Gwinevere Rain & Steel Witch's Handfasting

by Gwinevere Rain

It was with much pleasure and excitement that on October 24, 2009 myself and Steel Witch partook in a handfasting ceremony. A handfasting is a Wiccan ritual that unites two people together in a spiritual bond. For some this bond can be set to a pre-determined time frame (most commonly a year and a day) for others it functions as a legal marriage ceremony. Our handfasting was a celebration recognizing our unity in a committed & loving relationship.  It was overseen by our good friend Michelle and performed under a large pavilion at a wilderness park with live Irish instrumental music.

This event took many weeks to plan and was truly magical. With any event bumps can be encountered along the way and ours was no exception: the invitations were a challenge, a dress snafu, long food platter discussions and a couple other incidents along the way. However, what mattered most was our willingness and firm desire to continue beyond any complications.

 Prior to the event, I woven ribbons on a besom and Steel Witch combined several cords into one for our handfasting cord. Our rings came from The Celtic Store in Dunedin FL and our outfits from a specialty website located in the Ukraine. For me the day was full of anticipation, a lot of running around and a whirlwind of excitement. It all went by so quickly! With some help, we set up the pavilion with multiple strands of holiday lights, streamers, table decorations and a well place altar.

Michelle invoked the guidance of the Goddess and God as well as requesting the presence of the elements. As she called Air a breeze of wind flew in, and Fire we turned to see a large hearth. Steel Witch & I spoke handwritten vows and exchanged the Celtic knot rings we had selected together.  The cord was tied gently around our hands and later we jumped over the besom to enter our new life together.

It was the small touches that made the difference: the friends and nearby relatives that  joined us, the band playing in the background, an elegant bouquet of hydrangeas selected by Steel Witch as a gift. Delicious food and a fall themed cake with the words “Blessed Be” across the top and a playful toast also help contribute to merriment.

As one of the most memorable and loving days of my life, I will always take joy upon recalling this truly enchanting handfasting ritual and event.

Comments

[India]

Congratulations! :) I love your dress! It looks amazing on you!

[Little Hummingbird]

Congratulations! May the God and Goddess bless you with a loving relationship :)

[StellaStarr]

Awesome, simply awesome.

[Claire]

Congrats! It sounds like you had a truly magickal day!

[Yomaira]

Congratulations! I'm so glad you had such a joyous and merry handfasting! May God and Goddess bless your matrimony.

[Gabriel]

I am so happy for you! Congratulations! Your pictures are beautiful.

[Wolfsong]

Cogratulations!! I love your dress! I just got back from my cousin Caden's Wiccaning in Charleston,SC.

[Justin]

OMG! I Just Realized, That Was One Dya After My 17th Birthday!
=D

Now, I'll Always Remember Your Handfasting Anniversary!
=D

[rosie]

ooh la la, congratulations on your union, all the best for the future to come:)