Elaborate Handfasting Ritual
By Briganthia Stone
Time can be anything, 4 PM is used as example
[H - 4:00] Site open
Arrive at ritual-grounds and commence offloading of equipment, supplies,
food and beverages. Simple snack-food and soft-drinks are available to the
set-up crew.
[H - 3:00] Tentage up
Nuptial tent is set up, followed by the Priestess' and Keeper's tents,
allowing them to have privacy for changing costumes. All tent-groups share
equipment and supplies as need be
[Note: the Priestess discovered that she had packed much more bedding than
anyone could ever need or want, but she had forgotten to pack any of her
tent-pegs or fly-lines. Having set her tent secure against any conceivable
storm, the weather was, of course, quite lovely!]
[H - 2:00] Layout
The Outer Circle, 9 metres (ca. 30 feet) in diameter, is defined with
surveyor's picket-stakes and cardinally-coloured ribbon amongst the trees.
All parts of the rite will be performed within the Outer Circle, or within
the Working Circle that is central to it. A gateway will be placed just to
the north of the East quarter of this Circle. Guests will stand around the
margins of the Circle. In the event of rain, large teamsters' paulins will
be strung as flies between the trees. Four altars are placed within the
Outer Circle, at the four canonical quarters. The altars are small,
three-legged wooden tables with appropriate cloth covers.
A Working Circle of customary dimensions will be discreetly drawn within
the centre of the Outer Circle, with a passageway upon its eastern
quadrant. The High Altar will be placed within the centre of the Working
Circle, exactly within the centre of the Outer Circle; this altar will face
to the south. The High Altar is four-legged, and provision must therefore
be made for shimming and staking it into position on rough ground.
The Bride and her Maiden, the Groom and his Guardian, and the Priestess
will transact the sacramental portions of the rite within the Working
Circle.
An Order of Service card will be given to all guests and scripted
participants. Scripted participants also receive an aide-memoire, in a form
that can be kept close to hand, which conveniently details their particular
role: Maiden, Guardian, Summoner, Pathfinder, East, South, West, North. The
Maiden and Summoner receive full copies of this script, presented for their
use in a small, weather-proof binder. The Priestess has an altar book, also
compact and weather-proof, which contains the entire script of the rite
plus one copy of each aide-memoire, her Load Plan for the Magic Box, and
various other notes and planning worksheets.
[H - 1:30] Preparing the space
Groom and Guardian: will stake out the periphery of the Outer Circle, using
surveyors' pickets and tapes. A radius-line will be used to ensure that it
is indeed circular, and that it is centred upon the intended location of
the High Altar.
[H - 1:15] Building the altars
Keepers: elemental altars are brought into place and set by their
respective keepers; each elemental altar is placed in its canonical quarter
of the working-space.
East has a fan, lighter, two charcoal, censer, incense, a yellow
ribbon.
South has a red candle and a hurricane cover, lighter, a red ribbon.
West has an large open shell and small pitcher of water, a blue
ribbon.
North has an empty bowl and small sack of soil, a green ribbon.
At North of East, where the gateway shall be, there is a large basket
full of ribbons.
Priestess: traces the Working Circle around the centre-point, setting its
radius appropriately. She then places and sets the High Altar over the
centre-point.
High Altar has embroidered white altar-cloth, and the sacramental set
of china and glassware; also knife, salt, water, blessing-oil,
incense, censer and charcoals, two shutter-lamps for the Lady and
Lord, and the Providence lamp.
On south side of altar are Bride and Groom's goblets (each has one),
a small platter, and a plate of bread. On north side of altar is the
Priestess' cup.
Beneath the altar are spare charcoals, decanter of wine, plate with
bread, and libation-bowl.
Also beneath the altar, on ground at north side, is a consecrated
butane fire-lighter, alongside sword and sheath. Broom is placed on
ground on south side of altar.
[H - 1:00] Concordance
When altars are made and placed, the Guardian and Groom, Keepers and
Priestess gather at the High Altar, for their pre-service concordance
discussion, led by the Priestess.
[Note: a lengthy discussion ensued concerning photography: the
photographers weren't altogether happy about being asked to forgo the use
of flash-guns, but they willingly agreed to restrict their activities to
outside the Working Circle, which allowed the Bride and Groom (and the
rather shy Priestess) to remain calm and unruffled by their presence. As it
turned out, the Bride and Groom were serenely unaware of anything other
than each other! The Priestess, in turn, was preoccupied with keeping the
service on track and scarcely noticed the photographers at all.]
[H - 0:30] Prayer
Priestess: fires the censer (which needs about 15 minutes to reach
operating temperature), lights the Providence lamp, then leads a prayer for
all scripted participants who are present.
Lord and Lady,
You have made the bond of marriage a holy mystery,
a symbol of Your love for us.
Hear our prayers for G-- and B--.
With abiding faith in You, and continuing faith in each other,
they will pledge their love today.
May their lives always bear witness
to the reality of that love.
We make this prayer in the name of all that is,
So mote it be.
All others: scripted participants present may now leave the ritual-grounds
and attend to such business as they may have. This is an appropriate time
to take a tea-break. Guardian and Groom should stick close together.
[H - 0:25] Consecrations
Priestess: consecrates elements in the appropriate manner.
She then walks the Outer Circle twice round from East to East, marking the
doorway to the North of East:
Drawing round, cutting the Circle from bank to bank, saying the Kenjurie by
quarters.
[Note: text of the Kenjurie is not given here, as it will change according
to your Tradition and circumstances.]
Consecration round, with censer fully stoked:
Creature of fire, this charge I lay
no discord in Thy presence stay
hear my will addressed to Thee,
as I do will, so mote it be!
[Note: this charge is adapted from Paul Huson's text as given in Mastering
Witchcraft, which we are accustomed to use for O.C. purposes.]
Priestess: then draws and fully casts Working Circle by herself, in a
manner appropriate to the circumstances, leaving doorway open in east
quadrant, collinear with the gateway in the Outer Circle.
[H-hour] Processional
Summoner: ringing a loud bell in triple peals, calling three times:
Hear ye, hear ye! - the service is about to begin...
At this time, Keepers, Guardian and Groom excuse themselves discreetly and
retire to the ritual-grounds.
Summoner: once all others save the Bride and Maiden (who are in seclusion)
have gathered by kitchen:
Before our service starts, I have a couple of items to discuss with
you about what will be happening afterward. There will be a receiving
line following the rite's end. After the receiving line, in keeping
with tradition we shall all walk the Bride and Groom to their tent.
Once at the tent the Bride's garter will be thrown for our single
lads and of course the Bride's bouquet will be thrown to our single
ladies. I ask all those who were asked to be guides to put up their
hands. These people are here to help ensure you do not get lost (or
eaten by bears). So let us now begin.
[Note: we were in bear country, but the principal reason for mentioning
bears was to set the stage for the Bride's and Groom's nuptial gifts to the
People, which were individual sets of bear-bells.]
Guardian and Groom: come directly over to the ritual-grounds with the
Keepers, ahead of the procession, and enter through the gate. Guardian
escorts the Groom to his place on the south side of the High Altar.
Guardian: then takes up his staff and goes to the North of East and
establishes safe passage through the gateway within the Outer Circle, so
that the procession may pass through it and into the ritual-grounds.
