Fivefold kiss
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The Fivefold Kiss is a ritual greeting that involves kissing five parts of the body. It is performed during specific rites and ceremonies, like handfasting, in contemporary Wiccan traditions.
The fivefold kiss is performed within a magic circle, and is symbolic of the homage the God and Goddess pay to each other; thus, it is mostly performed between men and women. Each kiss given is accompanied by a blessing.
It is possible that the Fivefold Kiss is the origin of the term "blessed be".
"Blessed be thy feet, that have brought thee in these ways
Blessed be thy knees, that shall kneel at the sacred altar
Blessed be thy womb, without which we would not be
Blessed be thy breasts, formed in beauty
Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the Sacred Names."
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[edit] The Term "Blessed Be"
"Blessed be" is probably the best-known Pagan expression. It is used as both a greeting and a farewell, and as a general expression of blessing or affirmation during ritual, similar to "amen". It is also commonly seen as a farewell in the form of "Blessed Be & Namaste."
In Neo-Paganism and Wicca, the phrase Amen is not normally used, being seen as Christian in origin. However, the rather archaic phrase So mote it be is often used instead, with basically the same meaning (mote is an archaic form of may). This possibly derives from Freemasonry, where in certain rituals the phrase "Amen, so mote it be" is used.
[edit] Variations
Blessed Bee is a humorous take on the phrase “Blessed Be,” the “blessed bee” is sometimes drawn or pantomimed with the hands to signify blessings. Some witches even make a humming or buzzing noise to signify their blessing upon a person, although this is by no means common or universal.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Farrar, Janet, and Stewart Farrar. A Witches Bible Compleat. New York: Magickal Childe, 1984
