Ch.13 The Great Rite (WMB 13.d)

Extract from: Wicca: Magical Beginnings written by d’Este & Rankine, 2008 (Avalonia.) PB / Kindle @ https://amzn.to/3Ay4HJr.

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Chapter 13 - The Great Rite - part d

Returning to the Great Rite, we will continue to consider the wording of the invocations and incantations used by the High Priest as he consecrates the High Priestess for this ceremony. As with many of the most beautiful texts found in the Wiccan Book of Shadows, it draws heavily from the writings of Aleister Crowley, in particular his channelled text, the Book of the Law and also Liber XV, better known as the Gnostic Mass.

“and the sacred point was the point within the centre of the circle. As we have of old been taught that the point within the centre is the origin of all things, therefore should we adore it.”

The point within the centre of the circle is a classic image, which is seen in astrology as the image of the sun. In alchemy this image symbolises perfection and the universal quintessence as part of the Golden Chain of Homer.[1] This symbol also represents the union of the goddess Nuit (the circle) with the god Hadit (point) in the cosmology of Thelema.

The first part of the invocation is clearly derived from the following extracts from Chapter I in the Book of the Law addressing the Egyptian stellar goddess Nuit:

“O Nuit, continuous one of heaven, let it be ever thus, that men speak not of Thee as one but as none; and let them not speak of Thee at all, since Thou art continuous!”[2]

This is then followed with the words of Hadit, from Chapter II in the Book of the Law. Hadit is the masculine principle from the perspective of this text,

“I am the flame that burns in every heart of man, and in the core of every star. I am life and the giver of life, yet therefore is the knowledge of me the knowledge of death.”[3]

“I am alone: there is no god where I am.”[4]

The Gnostic Mass also contains a number of Crowley quotes which are used in the Great Rite and which are not from The Book of the Law. These are:

“Thee therefore whom we adore we also invoke, by the power of the lifted lance.”

“O circle of stars whereof our Father is but the younger brother, marvel beyond imagination, soul of infinite space, before whom Time is ashamed, the mind bewildered, and the understanding dark, not unto Thee may we attain, unless Thine image be Love.”

"O secret of secrets that art hidden in the being of all that lives, not Thee do we adore, for that which adoreth is also Thou. Thou art That, and That am I."

“Make open the path of creation and of intelligence between us and our minds. Enlighten our understanding. Encourage our hearts. Let Thy light crystallize itself in our blood, fulfilling us of Resurrection.”

This latter quote is interesting, as according to Janet and Stewart Farrar writing in The Witches Bible this piece was written by Doreen Valiente. Again there has either been a misunderstanding or Valiente seems to have claimed credit for another piece of Crowley’s writing.

[1] Aurea Catena, Homer, 1723 [2] Liber Al, Aleister Crowley, 1904 [3] Liber Al, Aleister Crowley, 1904 [4] Liber Al, Aleister Crowley, 1904

Extract from: Wicca: Magical Beginnings written by d’Este & Rankine, 2008 (Avalonia.) PB / Kindle @ https://amzn.to/3Ay4HJr. Shared here with the intention to inspire and inform the now and future generations interested in Wicca and other Pagan traditions inspired by it.