Pathfinders: intermix themselves with the rest of the guests, thus ensuring
that all people have the chance to follow along. Pathfinders lead the
People to the ritual-grounds, passing through the gateway in the North of
East and circling around to the North of East, thus filling the space
round. There should be sufficient room for everyone to stand just inside
the Circle.
[Note: as the Outer Circle had been drawn at 4.6 metre (15 feet) radius, it
was a tight fit, indeed. Our choice of Circle size was governed by the
available clear space in the forest.]
Maiden and Bride: will wait in the nuptial tent, where Maiden had been
assisting the Bride to change into her gown.
East Keeper: stands just inside the gateway and hands to everyone a ribbon
(including the people who will also have an 'official' ribbon); she directs
everyone to move deosil (clockwise) round the bounds of the space.
Afterwards she waits just within the gate, for the Bride's and Maiden's
subsequent arrival.
[Note: ribbons were cut to be 1 metre (ca. 3 feet) long; this turned out to
have been too short for convenient use, and we should have cut them 1.2 to
1.5 metres (4 to 5 feet) long. Because of the handing-out of individual
ribbons at the gateway, it took the People about 10 minutes to enter the
ritual-grounds; perhaps it would have been better to have the Pathfinders
take several baskets around to offer the People their own chance to choose
a ribbon at greater leisure, beforehand.]
Summoner: is the last person within the procession, and he waits outside
the gate (he will subsequently go to fetch the Bride and Maiden.)
Guardian: closes the gateway and returns to the Main Altar, where he lays
down his staff before the altar and stands to the right of the Priestess.
[H + 0:10] Completing the Outer Circle
[Note: although the Outer Circle had been already marked out, and its
potential location consecrated, it has not yet been completed. In this way,
all of the People could be within a Pagan Circle made in a manner
appropriate to the mix of Pagans, non-Pagans, Initiates of various
Traditions, and assorted others (and made in a manner consistent with the
Priestess' own oath and vows), and yet avoiding the impropriety of having
Initiates be outside the bounds during the making of the Circle. The inner
Working Circle, on the other hand, was of the Priestess' own sole concern
and devising, and thus could be arranged by her as she saw fit, again
consistent with oath and vows. In practice, very few of the People were
even aware of the inner Circle.]
Drummer: steady heartbeat while Priestess is actually walking round the
Circle.
Casting round:
Creature of earth, where Thou art cast,
let no adverse purpose last,
not in complete accord with me,
as I do will, so mote it be!
[Note: this charge is adapted from Paul Huson's text as given in Mastering
Witchcraft.]
[H + 0:13] Calling the Quarters
Summoner: goes off through the forest to fetch the Bride and Maiden from
the nuptial tent, where the Bride has been made ready to come to her
wedding. He does not step into the nuptial tent, but calls to them from
outside it.
Keepers: stand before their altars, moving around to the inside of their
altar when each in turn calls in their respective elemental powers.
Priestess: turning to the East:
Powers of East, Powers of Air, I call thee forth.
East Keeper: placing incense in censer, raising for all to see
Hail, guardians of the East!
Come forth and bear witness to B-- and G--, who have come to know
great love for one another, and for their children.
Hail and welcome!
She turns and bows towards East, turns again and replaces censer on altar
Priestess: turning to the South:
Powers of South, Powers of Fire, I call thee forth.
South Keeper: lighting the candle, raising for all to see
Hail, guardians of the South!
Come forth and bear witness to G-- and B--, who will make a daring
leap together into partnership.
Hail and welcome!
She turns and bows to the South, turns again and replaces candle on altar.
Priestess: turning to the West:
Powers of West, Powers of Water, I call thee forth.
West Keeper: pouring water into the shell, raising for all to see:
Hail, guardians of the West!
Come forth and bear witness to B-- and G--, whose mutual intention is
to marry one another, in this place and at this time.
Hail and welcome!
She turns and bows to the West, turns again and replaces shell on altar.
Priestess: turning to the North:
Powers of North, Powers of Earth, I call thee forth.
North Keeper: pouring soil into bowl, raising for all to see:
Hail, guardians of the North!
Come forth and bear witness to G-- and B--, who wait upon this time
of great joy, with steadfastness and quiet assurance.
Hail and welcome!
She turns and bows to the North, turns again and replaces bowl on altar
All four Elemental Keepers remain standing at their altars, facing to
Centre.
Priestess: turns to the East and salutes with a kiss.
[altar bell 3 x]
Priestess: kneels before the altar and lights the Lady candle:
Great Mother, whom I serve, please be here now as G-- and B-- intend
to join one another in the sacrament of marriage.
She lights the Lord candle:
Beloved Father, whom I adore, please be here now as B-- and G--
intend to join one another in the sacrament of marriage.
[altar bell 3 x]
[H + 0:18] Bridal Party's Arrival
Summoner, Bride and Maiden: have made their way to the outside of the Outer
Circle, and have been waiting at the North of East.
Guardian: picks up his staff and comes to the North of East, where he again
makes safe the place and opens the gateway for the bridal party to pass
into the Circle.
Summoner: leads Bride and Maiden to the High Altar. Then he retires to the
North of East, within the Outer Circle, and enjoys the remainder of the
service.
Guardian: comes to the High Altar and lays his staff down again. He
retrieves the rings and ribbons from wherever he has kept them, and places
the rings on the small plate upon the altar, keeping the ribbons in his
hand. He now takes his place to the left of the Maiden.
Priestess: calls the blessing unto them:
Gracious Lady, Gentle Lord.
Grant Your blessing and protection upon these two,
who have come before You,
to celebrate the sacrament of marriage
in the presence of their People.
So mote it be!
[H + 0:22] Elemental blessings
Priestess:
And now we shall introduce G-- and B-- to the Elemental Powers to
seek their blessings upon this enterprise.
She takes her seat on North side of altar, which the Guardian has placed
there. He sets forth seats for the other celebrants as well.
Maiden: leads Bride and Groom to East:
Hail, winds of the East!
East Keeper: standing, raising the fan, facing the couple:
What is it you seek from the Powers of Air?
Bride:
We seek your blessing and guidance for our marriage.
East Keeper: while wafting air towards them with the fan:
Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the East:
Clear understanding of each other, and of yourselves.
Knowledge that each day is a fresh start of your life as a family.
Joy in teaching your children together, and watching them learn about
life.
She replaces fan on altar, hands Maiden a yellow ribbon, motions the party
onward, and sits down.
Maiden: leads the couple to the South:
Hail, fires of the South!
South Keeper: standing, raising the candle, facing the couple:
What is it you seek from the Powers of Fire?
Groom: responds:
We seek your blessing and guidance for our marriage.
Bride: hands bouquet to Maiden:
South Keeper: hands the couple the lit candle to hold together:
Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the South:
Shared discoveries as a family, experiencing new things together.
Inspiration to find new ways to surprise one another.
Opportunities to take on new ventures, and receive great rewards,
together.
She collects the candle from the couple, replaces it on the altar, hands
Maiden a red ribbon, motions the party onward, and sits down.
Maiden: hands bouquet back to the Bride, and leads the couple to the West:
Hail, waters of the West!
West Keeper: standing, raising the shell of water, facing the couple:
What is it you seek from the Powers of Water?
Groom: responds:
We seek your blessing and guidance for our marriage.
West Keeper: sprinkling water on the couple:
Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the West:
Clear understanding of each other's desire.
Resolve to stand by each other, no matter what may come to pass.
