 |
 |
|
MoonDragon's Pagan Pathways: Rituals
Handfasting Ceremonies
"A Collection of Marriage Rites for Pagans"
A HANDFASTING is an ancient, Celtic, nature-related, spiritual tradition that took
place long before weddings became a legal function of the government. Couples were
handfasted for a Trial Period, and if love lasted,
then the vows were renewed for a longer period of time. The Celts considered the number
three to be sacred, representing the Trinity of Sky, Earth and Water, which were three
sacred elements in Celtic tradition. Typically, a TRIAL PERIOD would last for a year and
a day, three years, six or nine. Below are several types of handfasting ceremonies with
links to other Pagan Traditions. Links to sources are provided when possible or known. Please
feel free to adapt any of the ceremonies to your particular situation and desires.
For more information about symbolism in the Handfasting Ceremony, please check out
Handfasting Program, The Meaning of
Things.
My Daughter & Son-In-Law's Handfasting
Rio & Alex's Handfasting
Rio & Alex
My Daughter & Favorite Son-In-Law
Rio & Alex after the handfasting
on the Salem, Massachusetts Commons.
Rio & Alex cutting the cake with his sword.
Rio & Alex cutting the cake with his sword, 2nd view.
Rio: All smiles!
The beautiful bride.
[PRIEST] We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of
____bride______ and ____groom______. There are many things to say about marriage. Much
wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls, has come our way through all paths
of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more
wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand
before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and
the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all
beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemtion. Love is
anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation and the exponent of Earth. If
we learn no more in life, let it be this.
Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection.
As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials
and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Groom and Bride have come here today
to be joined as one in marriage.
Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not
property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own
will and if she has her family's blessing.
Bride, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
[BRIDE] Yes, it is true.
[PRIEST] With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you.
[FATHER] She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all of her
family's blessings.
[PRIEST] Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I
am about to say.
Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember...
Like a stone should your love be firm like a star should your love be constant. Let the
powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of
your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the
strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one
another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but
they will pass quickly.
Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the
unenlightened give you unease, for God is with you always.
Groom, I have not the right to bind thee to Bride, only you have this right. If it be
your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.
[GROOM] It is my wish.
[PRIEST] Bride, if it be your wish for Groom to be bound to
you, place the ring
on his finger. (places ring on Groom's left
ring finger)
Bride I have not the right to bind thee to Groom only you have this right. If it be
your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.
[BRIDE] It is my wish.
[PRIEST] Groom, if it be your wish for Bride to be bound to you, place the ring
on her finger.(places ring on Bride's left ring finger)
(to Groom) Repeat after me:
I, (grooms full name), in the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, by
the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take
thee (bride's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To
desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without
sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to
love thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty
and in poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again.
I shall not seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy
people, and thy ways as I respect myself.
(to Bride)
I (bride's full name), in the name of the spirit of God that resides within us all, by
the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart,
take thee, (Groom's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit to be my chosen one.
to desire and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin
or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee
wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in
poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not
seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy
ways as I respect myself.
[PRIEST] (hands chalice to the groom, saying:) May you drink your fill from the cup
of love.
By the power vested in me by God and the State of _________, I now pronounce you husband and
wife. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you.
Handfasting Ceremony II
Priestess gives explanation of the meaning of Handfasting:
Priestess calls to Groom, saying:
Let HE who wishes to be handfasted approach me now.
Priest calls to Bride, saying:
Let SHE who wishes to be handfasted approach me now.
Priest to Group:
Does anyone here have any objections to this couple being handfasted? If so, speak now
or forever hold it to your heart.
Priestess to Spirits:
Should any of the Spirits here gathered have objections to this union, now is the time to
make it known.
(Wait for the pause of 3 heartbeats)
Priestess to Groom:
Do you, (Groom), stand in our presence of your own free will to seek union with (Bride)?
Groom:
I come here of my own free will and desire.
Priestess to Groom:
Do you pledge that this union will be one of perfect love and perfect trust?
Groom to Priestess:
I so pledge.
Priest to Bride:
Do you, (Bride), stand in our presence of your own free will to seek union with (Groom)?
Bride:
I come here of my own free will and desire.
Priest to Bride:
Do you pledge that this union will be one of perfect love and perfect trust?
