Handfasting
[PRIEST]
We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of Bride and Groom. There are many things to say about marriage. Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two souls, has come our way through all paths of belief, and from many cultures. With each union, more knowledge is gained and more wisdom gathered. Though we are unable to give all this knowledge to these two, who stand before us, we can hope to leave with them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time. The law of life is love unto all beings. Without love, life is nothing, without love, death has no redemption.
Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. As with any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its trials and its triumphs. With full understanding of this, Groom and Bride have come here today to be joined as one in marriage.
[PRIESTESS]
Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but, as a woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken, I ask simply if she comes of her own will and if she has her family's blessing.
Bride, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?
[BRIDE]
Yes, it is true.
[PRIESTESS]
With whom do you come and whose blessings accompany you.
[FATHER]
She comes with me, her father, and is accompanied by all of her family's blessings.
[PRIESTESS]
Please join hands with your betrothed and listen to that which I am about to say.
Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember...
Like a stone should your love be firm,
like a star should your love be constant.
Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage,
let the strength of your wills bind you together,
let the power of love and desire make you happy,
and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable.
Be close, but not too close.
Possess one another, yet be understanding.
Have patience with one another, for storms will come,
but they will pass quickly.
[PRIEST]
Be free in giving affection and warmth.
Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease,
for the you are never alone.
[PRIEST]
What symbols do you give as pledge and testimony to your love and commitment to each other?
[COUPLE, TOGETHER]
We give these rings.
[PRIEST TO GROOM]
Then, ________, repeat after me:
I, (Name), take you, (Name), in marriage;
To be my life partner;
To walk, run, and dance this new path together;
To love, care and share;
To let the winds dance between us;
Let the fires burn within us;
And the waters flow through us;
On our sacred journey together.
With this ring may a new life begin;
With this ring I thee wed;
With my hearts' faithful affections,
And my love to you, ______..
[PRIESTESS TO BRIDE]
_______, repeat after me:
I, (Name), take you, (Name), in marriage;
To be my life partner;
To walk, run, and dance this new path together;
To love, care and share;
To let the winds dance between us;
Let the fires burn within us;
And the waters flow through us;
On our sacred journey together.
With this ring may a new life begin;
With this ring I thee wed;
With my hearts' faithful affections,
And my love to you, ______.
[PRIEST]
At this time, I would like to speak of some of the things that many of us wish for you.
[PRIESTESS]
You have chosen and vowed to walk the same path and embark upon a quest together. To help you along your way, we bring you gifts so precious that all the wealth of the mightiest kings that ever lived can not buy them, yet they are the birth-right of all peoples.
[PRIEST]
I give you the blessing of Air -- invisible as thought. Constant movement: ever present and uncontained. May your thoughts soar with the wind!
[PRIESTESS]
The blessing of water I give you -- changing and flowing, water conforms to the shape of its container and by doing so, changes both. May the mysteries of the Water's depths be yours!
[PRIEST]
Fire's blessing I give you -- the flames of love are yours: but remember that the fire that warms will also burn if not treated with respect. May the Flames fill you with warmth and light!
[PRIESTESS]
The blessing of the Earth is yours -- constant and stable, her substance is a source of renewal and strength. May the wealth of the Earth nourish you!
[PRIEST]
The Sun's blessing goes with you -- his light and warmth brings health and joy. May the brilliance of the sun illumine your lives!
[PRIESTESS]
I give you the blessing of the Moon -- her phases teach you the mystery of cycles and her light will guide you in your changes. May the Moon's glow brighten your quest!
[PRIEST]
The blessings of the Stars are yours -- though distant and beyond reach, their lights guide us and pull us out of the familiar and into new worlds. May you explore the wonder of the Stars together!
[PRIESTESS]
As you embark upon this quest, do so with joy and love in your hearts. But remember always -- you cannot be true to another unless you are true to yourself.
[PRIEST]
Do you accept these gifts?
[COUPLE]
We do.
[PRIEST]
Then, by the power vested in me, I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may kiss the bride.