CHAPTER II. The Positive Cult

THE POSITIVE CULT

I.--The Elements of Sacrifice

The Intichiuma ceremony in the tribes of Central Australia-- Different forms which it presents 326

I.--The Arunta Form--The two phases--Analysis of the first: visit to sacred places, scattering of sacred dust, shedding of blood, etc., to assure the reproduction of the totemic species 327

II.--Second phase: ritual consumption of the totemic plant or animal 333

III.--Interpretation of the complete ceremony--The second rite consists in a communion meal--Reason for this communion 336

IV.--The rites of the first phase consists in oblations--Analogies with sacrificial oblations--The Intichiuma thus contains the two elements of sacrifice--Interest of these facts for the theory of sacrifice 340

V.--On the pretended absurdity of sacrificial oblations--How they are explained: dependence of sacred beings upon their worshippers--Explanation of the circle in which sacrifice seems to move--Origin of the periodicity of positive rites 344