A rite of marriage in Wicca done to create a bond between the couple, intended to last only as long as the love does. Before the wedding, the couple sits and talk about their new life as they braid together 3 strings of different colors. The colors would be chosen by the couple to represent the bride, the groom and the relationship. Handfasting is an ancient form of marriage and should be treated as such.

It is usually performed by a high priest or priestess.  One or two ceremonies
are performed.  The first one can be done alone in a sacred place with just
the couple present.  It can last anywhere from a year and a day (to test the water)
or eternity.  The second is done by the High Priest/Priestess at the end of that
"contract" and is usually the legal ceremony.

In modern times, pagans and wiccan are handfasted together in a legal union.
Many of them follow the old tradition.  They celebrate the first handfasting and
then live together as a "common-law" couple for a year and a day. A second handfasting  is performed if they want to be married by the end of that time. Some couples prefer to the first handfasting a legal one from the start.
Take time to ask yourself and your partner what your intentions are when you decide to become handfasted.

1.  Why do we as individuals and as a couple want to be handfasted?
2.  What does this ritual mean to us?
3.  What do we hope that getting handfasted will do for us and our relationship?

By discussing this issues beforehand, it will eliminate any differences one might have from the other in regards to commitment.

HANDFASTING
FULL CEREMONIAL FORM

PLEASE NOTE: This ritual is based roughly upon the beautiful one that can be found in Ed Fitch's book "Magical Rites from the Crystal Well", published by Llewellyn. The following is a standardized form for the full ceremonial handfasting. When in actual use, this ritual may be further embellished to suit the taste of couple to be joined.

Participants:
 
 

1.] High Priest
2.] High Priestess
3.] Bride
4.] Groom
5.] Caller of North
6.] Caller of West
7.] Caller of South
8.] Caller of East

Before the ceremony can begin, the area chosen is traditionally swept free of debris and negativity by the Maiden of the Broom, once done the ceremony commences.

High Priestess: With sword, starting at North, circling deosil, the parameter of the circle three times

"Three times round,

Once for the Daughter,

Twice for the Crone,

Thrice for the Mother,

who sits on the throne."

High Priest: Announced in strong Voice

I humbly ask the attendance of the Elementals of life!>

Caller of East: Said in strong voice, whilst pouring water into a bowl

"Welcome, O'powers of Water! Bless this couple with a love as deep as any ocean! May richness of body, of soul and of spirit be theirs ever more!

places bowl at eastern point of the circle, bows & retires

Caller of South: Said in Strong Voice, whilst lighting a red candle

"Welcome, O'powers of Fire! Ignite the Passion and the Love for this blessed pair. Ever burning, yet never consuming one or the other!"

places candle at southern point of circle, bows & retires>

Caller of West: Said in Strong Voice, whilst igniting incense in censer

"Welcome, O'powers of Air! With clever fingers weave tightly the bonds of Heart, Spirit and Love between these two! Let none undo the fabric of their love!

Places censer at western point of circle, bows & retires

Caller of North: Said in Strong Voice, whilst filling bowl with soil

"Welcome, O'powers of Earth! Bless this man, this woman with thy strength and wisdom. To be theirs as long as love lasts!"

places bowl at northern point of circle, bows & retires

Callers, East, South, West & North : Said in Strong Voice, in Unision

"Gracious Goddess, Gentle God,

Grant this blessed pair

thy love and protection."

"Blessed Be!"

High Priest: In strong voice

"Who comes forth at this time to petition the Lord and Lady's Attention?"

Caller of East: Said as caller draws bride into the circle

"This Lady,"

Caller of West: Said as caller draws groom into circle

"and this Man."

High Priestess: Said in Strong Voicesize="2">

"And their reason?"

Couple to be joined: In unision

"For the beauty of love!"

High Priest: In strong voice, standing before altar, taking man's right hand and woman's left hand.

"We gather here this night/day in a ritual of love. You, ___Bride's_Name___ and Thee, ___(Groom's_Name___ stand here before your friends, the elements, the Lord and Lady to join together as the beginning of a family. For before there can be three, there must be two."

High Priestess: Joining couple's hands, with them facing each other

"___Groom's_Name___, what do you have to offer this woman for her love?"

Groom: Groom gets down on one knee

"I present to her my love and my pledge. May I never knowingly or willingly do such a thing to harm, nor greive, her in any form or fashion. Accept this my athame, as a token of my trust. Like its blade, may my love be as strong. Like its metal may our love be enduring. Accept it my love, for that which is mine is yours."

Bride: Said in Strong Voice

My Love, I accept your pledge, and your love, as I accept thy blade. Know what is in my heart, as I know what is in thine. The magic of my