Patience in those moments when your children ask a great deal of you.
She replaces shell on altar, hands Maiden a blue ribbon, motions the party
onward, and sits down.
Maiden: leads the couple on to the North:
Hail, hills of the North!
North Keeper: standing, raising small bowl of earth, facing the couple:
What is it you seek from the Powers of Earth?
Bride: responds:
We seek your blessing and guidance for our marriage.
North Keeper:
Then each give me your hand.
She sprinkles a little bit of earth on the backs of the Bride's and Groom's
hands.
Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the North:
Strength to do what you must do, when you must do it, and together as
one.
Fertility, in all its many forms and manifestations.
Stability, such that you can always meet your family's needs.
North Keeper: replaces the bowl of earth onto the altar, hands Maiden a
green ribbon, motions the party onward, and sits down.
Maiden: leads Bride and Groom to their places at the High Altar, takes her
place beside Guardian, while still holding onto all of the ribbons.
[H + 0:32] Commissioning
Priestess:
Love is an integral part of life, for without the spark of love,
there is nothing to empower the mystery of continuance, and without
continuance, all life will cease to be. This is how we came to be,
and now we are gathered here together because our parents, and our
parent's parents, and so on before them, felt that spark, and
empowered that continuance, and made it possible for us to be who we
have become.
So it is today that, in the presence of the People, in the power of
the Ancient Providence, in the abiding love of the Lord and Lady, B--
and G-- are about to marry one another, and share that spark of love
with one another, and perhaps in this moment we too will feel its
passage, and again participate in that mystery of continuance that
becomes life itself.
G-- and B-- wish to declare, in our sight, their formal intent to
share their lives and make a family together with their children. In
this day and age, many people do not feel the need to make such a
declaration, and yet many more still do, for they remain aware of the
presence of the mystery that underlies the sacrament of marriage, and
they value this presence, and so they make their decision and act
upon it as B-- and G-- are about to do.
As they make such a decision, there are four things which we must ask
of them:
1. They must both understand what they are committing themselves to,
for nobody should stumble into marriage with eyes closed.
2. They must freely consent to their marriage, for any sort of
trickery or duress would render such a consent meaningless.
3. There must be no turning back. Both parties to a marriage must
fully and passionately intend to stick with it through difficulties
as well as through triumphs, otherwise they shall grievously hurt
each other and the children who trust in their wisdom. From this day
forth, G-- and B-- will hold each other's hearts in their hands.
4. In considering their decision to marry, we must ask them what they
understand by the word, 'love'. The decision to marry must stem, not
from material gain, social advantage or any other extrinsic reward,
but from mutual and realistic love. A marriage without love is an
empty cup indeed.
Of these four things, the one which matters most is love, the abiding
yet surprising, practical yet passionate, mirthful yet reverent love
-- the difficult and complicated sort of love that we have to grow
into. Marriage is a place where we can learn from each other about
that love.
Let B-- and G-- be not afraid to turn to us all for help when they
need it. By coming here together to this wild and wonderful place we
demonstrate that we are willing to stand by them as they consummate
their great decision. And even though none of us, least of all them,
can see what is to come, let us all encourage them as they go forward
in hope, trusting in the Gods, the People, and each other.
G-- and B-- are most evidently not afraid of adventure -- look where
they are standing today. Together they embrace the uncertainty of
adventure, awaiting the surprising discoveries which they shall make.
Love, this spark of life, is the greatest adventure of all.
[Note: This text is freely adapted to our needs from one of Flor McCarthy's
liturgies, as presented in his book, Wedding Liturgies. McCarthy, who is a
Catholic parish priest in Dublin, demonstrates a shrewd understanding of
human nature in his writing.]
Bride and Groom: join hands as the Priestess leads the Blessing Prayer:
Let us pray together....
[Note: the text of the Blessing Prayer, as appropriately adapted for
general use, was provided in the Order of Service, and also included in the
aides-memoire for the Keepers, Summoner, Guardian and Maiden. I have not
included the full text here, as the format and content of the prayer will
vary according to your own circumstances.]
[H + 0:38] Collaboration
Priestess: raising Unity candle from altar for all to see, facing Bride and
Groom:
Marriage is unique among the rites of life, in that it is a sacrament
which requires not one, but two empowered celebrants. Each celebrant
comes to this rite with his or her own history, abilities,
empowerments, and hopes. Through the sacred mystery of marriage, all
of these things are commingled for the common benefit of the
celebrants. And so, in commingling their flames as one, G-- and B--
now demonstrate their desire to work together as husband and wife.
Maiden: stands to receive bouquet into her safekeeping.
Priestess: lifts hurricane cover, then replaces it after lighting.
Bride and Groom: take one candle each from altar, and together they pass
the flame to the Unity candle.
[Note: because we had used shutter-lamps on the altar, owing to the windy
conditions at the ritual grounds, the Bride and Groom used tapers to
transfer the fire from the Lord and Lady candles to the Unity candle.]
Bride: hands bouquet to Maiden, who keeps it as she waits by the altar.
[H + 0:41] Establishing Legality and Capacity
[Note: the texts which follow are based on upon my own non-lawyerish
understanding of the marital provisions of Canadian common law, which is in
turn based upon English common law. The Criminal Code of Canada sets forth
certain additional requirements of a clergy-person, chaplain or civil
marriage officiant, in regard of marriage ceremonies. In this service I
have sought to carefully honour those legal requirements as I understand
them (bearing in mind that I am myself registered as a clergy-person in New
York, which has its own set of legal standards) as well as keeping true to
my faith and my own personal conception of the sacrament of marriage.]
Priestess: to the people:
Neither man nor woman is property to be bought or sold, given or
taken. And yet, the sacrament of marriage is a contractual act,
proposed and consummated by those who wish to share a life together.
As in all contracts, the act of marriage entails five things:
1. establishment of legality
2. demonstration of capacity
3. a mutual offer to marry
4. an equally mutual acceptance of that offer, and
5. an exchange of tokens in consideration of the act.
Bear in mind, however, that the rites of life are the rites of faith,
not exercises in legal draughtsmanship. So it is, that we simply ask
our friends if they are who they claim to be, if they are free to
marry, and if they come of their own free will.
She turns towards the Maiden:
Do you know the name of this woman?
Maiden:
She is B... [full name]
Priestess:
Can you vouch for her being free to marry this man?
Maiden:
Yes, I can.
Priestess: turning towards the Guardian:
What is the name of this man?
Guardian:
He is G... [full name]
Priestess:
Can you vouch for his being free to marry this woman?
Guardian:
Yes, I can.
Priestess:
B--, have you come here of your own free will and accord, without
coercion or false pretence?
Bride: responds
I have.
Priestess: turning towards Groom
G--, have you come here of your own free will and accord, without
coercion or false pretence?
Groom: responds
I have.
Priestess:
Then you may proceed.
Maiden: holds up the plate with the rings, so that Bride and Groom can have
access to them.
[H + 0:47] The Offer
Priestess: turning now to Groom:
G--, only you have the power to marry this woman, your best friend
and partner, who stands beside you. Do you now wish to have B-- as
your wife, knowing her as you do?
Groom:
I do.
Priestess:
Then take your own ring, and place it in B--'s hand.
He does this.
B--, only you have the power to marry this man, your best friend and
partner, who stands beside you. Do you now wish to have G-- as your
husband, knowing him as you do?
