![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
As promised, for those of you who were curious about what a handfasting ritual entails. You can find pictures of the happy couple and the altar here.
The capitalized [LAURIE] is me, and the lower case [Laurie] is the bride.
LAURIE AND JERRY'S HANDFASTING CEREMONY
Sunday, May 18th 2008
at KeyCon 25
(LAURIE, TOM, Laurie, and Jerry take a moment to perform the grounding and centering exercise below as they stand in front of the altar. Laurie and Jerry, with their Con family, exit the room to await LAURIE's summons; LAURIE lights the incense and charcoal, blesses the salt and water, and purifies herself and TOM.
Everyone arrives and is seated. Wiccan friends are invited into the circle (if room). Front row seats are reserved for friends, back rows are for spectators. PLEASE NOTE that the part of the circle facing the "audience" must be left open.
LAURIE rings the bell 3 times to announce starting.)
[LAURIE]
May I have your attention, please. To prepare for the sacred rite which we are about to perform and you are about to witness, I would like to ask you all to join me in a brief grounding and centering exercise. Between each line of the meditation, please draw three deep, cleansing breaths, while concentrating on becoming fully present and focussed in this moment.
In this place of boundless and random energy, let us find peace in stillness.
(Three breaths.)
In this time of excitement and anticipation, let us find our own calm center.
(Three breaths.)
As trees reach their roots down into the cool and nourishing earth, let us take this moment to connect to the physical world that sustains us.
(Three breaths.)
As the sun and moon shine above us, let us reach upward to embrace our connection with the Divine.
(Three breaths.)
And with three repetitions of the sacred sound, "Om", let us be fully present in this time, and in this place, and with those who are most dear to us.
(Three “Om”s.)
Blessed be you all.
(LAURIE begins to purify the space, while TOM reads the explanation to the audience.)
[TOM]
Welcome, all. We have come to celebrate, to witness, to bless, and to receive the blessings of Laurie and Jerry’s handfasting. 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.
A handfasting is the ritual of marriage within the Wiccan religion. The Priestess is purifying the sacred space with representatives of the four elements that make up the world: earth and water, air and fire. She will then create a circular temple of energy called a circle of power, and will invite the spirits associated with the four cardinal directions to join us within it, as well as the Goddess and the God, Whose blessings we ask for today.
When the handfasting has been performed, she will bid farewell to the powers we have invited to join us, and then uncast the circle.
We request your respectful attention during this sacred rite, and ask that you please turn off your cellphones. If you have any questions, we invite you to ask them of us after the ritual has concluded.
And now, let us begin.
[TOM]
As we prepare the sacred space for this marriage, let all of us take a few moments to meditate on the sacredness of love.
(TOM leads the spectators in a contemplation as Laurie completes the purification of the sacred space.)
[TOM]
Please repeat after me:
Love is like the sun that shines down upon our lives.
Love is like the moon that lights the way in darkness.
Love is like the earth that supports and nourishes us.
Love is like the sea, ever-changing and yet ever-constant.
Love is like the fire that warms us when we are cold.
Love is like the breath which gives us life.
Love is like the sacred spirit which dwells within us all
And gives us the strength to face each new day with joy.
(LAURIE replaces the salt and water on the altar, then takes up the ritual dagger from the altar and walks the edge of the circle, casting it and saying:)
[LAURIE]
We consecrate this circle of power as a temple to the Ancient Ones. Here may They manifest, and bless the endeavors of their children gathered in this sacred space. In perfect love and perfect trust we gather, blessing and blessed, loving and loved. So mote it be!
(LAURIE replaces the athame on the altar, then goes to each quarter and rings the bell once before inviting each of the spirits.)
[LAURIE]
Guardian of the Eastern sphere, now we seek your presence here. Spirits of air, grant Laurie and Jerry the ability to speak clearly and honestly to each other, to hear each other and listen respectfully, to share laughter and insight. Come, East, come! Be here this day. Hail, Guardian of the East, hail and welcome!
Guardian of the Southern sphere, now we seek your presence here. Spirits of fire, grant Laurie and Jerry passion for each other, the courage to express their feelings, determination, and the ability transform challenges into rewards. Come, South, come! Be here this day. Hail, Guardian of the South, hail and welcome!
