| Norse Wiccan Handfasting Rite |
| The Bride should be dressed in white, wearing a long, wide head-dress or veil, fastened to the top of heard or hanging down her back. At her breast she should wear a jewel or rune ornament in rememberance of Freya's powerful magickal Brisingamen gem. The keys to the new home, or an ornate set of keys on a coloured sash are on the altar to be presented to the Bride as a symbol of her attaining to the household. A Groomsman either carries or wears a sword of the Groom. When all are ready the Godi asks all to be silent for a momen, and then says: We are gathered her at this time To mark and to witness the joining in marriage Of two who would be husband and wife. At this time and at athis place we call also Upon the Allfather Oding, Fraya of love and desire, And Goodfriend Thor To witness the words that here shall be spoken. In the ancient manner do we also invoke The Goddess Var, who, As told in our ancient legends, Hears the vows Of men and of women. Carry in the Hammer To consecrate the bride, and the groom. Lay this symbol of our Gods In the lap of each, To so wed these two together With the hand of Var. A Hammer of Thor is brought forth, and the Godi says to the groom: Kneel now, to receive the ancient blessing. To the Groom as teh Hammer is touched to him: Before the High Gods, and before our people, Art thou blessed anew once again. The Hammer of Thor is handed to the Godia, who says to the Bride: Kneel now to receive the ancient blessing. To the Bride as the Hammer is touched to her: Before the High Gods, and before our people, Art thou blessed anew once again. When both are blessed the Godi bids them to rise. The Godi then says to the Groom: (Groom), if you truly desire To marry this woman, I ask thee to give, wholeheartedly, The blade which symbolises thy strength. Swear they weapon to her, Always to be at her service. The Groom takes the sword and offers it to the Bride, saying: My most beloved, Accept the oath of love which I offer thee. I vow this sword, as I vow my soul, Ever to be at thy service. Like this blade my heart will strong, Like this stell my love will endure. Accept it, my chosen one, For all which is mine Will now be thine. The Bride silently takes the sword in her hands and touches it to her forehead for the time of three heartbeats. She returns it to him, saying: My most beloved, I accept this oath, sworn on thy blade. Thou knowest what is in my heart As I know what is in thine. The Godia then says to the Bride: (Bride), if you truly desire To marry this man, I ask thee to give, wholehearedly, The jewel of beauty which thou wearest, In symbol of our Lady's great magic and power. Swear thy jewel to him, Always to be at his service. The Bride then takes her jewel and hold it out the Groom saying: My most beloved, Accept the oath of love which I offer thee. I vow this jewel, as I vow my soul, Ever to be at they service. Like it's beauty my heart will strong, Like this value my love will endure. Accept it, my chosen one, For all which is mine Will now be thine. The Groom takes the jewel silently in his hands and touches it to his forehead for the time of three heartbeats. He then returns it to her saying: My most beloved, I accept this oath, sworn on thy jewel. Thou knowest what is in my heart As I know what is in thine. The Godi says: Thou who shalt be husband and wife, Listen to what we say, here and now. Whatever each of thee May accomplish in future years, Wherever thou may wander, Know full well that thou shalt do all For our people, for thy family and thy kin, And to be worthy each of the other. The Godia hold forth the keys to the Bride, saying: If thou would be mistress of the household And all therein, honour for thy wisdom In councils of our people, And equal partner to thy husband, I bid thee take these keys, Symbol of thy new life. The keys are handed to the Bride, and a Bridesmaid sees that they are fastened at her waist as the Godia says: At this time, and henceforth, As the keys are given to thee, Dost thou take over a new household. Be wise in all thou doest. Then the Godi says to the Groom: With this rite thou gainest a treasure of greatest value, Care for her, and protect her always For there is none who is her equal. Then the Godia says to Both: Above thee are the stars, Below thee are the stones. Remember always, Like a star should thy love be constant Liek the Earth should thy love be frim. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience, for stromes may come and go. Be free always in giving of affection and of warmth, For our Gods and our people will always be with thee After a pause of five heartbeats, the Godi asks: Dost thou desire, (Bride) To have this man as thy husband, Forsaking all others? (The answer is given by the Bride.) Dost thou desire, (Groom) To have this woman as thy wife, Forsaking all others? (The answer is given by the Groom.) The Godia says: All have heard and witnessed that which has been said. Are there any who say nay? After a pause of five heartbears, the Godi says: Then, in symbol of thy joining, one to the other, Place each the ring upon the other's finger, And seal the troth with a kiss. The couple kiss and the Godi or Godia continues: Before those gathered here, And before the High Gods, Thou are man and wife, And henceforth be as one. Pause at this time if the Bride and Groom wish to receive the congratulations and felicitations of those in attendance The Godia pours a horn of ale for the two to share, and gies each to drink, saying: In the name of our people, and our Gods, May thou knowest the best of fortune, And thy life henceforth be one Of joy and prosperity for thee, And pride and strength for our people. Then the horn is given to each of the bridesmaids and groomsmen, saying: I ask thee to wish well to those now wedded, And to drink in their honour. When the last guest has so pledge, the Godi says: This rite is ended. May our Gods be with us always. |