Blessed Be
In Wicca, the term, "Blessed Be" can be found in two texts. The first is taken from the Fivefold Kiss, which is found in the First Degree Initiation Rite in the Gardnerian and Alexandrian Wiccan Traditions. It also appears in the long version of the Wiccan Rede, "By the Lady, Blessed be."
Usually, the Fivefold Kiss is a rite between the initiator and the postulate during the First Degree Initiation, but it also may be performed during other rites, such as during the Great Rite at Beltane. The kiss is given on the feet, the knees, the area of the reproductive organs, the breasts, and the lips. With the five kisses, there are traditional ritual words spoken. The full rite can be found in "A Witches' Bible" by Janet and Stewart Farrar.
The word "bless" came from the Old English word blētsian, blēdsian, "to consecrate with blood." This practice has pre-Christian origins. Later, it came to mean "to glorify or make holy." I have observed that many Pagans frequently greet each other with the term, "Blessed Be," often as a way to demonstrate to one another that they are Pagan. It's commonly used by Pagans both in face to face greetings, and as salutations in written communication. I am also familiar with it being used in Pagan rituals.
For some people who understand the phrase from the initiated Wiccan perspective, the phrase "Blessed Be" may be a sort of shorthand for the Fivefold Kiss. A postulate can perform the Fivefold Kiss symbolically, without going through the physical motions, just by using the phrase. It's a way of performing the Fivefold Kiss in a more public setting. Saying "Blessed Be," to an initiated Wiccan may imply that one has the sort of relationship with them where it would be natural and understandable to perform the Fivefold Kiss on them. If one doesn't have that sort of relationship with the person, that would be an imposition. Imagine how crazy one would seem if one greeted a stranger by performing the Fivefold Kiss on them! The other person would possibly feel threatened or at the very least, confused.
For this reason, to some Wiccans, it's not appropriate to say "Blessed Be" to someone one outside of the ritual setting, or with a person with whom one would not perform a Fivefold Kiss. For others, it's perfectly understandable that the greeting is used between two Pagans who don't know each other well because they interpret the meaning in a more casual way.
To some other Pagans and Wiccans, the phrase "Blessed Be" might not be shorthand for the Fivefold Kiss," but it may not exactly be a casual greeting either. To some it may have a deeper significance. The person saying it isn't just saying hello, but honoring the sacred in the other person.
In the past, I have been more casual in the use of the term when interacting with other Pagans, but since doing this research I don't think I will be as inclined to use it on a casual basis. I will have a deeper understanding of what is meant by the phrase. I may respond to a person who says "Blessed Be" with a "Blessed Be" in return because I can assume that they either mean it casually, or mean it as a reference to sacredness or the Deity residing within us all. However, going forward I will not approach a person I do not know at a ritual or a festival and say "Blessed Be" to them, because if they are a Wiccan or have a background in Wicca, this may seem presumptuous or even ignorant, depending on how they interpret the phrase. Instead, I think I might just say "Hello," "Merry Meet," or "Have a Blessed Day."
A Witches' Bible The Complete Witches' Handbook Janet and Stewart Farrar, (Phoenix Publishing 1996) (Publisher, Year) Principles Rituals and Beliefs of Modern Witchcraft, pages 17 - 18
Learn Religions Blessed Be Patti Wigington https://www.learnreligions.
Patheos The Power of "Blessed Be," Megan Manson https://www.patheos.com/blogs/
Reddit Understanding the Phrase "Blessed Be" topgirlaurora https://www.reddit.com/r/
Classroom What Does the Wiccan Phrase Blessed Be Mean Aaron Thorpe
Tryskelion The Wiccan Rede – Long Version attributed to Adriana Porter http://www.tryskelion.com/
ONEHOWTO 'Blessed Be' Meaning Nidhi Nangia
Quora What Does the Pagan phrase "blessed be" mean (see the replies by) Alice Vanish and Kristin Barton