Bride:
I do.
Priestess:
Then take your own ring, and place it in G--'s hand.
She does this.
[H + 0:50] The Acceptance
Priestess: turning to the Groom:
G--, repeat after me:
I, G-- [his full name],
in the names of the Lord and Lady that reside in us all,
and in the love that resides within my heart,
take you and you alone,
B-- [her full name]
to be my wife and beloved partner.
I promise that I will honour our union
with words of adoration and actions of consideration,
and I commit myself to work together with you,
and to grow with you,
as individuals and as a family.
Priestess: turning to the Bride.
B--, repeat after me:
I, B-- [her full name],
in the names of the Lord and Lady that reside in us all,
and in the love that resides within my heart,
take you and you alone,
G-- [his full name]
to be my husband and beloved partner.
I promise to bring to our union
my compassion, understanding, fairness, and unconditional love.
I commit myself to honour, respect, believe in, and grow with you,
through the many challenges that lie before us.
[H + 0:55] The Consideration
Priestess: speaking to the people:
The wedding rings are tokens of G-- and B--'s love for one another,
as they exchange them, so do they offer the gift of consideration
which is essential to the true sacrament of marriage.
to the Bride:
B--, in consideration of your desire to marry G--, you may place his
ring upon his finger, now.
Bride puts the ring on Groom's left ring finger.
Priestess: speaking to the Groom:
G--, in consideration of your desire to marry B--, you may place her
ring upon her finger, now.
He puts the ring on her left ring finger.
Priestess:
And so have you both done.
So mote it be!
[H + 0:58] Ratification by the People
Priestess:
And now we will consider the symbolism of handfasting: the tying of
the knot that will join the Bride and Groom together in marriage.
Guardian: stepping out for all to hear:
The handfasting knot, which binds two lovers' hands together,
represents their sincere and hopeful intention to make an
indissoluble union. Each of us has our own thoughts on the matter,
our own words to say, our own hopes and blessings.
In a moment, I will invite you all to come and add to the knot of
handfasting. But first, we will commence with the Bride's and Groom's
ribbons, which represent the good things that each brings to share in
marriage.
Guardian and Maiden: now prepare to hand over the ribbons that they have
collected and kept safe.
Priestess:
May I have the Bride's ribbon and the Groom's ribbon?
Guardian: gives them to her.
Bride and Groom: join left hands, Priestess ties their hands together,
closely enough that the ribbons would not fall off, but not so tight as to
cause harm..
May I have the ribbons which carry the powers of the Elements?
Maiden: gives them to Priestess, who ties them on as well.
Guardian:
Now I invite the People to come and join the Bride and Groom, and
offer their blessings and wishes to them.
As each of us contributes our ribbon to the knot, we share with G--
and B-- our love, friendship, and abiding support for the marriage
which they are making. Bound together around their hands, the ribbons
demonstrate our collective ratification of their decision to marry
one another.
Drummer: background drumbeat, perhaps changing tempo as need be to keep
things moving steadily along.
The People: come and tie their ribbons around the couple's hands, offering
such blessings and wishes as they may.
[note: there were 59 people in the Circle, exclusive of the Bride, Groom
and Priestess; each person took about 40 seconds to advance to the altar,
offer their wish, and tie the couple's hands. Some took more time, some
took less time. Many of those who were waiting to come to the altar were
clapping in time with the drummer, or moving in place. With a little bit of
coaching, some of them probably would have started dancing.]
[H + 1:26] The Mystery and the Blessing
Priestess:
Now raise your hands together, so that all may see.
(they raise their hands.)
Made to measure, wrought to bind,
blessed be, these lives entwined!
[Note: this couplet was adapted from Paul Huson's text as given in
Mastering Witchcraft]
By the powers vested in me by the [Note: insert the name of Vital
Statistics agency or clerk's office, if any, with which the Priestess
has registered] and by the Elders of our Faith, I now pronounce you
husband and wife. You may kiss now...
(they kiss, as long as it takes them to do so.)
What you have here done together with one another, let no one break
apart.
May the Lord and Lady take notice of, and be favourably inclined
toward your union, and may you be blessed with health, prosperity and
fruitfulness, from this day forth and forevermore.
So mote it be!
turning to the People
I present to the People here assembled, and to the Gods and the
spirits of this place, Mrs. B-- [full hyphenated married name, as she
chose it] and her Husband, Mr. G-- [his full name, as he chose it]
[H + 1:30] Three firsts as a Couple
Priestess:
And now, as in all marriages, you have certain duties towards each
other.
She pours wine from the decanter into her cup, and passes the cup into the
Bride and Groom's left hands which are bound together. She then takes up
the knife from the altar and passes it into the Bride and Groom's right
hands, above the cup. Their hands and arms thus describe the sign of
perpetuity.
Bride and Groom:
As the knife is to the lover, so is the cup to the beloved
They lower the knife into the cup, saying:
And conjoint, they bring blessedness.
Priestess: takes the knife from them, and holds it. The Maiden holds the
libation bowl for them while they pour a libation into it.
Maiden: replaces the libation bowl beneath the altar, and takes up the
plate with the bread upon it, and places it upon the altar.
Priestess: takes the cup from the Bride and Groom, and then blesses the
bread, using blessing as appropriate for the purpose.
Lady bless this bread...
She then pours from her cup, one-third each into both the Bride's cup and
the Groom's cup. Then she gives the respective cups into the couple's free
hands:
This is your first drink together. May you never thirst!
Bride and Groom: Bride holds cup for Groom while he drinks, Groom holds cup
for Bride while she drinks; then Priestess returns both cups to the altar.
Priestess: breaks bread, offering a part to the Gods, and giving a piece
each to Bride and Groom:
This is your first food together. May you never hunger!
Groom: holds bread for Bride while she eats.
Bride: holds bread for Groom while he eats. If any is left over they return
it to the altar.
[Note: there were no left-overs. We used a centre-slice from a loaf of
sweet bread that had been brought to the wedding-feast.]
Guardian and Maiden: place the Broom down on the ground about 1.2 metres (4
feet) south of the Main Altar. They hold the ends of the Broom in place
upon the ground.
Priestess:
This will be your first leap of faith together.
Maiden: gives bouquet to Bride, who holds it in her free hand.
The couple: jump the Broom, and join the People.
Guardian: takes his staff and goes to the outer gate, opening it and making
safe the passage of all the people. When all have gone through he follows
last of all, but need not close the gate.
Summoner:
Come now and join us in the woods, where the newly-weds have
something that they wish to share with us. Let's give them a
head-start and then catch up with them!
Bride and Groom: skedaddle with the garter and bouquet, going on up to the
upper clearing.
Pathfinders: lead the procession out of the Circle, following them. Bouquet
and garter are duly tossed...
[H + 1:40] Closure
Priestess and all Keepers will close the Outer Circle.
[Note: we did this as quickly as we could, consistent with propriety, as
some of the Keepers wanted to join in the wedding-games.]
Priestess:
Thanks be to the Lord and the Lady.
And now, from East sunwise round to East, let us do what we must do.
East Keeper: stoking incense, raising censer overhead
Hail, guardians of the East! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces censer on altar
South Keeper: raising candle overhead
Hail, guardians of the South! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She blows out candle, replaces candle on altar
West Keeper: raising bowl overhead, pouring water on ground
Hail, guardians of the West! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces bowl on altar
North Keeper: raising bowl overhead, sprinkling soil on ground
Hail, guardians of the North! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces bowl on altar
Priestess: salutes the East once more:
Come now to the Centre.
