups the Rite is conducted by the Priest and Priestess. The Priest holds the Athame and the Priestess the Chalice or cup. The Priest insertes the Athame into the Chalice with words such as "As the Athame is the male" followed by the Priestess saying "So the Chalice to the female" and together "Ever joined, they bring blessedness." If you are a Soltiary of course you can do both parts of this by yourself.

I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask me more if you like.