Guardian of the Western sphere, now we seek your presence here. Spirits of water, grant Laurie and Jerry love and compassion that they may be tender with each other, and grant them the generosity to nourish each other’s dreams. Come, West, come! Be here this day. Hail, Guardian of the West, hail and welcome!
Guardian of the Northern sphere, now we seek your presence here. Spirits of earth, grant Laurie and Jerry the power to make their dreams come true, the strength to work hard, the creativity to work well together, and the prosperity and pleasures of the earth. Come, North, come! Be here this day. Hail, Guardian of the North, hail and welcome!
(Laurie lights the God and Goddess candles, rings the bell, then invokes.)
[LAURIE]
Let us now invite the Ancient Ones to be present and bless our rite.
Sky Father, Wise Father, Wine Father,
Sun Father, Sap Father, Song Father!
Lord of forest, field and beast,
Lord of harvest, hunt and feast,
King of heaven's golden fire
Dancer of the soul's desire,
Master of the drum and flute,
Keeper of the vineyard's fruit,
We call you here in love and light
To bless this union, bless this rite
Earth Mother, Birth Mother, Birch Mother,
Sea Mother, Stone Mother, Star Mother!
Queen of night and death and birth,
Womb of deep and fertile earth,
Dame of heaven's silver wheel,
Lady of the greening field,
Keeper of the apple grove,
Mistress of the arts of love,
We call you here in love and light
To bless this union, bless this rite
(LAURIE raises her hands in blessing.)
Welcome now, in sacred space
May all who reside receive your grace
May the place of this rite
Be consecrated before the Gods.
For we gather here in a ritual of love
With two who would be wedded.
Laurie and Jerry, come forward
And stand here before us
And before the Gods of nature.
(Laurie and Jerry enter the hall, and come to stand at the entrance to the circle; TOM follows LAURIE to help her by holding the incense and salt/water.)
[LAURIE]
Who comes to this sacred space?
[Laurie AND Jerry, TOGETHER]
It is we, Laurie Eli and Jerry Fischer.
[LAURIE]
What is your purpose?
[Laurie AND Jerry, TOGETHER]
We wish to be handfasted in the presence of these witnesses and of the Gods and Goddesses.
[LAURIE]
And who accompanies you?
[Con family]
It is we, her Con family, come to give our blessings to this union.
[LAURIE]
Then be purified, and enter the circle.
(Laurie, Jerry, and the Con family are purified with salt and water, held by LAURIE, and then with incense smoke, held by TOM, and enter circle. LAURIE closes the circle.)
(LAURIE and TOM replace the consecrated elements on the altar, then moves to stand in front of it.)
(LAURIE blesses Laurie and Jerry and all present.)
[LAURIE]
Blessed be the earth we stand upon
And blessed be these two who stand here before us.
Blessed be the eyes of the witnesses
And blessed be the two upon whom they gaze.
Blessed be the arms of family and friends who embrace them
And blessed be their hands that entwine in love.
Blessed be our many loving memories
And blessed be their hearts that join together.
Blessed be the circle of community
And may our blessings be upon these lovers forever.
(LAURIE indicates the God and Goddess candles.)
[LAURIE]
We have lit these candles on the altar to represent the Divine presence and energy of the God and of the Goddess. Laurie and Jerry shall now take flame from these candles, to symbolize the Divine masculine and feminine energies which dwell within them. They will then light the unity candle together, to symbolize their wish to be joined as one.
(Laurie and Jerry proceed to do so, as LAURIE says:)
[LAURIE]
As Geb and Nuit were brought together by the will to create, may you create wonders together. As Isis and Osiris were brought together by mutual respect, may you always honor each other. As the Green Man is drawn to the Spring Maiden by the tides of the universe, may your destiny lie with joy in each other. Blessed be!
[LAURIE]
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.
Laurie, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
[Laurie]
Yes, it is true.
[LAURIE]
With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?
[TOM, Anna, Michele…]
She comes with us, her friends, and we bring her Con family's blessings.
[LAURIE]
I bid welcome also to their extended family. Friends of Laurie and Jerry, do you grant your blessings to their union?