Bride to Priest:
I so pledge.
Blessings of the Elementals, the Goddess, and the God
Priest and Priestess approach the altar.
Pledging of the Troth:
Priest turns towards Bride and says:
Do you truly desire to bond with (Groom)?
(Bride states her marriage vows to Groom)
Priestess turns toward Groom and says:
Do you truly desire to bond with (Bride)?
(Groom states his marriage vows to Bride)
Exchanging Rings
Priest and Priestess hold the wand with the rings between them, saying to the Bride
and Groom:
Place your right hand over this wand and ring, his hand over hers.
As you have stated your desire to be united, one with the other, take now these rings and
place them upon each others finger, as pledge and testimony to your love and commitment to
each other.
(Bride and Groom place the rings on each other's fingers)
Priestess then says:
As your wrists are tied by this flowered strand, may it be a prelude to the flowering of
your lives together, and a fond rememberance of this handfasting. So also may it symbolize
the bonding of your souls, your energy, and your life force; that throughout your life
together, you may know of nothing but each other's joy and love, in perfect balance and
peace.
Jumping the Broom
Priest holds the broom in front of the couple, who (with wrists still tied together)
jump over it.
Priestess:
By jumping the broom together, you have proven that you can work as a single mind and
spirit. herefore, let the physical bonds of the handfasting be removed and saved as a
reminder of this joyous day. But ever remember, the spiritual bonds will always remain.
Handfasting Ceremony III
This ceremony was file on a local Pagan BBS years ago.
[PRIEST]
We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of bride and groom.
There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning
the joining together
of two souls, has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With
each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to
give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them
the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with
time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love,
death has no redemption. Love is anterior to Life, posterior to Death, initial of Creation
and the exponent of Earth. If we learn no more in life, let it be this.
Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As
with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its
triumphs. With full understanding of this, Groom and Bride have come here today to be
joined as one in marriage
Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not
property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own
will and if she has her family's blessing.
Bride, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
[BRIDE]
Yes, it is true.
[PRIEST]
With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you.
[FATHER]
She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all of her family's blessings.
[PRIEST]
Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say.
[GROOM]
It is my wish.
[PRIEST]
Bride, if it be your wish for Groom to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger.
(places ring on Groom's left ring finger)
Bride, I have not the right to bind thee to Groom only you have this right. If it be your
wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.
[BRIDE]
It is my wish.
[PRIEST]
Groom, if it be your wish for Bride to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger.
(places ring on Bride's left ring finger)
(to Groom) Repeat after me: (to Bride)
[PRIEST] (hands chalice to the groom, saying:)
May you drink your fill from the cup of love.
(Groom holds chalice to bride while she sips then bride takes chalice and holds it to
groom while he sips. The chalice is then handed back to the Priest who sets it on the
table. Next the Priest takes the plate of bread, giving it to the groom. Same procedure
repeated with bread, groom feeding bride and bride feeding groom.)
By the power vested in me by Gods, I now pronounce you husband and wife for a year and
a day. May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto you.
Handfasting of Elspeth and Ghost
This Handfasting ceremony was performed online in the chat
<D&P> The Rite of Handfasting recognizes the union of two spirits. It is
a joining together before the community symbolizing the mystery of the union of the God
and Goddess who though separate are One....
Handfasting & Declaration of Intent
A Handfasting Ceremony I
by
Amethyst's Wicca
[The following wedding ceremony was written to provide for Pagans who must of
necessity be wed in the presence of the uninitiated who are not pagan and are perhaps
unaware that the bride and groom are pagan. Replace the words Bride and Groom below with
the names of the happy couple. The text can be modified at the point below where it says
"loving each other wholly and completely" to add the phrase "forsaking all others" as
they are into monogamy. Either version works beautifully. It is recommended the participants
rewrite where necessary to form a legal contract that they can and will keep. It is easy
to avoid being an oathbreaker if you only swear to that that you will keep and avoid
swearing to something just because the other party wants it or because it might be
"expected" by the family.
(Groom holds chalice to bride while she sips then bride takes chalice and
holds it to groom while he sips. The chalice is then handed back to the Priest who sets
it on the table. Next the Priest takes the plate of bread, giving it to the groom. Same
procedure repeated with bread, groom feeding bride and bride feeding groom.)
