Blessings to each guest-Each guest is blessed with greetings and incense
HP : explain for non-Pagans the idea of Hand fasting, why a circle instead of pews, etc.
In times long ago, a man and a woman came together in the presence of a representative of the Holy One to enter into a contract of marriage known as a hand fasting. It is known as a hand fasting because the couple joins hands to represent that they must remember to hold fast through all of Life's challenges. The couple and their witnesses have decided to participate of a ceremony of their own free will and as an external display of their spiritual commitment to this Union. Some of you may find this medieval style of ceremony to be a great leap from the present, however after much thought, Flair and Cj have decided to follow their hearts and show the physical world their spiritual commitment in this manner. During the course of this ceremony, many symbols are used which shall be described both to the couple and to you as the worldly witnesses. Should you have any questions at the end of the ceremony, please feel free to ask.
A bell is rung thrice, and the couple approaches the circle
They are asked if they enter in perfect love and perfect trust
They answer and then a doorway is open for them to enter the circle
they enter and face North before the alter
The HP bless the couple with greetings and incense
The guests gather around in a circle
HP - Merry Meet, May the blessings of the Goddess and her consort be with you.
HP -Hold a dish of salt before the couple
Place your right hand over the salt
The couple face East--
HP rings bell thrice and smudges the couple
The couple face South--
The HP hands the couple a white candle each
The candles are then lit. The couple then lights a third candle with the two.
The HP holds a sword above their heads and recites the
Navajo Wedding Blessing
Now you have lit a fire and that fire should not go out. The two of you now have a fire that represents love, understanding and a philosophy of life. It will give you heat, food, warmth and happiness. The new fire represents a new beginning - a new life and a new family. The fire should keep burning; you should stay together. You have lit the fire for life, until old age separates you.
The couple faces West--
With a blessing sprinkle water over couple's heads
The couple returns to the North
HP - Anoints their foreheads with rose oil and holds a clear crystal above them and blesses them
Blessed Goddess and Laughing God, look with joy on this Union of this man and this woman. Grant them harmony and beauty in their lives and let them be always mindful of their commitment, one to the other. Let them so live together that their joy of each other will be a shining beacon for all to see. Give to these two your love and protection. So Mote It Be
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 other's eyes.
HP: You have come together in this sacred space to stand in the presence of our Lady of Love and our Lord of Light, that they may bestow upon you their bountiful blessings of love and devotion through the sacred rite of Hand fasting. This is a bond not to be entered into lightly, but with seriousness, reverence, and joy.
HP: Is it your intention, Cj, to be joined to Flair in the sight of the gods and of these people? To be tied to her in giving, in dreams, and in intentions, and to vow to her your love and commitment?
Cj: It is.
HP: Have you considered the gravity of your commitment?
Cj: Yes I have
HP: Is it your intention, Flair, to be joined to Cj in the sight of the gods and of these people? To be tied to him in giving, in dreams, and in intentions, and to vow to him your love and commitment?
Flair: It is
HP: Have you considered the gravity of your commitment?
Flair: I have
Consecrating tools
HP-Let all negative impurities, vibrations, and hindrances be cast forth, hence from and let all that is positive, loving and good enter herein. Blessed be this tool name in the divine name of the Goddess. So Mote it Be.
HP consecrates rings with salt water and hands to the bride and groom. The bride and groom place rings on each other's hand and exchange their personal vows and poetry
Our Vows
Flair
My love, My heart is filled with joy that our patience, love and understanding have grown enough so we can be here this eve. I have always loved you. I promise you that I will always try to remember how I feel this eve, how wonderful the feelings we share are. I will not allow myself to forget how lucky I am to have you in my life and my heart. I love you.
Cj
From the beginning of time, I've always loved you. In the deepest parts of my heart and my soul, you have always been there. Even in darker times, nothing could erase from my heart my love for you. Ours is a love ever enduring, without beginning or end and I happily grow old along with you.
The HP consecrates cords as he/she did the rings
Holding the cords side by side hand them to the bride and groom. They then tie the ends together making a circle and then an infinity loop.
The HP then bind the hands together
then pronounce husband and wife.
The couple cut the cake and feed some to one another. They also share a drink from the same cup.
Chalice Joining
(Have Cj pour some honey mead into his chalice and say):
"Into this cup of Love I pour my heart and soul."
(Meditate for a moment)
(Have Flair pour some honey mead into her chalice and say):
"Into this cup of Love I pour my heart and soul."
(Meditate for a moment)
(HP)"As you have poured your souls forth bring it to the chalice of union."
(HP Holds the chalice of union out to them and says):
"In the chalice of union there is no limit to Love,
No strings and no price, only the Divine union of two souls drink now, deeply from this chalice of Love.
(They each pour into the chalice and then drink)
Kali then recites the Apache Wedding Prayer
"Now you will feel no rain,
For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness;
For each of you will be companion to the other.
Now you are two bodies,
But there is only one life before you.
Go now to your dwelling place
To enter into the days of your togetherness
And may your days be good and long upon the earth."
The HP cuts a door in the circle for the couple to pass
The newly weds then jump the broom and begin their life together.
The husband and wife visit with guests and the HP release the circle and dismisses the quarters.