Priestess: clap hands 3x, with deliberation.
Thus what is Hers in truth, and mine in trust, returns to me for
safekeeping. It be done!
She extinguishes the Lord and Lady candles, but leaves the Providence lamp
lit. The remaining people all come together and together speak the Rune of
Ending, as appropriate to the circumstances. They then go out to join
everyone else, once they have packed the altars and tools away, and made
sure that no flame, fire, or sharps remain.
Priestess remains to make sure that all remaining intangibles are dealt
with, and that the ritual-grounds are returned to original state. The
Providence lamp is taken away, still lit, by the Priestess and hung on its
stake before the couple's tent, where it will burn all night.
[H + 1:50] Reception
Summoner: announces the receiving line and shortly after that the food will
be available.
[Note: the receiving line was probably superfluous, since everyone who was
present at the service had already hed the opportunity to congratulate the
Bride and Groom during the tying of the handfasting knot.]
Field Kitchen crew, assisted by Priestess and any other willing helpers,
heads for kitchen to prepare and lay out the wedding- feast.
[H + 2:00] Wedding Feast
Priestess: provides sword to Bride and Groom, for cutting of wedding-cake.
[Note: What we had for food was a few main dishes which had been prepared
beforehand by the kitchen crew, various snack-foods in bulk quantities, and
some potluck dishes that had been brought by the wedding-guests. Shortly
after the completion of the receiving line, people started drifting into
the kitchen and taking food before it had been brought out for the feast.
The kitchen crew responded by pressing some of these hungry people into
service as porters, who then carried some of the snack-foods and beverages
out to the place where the guests were seated. The remainder of the feast
was available about an hour later.]
[H + 3:00] Signing-in
Bride and Groom: sign two copies of certificate of handfasting, witnessed
by the Maiden and Guardian, and signed and sealed by the Priestess. One
copy is given to Bride and Groom; the other copy is retained by the
Priestess for her records.
Celebrations now commence with the opening of the wedding-gifts, dances,
and general hilarity.
[H + 4:00] Walk-round
The ritual-grounds are cleaned and tidied before nightfall, and the last of
the evening's food is set out by the kitchen crew, who now have a chance to
kick back and party themselves.
Aide-memoire for the Maiden
This will aid you in carrying out your duties outside and within the
Circle.
Your principal role is to support and strengthen the Bride, who can be
reasonably expected to be somewhat preoccupied by the enormity of the
proceedings and his role within them. No matter what, stick to the Bride
like glue, until we have married her off!
* * *
The nuptial tent is available for your use. B-- will want to change
clothes, as will you. Remind her that she ought not to appear in public in
her new gown until it is time to come to the Circle.
It may be quite warm in the tent, so be sure to have plenty of water to
drink, and dampened cloths available for cooling. If need be, cool damp
cloths on her wrists will help B-- recover from heat stress. The Priestess
was on the receiving end of this treatment at her handfasting, so can vouch
for its efficacy.
At 4:00 sharp the Summoner will call the People to order -- you should be
able to hear this from within the tent. The Guardian and the Groom will
come first to the Circle, along with the four Keepers. You and B-- (the
Bride) will wait in the nuptial tent.
At about 4:15, the Summoner will come to the tent and let you both know
that it is time to come to the Circle. He will not actually enter the tent.
Come with the Summoner to the edge of the Circle, in the North of East; the
Guardian will assist you to enter.
A ribbon-marker has been placed in this book for your convenience to find
the point where you enter the Circle.
* * *
You will be working in co-operation with the Summoner, A--, who has charge
of the safety of the people. B-- the Paramedic will be there to help deal
with first-aid; C-- the Industrial First Aider will help her if need be.
In the event of fire, use all available sources of water as need be. Do not
light candles in the tent!
Aide-memoire for the Guardian
This will aid you in carrying out your duties outside and within the
Circle.
Your principal role is to support and strengthen the Groom, who can be
reasonably expected to be somewhat preoccupied by the enormity of the
proceedings and his role within them.
Although you will have the aid of the Summoner to do the heavy work to set
up the ritual grounds, you and the Groom must expect to take a fair bit of
time in getting the nuptial tent ready and furnished (in the shade,
please), and in getting the Groom ready. Plan to have the tent up by 2:00
PM.
At 3:00 PM we will all meet to review the rite and arrive at concordance
for it, arrange for any needed understudies (for missing persons) or
field-expedients (for missing or broken tools), and commence with set-up of
the altars. You and the Groom will not have to work on this part of the
set-up, as we will have the Summoner to help us.
At 3:30 we will gather at the High Altar for a prayer. You and the Groom
may then leave and go for a walk, or take a comfort break.
Also at 3:30 or thereabouts, the Maiden and the Bride will arrive via their
own car. The forestry crew will have unlocked the fire-road gate so that
the car can go straight up to the nuptial tent.
At 4:00 sharp the Summoner will call the People to order. You and the Groom
will come first to the Circle, along with the four Keepers. The Maiden and
Bride will wait in the nuptial tent.
You will have charge of the gateway into and out of the Outer Circle. Do
what you feel needs to be done there; feel free to use your own special
skills and talents.
No matter what, stick to the Groom like glue, until we have married him
off!
* * *
Many, perhaps most, of the guests will be non-initiates; a substantial
proportion will be non-Pagan workmates and close family of the couple. Be
mindful of the comfort of these people, who may well have never been in
Circle before. The Pathfinders will be charged with their guidance and
ushering.
You will be working in co-operation with the Summoner, A--, who has charge
of the safety of the people. B-- the Paramedic will be there to help deal
with first-aid; C-- the Industrial First Aider will help her if need be. A
small First Aid kit is in the Magic Box; a larger kit is in the kitchen, on
the windowsill to left of the fireplace.
In the event of fire, use all available sources of water as need be.
Aide-memoire for the Summoner
This will aid you in carrying out your duties within the Circle.
The asterisks (* * *) indicate the passage of time between your parts.
Processional
Summoner: ringing a loud bell in triple peals, calling three times:
Hear ye, hear ye! - the service is about to begin...
At this time, Keepers, Guardian and Groom excuse themselves discreetly and
retire to the ritual-grounds.
Summoner: once all others save the Bride and Maiden (who are in seclusion)
have gathered by cook shack:
[adapt as needed]
Before our service starts, I have a couple of items to discuss with
you about what will be happening afterward. There will be a receiving
line following the rite's end. After the receiving line, in keeping
with tradition we shall all walk the Bride and Groom to their tent.
Once at the tent the Bride's garter will be thrown for our single
lads and of course the Bride's bouquet will be thrown to our single
ladies. I ask all those who were asked to be guides to put up their
hands. These people are here to help ensure you do not get lost (or
eaten by bears). So let us now begin.
Pathfinders: will intermix themselves with the rest of the guests, as will
the other Initiates, thus ensuring that all people have the chance to
follow along. Pathfinders shall lead them to the ritual-grounds, passing
through the gateway in the North of East and circling around to the North
of East, thus filling the space round. There should be sufficient room for
everyone to stand just inside the picket-line.
East Keeper: stands just inside the gateway and hands to everyone a ribbon.