Ritual of Lady Shyra and Grey Mouser
Handfasting is the Wiccan Marriage ceremony. It differs from other marriage ceremonies in
that it may last only as long as the two involved wish it to last, whether that be for a
year and a day, or for a lifetime.
Priestess picks up the bowl of salt and holds it aloft, while saying:
Be with us here, spirits of Earth,
Let your strength and consistency
Be theirs for so long as they desire
to remain together.
Priest picks up the censor and holds it aloft, while saying:
Be with us here, spirits of Air
Grant that the paths of communication
Be open for so long as these two desire
to remain together -
Priestess picks up the water and holds it aloft, while saying:
Be with us here, oh spirits of Water
Grant them the deepest of love and richness of
Body, of Soul, and of Spirit for so long as they
desire to remain together.
Priest picks up the red candle and holds it aloft, while saying:
Be with us here, oh spirits of Fire
Grant that the fire of passion be theirs
for so long as these two desire to remain together.
Priest picks up the silver candlesticks and holds them aloft, while Priestess says:
Blessed Goddess and mighty God,
Grant to these before us your eternal love and protection.
Blessed Be
(Bride answers)
Then pledge now your troth to him.
(Groom answers)
Then pledge now your troth to her.
Priestess then says:
Above you are the stars
Below you are the stones
As time does pass, remember
Like a star should your love be constant
Like a stone should your love be firm
Be close, but not too close
Possess one another, yet be understanding
Have patience with each other
Be free and giving of affection and warmth
Make love often and sensuously to one another
Have no fear and let not the ways or words
of the unenlightened give you unease.
For the Goddess and the God are with you always.
Priest then crosses the Bride's and Groom's wrists, as Priestess ties them loosely with
a garland strand, saying:
Priest and Priestess:
By the power vested in us as Priest and Priestess of the Wicca, we do declare to all
assembled here, in the presence of the Ancient Ones, that you are husband and wife.
Priestess:
And so it is with loving pleasure that I introduce to all, Mr. and Mrs. (Name).
Blessed Be!
By ecauldron.com
Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember;
Like a stone should your love be firm, like a star should your love be constant. Let the
powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of
your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the
strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess
one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come,
but they will pass quickly.
Be free in giving affection and warmth. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened
give you unease, for the Gods are with you always.
Groom, I have not the right to bind thee to Bride, only you have this right. If it be
your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.
I, (grooms full name), in the name of the spirit of the Gods that reside within us all,
by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take
thee (bride's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. To
desire thee and be desired by thee, to possess thee and be possessed by thee, without
sin or shame, for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love
thee wholly and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in
poverty, in life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not
seek to change thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways
as I respect myself.
I (bride's full name), in the name of the spirit of the Gods that reside within us all,
by the life that courses within my blood, and the love that resides within my heart, take
thee, (Groom's full name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit to be my chosen one. To desire
and be desired by thee, to possess thee, and be possessed by thee, without sin or shame,
for naught can exist in the purity of my love for thee. I promise to love thee wholly
and completely without restraint, in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in
life and beyond, where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall not seek to change
thee in any way. I shall respect thee, thy beliefs, thy people, and thy ways as I respect
myself.
By Dianne & Papa
As performed in the Genie Religion & Philosophy RoundTable
area of the Genie Religion & Philosophy RoundTable.
<D&P> Your presence within the Sacred Circle of this Rite testifies to
your belief in the joining that is about to be performed between Elspeth and Ghost.
<D&P> The Sacred Circle for Handfasting is formed by the sending forth of a
Kiss representing Perfect Love and Perfect Trust....
<D&P> <High Priestess kisses High Priest>
<D&P> When you feel this kiss acknowledge it by typing () then send it
forth again...
<Terri> <>
<D&P> When we feel the kiss return to us we will continue the ceremony....
<Aerden> ()
<Ann> ()
<Goldfish> <>
<Sieglinde> ()
<Randall> ()
<Tigerlily> <>
<Roo> ()
<Mari> ()
<PJ> ()
<Phyllis> ()
<Elspeth> <>
<Ghost> ()
<MOONCHILD> <>
<Anitra> ()
<D&P> As the circle is being cast, gaze upon it with your mind's eye.
