Pathwalkers herb gardens - Gypsey Website

PathWalkers.Net Interactive :: Helping you along your path
east -- the direction of sunrise; this symbolizes growth in their relationship. They walk
once around the circle and enter from the east. The presider explains to the guests the
significance of the ritual to be performed. The circle is then cast. This usually involves a
Wiccan priestess or priest walking around the periphery of the circle four times, with
elements representing earth, air, fire and water. They will recite a statement at each
of the four directions.
Answering a challenge from the presider, the couple each declares their intent to join
with the other so that they are one in the eyes of the God and Goddess, and of family and
friends present. The presider asks the traditional question whether anyone present is
aware of any reason why the couple should not be handfasted. Hopefully, nobody
objects.
The couple recites a statement, saying that they have come of their own free will "in
perfect love and perfect trust" to seek the partnership of their future spouse. They
exchange rings. Each recites a prepared statement, such as: "I, [name], commit myself to
be with [name] in joy and adversity, in wholeness and brokenness, in peace and turmoil,
living with him/her faithfully all our days. May the Gods give me the strength to keep
these vows. So be it." 10 The presider challenges them to drink from the same cup. Each
drinks separately. Then each holds the cup so that the other may drink. This symbolizes
the need for a balance between apartness and togetherness in their
future life together.
The couple will face each other, joining both their left and right hands together. Their
arms and bodies form a figure 8 when viewed from above The a double circle is both the
mathematical infinity symbol and an ancient religious symbol for the union of a man and
woman.
The presider will place a cord, ribbon, or strip of cloth over the couple's hands. It may be
loosely tied; it might be red in color, symbolizing life. This symbolizes that the
handfasting is a commitment, but one that is not an onerous one. One year and a day after
being handfasted, the couple may return to the presider and repeat their vows with the
cord or cloth tightly knotted. This symbolizes the intent to have a permanent relationship.
This ritual is the source of the expression "to tie the knot." The couple each reads a
statement to the other, expressing their love and their hopes for their future together.
Since their hands are bound, the texts are held by their assistants. The bonds are
removed. The couple uses a knife to cut off a lock of each other's hair. This is put in a
silver box. This symbolizes their future relationship, one as intimate as the mixing of
their hairs.
The presider offers advise to the couple, perhaps saying: "Be understanding and patient,
each with the other. Be free in he giving of affection and warmth. Be sensuous with one
another. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for the
Gods are with you now and always." 10 The presider asks the assembled guests whether
they will support the couple in their new relationship together. Hopefully, they answer "I
do." The presider then pronounces the couple to be handfasted as husband and wife.
The couple kiss each other -- their first gift to each other as a handfasted couple. They
then perform their first task together: they pick up the trowel from the altar, and bury the
silver box at the center of the circle. The presider, married couple, and witnesses sign the
marriage documents. At the end of the ceremony, the handfasted couple join hands and
http://www.pathwalkers.net/interactive/modules....ame=News&file=index&catid=1&topic=&allstories=1 (46 of 236) [12/25/2005 12:17:42 AM]