Summoner: is the last person within the procession, and he waits outside
the gate (he will subsequently go to fetch the Bride and Maiden.)
* * *
Calling the Quarters
Summoner: goes off through the forest to fetch the Bride and Maiden from
the nuptial tent, where the Bride has been made ready to come to her
wedding. He does not step into the nuptial tent, but calls to them from
outside it.
Together you all go off to the Circle. Don't run, but don't let yourselves
get side-tracked. Everyone is, after all, waiting for the Bride! You should
be able to arrive at the Circle just as we have done with calling the
Powers of the North.
Bridal Party's Arrival
Summoner, Bride and Maiden: have made their way to the outside of the Outer
Circle, and have been waiting at the North of East.
Guardian: picks up his staff and comes to the North of East, where he again
makes safe the place and opens the gateway for the bridal party to pass
into the Circle.
Summoner: leads Bride and Maiden to the High Altar. Then he retires to the
North of East, within the Outer Circle, and enjoys the remainder of the
service.
* * *
The Blessing Prayer
[Note: the text of the Blessing Prayer, as appropriately adapted to the
circumstances, was given here; the same text was given in the Order of
Service so that everyone could, if desired, join in.]
Closure
The couple: jump the Broom, and join the People.
Summoner:
Come now and join us in the woods, where the newly-weds have
something that they wish to share with us. Let's give them a
head-start and then catch up with them!
Bride and Groom: skedaddle with the garter and bouquet, going on up to the
upper clearing.
Aide-memoire for the Pathfinders
This will aid you in carrying out your duties outside and within the
Circle.
The asterisks (* * *) indicate the passage of time between your parts.
Your principal role is to support and strengthen appropriate responses by
the People within the Circle. There is one unison prayer (the Blessing
Prayer) and two instances of background drumming by our Drummer (firstly
during the sealing round of the Circle after the People have come in, and
secondly during the tying of the handfasting knot by the People.)
Many, perhaps most, of the guests will be non-initiates; a substantial
proportion will be non-Pagan workmates and close family of the couple. Be
mindful of the comfort of these people, who may well have never been in
Circle before.
You will be working in co-operation with the Summoner, A--, who has charge
of the safety of the people. B-- the Paramedic will be there to help deal
with first-aid; C-- the Industrial First Aider will help her if need be.
In the event of fire, use all available sources of water as need be.
* * *
Processional
Summoner: ringing a loud bell in triple peals, calling three times:
Hear ye, hear ye! - the service is about to begin...
At this time, Keepers, Guardian and Groom excuse themselves discreetly.
Summoner: once all others save the Bride and Maiden have gathered:
Before our service starts, I have a couple of items to discuss with
you about what will be happening afterward. There will be a receiving
line following the rite's end. After the receiving line, in keeping
with tradition we shall all walk the Bride and Groom to their tent.
Once at the tent the Bride's garter will be thrown for our single
lads and of course the Bride's bouquet will be thrown to our single
ladies. I ask all those who were asked to be guides to put up their
hands. These people are here to help ensure you do not get lost (or
eaten by bears). So let us now begin.
Pathfinders: ensure that everyone, including the Keepers and the Summoner,
receives a copy of the Order of Service.
Guardian and Groom: come directly over to the ritual-grounds with the
Keepers, ahead of the procession, and enter through the gate.
Guardian: establishes safe passage through the gateway.
Pathfinders: will intermix themselves with the rest of the guests.
Pathfinders shall lead them to the ritual-grounds, passing through the
gateway in the North of East and circling around to the North of East, thus
filling the space round. There should be sufficient room for everyone to
stand just inside the picket-line.
* * *
The Blessing Prayer
[Note: the text of the Blessing Prayer, as appropriately adapted to the
circumstances, was given here; the same text was given in the Order of
Service so that everyone could, if desired, join in.]
* * *
Closure
The couple: jump the Broom, and join the People.
Summoner:
Come now and join us in the woods...
Bride and Groom: skedaddle with the garter and bouquet, going on up to the
upper clearing.
Pathfinders: lead the procession out of the Circle, following them. Bouquet
and garter are duly tossed...
After the service is done, the Pathfinders should collect any discarded or
lost pieces of paper, including the greenOrder of Service sheets.
Order of Service
[Note: The Bride and Groom had invited about 70 people to come to their
handfasting: these were an eclectic mix of Pagans, non-Pagans and a few
Initiates of various Traditions. As their Priestess for the occasion, I
felt that we needed to have some sort of Order of Service to hand out to
the guests, so that everyone would have some ability to follow along in
what, for at least some of them, would be an unfamiliar form of wedding
service. By setting-forth the major divisions of the rite, it also was
possible to give some assurance to the scripted participants, that their
individual aides-memoire would have some understandable context within the
entire rite. We printed this text on one side of a piece of pretty green
paper with trees in its background, on the theory that it had might as well
be lovely to hold as well as informative.]
Today, B-- and G-- have invited their family and friends to join them in
this wild place, and bear witness as they celebrate the sacrament of
marriage, the joining of hands in love and trust, and the foundation of a
family.
[Note: we referred to the Bride and Groom by their entire first names only,
so that in the event the Order of Service ended up in unfriendly hands, it
would not cause trouble for them. I have here given their names as initials
only, to further care for their privacy.]
In joining with them, we experience anew the mysteries of personal devotion
and collective continuance. Each of us has a different understanding of
what it means to make a family, and during the service everyone will have
the opportunity to add a ribbon to G-- and B--'s handfasting knot, sharing
whatever wish or blessing may come to mind.
In the interests of collective celebration, we ask that you turn off
beepers or cell-phones during the service, and that you not use flash
attachments during photography. Those guests who do not wish to be
photographed are invited to stand in the southern quarter, facing the
nuptial altar and the celebrants. There will be photo opportunities
afterwards.
Order of Service
4:00 PM
Processional - all guests accompany the Groom's retinue.
Closing of the Bounds (with drumming)
Calling the Quarters
Arrival of the Bride and her Retinue
Presentation of the Celebrants (a symbolic walk around the world)
Commissioning (lessons on love and life, and four basic
understandings)
Blessing Prayer (in unison)
[Note: the exact text of this prayer would depend on who was present at the
service, and the Tradition within which the Priestess was working. I used
an adaptation of the text that was well-known to my Outer Court members and
most of my Initiates.]
Collaboration
The Five Elements of Marriage
Ratification by the People: together tying the knot (drumming)
The Mystery and the Blessing
The Work of the Married Couple
Recessional (through the forest, to the traditional wedding-games)
6:00 PM
Reception and Wedding-Feast (to be held on-site; cooking by ----,
with help from friends.)
9:00 PM
Walk-through and tidying of the campground: please join in!
All guests are welcome to camp overnight. We have the use of the campground
until noon on Monday. The road gates will close at 11:00 PM this evening,
and be reopened in the morning.
[Note: also absent from the Order of Service were the exact location of the
ritual-grounds (since the guests were, after all, already there!), the name
of the particular Tradition and lineage within which the Priestess was
empowered (since that was not the business of the world at large), nor the
Priestess' name (since that was only the business of those of the People
who already knew her name.)]
Load Plan: Priestess' Kit and Supplies
The Load Plan is the Priestess' responsibility, and is compiled as an
aide-memoire for her use as well as that of the Maiden (who may have to
conduct the service in the event that the Priestess is unable to do so, a
remote possibility but one that bears consideration.)