Watch it growing brighter until it becomes an all-encompassing flame of purest blue - the
color of Truth!
<D&P> May the space of this Rite be consecrated before the Goddess and
God. We are gathered here to celebrate a Ritual of Love between Elspeth and Ghost who have
come to be Handfasted for Now and Forever.
<D&P> Elspeth is this your will?
<Elspeth> My strongest Will and my deepest desire.
<D&P> Ghost is this your will?
<Ghost> Aye, it is. With all I am.
<D&P> We will now call the Quarters.
<D&P> Terri call East. When you are finished type <>
<Terri> Hail Lords of the Watchtower of the East, Powers of the Air.
I present you Elspeth and Ghost, who are to be Handfasted. With your clever fingers,
tie closely the bonds betweeen these two. Be here now.
<Terri> <>
<D&P> Ann, please call South. When you are finished type <>
<Ann> Hail Lords of the Watchtower of the South, Powers of Fire. I present
to you Elspeth and Ghost, who are to be handfasted. Give their love and passion your
own all-consuming ardor. Be here now.
<Ann> <>
<D&P> Mari, please call West. When you are finished type <>
<Mari> Hail Lords of the Watchtower of the West, Powers of Water. I present
to you Elspeth and Ghost who are to be handfasted. Give them the deepest of love and
richness of body, of soul and of spirit. Be there now.
<Mari> <>
<D&P> Roo, please call North. When you are finished type <>
<Roo> Hail Lords of the Watchtower of the North, Powers of Earth I present
Elspeth and Ghost who are to be handfasted. Let the strength and constancy be theris.
Be here now.
<Roo> <>
<D&P> Elspeth, I ask you now to call upon your favorite aspect of the
Goddess to be here to witness and bless your handfasting.
<Elspeth> My gracious Lady, Dark and Wise ... I Call upon you to be
present and bless the union of your lowly priestess and this woman. I ask this and
pray thee attend.
<Elspeth> <>
<D&P> Ghost, I ask you now to call upon your favorite aspect of the
God to be here to witness and bless your handfasting.
<Ghost> My Lord Lobo, He who is the Wolf spirit, I call upon You to
lend us your strength and courage and bless this joining and grant it endurance.
<Ghost> <>
<Elspeth> :)
<D&P> We ask all others who choose to invite their favorite aspect
of the Goddess and God to call upon them to witness and bless this handfasting.
<D&P> We call upon the Shamaness and Raven.
<Ann> My Prince, bless this joining and grant them Your wisdom and
illumination.
<Terri> I ask my Lady and my Lord the Green Man to be witness to this
rite, and to bless Elspeth and Ghost.
<Mari> Lunar Lady, Goddess Bright, be with us now, to celebrate this rite
<Tigerlily> Lord and Lady, I ask your blessings of light and love for
Elspeth and Ghost. Blessed be.
<Aerden> Lady of the Sun, please bless this unioun with your radiant joy
and constancy. :)
<Sieglinde> i call upon Freya and Freyr to bless this joining with your
magic, love and the prosperity that they deserve.
<D&P> Are there any others? If not we will continue the ceremony...
<Anitra> may they always meet with compassion and acceptance from those
who stand outside the Circle.
<D&P> The Circle is Cast! We are now between the Worlds, beyond
the Bounds of Time where Night and Day, Birth and Death, Joy and Sorrow meet as One!
<D&P> Upon the Altar have been placed two candles and a cord representing
the souls of Elspeth and Ghost and That Which Joins Them.
<D&P> Elspeth, what symbol of Unity have you brought to your handfasting?
<Elspeth> A silver bracelet ... given in love by a dear one to welcome and
symbolize the new love welcomed into my life.
<D&P> Lay it upon your keyboard.
<D&P> Ghost, what symbol of Unity have you brought for your handfasting?
<Ghost> A ring... blessed by my love's touch.
<D&P> Lay it upon your keyboard.
<D&P> <Using Wand> In the names of the Goddess and the God I
consecrate these symbols!
<D&P> <Lighting candles> Elspeth and Ghost....
<D&P> You have searched through many aeons, many lifetimes and found
each other once again. Your love for one another has been like unto the Mystery of the
Goddess and God for though you are two your love has made you one.
