>> and practitioners of some other religions might--the glaring exception to
>> this observation being the problem of "noctium phantasmata". (Were
>> medieval monastics indeed worried about this at all, or is this a concern
>> of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries?)
>>
>> Someone might, of course, tell me I'm all washed up (no pun intended) on
>> this -- please do, if you're inclined.
>>
>> __________________________________
>> Patrick J. Nugent
>From at least Cassian on, the general prescription was that monks must do
their best to avoid "nocturnal pollution" and try to reduce its occurrence
by fasting and other forms of mortification. Cassian suggests sleeping with
a lead plate over the genitals which he suggests was a practice of ancient
athletes.
And speaking of washing up--Gerald of Aurillac always kept a basin of water
and fresh linen by his bed so that he could clean himself after such mishaps
without exposing himself (literally) to the servants. I have often had
curious thoughts about the practice of the said servants of using his
washing water (the same water?) to procure second hand miracles for the
sick. I believe this was also a practice in Edward the Confessor's
household, another man believed to have maintained his virginity even in
marriage.
Jo Ann
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