Blood Rites

In religious practice there is perhaps nothing more controversial than the blood ritual.

Choosing to bestow upon some incorporeal entity a gift of that which is the very essence of our corporeal form can be a very strong statement. It is easy to argue that demons, angels, and gods are metaphors for those things we fear, desire, or aspire to. As such a symbolic sacrifice, such as using wine instead of blood or a hunk of bread to represent the flesh, should prove adequate in ritual if the intent is whole. A blood sacrifice is only necessary for literalists.

Malachi 1:8: And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the LORD of hosts.

But the choice to use fresh blood drawn from the adorer at the time of the ritual is an unmistakable sentiment. The ritualist proves (if only to himself) that they are committed to the act by enduring or transcending the physical pain. They then offer a bit of their own life to manifest the ideals attributed to the egregore that is the focus of the rite. It is a very real sacrifice.

Leviticus 1:11-13: And he shall kill it on the side of the altar northward before the LORD: and the priests, Aaron's sons, shall sprinkle his blood round about upon the altar. And he shall cut it into his pieces, with his head and his fat: and the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire which is upon the altar: But he shall wash the inwards and the legs with water: and the priest shall bring it all, and burn it upon the altar: it is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savour unto the LORD.

The ritualist is again reminded of the reality of their sacrifice throughout the next day when isopropynol, oil, acetone, and coolant constantly enflame the source.