handfasting

The Priestess shall say:
"We have come together here in celebration of the joining together of
__________ and ___________.  There are many things to say
about marriage.  Much wisdom concerning the joining together of two
souls has come our way through all paths of belief, and from
many cultures.  With each union, more  knowledge is gained and more
wisdom gathered.  Though we are unable to give all this
knowledge to these two who stand before us, we can hope to leave with
them the knowledge of love and its strengths and the
anticipation of the wisdom that comes with time."

"The law of life is love unto all beings.  Without love, life is
nothing, without love, death has no redemption.  Marriage is a bond to be
entered into only after considerable thought and reflection.  As with
any aspect of life, it has its cycles, its ups and its downs, its
trials and its triumphs.  With full understanding of this, _____________
and ____________ have come here today to be joined as
one in the bond of marriage."

"Others would ask, at this time, who gives the bride in marriage, but
Woman is not property to be bought and sold, given and taken.
  We ask simply if she comes of her own will."

The Minister shall turn to the bride, and say:
"__________, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?"

And the bride shall respond:
"Yes, it is true."

And the Minister shall then say:
"Please join hands and listen to that which I am about to say. . . .
.Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time
passes, remember. . .like a stone, your love should be firm; like a
star, your love should be constant.  Let the powers of the mind
and of the intellect guide you in your marriage,  let the strength of
your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make
you happy,  and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable.
Be close, but not too close.  Possess one another, yet be
understanding.  Have patience with one another, for storms will come,
but they will pass quickly.  Be free in giving affection and
warmth.  Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you
unease, for Love is with you always."

The Unity Candle -
Priestess :
  "Marriage brings two people into a unique relationship.  While each is
separate,  we arrive here with a past full of love and
remembrance.  In this union you will share many experiences as if you
were one yet each of you retain your identity.  I invite you
now to light this candle as a symbol of the union of your lives.  May
your love so endure that its flame remains a guiding light unto
you."


The bride holds the candle while the groom lights it.

The Exchange of Rings-

The Priestess shall then say:
  "The circle of the ring speaks of the continual nature of love for it
has no beginning and it has no end.  May this circle of love declare
your unity and oneness of your life together.  And may these rings
represent a love glowing with increasing luster through the years
before you."

The Minister shall then say to the Groom:

  "________, I have not the right to bind you to __________; only you
have this right.  If it be your wish, say so at this time and place
your ring in her hand."

And the groom shall respond:
  "It is my wish."

The Minister shall then say to the Bride:
  "________, if it be your wish for ___________ to be bound to you,
place the ring on his finger."

And the bride shall place the ring on the groom's left ring finger.

The Priestess shall then say to the Bride:
  "___________, I have not the right to bind you to ___________; only
you have this right.  If it be your wish, say so at this time, and
place your ring in his hand."

And the bride shall answer:

  "It is my wish."

The Priestess shall then say to the Groom:
  "_________, if it be your wish for _________ to be bound to you, place
the ring on her finger."

And the groom shall place the ring on the bride's left ring finger.

The Minister shall then say to the Groom:
  "I, (grooms full name),  take thee (bride's full name) to be my chosen
one. I promise to love you wholly and completely, in sickness
and in health, through good times and bad, in life and beyond."

The Minister shall then say to the Bride:
  "I, (bride's full name), take thee, (Groom's full name) to be my
chosen one. I promise to love you wholly and completely, in sickness
and in health, through good times and bad, in life and beyond."

The Priestess shall then say:
  "May the sacred curve of Her arm enfold you.  May the stars of Her
dark veil cover you."


Priestess :
  Go in Peace, and in Joy.
  Go together as partners in life, sealing your union with a kiss.
  Ladies and gentlemen, I have the honor to present for the first time .
. .
  Mr. and Mrs. __________________!