Candles are trimmed and burned-in beforehand, so that they will light
reliably under windy or damp conditions. If rain is anticipated, the
candle-wicks can be dipped in light oil to preserve them from damp. Storage
jars and bottles are made of Nalgene plastic, each with a differently-sized
top so as to prevent accidental interchange of wet with dry. The tops are
securely closed before packing.
The Magic Box which I use is an oaken tool-chest of the sort that used to
be carried by millwrights and watchmakers: it is about one cubic foot in
volume and weighs, when fully loaded, about 15 kilos (ca. 30 pounds) which
is a comfortable load for the Priestess to carry to the ritual-grounds. The
Magic Box is durable enough to take to the field, can be securely locked to
protect its contents from loss or damage, and has rigid sides and top that
allow me to comfortably sit upon it while arranging the Altar.
For those who have an excess of disposable income, the Lee Valley Tool
Company offers such boxes for sale; mine came from an antique store near
Seattle, and was quite reasonably priced.
The contents of the Magic Box can be rearranged to suit the service or
ritual that is to be done. The following Load Plan is the one that I used
for G-- and B--'s handfasting:
In the Magic Box:
Inside door:
Load Plan in plastic envelope (which keeps it from being ruined by
rain or spilled water.)
Top compartment:
Lamps, type Uco, silver, with glass shutter and candle (2)
Lamp, Providence, type Uco, brass, with glass shutter and candle
Incense, sacramental, standard type, in jar.
Salt, sacramental, in jar.
Water, sacramental, in bottle
Knife, No.1 pattern
Censer, cast iron, small.
Cord, Priestess, for the use of.
Vessel, water, glass, in specified colour (wrapped in scarf).
Left drawer:
Compass, Silva, type TD-35.
Necklace, for any women who wish to borrow one (4).
Upper right drawer:
Necklace, Priestess, for the use of.
Matches, paper, all-weather (I use the Army type, which are reliable
and cheap.)
Middle right drawer:
Balm, lip, in tube.
Kit, first aid, individual (suitable for use in Circle; does not
replace the larger Industrial First Aid kit kept in the kitchen.)
Sunscreen, commercial type, in squeeze tube.
Centre drawer:
Knife, No.2 pattern
Bottom drawer:
Bell, altar, type Stannard E-1 or commercial equivalent.
Bowl, glass, in specified colour
Candles, type Uco or commercial equivalent (4)
Disk, charcoal, with integral oxidiser, type Three Kings or
commercial equivalent (12)
Knife, cellarer's, red, with corkscrew
Oil, blessing, in vial
In the shoulder bag:
Analgesic, type Tylenol or commercial equivalent
Book, altar
Bowl, libation, wood, large.
Bracelet(s), Priestess, for the use of.
Cup, pewter, Priestess, for the use of
Kit, sewing, individual (for use by anyone who needs it)
Stole, Priestess, for the use of
In the briefcase:
Blanks for Handfasting Certificate.
Priestess' seal and sealing-wax.
Fountain-pen with ink cartridges and cleaning kit.
75 copies of the Order of Service.
Aides-memoire for scripted participants.
Miniature tool-kit with repair parts for eyeglasses, lamps, etc.
Carried by the Priestess:
Sword, Priestess, for the use of.
Sheath, sword, with sling and chape straps.
Aide-memoire for the East Keeper
Aide-memoire for the East Keeper This will aid you in carrying out your
duties within the Circle.
The asterisks (* * *) indicate the passage of time between your parts.
Keepers: elemental altars are brought into place and set by their
respective keepers; in the canonical quarters of the working-space.
East has a fan, lighter, two charcoal, censer, incense, a yellow ribbon
(note: keep it loosely tied to a rock so that it will not be blown away by
the wind, and yet are readily available for use.
At North of East, where the gateway shall be, there is a large basket full
of ribbons.
* * *
Calling the Quarters
Summoner: goes off through the forest to fetch the Bride...
Keepers: stand before their altars, moving around to the inside of their
altar when each in turn calls in their respective powers.
Priestess: turning to the East:
Powers of East, Powers of Air, I call thee forth. East Keeper: placing
incense in censer, raising for all to see
Hail, guardians of the East!
Come forth and bear witness to B-- and G--, who have come to know great
love for one another, and for their children. Hail and welcome! She turns
and bows towards East, turns again and replaces censer on altar
* * *
Elemental blessings
Maiden: leads Bride and Groom to East:
Hail, winds of the East!
East Keeper: standing, raising the fan, facing the couple:
What is it you seek from the Powers of Air?
Bride:
We seek your blessing and guidance for our marriage. East Keeper: while
wafting air towards them with the fan:
Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the East: Clear
understanding of each other, and of yourselves. Knowledge that each day is
a fresh start of your life as a family. Joy in teaching your children
together, and watching them learn about life. She replaces fan on altar,
hands Maiden a yellow ribbon, motions the party onward, and sits down.
Maiden: leads the couple to the South...
* * *
The Blessing Prayer
[Note: the text of the Blessing Prayer, appropriately adapted to the
circumstances, was given here; the same text was given in the Order of
Service so that everyone could, if desired, join in.]
Closure
Priestess and all Keepers will close the Outer Circle.
Priestess:
Thanks be to the Lord and the Lady. And now, from East sunwise round to
East, let us do what we must do.
East Keeper: stoking incense, raising censer overhead
Hail, guardians of the East! Thank you for your attendance at our rite. We
bid you, hail and farewell! [altar bell 3x]
She replaces censer on altar
* * *
Priestess: salutes the East once more:
Come now to the Centre.
Priestess: clap hands 3x, with deliberation.
Thus what is Hers in truth, and mine in trust, returns to me for
safekeeping. It be done! She extinguishes the Lord and Lady candles, but
leaves the Providence lamp lit. The remaining people all come together and
together speak the Rune of Ending, as appropriate to the circumstances.
They then go out to join everyone else, once they have packed the altars
and tools away, and made sure that no flame, fire, or sharps remain.
Aide-memoire for the South Keeper
This will aid you in carrying out your duties within the Circle.
The asterisks (* * *) indicate the passage of time between your parts.
Keepers: elemental altars are brought into place and set by their
respective keepers; in the canonical quarters of the working-space.
South has a red candle and a hurricane cover, lighter, a red ribbon.
* * *
Calling the Quarters
Summoner: goes off through the forest to fetch the Bride.
Keepers: stand before their altars, moving around to the inside of their
altar when each in turn calls in their respective powers.
East goes first, then South....
Priestess: turning to the South:
Powers of South, Powers of Fire, I call thee forth.
South Keeper: lighting the candle, raising for all to see
Hail, guardians of the South!
Come forth and bear witness to G-- and B--, who will make a daring
leap together into partnership.
Hail and welcome!
She turns and bows to the South, turns again and replaces candle on altar
* * *
Elemental blessings
Priestess:
And now we shall introduce G-- and B-- to the Elemental Powers to
seek their blessings upon this enterprise.
East goes first, then South....
Maiden: leads the couple to the South:
Hail, fires of the South!
South Keeper: standing, raising the candle, facing the couple:
What is it you seek from the Powers of Fire?
Groom: responds
We seek your blessing and guidance for our marriage.
Bride: hands bouquet to Maiden:
South Keeper: hands the couple the lit candle to hold together:
Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the South:
Shared discoveries as a family, experiencing new things together.
