The Uses of Ecstasy: Ritual and Practical Mysticism in Wicca

The Wiccan religious movement is descended from a Mystery religion centred on ecstatic trance experiences. The Priestesses and Priests of Wicca are expected to be mystics as well as clergy. Wagar describes the rituals of Wiccan mysticism - Drawing Down the Moon / Sun and the Great Rite in detail, others in less detail - and how mystical experience is taught and integrated into the religion on both the group and individual levels. He distinguishes between several stages of trance and includes first hand accounts of Wiccan mystical experience as well as scripts and theoretical discussion. A valuable insider look at an influential new religion. Includes a useful bibliography for follow-up research.