The Ceremony!!!

     What on earth is a "Handfasting," you ask?

     Handfasting is the all-encompassing term for one kind of Pagan marriage ceremony. Although it make look unusual to you, you probably have seen or heard of many of the customs used. Much like any other wedding, the handfasting in and of itself is not legally binding- you still have to do the legal paperwork.

     One major difference you'll note is that there will be no officiant. In Wicca, we believe that you have a direct line to the gods- you don't need a go-between to officiate.

     The order of events in our handfasting ceremony will proceed like this:

     Processional: Everyone will walk in together. Our attendants, representing the four elements, will proceed first. Andy's attendants are his sister Laura Malkus (representing Water), and his best friend Jason Schatz (representing Earth). Lory's attendants will be her two best friends, Nicole Brown (representing Air) and Andy Johnson (representing Fire). Andy will be escorted by his mother, and Lory by her father, to represent our pasts and the joining of our two families.

     Drawing the Circle: The handfasting takes place in ritual space, also referred to as "the circle." This ritual space is a protective gateway between the mundane and spiritual world. While most of the magicks used are not visible, our attendants will lay down a line of salt to mark the edge of the circle. Please note, once the circle is drawn, no one may enter or exit the circle until the end of the ceremony.

     Invocation of the Elements: We invite the elements- Earth, Air, Fire and Water- to watch over and protect the ritual.

     Invocation of the Gods: We invite the God and Goddess to watch over us and protect the ritual.

     Exchange of Vows: Just like any other wedding. We will be writing our own vows.

     Consecration of the Rings: We will ritualistically consecrate our wedding bands, using something from each of us, then place the rings on a chain and pass them through flame.

     Exchange of Rings: This will be much like a traditional ceremony. Andy will give Lory her ring, and she will give Andy his.

     Hand Bonding: Our attendants will work together to tie our hands together using a magickally consecrated cord; this represents the joining of our lives, and is a tangible symbol of the spiritual bond we have just forged.

     Blessing of the Elements: One by one, each of our attendants will ask the element they represent to bestow upon us the blessings and qualities that element presides over.

     Thanks and Dismissals of the God, Goddess and Elements: in the reverse order in which they were invited, the God, Goddess and Elements will be thanked and dismissed.

     Opening the circle: A besom (broom) will be used to sweep away the salt line for the circle, returning us to the mundane world.

     Jumping the Broom: The besom will be laid where the circle stood, and Andy and Lory will jump it, symbolizing our leaping together into the future.

     Recessional: Andy and Lory will dash off to their private quarters, the attendants will recess. At this time, the bar will be opened and the merriment begins!

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