Samuel Wagar

This is the book I've been looking for for more than two decades: a lucid, insider description and explanation of both the experience and theological implications of Drawing Down the Moon, Drawing Down the Sun, and the Hieros Gamos.

Both of these rituals are mentioned frequently in modern magical texts, but previous authors have not explored their depths: the kind of preparation required to perform them effectively, what it can be like to participate, and *why* someone would do so.

There are a lot of books about "sacred sex" out there -- but this is what I consider to be the core: The Hieros Gamos, sexual intercourse connected with divinity performed for serious ritual purpose. (There are other valid ways to experience 'sacred sex' of course -- this is simply my personal interest bias.)

I know others who have experienced divine possession, but I'm not one of them. I always thought that the descriptions of Drawing Down the Moon/Sun in the "Wicca 101" books had to be oversimplified. What's the point of going through the ritual of embodying a god/dess if all the subject is going to do is recite a particular piece of poetry -- unless s/he feels "inspired" to do otherwise? And how does one prepare to do more -- and do so *safely*? This book provides guidance -- including the not-called-out-but-explicit-in-the-description fact that one learns to do so by being taught and supervised by someone with experience.

It's been a long time since I've identified as Wiccan, and the final chapter in this book explained the reason why I never felt there was enough substance for me: there really is a profound difference between the Outer Court practices(generally what is found in most books on the subject: casting a circle, seasonal rituals, etc.) and the mystical, ecstatic practices of a mature, skilled Inner Court that takes seriously an ongoing, dedicated practice of ritual and magic designed to develop and maintain connection with Deity *that has an impact on how one lives and develops.*

There is other good information in the book about Mystery Religion, ritual, and British Traditional Wicca, but these points were the main appeal for me.
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