Growing Up Pagan ✩ 45
Thanks, guys … Way to make it difficult. The following is the script for the ceremony I put together for Tom and Nick. It was an easy handfasting in the greenwood, simple and to the point. With the greenwood as the backdrop, there was no need for decoration—just a simple altar with a few flowers, candles, and the flower wreaths and handfasting cord for the celebrants, with a besom leaning neatly against the altar for jumping the broom.
Handfasting Ceremony Officiant: We are here today, on this sacred ground, where leafy tips gently splash upon the water’s edge, to celebrate one of life’s most poignant moments. We are here to give recognition to the worth and beauty of true love and to cherish the rite that will unite (insert celebrants’ names here) in marriage. So we ask you, Lord and Lady of the Greenwood, to be present within our circle as (names) become one. If you would all kindly stand as I cast the sacred circle. Guests stand. Officiant: Blessed element of air, please join us for this union. Let your cleansing breath be a reminder to (names) that with each new sun comes a new beginning. Blessed element of fire, please join us for this union. Let the fire of desire burn brightly in the hearts of (names), reminding them, when darkness falls, to be a light to one another. Blessed element of water, please join us for this union. Let your healing motion remind (names) they are not alone. Guide them to trust one another throughout their lives together. Blessed element of earth, please join us for this union. Let the soil beneath the feet of (names) remind them to always remain grounded and that there is no place like home. (Names), you are declaring your intentions here today before the Lord and Lady and with your family and friends as witnesses, symbolizing your commitment to each other by the ritual of handfasting. Do you come here voluntarily to enter this marriage rite?