<D&P> As you go forth into this life remember...
<D&P>
<D&P> Like the Air your love should be freely given, freely received.
<D&P> Like the Fire your love should be bright, warming all who feel it.
<D&P> Like the Water your love should be pure, flowing always.
<D&P> Like the Earth your love should be constant and firm.
<D&P>
<D&P> <Wrapping the cord around the candles>
<D&P>
<D&P> Be close, yet not too close. Possess one another with understanding.
Have patience with each other. Have no fear and let not the ways nor words of the
unenlightened give you unease....
<D&P> for the Goddess and God are with you Now and Always. With the
Goddess and God as your witness I ask you once again...
<D&P>
<D&P> Elspeth, is it your will to be handfasted to Ghost?
<Elspeth> YES!!
<D&P> Ghost, is it your will to be handfasted to Elspeth?
<Ghost> Yes. :)
<D&P> Elspeth do you have any special words you wish to say to Ghost?
<Elspeth> Yes....
<Elspeth> As you know, beloved, I am a poet. :)
<Ghost> :)
<Elspeth> I searched through all my poems .... tried to write a new one
<Elspeth> But none said what I wanted to express.
<Elspeth> Finally I found a song that said it for me.
<Elspeth>
<Elspeth> I want to look behind
<Elspeth> The mirror of your eyes
<Elspeth> And see the secret world
<Elspeth> The world your words disguise
<Elspeth> The birth place of your sighs
<Elspeth> I want to know the pain
<Elspeth> Of all your silent fears
<Elspeth> And when you speak of them
<Elspeth> The ones that no one hears
<Elspeth> I want to taste your tears
<Elspeth> I want to know you
<Elspeth> I really want to know you
<Elspeth> I want to share the dreams
<Elspeth> You've never shared before
<Elspeth> To stand inside your soul
<Elspeth> To unlock every door
<Elspeth> And darling, even more.
<Elspeth> Ghost...
<Elspeth> My Beloved, there are many things that I =can't= give you or bring
to this relationship.
<Elspeth> I can't even give you my heart whole and for you alone.
<Elspeth> I have a history of running and hiding from emotions, especially
from loved ones.
<Elspeth> I many not be able to give you all of my heart and life, but
I can vow by what I hold sacred
<Elspeth> that the time of running is past. I will not willingly leave
you, in life or by death, without coming to you first and talking.
<Elspeth> I will be open and sharing ...
<Elspeth> not only with the happiness...
<Elspeth> But also with the pain and doubts and petty emotions that plague
my days.
<Elspeth> I will honour and respect you as my mate and honour and respect
the life given me ...
<Elspeth> Knowing that what touches me, touches you ... and all that love
me. :)
<Elspeth> But mainly I will love you ....
<Elspeth> As I have times without count ... and will in lives to come.
<Elspeth> ::touch:: My Beloved.
<Elspeth> <>
<D&P> Ghost, what special thoughts would you like to share with
Elspeth?
<Ghost> My love.... your words touch me deeply... and your love is
more than I could have dreamed. :) Collwyn once made a promise to Madelyn in the
Garden of Time... I won't repeat it here, but know that I will honor it in this life as
<Ghost> I have in others... I am bound to thee in love, in honor, and in
duty... and am overjoyed to have it so.
<Ghost> I, too, cannot promise you much in this life... save all that
I was, all that I now am... and all that I hope to be.
<Ghost> I will promise you, too, that I will be here for you in any way
I can; I will listen when you need to talk, I will try to find the words when you
need to listen. I will try to make your troubles lighter where I can and offer what
<Ghost> comfort and strength my presence and understanding can bring.
<Ghost> I will be your anchor... to hold you fast and safe and firm... and
your wings to bear you aloft and carry you free.
<Elspeth> ::happy tears::
<Ghost> In this circle of safety and love, before these witnesses, I
swear my love and devotion to thee... and happily... proudly bind my life to yours
for ever and always.
<Ghost> <>
<D&P> Then, Ghost and Elspeth...
<D&P> As is your Will...
<D&P> SO MOTE IT BE!!!
<D&P> The Sun brings forth the Beginning...
<D&P> The Moon holds it in Darkness...