[Con family]
We do.
[LAURIE]
I thank you.
Laurie and Jerry, please join hands and listen to that which I am about to say.
(TOM gets the rings from the altar and stands ready as LAURIE speaks:)
[LAURIE]
A marriage is like two trees rising from the sacred earth
That grow close together, but from different roots,
Different colors of leaf, different textures of bark,
Different flowers in the spring,
Yet the same bees drink their nectar,
The same birds nest in their branches,
And sing the spring into their unfolding buds,
The same shower of leaves falling in the autumn,
The same flood of cold bringing winter sleep.
And sometimes, two trees may entwine so closely
That we who watch them see only one tree
With different leaves, and wonder at the miracle,
For miracle it is.
What symbols do you give as pledge and testimony to your love and commitment to each other?
[Laurie AND Jerry, TOGETHER]
We give these rings.
(TOM hands LAURIE the rings.)
(LAURIE holds up the rings on their cushion.)
[LAURIE]
Wherefore we bless these rings
And with them your loving union.
(LAURIE lowers the rings and speaks to Laurie and Jerry.)
[LAURIE]
As you exchange these rings, let the markings on the rings remind you to share with each other the gifts of your body, mind, and heart.
[Jerry]
(Jerry takes his ring from the cushion.)
I give you this ring, and with it I give you my body, mind and heart to share.
(Jerry places the ring on Laurie’s finger.)
[Laurie]
(Laurie takes her ring from the cushion.)
I give you this ring, and with it I give you my body, mind and heart to share.
(Laurie places the ring on Jerry’s finger.)
(LAURIE replaces the cushion on the altar, then takes the chalice and places it in Laurie’s hands, and then takes the athame and places it in Jerry’s hands. Laurie and Jerry move into position for the Lesser Great Rite.)
[Jerry]
Blade of the wind, bless our union!
[Laurie]
Cup of the seas, bless our union!
(Jerry lowers the athame as Laurie raises the chalice.)
[LAURIE]
Blade into cup, man into woman, the union is a new life. God into Goddess, from Goddess springs new life. And so the two are joined in everlasting holy union.
(Jerry hands the athame to LAURIE, who replaces it on the altar as Laurie offers Jerry the chalice.)
[Laurie]
May you never thirst, beloved.
(Jerry drinks from the chalice, and then offers it to Laurie.)
[Jerry]
May you never thirst, beloved.
(Laurie drinks from the chalice, then hands it to LAURIE, who replaces it on the altar and picks up the plate of cakes and blesses it.)
[LAURIE]
Thou creation of earth and water, of air and fire, we do bless you that you may symbolize prosperity and fertility, to nourish and sustain Laurie and Jerry throughout all their years together. As we will, so mote it be.
(Jerry takes the plate of cakes and offers it to Laurie)
[Jerry]
May you never hunger, beloved.
(Laurie takes and eats, then takes the plate from Jerry and offers it to him.)
[Laurie]
May you never hunger, beloved.
(Jerry takes and eats. When he is finished, Laurie hands the plate to LAURIE, who replaces it on the altar. TOM picks up the cord from the altar and holds it up, presenting it to the Gods, as LAURIE speaks the blessing)
[LAURIE]
Lady of Light and Darkness, the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe, grant your blessings to this couple who stand here before you to be joined as one.
Lord of Light and Darkness, the music of whose horn calls the seasons, dancer in the heart, grant your blessings to this couple who stand here before you to be joined as one.
(LAURIE turns to take the cord from TOM, then turns back to Laurie and Jerry.)
[LAURIE]
I ask you now to join hands in perfect love and perfect trust.
Let all witness the union of this loving couple. Know that this cord is but a symbol. In truth, these two lovers bind each other, one unto the other. The cord will be removed, but the union of their hearts and spirits is one they freely choose.
This cord is green, symbolizing new growth and growing together as one. Do you accept this symbolism?
[Laurie and Jerry]
We do.
[LAURIE]
Laurie, do you choose to take Jerry as your husband, promise to cherish him, stand by him in sunshine and in storm, in darkness and in light, through good times and bad, to pledge to him your love and support and to treat him with honor and respect, both publicly and privately, for all of this lifetime?
