Items needed: The regular ritual tools, plus two white candles (one carved with each name) with holders, a bessom, a bell, rings or magical jewelry, the cauldron, and white, red and black ribbons within the cauldron.
Lord and lady, bless all those gathered within this circle. For this is happy time of rejoicing!
Lord and lady, this couple has come before your altar to make a vow of togethernes. As it was in ancient times, so is it now!
To the East:
Rejoice, all lords and ladies of the East, for these two have chosen to begin a new life together.
To the South:
Rejoice, all lords and ladies of the South, for love has bound these two people together.
To the West:
Rejoice, all lords and ladies of the West, for a new companionship of heart and spirit has been forged.
To the North:
Rejoice, all lords and ladies of the North, for these two people chose to walk the Old Way together.
HPS rings the bell three times, and says:
I call upon the guardians of (names of couple). By the power of the Goddess and the God, I charge you to bless this couple anew each day. Honor them with love and compassion.
HPS speaks to the couple, saying:
The sharing of a life path is not to be lightly undertaken. It requires much love, commitment, trust, work, and compromise. It may experience difficult periods where your love, faith and devotion are tested. Each of you is giving your heart and dreams into the keeping of the other. Be compassionate and loving with this trust. If you can speak in sincerity of your devotion before the Goddess and the God, answer, " I will."
The couple:
I will.
The woman takes up her gift of magical jewerly, and says:
As a symbol of my love, I give you this token. I will comfort and honor you all our days.
She puts it on the man.
The man takes up his gift of magical jewerly, and says:
As a symbol of my love, I give you this token. I will protect and honor you all our days.
He puts it on the woman.
HPS touches the carved, white candles , and says:
These candles are symbols of your love. Let their fire never be quenched by harsh words or hasty, ill-thought deeds. Before these witnesses, light your candle from the altar fire and pledge troth.
HPS hands them the candle bearing their name, and says:
A pledge of handfasting is a solomn vow, not to be given lighly. May the candle of your spirits light your way through dark times and light through sorrow and joy,as you walk life's path together.
The woman lights her candle from the altar candle, and says:
I have chosen you above all others. I will share with you my love and the light of the Goddess.
The man lights his candle from the altar candle, and says:
I have chosen you above all others. I will share with you my love and the light of the God.
They set the lighted candles on the altar.
The HPS takes the three ribbons, one by one, out of the cauldren as she says:
These ribbons are symbols of the three faces of the Goddess and the God. (She takes up the white ribbon) White is for the Maiden and the son, who bring new life cycles and potentials. (She takes out the red ribbon) Red is for the mother and the father, who create a new growth and changes. (She takes out the black ribbon) Black is for the wise crone and the keeper of the laws, for they decree the turn of lif"s wheel, marking all endings in preparation for new beginnings. Can you accept this?
The couple:
I can.
The couple holds out their left hands, while the HPS wraps the ribbons around their wrists, loosly binding them together.
HPS says:
May you always stand together, but not so close together that you loose what is uniquely you. May you be as one, but keep each the freedom that is their by right. May you lovefully, but not smother with that love. May you walk the path of the Goddess and the God together. So mote it be!
Everyone:
So mote it be!
The HPS removes the ribbons and places them on the altar.
HPS holds the chalice high over the altar and says:
As a Priestess of the Old Ones, I call down blessings upon this newly made couple. Blessed be!!
As a Priestess of the Old Ones, I call down the gifts of love, patience and wisdom upon this newly made couple. Blessed be!!
HPS gives chalice to couple who each take a drink and passes it back. Then all circle passes it around and has a drink. Chalice is returned to the altar.
HPS lays the bessom on the floor where the couple can easily jump over it.
HPS says:
Over the bessom and into new life!!!
The couple hold hands and jump over the bessom.
HPS says:
The Goddess and the God are honored by celebrations of joy and love! Let us rejoice in this handfasting!!!
Release cricle.