<Elspeth> ::holding up chalice::
<D&P> As Above, so Below!
<Ghost> ::lowering knife::
<D&P> For there is no greater Magick in all the World
<D&P> Than that of two persons joined together in LOVE.
<D&P> Join us now in chanting...
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Ann> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<Aerden> The Two are One!
<Randall> The Two Are One!
<Ann> The Two are One!
<Tigerlily> The Two are One!
<Mari> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<PJ> The Two are One!
<Anitra> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are ONe!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Ann> The Two are One!
<Trys> The Two are One
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<Goldfish> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Mari> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Anitra> The Two are One!
<Ann> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Randall> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Trys> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Ann> The Two are One!
<Mari> The Two are One!
<Tigerlily> The Two are One!
<Elspeth> ::smiling through tears::
<PJ> The Two are One!
<Aerden> The Two are one!
<Phyllis> The Two are One!
<Anitra> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<Mari> The Two are One!
<Ann> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Randall> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Goldfish> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Anitra> The Two are One!
<PJ> The Two are One!
<Aerden> The two are One!
<Phyllis> The Two are One!
<Trys> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<Mari> The Two are One!
<Goldfish> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Ann> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Randall> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<Goldfish> The Two are One!
<Trys> The Two are One!
<Mari> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two Are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Tigerlily> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<Aerden> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Randall> The Two are One!
<Ann> The Two are OneQ
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<Phyllis> The Two are One!
<Mari> The Two are One!
<Trys> The Two are One!
<D&P> The Two are One!
<Roo> The Two are One!
<Terri> The Two are One!
<D&P> <>
<Terri> <>
<Roo> <>
<Goldfish> <>
<Tigerlily> <>
<Randall> <>
<Mari> <>
<Aerden> ()
<PJ> <>
<Ann> <>
<Anitra> <>
<Phyllis> <>
<Trys> <>
<D&P> I proclaim that Elspeth and Ghost are Handfasted NOW and FOREVER!!!
<Elspeth> Amen! ... uh ... So mote it be!
<Elspeth> ::giggle::
<Terri> Blessed Be!
<Goldfish> lol
<PJ> <G>
<Sieglinde> Blessed Be
<Tigerlily> LOL! Blessed Be!
<Goldfish> Blessed Be!
<Mari> YES! Blessed Be!!!!
<Aerden> Blessed Be! :)
<Trys> Love and Light be upon both of Thee!
<Roo> Blessed Be!!
<Randall> Blessed Be!
<Ann> Boy, are they ever! Blessed Be1
<Elspeth> ::giggle::
<Anitra> Baraka Bashad - May the Blessings Be!
<Ghost> ::giggle::
<Roo> Love and Happiness, my friends! [[[[HUGS]]]]
<MOONCHILD> Blessings Upon You Both.
<Phyllis> Joy!
<PJ> May you always be happy.
<Aerden> May the Lord and Lady lend you grace. :)
<Elspeth> We thank you all. :)
<Ghost> <VBG>
<Terri> I think my face might crack with this big smile!
<D&P> Lord and Lady we thank you for your presence at the Joining of
Elspeth and Ghost. We ask for your Blessing as you depart. Hail and Farewell. Blessed Be.
<Tigerlily> Light, Love and Laughter to you!
<Ghost> Aye, we do thank you all.
<Sieglinde> Blessed Be
<Aerden> ::whispers:: "Hail and Farewell!" ::bows::
<D&P> We shall now dismiss the Quarters...
<D&P> Terri, please dismiss the East.
<Terri> Lords of the East, Powers of Air, we thank you for joining in
our circle and witnessing the handfasting of Elspeth and Ghost. As we depart may there be
Peace between us now and Forever.
<D&P> Blessed Be!
<D&P> Ann, please dismiss the South.
<Ann> Lords of the South, Powers of Fire, we thank you for joining in our
Circle and witnessing the handfasting of Elspeth and Ghost. As you depart may there
be peace petween us now and forever.
<D&P> Blessed Be!
<D&P> Mari, please dismiss the West.
<Mari> Lords of the West, Power of Water we thank you for joining in our
circle and witnessing the handfasting of Elspeth and Ghost. As you depart may there be
peace between us now and forever.
<D&P> Blessed Be!
<D&P> Roo, please dismiss the North.
<Roo> Lords of the North, Powers of the Earth we thank you for joining in
our circle and witnessing the handfasting of Elspeth and Ghost. As you depart may
there be Peace between us now and forever.
<D&P> Blessed Be!
<D&P>
<D&P> All those attending please thank those you have invited and
dismiss them at this time.
<Elspeth> My Lady, thank you for your blessing ... and for laughing too
much at your backward child. :)
<D&P> Shamaness and Raven, we
thank you for attending and blessing this great union of two spirits. Depart in Peace
and Total Love.
<Elspeth> <>
<D&P> <>
<Sieglinde> Thank you Freya and Freyr for blessing this handfasting.
Stay if you will, go if you must. Blessed Be.
<Ann> Thank you, my Prince. We are most grateful for your presence here,
and your blessings on these two now one.
<Tigerlily> Lord and Lady, thank you for bestowing your blessings on
Elspeth and Ghost. Blessed Be.
<Mari> Thank you oh bright Lady for shining your love down on this gathering!
May your light ever bless their union. <>
<Ann> <.
<Terri> Thank you my Lady and Lord, for being with us in our circle. Go
or stay, as you will. My thanks to you. <>
<Aerden> Lady of the Sun, you who make the day glad, thank you for wintessing
the handfasting of Elspeth and Ghost. As you depart, let there be peace between us now
and forever. Blessed be. :)
<Ghost> Thank you for your warmth and presence, My lord Lobo. <>
<Anitra> Spirit of Tolerance and Compassion, my thanks for your Blessing
on these my friends. <>
<D&P> The Circle is Open but Unbroken. May the Peace of the Goddess
and the God go in your hearts.
<D&P> Merry meet....
<D&P> and merry part...
<D&P> and merry meet again!
<Elspeth> Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!
<Tigerlily> Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!
<D&P> Blessed Be!
<Roo> Merry meet and merry part and merry meet again!
<MOONCHILD> Merry meet, merry part and merry meet again.
<Sieglinde> Blessed Be.
<Ghost> Merry meet, Merry part and merry meet again!
<Terri> Merry Meet, Merry part and Merry meet again! Blessed Be!
<Randall> Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!
<Ann> Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!
<Anitra> Baraka Bashad.
<Mari> Merry meet, merry part, and merry meet again!!!
<Goldfish> Merry Meet, Merry Part, and Merry Meet Again!
<Aerden> Merry meet, merry part, and marry meet again! :)
<Elspeth> ::hugging everyone in sight::
<Trys> Love and Light
<Roo> [[[[HUGS]]]]
<D&P> Par Tay!!!
<Goldfish> {{{Hugs}}
<Roo> ::happy tears trying to escape::
<Ghost> ::giggle::
<Terri> [[[[[[Hugs!]]]]]]]]]
<Randall> [[[[HUGS]]]]
<Tigerlily> {{{Hugs}}}
<Ann> Congratulations, my loves!
<Sieglinde> Hugs to all, gotta go now.
<Mari> Roo... please commence the sproinging <G>
<Tigerlily> Congratulations!!
<Terri> congratulations, you two!
<Elspeth> ::giggle::
<Mari> Bye Sieglinde
<Aerden> (Hugs Trystane)
<Roo> SPROING!!!!! SPROING!!!!!
<Ghost> Thanks, all! <VVVBG>
<Phyllis> Congratulations!!
<Sieglinde> Congradulations to the both of you, may you be happy forever.
<Terri> bye Sieglinde
<PJ> It's over? CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!! :)
<MOONCHILD>
Congratultions to Elspeth and Ghost. May you find the happiness you crave.
<Ann> Take care, Sieglinde!
<Anitra> Congratulations - and love to you both!
<Anitra>
<Aerden> Okay, where's the rice?
<Sieglinde> Bye all.
<Randall> Congratulations!
<D&P> Congratulations!!!! and [[[[[[[[[[[[[HUGS]]]]]]]]]]] to you both!
<Elspeth> Reception is over at New Age.... bring Bubble wands and water
pistols....
From
Handfasting Ceremony & Declaration of Intent
Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you
have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you
should strive to make real, the ideals which give meaning to both this ceremony and the
institution of marriage.