[Laurie]
I do.
Jerry, today I choose to entwine my heart and spirit with yours. I promise that I will join with you as one, united in love for all of this lifetime.
[LAURIE]
Jerry, do you choose to take Laurie as your wife, promise to cherish her, stand by her in sunshine and in storm, in darkness and in light, through good times and bad, to pledge to her your love and support and to treat her with honor and respect, both publicly and privately, for all of this lifetime?
[Jerry]
I do.
Laurie, today I choose to entwine my heart and spirit with yours. I promise that I will join with you as one, united in love for all of this lifetime.
(LAURIE binds the hands of Laurie and Jerry, winding the cord around them three times and tying them with three knots.)
[LAURIE]
Wherefore I bind your hands, and thereby seal your covenant.
As you have willed, so mote it be. Blessed be!
At this time, I would like to speak of some of the things that many of us wish for you.
You have chosen and vowed to walk the same path and embark upon a quest together. To help you along your way, we bring you gifts so precious that all the wealth of the mightiest kings that ever lived can not buy them, yet they are the birth-right of all peoples.
(LAURIE speaks the blessing, with appropriate hand gestures)
[LAURIE]
I give you the blessing of Air -- invisible as thought. Constant movement: ever present and uncontained. May your thoughts soar with the wind!
The blessing of Water I give you -- changing and flowing, water conforms to the shape of its container and by doing so, changes both. May the mysteries of the Water's depths be yours!
Fire's blessing I give you -- the flames of love are yours: but remember that the fire that warms will also burn if not treated with respect. May the Flames fill you with warmth and light!
The blessing of the Earth is yours -- constant and stable, her substance is a source of renewal and strength. May the wealth of the Earth nourish you!
The Sun's blessing goes with you -- his light and warmth brings health and joy. May the brilliance of the sun illuminate your lives!
I give you the blessing of the Moon -- her phases teach you the mystery of cycles and her light will guide you in your changes. May the Moon's glow brighten your quest!
The blessings of the Stars are yours -- though distant and beyond reach, their lights guide us and pull us out of the familiar and into new worlds. May you explore the wonder of the Stars together!
As you embark upon this quest, do so with joy and love in your hearts. But remember always -- you cannot be true to another unless you are true to yourself.
Do you accept these gifts?
[Laurie AND Jerry]
We do.
[LAURIE]
Therefore, by the power vested in me as a Priestess of Wicca, I do declare to all assembled here, in the presence of the Gods and the Goddesses, that you are husband and wife. You may share the first kiss of marriage.
With free will to all and harm to none, as we will it, it shall be done.
So mote it be! Blessed be!
[LAURIE]
Let us now bid farewell to the Ancient Ones who have witnessed and blessed our rite.
(LAURIE rings the bell and raises hands to devoke.)
The magic is wrought, the rite is done.
Oh Lady of the Moon, Lord of the Sun,
Great Goddess and God, farewell to Thee
We give thanks for your presence. Blessed be.
(LAURIE extinguishes the God and Goddess candles, then proceeds to bid farewell to the elements.)
[LAURIE]
Guardian of the Northern sphere, we thank you for your presence here. Spirits of earth, farewell to thee, go forth in glory, blessed be!
Guardian of the Western sphere, we thank you for your presence here. Spirits of water, farewell to thee, go forth in glory, blessed be!
Guardian of the Southern sphere, we thank you for your presence here. Spirits of fire, farewell to thee, go forth in glory, blessed be!
Guardian of the Eastern sphere, we thank you for your presence here. Spirits of air, farewell to thee, go forth in glory, blessed be!
(LAURIE takes up the athame and dissolves the circle.)
[ LAURIE]
We have consecrated this circle of power as a temple to the Ancient Ones. Now our rite is done, we release it to rejoin the greater energies of the universe. In perfect love and perfect trust we depart, blessing and blessed, loving and loved. So mote it be!
(LAURIE replaces the athame on the altar, then turns to Laurie and Jerry.)
[LAURIE]
Laurie and Jerry, your life awaits you. Go forth with the blessings of all assembled here. Blessed be!
(Laurie and Jerry exit the circle, their hands still bound, with the wedding party following. Someone must be appointed to keep watch over the altar until LAURIE can return to take it down.)
