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The Presider rings a bell three times to indicate the start of the ritual and to demarcate divisions within the handfasting ceremony.
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The circle is then cast by the presider.
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The Presider explains to the guests the significance of the ritual to be performed.
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The couple approaches the circle from the east -- the direction of sunrise; this symbolizes growth in their relationship. They walk once around the circle and enter from the east.
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The Officer for Air says: “In the east, the element of Air; communication, reason and memory, our first breath and our last, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of clarity, teaching, learning and understanding.”
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The officer then lights a yellow candle and says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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Everyone says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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The Officer for Fire says: “In the south, the element of Fire; inspiration, passion and courage, the spark that ignited our existence, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of willpower, daring and creativity.”
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The officer then lights a red candle and says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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Everyone says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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The Officer for Water says: “In the west, the element of Water; intuition, dreams and emotions, seas, rain, rivers and the primordial waters of birth, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of love, balance and healing.”
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The officer then lights a blue candle and says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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Everyone says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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The Officer for Earth says: “In the north, the element of Earth; fertility, stability and practicality, rock, crystal, soil, bones and body, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of sheltered protection and manifestation.”
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The officer then lights a green candle and says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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Everyone says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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The Officer for Spirit says: “In the centre, the element of Spirit; connection and magic, weaver and web, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of transformation.”
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The officer then lights a purple candle and says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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Everyone says, “Hail and Welcome!”
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Partner 1 says, “Before this company, in this place and at this time, I come to pledge my commitment to (name of partner 2).”
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Partner 2 says, “Before this company, in this place and at this time, I come to pledge my commitment to (name of partner 1).”
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The Presider breaks a piece of bread in half and offers a piece to each partner saying: “May you never know want and always share what you have.”
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The Presider offers each partner wine/juice from a chalice, saying: “May you drink from the same cup and always remember the love you expressed for each other on this day.”
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Partner 1 to 2 says: “(Name), I offer this gift as a symbol of unity, with love and in trust and as a sign of my commitment to you.”
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Partner 2 to 1 says: “(Name), I offer this gift as a symbol of unity, with love and in trust and as a sign of my commitment to you.”
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Both partners wrap the cord around the wrists of their joined hands and, looking at each other, say in unison: “I bind myself to you of my own free will, I will honour your right to change and to grow, and I will support and love you, cherish and care for you, from here and for all eternity. So Mote It Be!”
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Everyone says, “So Mote It Be!”
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The Presider places the broomstick on the ground, and both partners jump over it.
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The Presider who originally cast the circle now banishes it.
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The Presider states the handfasting is concluded: "The circle is open but unbroken. May the peace of the Old Ones go in our hearts. Blessed be."
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The bell is rung three times. The married couple then go clockwise around the circle, greeting friends and family.
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The candles are extinguished (not blown out).
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The Presider announces that the handfasting is complete.
Website Link
Sunday, April 20, 2008, 06:47 PM GMT [Handfasting Plans]
The person who is making my dress for my handfasting is Kelly from Rowan's Closet.http://www.rowanscloset.co.uk
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Ceremony Plan
Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 07:15 PM GMT [Handfasting Plans]
Here is how my Handfasting Ceremony will go like. Please leave me any comments/ideas you may have as my Handfasting is in September 2008.
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Handfasting Candles
Wednesday, April 16, 2008, 07:08 PM GMT [Handfasting Plans]
Handfasting Candles I will have five candles, with the following words and accessories on them. Candle 1Words: "In the east, the element of Air; communication, reason and memory, our first breath and our last, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of clarity, teaching, learning and understanding."Accessories: Small yellow flowers, a yellow pentagram, plus the symbol for Air.Candle 2:Words: "In the south, the element of Fire; inspiration, passion and courage, the spark that ignited our existence, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of willpower, daring and creativity."Accessories: Small red flowers, a red pentagram, plus the symbol for Fire.Candle 3:Words: "In the west, the element of Water; intuition, dreams and emotions, seas, rain, rivers and the primordial waters of birth, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of love, balance and healing."Accessories: Small blue flowers, a blue pentagram, plus the symbol for Water.Candle 4:Words: "In the north, the element of Earth; fertility, stability and practicality, rock, crystal, soil, bones and body, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of sheltered protection and manifestation."Accessories: Small green flowers, a green pentagram, plus the symbol for Earth. Candle 5:Words:"In the centre, the element of Spirit; connection and magic, weaver and web, you are honoured in this circle. Be present at our rites and bring to this circle your gifts of transformation."Accessories:Small purple flowers, a purple pentagram, plus the symbol for Spirit.
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