Solitary Handfasting

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Permalink Reply by Robert Chapman on August 13, 2009 at 7:53am

If you find a ritual that you like you can always re-write it to be more appropriate for you and the person you are marrying. I suggest reading as many as you can find, discover the common elements, then write your own. I've been to a few handfastings and they were all different but some commonalities; such as the binding of the hands and the jumping of the broom and the tasting of the salted bread seemed to be the common themes.

Sorry I don't have more to offer. ;p

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Permalink Reply by Sorcha Feilnar on August 13, 2009 at 8:06am

Congratulations!
I can give you no better suggestion for your handfasting than what Robert has said.
Ah, sweet romance. My husband and I wrote our own vows of commitment, had blood vow and a binding of our hands.

I wish you and your intended all the best wishes for health, wealth, happiness and communication. Hug often, never go to bed mad at each other and always remember that you don't always have to have the last word.
Blessings,
Sorcha

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Permalink Reply by Diana Redmoon on August 13, 2009 at 8:59am

Create whatever YOU and your Fiance are comfortable with.
My H and I did-- all alone in the woods-- just the two of and all of mother nature.
Nothing really planned out- in way of procession, ritual or vows.. we just got there- found a spot that felt right, said what we felt from our hearts and souls-and made it done. Couldn't have been more perfect if we had planned every detail. ( I might add- that in Colorado-- where we wed, it IS legal for a couple to marry themselves and obtain a legal license later- which is what we did) - had to have "legal" proof for obvious public reasons-- insurance, etc... Best wishes and the power of love be with you both.
Diana Redmoon

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Permalink Reply by Fargo-Jessica on August 14, 2009 at 8:30am

I have a book called PAGAN RITUALS scripts and Insprirations for all Occasions, by Wollow Polson, On page 125 there is Simple handfasting, check it out,

May the God/Goddess Bless your union and my you spend many years of happiness and good fortune. Since you planned hadfasting is around the corner (2 weeks from now) you would want to check out this book its worth while

Blessings to you and your upcomming union
Blessings Love Jess

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Permalink Reply by PamWiccan on August 14, 2009 at 8:44am

This is a handfasting ceremony. No coven needed :)
The altar and entire Circle area should be wildly decorated with an abundance of flowers everywhere.Normally the couple would have obtained small gifts for each other, but charged with symbolism and meaning. The priestess and priest would each light white candles. Those present would enter the area and the Circle is cast as usual. The priest would begin.

GROOM:
May the place of this rite
Be consecrated before the gods.
For we gather here in a ritual of love
With us two who would be wed.
For a year and one day, till the next Lammas arrives.
(NAME) and (NAME) stand before the
Eternal Gods and Goddesses of Nature.
BRIDE:
Be with us here,
O beings of the Air
And with your Clever Fingers
Tie closely the bonds between us two who would be bound.
Light incense of love, such as rose or jasmine.

GROOM:
Be with us here,
O beings of the Fire
Give our love and passion
Your all consuming ardor
Light a red candle.

BRIDE:
Be with us here
O beings of the Water
Give to us two who desire it the deepest of love
And depth of body, soul and spirit
Drink water, wine, or juice from a goblet.

BRIDE:
Be with us here
O beings of the Earth
Lend your strength and constancy
To us for as long as we desire to be together
Scatter salt, or actual earth.

BOTH:
Blessed Goddess and Laughing God
We invoke Thee!
Give to us Your Unconditional Love
And Your Ever Vigilant Protection!
The GROOM would place their rings upon a wand of willow. He holds it in his right hand with his hands over the rings. The BRIDE places her left hand over his.

GROOM:
Above us the stars
Below us the stones
As Time doth pass remember...
Like a star above should our love be constant
Like a stone below should our love be strong
Remember to weather the threatening storms
They pass ever quickly and wash away wrong
Make love ever often as we both so desire
The world may grow cold but can freeze not our Fire
Be us close although separate
Tho ever together
Each possessing the other thru Will not thru Law
Strengthen each other the length of our union
The God and the Goddess are with us Always.
The BRIDE waits 5 hearbeats.

BRIDE: It is my wish to become one with (GROOM's NAME) .

GROOM: it is my wish to become one with (BRIDE's NAME) .

GROOM and BRIDE together:
Then As Above So Below
As the God and Goddess are One
And the Old Ones witness this rite
We now proclaimed Husband and Wife!
BRIDE and GROOM kiss and exchange their gifts.

The Circle is opened as usual. Much feasting and merriment follow!

Congradulations:)

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Permalink Reply by Wade on August 14, 2009 at 9:06am

Well, all you really need to do is write your own ceremony, and then located a High Priest or Priestess to officiate over it. Though, it must be within the perimeter of your local and state laws. They might have to be a resident of your state! Luckily, here in Iowa, I could literally pull someone off of the street and ask them to officiate if I really wanted to, and it'd be legal as long as they signed the marriage certificate we me and my husband-to-be! However, it seems to me like too many Pagans these days are making ritual-writing way more difficult than what it needs to be. In my ceremony, while I am solitary, I also know many local Witches who are good friends, while all the action will be going on up front, I would need someone to cast the Circle, dissolve it, as well as one to stand guard at each quarter in case someone needs to leave due to health conditions. That being said, all the action will be going on up from with me, might beloved, and the High Priest/ess.

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