The capitalized [LAURIE] is me, and the lower case [Laurie] is the bride.
LAURIE AND JERRY'S HANDFASTING CEREMONY
Sunday, May 18th 2008
at KeyCon 25
(LAURIE, TOM, Laurie, and Jerry take a moment to perform the grounding and centering exercise below as they stand in front of the altar. Laurie and Jerry, with their Con family, exit the room to await LAURIE's summons; LAURIE lights the incense and charcoal, blesses the salt and water, and purifies herself and TOM.
Everyone arrives and is seated. Wiccan friends are invited into the circle (if room). Front row seats are reserved for friends, back rows are for spectators. PLEASE NOTE that the part of the circle facing the "audience" must be left open.
LAURIE rings the bell 3 times to announce starting.)
[LAURIE]
May I have your attention, please. To prepare for the sacred rite which we are about to perform and you are about to witness, I would like to ask you all to join me in a brief grounding and centering exercise. Between each line of the meditation, please draw three deep, cleansing breaths, while concentrating on becoming fully present and focussed in this moment.
In this place of boundless and random energy, let us find peace in stillness.
(Three breaths.)
In this time of excitement and anticipation, let us find our own calm center.
(Three breaths.)
As trees reach their roots down into the cool and nourishing earth, let us take this moment to connect to the physical world that sustains us.
(Three breaths.)
As the sun and moon shine above us, let us reach upward to embrace our connection with the Divine.
(Three breaths.)
And with three repetitions of the sacred sound, "Om", let us be fully present in this time, and in this place, and with those who are most dear to us.
(Three “Om”s.)
Blessed be you all.
(LAURIE begins to purify the space, while TOM reads the explanation to the audience.)
[TOM]
Welcome, all. We have come to celebrate, to witness, to bless, and to receive the blessings of Laurie and Jerry’s handfasting. 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.
A handfasting is the ritual of marriage within the Wiccan religion. The Priestess is purifying the sacred space with representatives of the four elements that make up the world: earth and water, air and fire. She will then create a circular temple of energy called a circle of power, and will invite the spirits associated with the four cardinal directions to join us within it, as well as the Goddess and the God, Whose blessings we ask for today.
When the handfasting has been performed, she will bid farewell to the powers we have invited to join us, and then uncast the circle.
We request your respectful attention during this sacred rite, and ask that you please turn off your cellphones. If you have any questions, we invite you to ask them of us after the ritual has concluded.
And now, let us begin.
[TOM]
As we prepare the sacred space for this marriage, let all of us take a few moments to meditate on the sacredness of love.
(TOM leads the spectators in a contemplation as Laurie completes the purification of the sacred space.)
[TOM]
Please repeat after me:
Love is like the sun that shines down upon our lives.
Love is like the moon that lights the way in darkness.
Love is like the earth that supports and nourishes us.
Love is like the sea, ever-changing and yet ever-constant.
Love is like the fire that warms us when we are cold.
Love is like the breath which gives us life.
Love is like the sacred spirit which dwells within us all
And gives us the strength to face each new day with joy.
(LAURIE replaces the salt and water on the altar, then takes up the ritual dagger from the altar and walks the edge of the circle, casting it and saying:)
[LAURIE]
We consecrate this circle of power as a temple to the Ancient Ones. Here may They manifest, and bless the endeavors of their children gathered in this sacred space. In perfect love and perfect trust we gather, blessing and blessed, loving and loved. So mote it be!
(LAURIE replaces the athame on the altar, then goes to each quarter and rings the bell once before inviting each of the spirits.)
[LAURIE]
Guardian of the Eastern sphere, now we seek your presence here. Spirits of air, grant Laurie and Jerry the ability to speak clearly and honestly to each other, to hear each other and listen respectfully, to share laughter and insight. Come, East, come! Be here this day. Hail, Guardian of the East, hail and welcome!
Guardian of the Southern sphere, now we seek your presence here. Spirits of fire, grant Laurie and Jerry passion for each other, the courage to express their feelings, determination, and the ability transform challenges into rewards. Come, South, come! Be here this day. Hail, Guardian of the South, hail and welcome!
