title: Hieros Gamos: (Sacred Union) A Confession
author:  Lia Cacciari 
description: In Cacciaris debut medieval drama, a lords impending death ignites a volatile relationship between a brother and sister. In the early 12th century, Reiner dIvry leaves the monastery, where hes spent the better half of his childhood, to see to his dying father, the Lord of Sundorgate. Reiner soon learns that hes been presumed dead and that his sister, Drusiana, is their fathers heir. She says shell relinquish her inheritance if Reiner leaves the cloister and stays in Sundorgate. Reiner, however, is determined to marry Drusiana off to a son of their fathers comrade-in-arms. The novel doesnt offer a magical medieval tale with dragons, knights and clanking swords but a more realistic story of feuding siblings. Readers may find it much easier to sympathize with Drusiana, despite Reiners first-person perspective (presented as a confession to a fellow monk). Her reluctance to wed comes across as practical and almost endearing, as she cuts her hair short and dresses as a male. Her brother, meanwhile, is desperate to prove that Drusiana is insane or has a lover, and he slowly becomes deranged himself. His fierce account is often unnerving, as when he breaks into laughter when kneeling to pray and, at his lowest point, drops a rat into a pie that someone later eats. Readers may find it a challenge to follow such a frantic protagonist, but theres a short reprieve when Reiner returns to the monastery. He soon learns why Drusiana hasnt sought a potential husband, and the story takes a gleefully dark turn. Cacciari steeps the narrative in the language of its era, so readers with a fear of medieval dialect may want to steer clear, but others will appreciate how the dialogue shuns modernization. Others will be swayed by Reiners haunting, ominous moments (I had shut my eyes as a child and awakened an old man.). The novel also includes glossaries with Latin translations. An ambitious, intricately composed novel of medieval siblings.
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  HIEROS GAMOS: CALIBRATION 
  2 
   
  Ver. 13-Jan-13 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  This embodiment of the Hieros Gamos is dedicated and consecrated to the purposes of One 
  And to serve the Eternal Living Consciousness of God. 
  Through the Courage displayed by those who are the devoted disciples of Truth,  
  The Light within is never vanquished and continues to illuminate facets of darkness.  
  We are the disciplined ones who have been hurt, but we are never discouraged  
  And we will not forget how to be Brave.  
  To all Beings wishing to live Free and reclaim their Personal Sovereignty, by embodying their Inner Light, 
  This belongs to you. 
   
   
   
  
  INTRODUCTION AND TERMS OF USE  
  Ver. 13-Jan-13 
   
  3 
   
  Avatar of Ascension 
  H I E R O S  G A M O S  
  INNER BALANCE TO SACRED MARRIAGE  
   
  Empowered Self Mastery:  
  Finding Your Energetic Core and Remembering your 
  Spiritual Purpose 
   
   
  INTRODUCTION AND TERMS OF USE 
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
  
  HIEROS GAMOS: CALIBRATION 
  4 
   
  Ver. 13-Jan-13 
   
  You are free: 
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  to Sh