February 9th, 2008
INTRODUCTION
A Hand-Fasting is an ancient ritual that dates back even before what we now recognize as the Marriage Ceremony. It has been practiced by many cultures around the world. At one time, Hand-Fasting was outlawed in many areas because it was a practice used by the common folk, often without the benefit of a Clergy. Now Clergy are performing this ancient service.
Today, we come together in celebration of the joining together of (Name) and (Name). Marriage is a bond to be entered into only after considerable thought and reflection. It is at once the most fragile of relationships and the strongest. Fragile because it requires exactly the right mix of freedom and interdependence, of caring and of sharing, of being together and of being alone. As with any aspect of life it has its cycles, its ups and downs, its trials and triumphs. With full understanding of this, (Name) and (Name) have come here today to be joined as one.
Remember that this Hand-Fasting is only a symbol, a celebration, and a public recognition of what already exists in the silent places of your hearts. It is your marriage and not something created by the state or the church - it is yours to define, yours to make real, yours to live. Nothing I can say can make it anything more than what already exists in your hearts.
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.
(Name) is it true that you come of your own free will and accord and your family has given their blessing?
RINGS
All things turn in circles. The Earth spins in a circle and turns around the sun, the sun turns around the galaxy. Time turns in circles of birth, death, and rebirth yet again. Like all things marriages move in circles as well. There will be times when the fires of your union burn brightly, times when they will die down to coals only to spring up again in bright flames. By taking on the symbol of the circle you make a promise to remember always that things come around; to keep faith in the spring while enduring the winter, to never lose hope that the ashes will flame once again and your love will be renewed.
Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time passes, 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. Be free in giving affection and warmth.
These rings represent a journey without beginning or end; they are a symbol of the circle of life. In the presence of the Lord and Lady, we ask that they bless these rings so that your journey of love never ends.
(Name), do you choose to take (Name) as your Wife (Partner), to care for her above all others, to provide for her happiness before even your own, and to treat her with honor and respect, both publicly and in private, so long as your love shall last?
(Name), please place the ring on your Partner’s finger, and repeat after me:
I give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love, respect, and trust.
(Name), do you choose to take (Name) as your Husband (Partner), to care for him above all others, to provide for his happiness before even your own, and to treat him with honor and respect, both publicly and in private, so long as your love shall last?
(Name),
please place this ring on Partner's finger and repeat after me:
I
give you this ring to wear upon your hand as a symbol of our unity, love,
respect, and trust.
HANDFASTING
The threads of this cord intertwine to form one - as these threads have been bound together so too are your lives now intertwined. As the right hand is to the left hand, may you be forever one, sharing in all things, at home and abroad, in love and in loyalty, for all time to come.
(Name), please repeat after me: I, (Name), in the Name of the Light that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take you (Name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. I promise to love you wholly and completely without restraint in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond. Where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall respect you, your beliefs, your family, and your ways, as I respect myself. Will you accept me as your Husband (Partner)?
(Name), please repeat after me: I, (Name), in the Name of the light that resides within us all, by the life that courses within my blood and the love that resides within my heart, take you (Name) to my hand, my heart, and my spirit, to be my chosen one. I promise to love you wholly and completely without restraint in sickness and in health, in plenty and in poverty, in life and beyond. Where we shall meet, remember, and love again. I shall respect you, your beliefs, your family, and your ways, as I respect myself. Will you accept me as your Wife (Partner)?
Please repeat together: Heart to thee, body to thee, soul mates forever, So Mote It Be.
Now you will feel no cold, for each of you will be warmth to the other. No man is greater than a woman, nor is a woman greater than a man. For what one lacks, the other can provide and what one needs, the other can supply. By the power vested in me, by the Lord and Lady, I now pronounce you Husband (Partner) and Wife (Partner). May your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light for you.
You may now exchange a Kiss.
JUMPING THE BROOM
In the old days, the broom was a symbol of growth and change as well as being the most common household object. It was the first thing brought into the home of a newly Hand-Fasted couple and symbolized sweeping away any obstacles. A Broom has been placed on the ground for you to jump over together. Everyone else is invited to jump the broom to offer their best wishes to the new couple and share in a little of their luck.
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