Guardian of the Western sphere, now we seek your presence here. Spirits of water, grant Laurie and Jerry love and compassion that they may be tender with each other, and grant them the generosity to nourish each other’s dreams. Come, West, come! Be here this day. Hail, Guardian of the West, hail and welcome!
Guardian of the Northern sphere, now we seek your presence here. Spirits of earth, grant Laurie and Jerry the power to make their dreams come true, the strength to work hard, the creativity to work well together, and the prosperity and pleasures of the earth. Come, North, come! Be here this day. Hail, Guardian of the North, hail and welcome!
(Laurie lights the God and Goddess candles, rings the bell, then invokes.)
[LAURIE]
Let us now invite the Ancient Ones to be present and bless our rite.
Sky Father, Wise Father, Wine Father,
Sun Father, Sap Father, Song Father!
Lord of forest, field and beast,
Lord of harvest, hunt and feast,
King of heaven's golden fire
Dancer of the soul's desire,
Master of the drum and flute,
Keeper of the vineyard's fruit,
We call you here in love and light
To bless this union, bless this rite
Earth Mother, Birth Mother, Birch Mother,
Sea Mother, Stone Mother, Star Mother!
Queen of night and death and birth,
Womb of deep and fertile earth,
Dame of heaven's silver wheel,
Lady of the greening field,
Keeper of the apple grove,
Mistress of the arts of love,
We call you here in love and light
To bless this union, bless this rite
(LAURIE raises her hands in blessing.)
Welcome now, in sacred space
May all who reside receive your grace
May the place of this rite
Be consecrated before the Gods.
For we gather here in a ritual of love
With two who would be wedded.
Laurie and Jerry, come forward
And stand here before us
And before the Gods of nature.
(Laurie and Jerry enter the hall, and come to stand at the entrance to the circle; TOM follows LAURIE to help her by holding the incense and salt/water.)
[LAURIE]
Who comes to this sacred space?
[Laurie AND Jerry, TOGETHER]
It is we, Laurie Eli and Jerry Fischer.
[LAURIE]
What is your purpose?
[Laurie AND Jerry, TOGETHER]
We wish to be handfasted in the presence of these witnesses and of the Gods and Goddesses.
[LAURIE]
And who accompanies you?
[Con family]
It is we, her Con family, come to give our blessings to this union.
[LAURIE]
Then be purified, and enter the circle.
(Laurie, Jerry, and the Con family are purified with salt and water, held by LAURIE, and then with incense smoke, held by TOM, and enter circle. LAURIE closes the circle.)
(LAURIE and TOM replace the consecrated elements on the altar, then moves to stand in front of it.)
(LAURIE blesses Laurie and Jerry and all present.)
[LAURIE]
Blessed be the earth we stand upon
And blessed be these two who stand here before us.
Blessed be the eyes of the witnesses
And blessed be the two upon whom they gaze.
Blessed be the arms of family and friends who embrace them
And blessed be their hands that entwine in love.
Blessed be our many loving memories
And blessed be their hearts that join together.
Blessed be the circle of community
And may our blessings be upon these lovers forever.
(LAURIE indicates the God and Goddess candles.)
[LAURIE]
We have lit these candles on the altar to represent the Divine presence and energy of the God and of the Goddess. Laurie and Jerry shall now take flame from these candles, to symbolize the Divine masculine and feminine energies which dwell within them. They will then light the unity candle together, to symbolize their wish to be joined as one.
(Laurie and Jerry proceed to do so, as LAURIE says:)
[LAURIE]
As Geb and Nuit were brought together by the will to create, may you create wonders together. As Isis and Osiris were brought together by mutual respect, may you always honor each other. As the Green Man is drawn to the Spring Maiden by the tides of the universe, may your destiny lie with joy in each other. Blessed be!
[LAURIE]
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.
Laurie, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
[Laurie]
Yes, it is true.
[LAURIE]
With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you?
[TOM, Anna, Michele…]
She comes with us, her friends, and we bring her Con family's blessings.
[LAURIE]
I bid welcome also to their extended family. Friends of Laurie and Jerry, do you grant your blessings to their union?
[Con family]
We do.
[LAURIE]
I thank you.
