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| Traditional Handfasting |
| This ritual is best preformed at the time of the new moon. The ritual area may be decorated with many flowers, espcially those favoured by the coupl and roses. The usual alter arrangement should be used with the addition of two white candles, flower scented incense, and a willow wand. Celtic traditional dresses is that bride wears some kind of netting or veil and an article of scarlet. If it is desire the couple should bring wedding rings and small symbolic gifts for each other.The Priest or Preitess fits and rings over the willow wand and then lays them on the altar. After lighint the incense and candles, the Preist and Priestess face the gathering, backs toward the the altar. Priest: May the place of this rite be consecrated for the Gods. For we gather here in a ritual of love Weith two who would be wedded. (Bride) and (Groom) please come forward and stand here before us, and before the gods of nature. Priestess: Be with us here, O beings of the Air With your clever fingers Tie closely the bonds between these two. Be with us here, O beings of Fire Give their love and passion your own all-consuming ardor Be with us here, O beings of Water Give them the deepest of love and the richness of the body, of the sould and of the spirit. Be wth us here, O beings of Earth Let your strength and constancy Be theirs for so long as they desires to remain together. Blessed Goddess and Laughing God Give to these before you, we do ask you love and protection Blessed Be. All: Blessed Be. Priestess and Priest hold up the want between them with the rings upon it. Priestess: Place your right hands over this want and your rings his hand over hers Above you are the stars below you are the stones as the time does pass Remember Like a star should your love constant Like a stone should your love be frim Be close, but not too close Posses one anther, but be understanding Have patience with each the other For storms will come, but will go quickly Be free in the giving of affection and warmth Make love often, and be sensuous with one another Have no fear and let now the ways or words of the unenlightened give you unease For the Goddess and the God are with you, Now and Always. (pause of five heartbeats) Is it your wish, (Bride), to become one with this man? (Bride answers) Is it your wish, Groom, to become one with his woman? (Groom answers) Do any say nay? Then as the Goddess and the God and the Old Ones Are witness to this rite I now proclaim you husband and wife. A kiss is appropriate at this time, and the tokens may be exchanged. The ceremony is then over and the cakes and wine on the altar should be served at that revel that follows. |