I often find to my frustration that Tribe discussions get so tracked into semantics, but alas, i guess that is the way it goes when one communicates in a format that is only using words.

from the Random House dictionary

Whore~n. Usually Contemptuous. a prostitute.

Prostitute~n.1. a person, usually a woman, who engages in sexual intercourse for money. v.t. 2. to sell or offer (oneself) as a prostitute. 3. to put ones talent or ability to unworthy use.

Sacred~ adj. 1. dedicated to a deity or to some religious purpose. 2. pertaining to or connected with religion. 3. reverently dedicated to some person or object. 4. regarded with reverence. 5. secured by reverence against violation.

So it appears my terminology is a bit incongruous~adj. 1. out of keeping or place. 2. not harmonious in character. ~

If upon a bit of explanation people (the uninitiated or whomever) still don't get what I am up to it is likely they are not going to worship at my temple and it is somewhat irrelevant to me personally. They may not wish to be "initiated" or "educated" which is as it should be. I only want to interact at this level with people who understand where I am coming from clearly, so there is no hurt feelings, and wish to participate. It is not a path that many will really understand and be drawn to. I can see that already.

What I have learned so far...

I tend to be a bit of an all or nothing sort of person. Historically I either loved someone completely or left it alone. I am enjoying discovering all the shades of gray.

I am learning to see the God/Goddess in everyone because it is there, regardless of whether or not i am particularly attracted to someone on a purely physical level. It was enlightening to find out how superficial I can be. We are all divine.

There's more, it's a pretty steep learning curve for me but those are the big things i am working on.

If you can get past my terminology i would love to hear peoples experiences or thoughts. ( Not meaning it wasn't helpful discussing semantics, because that IS important, we use words all the time)

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond. I appreciate the feedback.

A friend of mine, Laurelei Black, has written a book, "Aphrodite's Priestess," (Asteria Books; the new edition of a book formerly titled "In Her Service") which takes a modern look at this. The book is erudite without being boring, theoretical and practical. She is a true priestess of Aphrodite. She examines a variety of terms for women who service humanity and the Goddess with everything from discussion, training, and counseling to therapy, intimacy, and yes, sometimes sexual activity of all sorts, including intercourse.

She analyzes different terms for this sacred profession: slut, whore, priestess, hierodule, quadishtu/qadesh, call girl, and courtesan, but ends up concluding that the best term, for her, is "Sacred Prostitute." She gives a lot of reasons for her choice of this term. I respect her choice, but due to my training (and my upbringing), I don't think the term "prostitute" is accurate.

Today, if you go to any church, they collect money for the services. Synagogues traditionally don't collect money for the services, but want people to become paid members. Therapists collect money for their services. Police officers collect money, a salary, for their services. None are called prostitutes. IMO women (and men) who perform this sacred service are priestesses and priests.

There are people who simply trade sexual favors for money of things. They are, indeed, prostitutes. I say that without any negative connotation to the term. However, I would say that simply slapping "sacred" in front of "whore" or "prostitute" doesn't really present what is going on. IMO, Priests and Priestesses focus on the spiritual aspects. Whores and prostitutes focus on the exchange of money.

A priest or priestess is focused on the spiritual. In this discussion, it may deal with sexuality.
A whore or prostitute focuses on the exchange of money for sex. It may or may not deal with spirituality.

So for my friend Laurelei, Sacred Prostitute is it. I still don't like either Sacred Prostitute or Sacred Whore and prefer the simpler and precise term Priest or Priestess.

YMMV