Laurie and Jerry, please join hands and listen to that which I am about to say.
(TOM gets the rings from the altar and stands ready as LAURIE speaks:)
[LAURIE]
A marriage is like two trees rising from the sacred earth
That grow close together, but from different roots,
Different colors of leaf, different textures of bark,
Different flowers in the spring,
Yet the same bees drink their nectar,
The same birds nest in their branches,
And sing the spring into their unfolding buds,
The same shower of leaves falling in the autumn,
The same flood of cold bringing winter sleep.
And sometimes, two trees may entwine so closely
That we who watch them see only one tree
With different leaves, and wonder at the miracle,
For miracle it is.
What symbols do you give as pledge and testimony to your love and commitment to each other?
[Laurie AND Jerry, TOGETHER]
We give these rings.
(TOM hands LAURIE the rings.)
(LAURIE holds up the rings on their cushion.)
[LAURIE]
Wherefore we bless these rings
And with them your loving union.
(LAURIE lowers the rings and speaks to Laurie and Jerry.)
[LAURIE]
As you exchange these rings, let the markings on the rings remind you to share with each other the gifts of your body, mind, and heart.
[Jerry]
(Jerry takes his ring from the cushion.)
I give you this ring, and with it I give you my body, mind and heart to share.
(Jerry places the ring on Laurie’s finger.)
[Laurie]
(Laurie takes her ring from the cushion.)
I give you this ring, and with it I give you my body, mind and heart to share.
(Laurie places the ring on Jerry’s finger.)
(LAURIE replaces the cushion on the altar, then takes the chalice and places it in Laurie’s hands, and then takes the athame and places it in Jerry’s hands. Laurie and Jerry move into position for the Lesser Great Rite.)
[Jerry]
Blade of the wind, bless our union!
[Laurie]
Cup of the seas, bless our union!
(Jerry lowers the athame as Laurie raises the chalice.)
[LAURIE]
Blade into cup, man into woman, the union is a new life. God into Goddess, from Goddess springs new life. And so the two are joined in everlasting holy union.
(Jerry hands the athame to LAURIE, who replaces it on the altar as Laurie offers Jerry the chalice.)
[Laurie]
May you never thirst, beloved.
(Jerry drinks from the chalice, and then offers it to Laurie.)
[Jerry]
May you never thirst, beloved.
(Laurie drinks from the chalice, then hands it to LAURIE, who replaces it on the altar and picks up the plate of cakes and blesses it.)
[LAURIE]
Thou creation of earth and water, of air and fire, we do bless you that you may symbolize prosperity and fertility, to nourish and sustain Laurie and Jerry throughout all their years together. As we will, so mote it be.
(Jerry takes the plate of cakes and offers it to Laurie)
[Jerry]
May you never hunger, beloved.
(Laurie takes and eats, then takes the plate from Jerry and offers it to him.)
[Laurie]
May you never hunger, beloved.
(Jerry takes and eats. When he is finished, Laurie hands the plate to LAURIE, who replaces it on the altar. TOM picks up the cord from the altar and holds it up, presenting it to the Gods, as LAURIE speaks the blessing)
[LAURIE]
Lady of Light and Darkness, the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe, grant your blessings to this couple who stand here before you to be joined as one.
Lord of Light and Darkness, the music of whose horn calls the seasons, dancer in the heart, grant your blessings to this couple who stand here before you to be joined as one.
(LAURIE turns to take the cord from TOM, then turns back to Laurie and Jerry.)
[LAURIE]
I ask you now to join hands in perfect love and perfect trust.
Let all witness the union of this loving couple. Know that this cord is but a symbol. In truth, these two lovers bind each other, one unto the other. The cord will be removed, but the union of their hearts and spirits is one they freely choose.
This cord is green, symbolizing new growth and growing together as one. Do you accept this symbolism?
[Laurie and Jerry]
We do.
[LAURIE]
Laurie, do you choose to take Jerry as your husband, promise to cherish him, stand by him in sunshine and in storm, in darkness and in light, through good times and bad, to pledge to him your love and support and to treat him with honor and respect, both publicly and privately, for all of this lifetime?
[Laurie]
I do.
