Got your attention?
Among most other pagans I know (from numerous traditions), there's a heavy aversion to sex ritual, sexual magic, and, to an extent, even nude ritual. Among the groups that I know personally, this resistance comes strongest from Wicca, which is understandable considering the stereotypes.
But I'm curious, in a case where the tradition legitimately calls for it, what do you guys think of sex ritual? Is there a divide between private and "public" (i.e. before your group, coven, etc.) ritual? Physically performed heiros gamos (divine marriage)? What about orgiastic ritual? Sex magic? Or what about the calmest of the group (which tends to get lumped in by outsiders), nude ritual? How does your tradition handle it?
I'm curious primarily because my tradition in it's ancient form included sex ritual (including orgiastic holidays). Since we're doing a reconstruction/revival, we've been questioning this as a modern ritual and whether it has any place in modern religion. We've got three main views in the group with no real consensus:
Obviously, no matter what it decided, it would be an optional and voluntary ritual solely between (and/or witnessed by) consenting adults (as defined by state and national laws). So what do you guys think?
Thanks in advance for the help. This one has been giving me (literal) headaches for months.
Among most other pagans I know (from numerous traditions), there's a heavy aversion to sex ritual, sexual magic, and, to an extent, even nude ritual. Among the groups that I know personally, this resistance comes strongest from Wicca, which is understandable considering the stereotypes.
But I'm curious, in a case where the tradition legitimately calls for it, what do you guys think of sex ritual? Is there a divide between private and "public" (i.e. before your group, coven, etc.) ritual? Physically performed heiros gamos (divine marriage)? What about orgiastic ritual? Sex magic? Or what about the calmest of the group (which tends to get lumped in by outsiders), nude ritual? How does your tradition handle it?
I'm curious primarily because my tradition in it's ancient form included sex ritual (including orgiastic holidays). Since we're doing a reconstruction/revival, we've been questioning this as a modern ritual and whether it has any place in modern religion. We've got three main views in the group with no real consensus:
- Among those who feel it should not be included, the primary argument is that it is archaic, taboo in the west, and strongly stigmatized in the larger pagan community. Most of this group is also against nude ritual to a greater or lesser extent.
- Among those who argue for it to not be eliminated (though not necessarily "encouraged"), the argument is that if we eliminate things because they are "archaic" or "taboo in the west," that we would have no religion left after the editing process.
- And among those who are for its complete inclusion, the argument is that it is a valid part of our tradition and cultural heritage, and that, in many cases, it is so central to certain rituals that we would completely neuter our religion with its complete removal.
Obviously, no matter what it decided, it would be an optional and voluntary ritual solely between (and/or witnessed by) consenting adults (as defined by state and national laws). So what do you guys think?
Thanks in advance for the help. This one has been giving me (literal) headaches for months.
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