Creating Circles and Ceremonies: Rituals for All ... - reading...

Book II: Rites & Rituals 163
details. Set the date, work up a script for your ceremony, and prepare for the handfasting. Is
it going to be a legal wedding as well as a magickal rite? If so, a marriage license will need to
be obtained, and the priest and priestess may need to be ordained clergy of an incorporated
church (check in your state). If the ritual is to be photographed or videotaped, who will do
it? What customs are to be incorporated into the ceremony? What special objects are to be
on the altar? What is the color theme? What flowers are to be worn, or used as decorations?
Morning Glory and I also insist on a “couples (or whatever) counseling” session beforehand,
to ensure that all parties are on the same page regarding their convictions and expectations—especially
concerning aspects of married life that few people seem to think of during
courtship. Among other things, we ask: “Why do you each want to be handfasted? What does
getting handfasted mean to you? What do you hope that getting handfasted will do for you and
your relationship?” (Incidentally, while most of this discussion refers to “couples,” the CAW
sanctions marriages for same-sex couples as well as multiple partnerships.)
The Ritual
Rehearsal and Site Preparation: At least 24 hours prior to the ceremony, and often again just
a few hours before “showtime,” it is important to do a walk-through of the ritual with all
parties. Set up the altar, and hold a final briefing with everyone who has a role in the ceremony.
Arrivals: Ushers or other helpers direct the guests to their seats as they enter. Music may be
played. Priest and priestess take their positions at the altar.
Processional: When it is time to begin the rite, the attendants process up to the altar, and to
the sides, followed by the groom(s) and finally, the bride(s).
Welcoming: This is the “Dearly beloved, we are gathered together to witness the union of…” part.
At this time, if they wish, the parties may now acknowledge their families and special guests.
Circle Casting: While most magickal Circle castings are intended to isolate the Circle from
the mundane world, handfasting Circle castings are intended to be more inclusive, and
are usually unique to this rite.
Elemental Invocations: Here the emphasis is on Elemental blessings, rather than guardianship.
Again, these are usually unique for handfastings.
Deity Invocations: In a handfasting, it is common for the God to be invoked into the groom,
and the Goddess to be invoked into the bride. Of course, standard invocations may also
be used, asking for divine blessings.
Exchange of Vows: These are usually written by the bride and groom themselves. They may
be read from little scrolls, or from the Book of Rituals, as few couples can be expected
to recite memorized pieces under these circumstances!
Exchange of Rings: The rings are acknowledged and exchanged, and each partner slips the
ring onto the other’s finger. Other tokens may be used as well, such as necklaces.
Handfasting: This is the central act of a handfasting rite. The couple clasp hands while
priest and priestess wrap and tie a cord around their wrists, binding them together.
Pronouncement of Marriage: If this is to be a legal marriage, the priest and priestess pronounce
that the couple is now married, by the power vested in them. The couple kiss.
Sharing: As their first act of hospitality, the couple offer a communion of food and drink to
each other and the guests.
Benedictions: The priest or priestess offers a final benediction upon the newlyweds.
Jumping the Broom: Two attendants take up either end of a broom, holding it about a foot
above the ground. The broom symbolizes the threshold of the bride and groom’s new
abode. With clasped hands, they jump over it and run out the exit.
Thanks & Dismissals: The deities and Elements are thanked and bid farewell.
Opening the Circle: Merry meet and merry part, and merry meet again!
Merry-Making: On to the reception area for gift-opening, cake-cutting, feasting, photography,
music, dancing, and general merriment.