Jerry, today I choose to entwine my heart and spirit with yours. I promise that I will join with you as one, united in love for all of this lifetime.
[LAURIE]
Jerry, do you choose to take Laurie as your wife, promise to cherish her, stand by her in sunshine and in storm, in darkness and in light, through good times and bad, to pledge to her your love and support and to treat her with honor and respect, both publicly and privately, for all of this lifetime?
[Jerry]
I do.
Laurie, today I choose to entwine my heart and spirit with yours. I promise that I will join with you as one, united in love for all of this lifetime.
(LAURIE binds the hands of Laurie and Jerry, winding the cord around them three times and tying them with three knots.)
[LAURIE]
Wherefore I bind your hands, and thereby seal your covenant.
As you have willed, so mote it be. Blessed be!
At this time, I would like to speak of some of the things that many of us wish for you.
You have chosen and vowed to walk the same path and embark upon a quest together. To help you along your way, we bring you gifts so precious that all the wealth of the mightiest kings that ever lived can not buy them, yet they are the birth-right of all peoples.
(LAURIE speaks the blessing, with appropriate hand gestures)
[LAURIE]
I give you the blessing of Air -- invisible as thought. Constant movement: ever present and uncontained. May your thoughts soar with the wind!
The blessing of Water I give you -- changing and flowing, water conforms to the shape of its container and by doing so, changes both. May the mysteries of the Water's depths be yours!
Fire's blessing I give you -- the flames of love are yours: but remember that the fire that warms will also burn if not treated with respect. May the Flames fill you with warmth and light!
The blessing of the Earth is yours -- constant and stable, her substance is a source of renewal and strength. May the wealth of the Earth nourish you!
The Sun's blessing goes with you -- his light and warmth brings health and joy. May the brilliance of the sun illuminate your lives!
I give you the blessing of the Moon -- her phases teach you the mystery of cycles and her light will guide you in your changes. May the Moon's glow brighten your quest!
The blessings of the Stars are yours -- though distant and beyond reach, their lights guide us and pull us out of the familiar and into new worlds. May you explore the wonder of the Stars together!
As you embark upon this quest, do so with joy and love in your hearts. But remember always -- you cannot be true to another unless you are true to yourself.
Do you accept these gifts?
[Laurie AND Jerry]
We do.
[LAURIE]
Therefore, by the power vested in me as a Priestess of Wicca, I do declare to all assembled here, in the presence of the Gods and the Goddesses, that you are husband and wife. You may share the first kiss of marriage.
With free will to all and harm to none, as we will it, it shall be done.
So mote it be! Blessed be!
[LAURIE]
Let us now bid farewell to the Ancient Ones who have witnessed and blessed our rite.
(LAURIE rings the bell and raises hands to devoke.)
The magic is wrought, the rite is done.
Oh Lady of the Moon, Lord of the Sun,
Great Goddess and God, farewell to Thee
We give thanks for your presence. Blessed be.
(LAURIE extinguishes the God and Goddess candles, then proceeds to bid farewell to the elements.)
[LAURIE]
Guardian of the Northern sphere, we thank you for your presence here. Spirits of earth, farewell to thee, go forth in glory, blessed be!
Guardian of the Western sphere, we thank you for your presence here. Spirits of water, farewell to thee, go forth in glory, blessed be!
Guardian of the Southern sphere, we thank you for your presence here. Spirits of fire, farewell to thee, go forth in glory, blessed be!
Guardian of the Eastern sphere, we thank you for your presence here. Spirits of air, farewell to thee, go forth in glory, blessed be!
(LAURIE takes up the athame and dissolves the circle.)
[ LAURIE]
We have consecrated this circle of power as a temple to the Ancient Ones. Now our rite is done, we release it to rejoin the greater energies of the universe. In perfect love and perfect trust we depart, blessing and blessed, loving and loved. So mote it be!
(LAURIE replaces the athame on the altar, then turns to Laurie and Jerry.)
[LAURIE]
Laurie and Jerry, your life awaits you. Go forth with the blessings of all assembled here. Blessed be!
(Laurie and Jerry exit the circle, their hands still bound, with the wedding party following. Someone must be appointed to keep watch over the altar until LAURIE can return to take it down.)
◾ Tags:
