" Marriage Ceremony "
Items used : A ritual Thor's Hammer , Alter , bowli , ritual mead , evergreen sprig , a red candle .
Groom : a large key ring with decorative type keys or the keys to your household
, a red candle .
Bride : a dagger , a knife or sword , a red candle .
The ceremony begins by the Gothi calling the Folk and witnesses
for the couple to the alter or stalli . Once the Folk are assembled, he
summons the bride and groom . They should enter the circle together and
approach the alter .
Gothi : " In all meaningful and significant gatherings
undertaken by our Folk , the The All Powerful Spirit of our tribal Gods
and Goddesses is present . So , also today , when we come together for this
truly joyous occasion of joining this man and this woman , " ________
" and " _______ " , in the bonds of matrimony .
From the most ancient times of our Folk , the family has been the most important
part of the tribe and community . The rite being performed here , sanctifying
- In the sight of the Holy Ones and the Folk - the bonding of a man and
a woman in marriage is a religious act in the ultimate sense .
We know of no other word to describe the awe and wonder with which we face
this act , one of the most momentous events in our life experiences . One
which is hallowed by the Holy Hammer , and witnessed by the Gods and the
Folk . A marriage vow is , in itself , a holy oath , I ask you to remember
this and choose your vows carefully .
Our ancestors required nothing more than a statement of intent of the parties
be made before an assembly of the Folk . Today we must satisfy the state
as well . Therefore we shall proceed , before witnesses , by stating that
you " _______ " and " _______ " have freely voiced your
decision to be united in marriage .
Couple : We have .
Gothi : Who represents the families of the bride and groom .
Witnesses : I do .
Gothi : The couple has spoken their wish . Do you know of any reason why
this should not be granted ?
Witnesses : I know of no reason .
Gothi : Then you give your blessing to this union .
Witnesses : Yes , I do .
Gothi : As you know , no minister or priest , no public official or private
person can marry anyone . Only you can decide in your hearts to heed the
marriage commitments . I ask if you have done so ?
Couple : We have .
Gothi : ( to groom ) What vows do you declare ?
Groom : I , " _______ " , take you , " _______ " , to
be my wedded wife , to have and to hold from this day forward , to honor
and to protect as long as we both are true .
Gothi : ( to the bride ) What vows do you declare ?
Bride : I , "_______ " , take you , " _______ " , to
be my wedded husband , to trust and to cherish from this day forward , to
respect and to follow for as long as we both are true .
Groom : I give you the keys to our household as a symbol of my respect and
devotion , and as the outward symbol of your authority and responsibilities
to the home .
Bride : I accept this ring of keys as proof of my undying devotion to you
, and your family that will be . I give you this ( dagger , knife , sword
, etc. ) as proof of your willingness to defend our home , family , kindred
, and tribe from all enemies .
Gothi : May these words , sincerely spoken , ever be inscribed
upon the tablets of your hearts and upon your lips . ( Bride and groom each
take a candle and light it ) . As these two candles you now hold in your
hands burn separately , so have you until this moment lived seperate lives
, each with your own glow of light in the circle of friends and family .
With your candle you shall now , together , light a new candle ( they do
so ) which shall be a reminder to both of you of the married ideal of oneness
, and , although each has his or her natural role in the home , you are
now joining to form a family in which you will function as one . ( to groom
) Let this knife serve as a symbol of your duty to protect your wife and
your young , with all your might and with all your means from this day forth
. ( to bride ) Let these keys remind you of your duty to care for the hearth
and haven of your husband and your children , with all your strength from
this day forth .
Gothi : ( to both ) You are now , as witnessed by your family , members
of the Folk , and the Holy Ones of Asgard , joined as husband and wife .
Together you shall support and help each other to build a home where children
will grow up in happy surroundings to become worthy members of the Kindred
and Tribe ; where friends will be at ease and be glad to come ; and where
you yourselves will grow as individuals , yet feel and experience the companionship
and harmony that are essential components of a fulfilled married life .
Gothi : We who are present express our hopes and wishes that you forever
will keep the inspiration of this hour in your hearts .May the Spirit of
the Gods and Goddesses shine upon you and light your path . ( The Gothi
now takes up the Hammer and Hammer signs the bride and groom with the blessing
) May the wisdom of Odin , the strength of Thor , and the fruitfulness of
Freyr be yours !
Gothi : Congratulations , _______ . You may kiss the Bride .
( The Gothi then pours the mead into the bowl , takes up the evergreen twig
, and blesses the assembled with the words ) May the All Mother Frigga bless
and keep you all ! This rite is done . So Shall it be .