Inspiration to find new ways to surprise one another.
Opportunities to take on new ventures, and receive great rewards,
together.
She collects the candle from the couple, replaces it on the altar, hands
Maiden a red ribbon, motions the party onward, and sits down:
Maiden: leads the couple to the West...
* * *
The Blessing Prayer
[Note: the text of the Blessing Prayer, appropriately adapted to the
circumstances, was given here; the same text was given in the Order of
Service so that everyone could, if desired, join in.]
Closure
Priestess and all Keepers will close the Outer Circle.
Priestess:
Thanks be to the Lord and the Lady.
And now, from East sunwise round to East, let us do what we must do.
East Keeper: stoking incense, raising censer overhead
Hail, guardians of the East! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces censer on altar
South Keeper: raising candle overhead
Hail, guardians of the South! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She blows out candle, replaces candle on altar
* * *
Priestess: salutes the East once more:
Come now to the Centre.
Priestess: clap hands 3x, with deliberation.
Thus what is Hers in truth, and mine in trust, returns to me for
safekeeping. It be done!
She extinguishes the Lord and Lady candles, but leaves the Providence lamp
lit. The remaining people all come together and together speak the Rune of
Ending, as appropriate to the circumstances. They then go out to join
everyone else, once they have packed the altars and tools away, and made
sure that no flame, fire, or sharps remain.
Aide-memoire for the West Keeper
This will aid you in carrying out your duties within the Circle.
The asterisks (* * *) indicate the passage of time between your parts.
Keepers: elemental altars are brought into place and set by their
respective keepers; in the canonical quarters of the working-space.
West has a large open shell and small pitcher of water, a blue ribbon.
* * *
Calling the Quarters
Summoner: goes off through the forest to fetch the Bride.
Keepers: stand before their altars, moving around to the inside of their
altar when each in turn calls in their respective powers.
East goes first, then South, then West....
Priestess: turning to the West:
Powers of West, Powers of Water, I call thee forth.
West Keeper: pouring water into the shell, raising for all to see
Hail, guardians of the West!
Come forth and bear witness to B-- and G--, whose mutual intention is
to marry one another, in this place and at this time.
Hail and welcome!
She turns and bows to the West, turns again and replaces shell on altar
* * *
Elemental blessings
Priestess:
And now we shall introduce G-- and B-- to the Elemental Powers to
seek their blessings upon this enterprise.
East goes first, then South, then West....
Maiden: leads the couple to the West:
Hail, waters of the West!
West Keeper: standing, raising the shell of water, facing the couple:
What is it you seek from the Powers of Water?
Groom: responds
We seek your blessing and guidance for our marriage.
West Keeper: sprinkling water on the couple:
Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the West:
Clear understanding of each other's desire.
Resolve to stand by each other, no matter what may come to pass.
Patience in those moments when your children ask a great deal of you.
She replaces shell on altar, hands Maiden a blue ribbon, motions the party
onward, and sits down.
Maiden: leads the couple on to the North...
* * *
The Blessing Prayer
[Note: the text of the Blessing Prayer, as appropriately adapted to the
circumstances, was given here; the same text was given in the Order of
Service so that everyone could, if desired, join in.]
Closure
Priestess and all Keepers will close the Outer Circle.
Priestess:
Thanks be to the Lord and the Lady.
And now, from East sunwise round to East, let us do what we must do.
East Keeper: stoking incense, raising censer overhead
Hail, guardians of the East! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces censer on altar
South Keeper: raising candle overhead
Hail, guardians of the South! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She blows out candle, replaces candle on altar
West Keeper: raising bowl overhead, pouring water on ground
Hail, guardians of the West! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces bowl on altar
* * *
Priestess: salutes the East once more:
Come now to the Centre.
Priestess: clap hands 3x, with deliberation.
Thus what is Hers in truth, and mine in trust, returns to me for
safekeeping. It be done!
She extinguishes the Lord and Lady candles, but leaves the Providence lamp
lit. The remaining people all come together and together speak the Rune of
Ending, as appropriate to the circumstances. They then go out to join
everyone else, once they have packed the altars and tools away, and made
sure that no flame, fire, or sharps remain.
Aide-memoire for the North Keeper
This will aid you in carrying out your duties within the Circle.
The asterisks (* * *) indicate the passage of time between your parts.
Keepers: elemental altars are brought into place and set by their
respective keepers; in the canonical quarters of the working-space.
North has an empty bowl and small sack of soil, a green ribbon.
* * *
Calling the Quarters
Summoner: goes off through the forest to fetch the Bride.
Keepers: stand before their altars, moving around to the inside of their
altar when each in turn calls in their respective powers.
East goes first, then South, then West, then North...
Priestess: turning to the North:
Powers of North, Powers of Earth, I call thee forth.
North Keeper: pouring soil into bowl, raising for all to see
Hail, guardians of the North!
Come forth and bear witness to G-- and B--, who wait upon this time
of great joy, with steadfastness and quiet assurance.
Hail and welcome!
She turns and bows to the North, turns again and replaces bowl on altar.
All four Elemental Keepers remain standing at their altars, facing to
Centre.
Priestess: turns to the East and salutes with a kiss.
* * *
Elemental blessings
Priestess:
And now we shall introduce G-- and B-- to the Elemental Powers to
seek their blessings upon this enterprise.
East goes first, then South, then West, then North...
Maiden: leads the couple on to the North:
Hail, hills of the North!
North Keeper: standing, raising small bowl of earth, facing the couple:
What is it you seek from the Powers of Earth?
Bride: responds
We seek your blessing and guidance for our marriage.
North Keeper:
Then each give me your hand.
She sprinkles a little bit of earth on the backs of the Bride's and
Groom's hands.
Blessed be your marriage with these gifts from the North:
Strength to do what you must do, when you must do it, and together as
one.
Fertility, in all its many forms and manifestations.
Stability, such that you can always meet your family's needs.
North Keeper: replaces the bowl of earth onto the altar, hands Maiden a
green ribbon, motions the party onward, and sits down.
* * *
The Blessing Prayer
[Note: the text of the Blessing Prayer, as appropriately adapted to the
circumstances, was given here; the same text was given in the Order of
Service so that everyone could, if desired, join in.]
Closure
Priestess and all Keepers will close the Outer Circle.
Priestess:
Thanks be to the Lord and the Lady.
And now, from East sunwise round to East, let us do what we must do.
East, Keeper: stoking incense, raising censer overhead
Hail, guardians of the East! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces censer on altar
South Keeper: raising candle overhead
Hail, guardians of the South! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She blows out candle, replaces candle on altar
West Keeper: raising bowl overhead, pouring water on ground
Hail, guardians of the West! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces bowl on altar
North Keeper: raising bowl overhead, sprinkling soil on ground
Hail, guardians of the North! Thank you for your attendance at our
rite. We bid you, hail and farewell!
[altar bell 3x]
She replaces bowl on altar
Priestess: salutes the East once more:
Come now to the Centre.
Priestess: clap hands 3x, with deliberation.
Thus what is Hers in truth, and mine in trust, returns to me for
safekeeping. It be done!
She extinguishes the Lord and Lady candles, but leaves the Providence lamp
lit. The remaining people all come together and together speak the Rune of
Ending, as appropriate to the circumstances. They then go out to join
everyone else, once they have packed the altars and tools away, and made
sure that no flame, fire, or sharps remain.