With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers.
The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.
Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?
Yes, We Seek to Enter.In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home The heat of the heart's passion The light created by both To lighten the darkest of times.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake The swift excitement of the river The refreshing cleansing of the rain The all encompassing passion of the sea.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North Firm foundation on which to build Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives A stable home to which you may always return.
Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union.
I bid you look into each others eyes.
[Groom's Name], Will you cause her pain?
I May (What was actually said was an emphatic yes)
Is that you intent?
No
[Bride's Name], Will you cause him pain?
I may
Is that you intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?
Yes
And so the binding is made. Join your hands
*First cord is draped across the bride and grooms hands*
[Bride's Name], Will you share his laughter?
Yes
[Groom's Name], Will you share her laughter?
Yes
*To Both*
Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Second chord is draped across the couples hands*
[Bride's Name], Will you burden him?
I may
Is that you intent?
No
[Groom's Name], Will you burden her?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Drape third chord across the couples hands*
[Bride's Name], will you share his dreams?
Yes
[Groom's Name], will you share her dreams?
Yes
*To Both*
Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Drape fourth chord across the couples hands*
[Groom's Name], will you cause her anger?
I may
Is that you intent?
No
[Bride's Name], will you cause him anger?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?
We Will
And so the binding is made.
*Drape fifth chord across the couples hands*
[Bride's Name], Will you honor him?
I will
[Groom's Name], Will you honor her?
I will
*To Both*
Will you seek to never give cause to break that honor?
We shall never do so
And so the binding is made.
*Drape sixth chord across the couples hands*
*Tie chords together while saying:*
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows.
Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making
of breaking of this union.
*Once chords are tied together they are removed and placed on altar*
Other Handfasting Links
Jon & Irene's Handfasting Ceremony With Photos
Jay Bangle & Sean A Cornfield Handfasting Ceremony
Handfasting.com: A Handfasting Ceremony Information & Links
Golden Dawn: Handfasting Ceremony of PaganRose & PaganJava
Vows From Handfasting Ceremony
DarkenDreams: A Faery Handfasting Ceremony
A Satanic Wedding Handfasting Ceremony
A Druidic Handfasting Ceremony
Subtle Handfasting Ceremony For Couples of Non-Pagan Guests
Celtic (Irish) Handfasting Ceremony
Moonchilde's Handfasting Ceremony
A Wedding At Camelot Castle: Handfasting Ceremony
Secular Ceremonies: Ancient Celtic Handfasting Ceremony
Paganality.com: Handfasting Ceremony
Thudscave.com: Handfasting Ceremony
Jenny & Jess's: My Handfasting Ceremony
Rachel & Peter's: Handfasting Ceremony Pictorial
Traditional Medieval Scottish Handfasting Ceremony
Handfasting Ceremony: Beginning Page
Renaissance Handfasting Ceremony
Handfasting Ceremonies: A Collection of Links
Pagan Handfasting Ceremony Links & Resources
MOONDRAGON'S HEALTH LINKS
Dragon's Lair Pagan Parlor: BoS Index
Dragon's Lair Pagan Parlor Index
Dragon's Lair Pagan Parlor: Witchcraft, New Age & Pagan Supplies
MoonDragon's Pagan Pathways Index
MoonDragon's Pagan Parenting Partnership
MoonDragon's Realm of Services Home Page
MoonDragon's Parenting Index
MoonDragon's Pregnancy Information
MoonDragon's Birth Index
MoonDragon's Health Index
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information Index by Subject Order
MoonDragon's ObGyn Information Index by Alphabetical Order
MoonDragon's Main Index
Guestbook
My new guestbook since Samhain 2000.
My old guestbook. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't.
leather@moondragon.org
May the powers of The One,
the source of all creation;
may the Goddess, the Lady of the Moon;
and the God, Horned Hunter of the Sun;
may the rulers of the elemental realms, earth, air, fire and water;
may the powers of the stars above and the Earth below,
bless this web site, and this time, and I who am with You.
I ask for you to protect these pages,
and that no harm to those who visit here.
So mote it be.
MoonDragon Birthing Services & Dragon's Lair Pagan Parlor
Salem, Massachusetts
978-744-5583
|
|
|