The Fivefold Kiss is a ritual greeting, given for a variety of reasons. It is often given during specific rites and ceremonies such as handfastings, initiations, Sabbat celebrations, and other celebrations. It is typically done in a group setting, however Solitaries are not left without options. Simply choose a desirable oil and anoint the five points of the kisses on oneself, taking them to mean the kisses of the Deities (you, of course, may desire to choose specific Deities, but it isn't necessary) and a blessing for yourself. The Fivefold Kiss is a lovely acknowledgement of our own divinity, because it is symbolic of the respect the God and Goddess give to one another, in mutual acknowledgement of importance and love.

   Typically the Fivefold Kiss is given to a woman by a man, and to a man by a woman. The reasoning behind this would be that the male-female polarity is considered an institution in the traditional circles for which it was invented. It is by no means a rule, but mayhaps a rule of thumb. More often than not, it would depend on the tradition of the Witches in question, as well as personal preferences and beliefs.

   The Fivefold Kiss is performed within the circle, and is not intended to be a regular greeting. As stated above, it is a ritual greeting, and moreover a blessing. Each of the eight kisses is accompanied by a blessing. Yes, there are eight kisses to the Fivefold Kiss. The 'five' in 'fivefold' refers to the five points of the body you are blessing.

   Due to the wording of the blessings expressed in the Fivefold Kiss, it is thought that the origin of the term "blessed be" may be with this ritual.

   Note: For simplicity's sake, I will be writing this in terms of male to female and female to male. This is not intended to upset anyone, it's just easier for people to differentiate between the receiver and the giver of the blessing.

Fivefold Kiss to Woman:

   The man kneels before the woman, kissing her on both feet, both knees, the womb, both breasts, and the lips. When he reaches the womb, she spreads her arms wide (a physical representation of the pentagram). When he reaches the kiss on the lips, they embrace, length-to-length, with their feet touching one another's. She then spreads her arms wide once again. The kisses are done from right to left, and as he does this he says:

 "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."

Fivefold Kiss to Man:

   The woman kneels before the man, kissing him on both feet, both knees, the phallus, both breasts, and the lips. Much the same as the version for the female; when she reaches the phallus he spreads his arms wide, and when they kiss on the lips they embrace, length-to-length, with their feet touching one another's. He spreads his arms wide once again after the kiss on the lips. The kisses are done from right to left, and as she does this she says:

 "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 phallus, without which we would not be.

 Blessed be thy breasts, formed in strength.

 Blessed be thy lips, that shall utter the Sacred Names."