Before 16-year-old Rebecca lights candles on the small altar in her bedroom each night, she says her prayers: "Hail, fair Moon, ruler of the night, guard me and mine until the light. HPS: Hail Lord and Lady. I will defend her life before my own. Design, Things To Start Doing Months Before Your Big Day, Tips on How to Create the Perfect Custom Engagement Ring. Many Pagan weddings involve handfasting wrapping a cord or ribbon around the couples joined hands. In the U.S., the answer is: of course Pagan weddings are legal. However, just like in any other religion, Wiccans and . HP: Here is the light that I bring into the temple. Here is erected the watchtower of water, standing guard over this temple of the gods. Celia, she didn't ask if she should go or not. Then follows the ceremony of Cakes and Ale, followed by celebrations and the closing of the Circle. Their Its entirely up to you what you wear. If you plan to complete the legal aspect of the wedding at a later point, this officiant does not need to be legally recognized. This setting calls for a light, natural look. The officiant will pronounce the couple married and the bride and groom will kiss, as brides and grooms do. Stand before them and take a few moments to relax so you can open yourselves up spiritually for your ceremony. All kiss their atheme blades and they set them down or replace them in their sheaths. Wiccan poem for a Wedding. Do I have to start dressing differently now? I've never met her aunt before. While the Wiccan couple in the above story may have . HP (to bride): What do you bring with you to this marriage? This may be the time to break small seed cakes over the couples heads with roughly the same symbolism as throwing rice or birdseed. Pagans dont believe a wiccaning is necessary to walk their spiritual path, as some Christian denominations do of baptism. So keep the embellishment and fancy details to a minimum! With these things in mind, its helpful to know that most Pagan rituals still follow a similar outline. A handfasting is performed by a priest or priestess. Hope you have fun! Add heels or fancy flats, a few choice accessories and the makeup that makes you feel good. Introduction However, if after 366 days the couple is unhappy, they can break the marriage and go their separate ways. Before we get to the description of a Wiccan wedding, lets cover some terminology that could be useful. Its possible that youll see objects that symbolize the elements, such as salt (earth), a candle (fire), a feather (air), and a bowl of you guessed it water. Jessica loves digging into the history and magic of ritual, exploring the connections between people and places, and sharing true stories about love and commitment. Handfasting Ritual - Download & Print - For your Grimoire or Book of Shadows Pages - Pagan wedding ceremony gender neutral same sex lgbt. Hi, beautiful beings and welcome to Wiccanow! This can be any deity or spirit you connect with. Your post of a Wiccan wedding Intrigued me so I did some reading. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/do-pagans-and-wiccans-dress-a-certain-way-2561852. My loves, I hope this post has provided you with some answers and inspiration. Technically, any wedding that isnt Christian or Jewish is Pagan, but your friends who call themselves Pagans are probably drawing from Celtic or Druidic traditions (or their best guesses at reconstructing them). He lights the east candle, HP: Here is the light at the east, where the life-giving sun rises each day. HPS: Here I consecrate you in the name of the Lord and the Lady. Don't wear anything too short, tight, flashy, or revealing. 5. HPS: I use this sacred liquid now in the building of this, our sacred temple. Pagans are very into positive energy and tend to focus on the good in the world. HPS dips her fingers into the water and marks a cross within a circle on the forehead and a pentagram over the heart of HP. :) As far as attending the wedding of a friend or relative, I personally would not find a problem with it as long as you are not asked in any way to participate in any rituals or such that would indicate you condoning the practice. The rest is all mysterious and out of my realm. She mixes the water and the salt with the atheme blade, stirring in a clockwise direction three times around, then lays down the atheme and picks up the dish of salted water. Plus, excellent Customer Service is provided by our professional representatives. May both be consecrated with the strength of . I think your answer is less about the wedding being a Wiccan gathering and more about the type of wedding. HPs: Salt is life. Its true that a Pagan wedding will probably be very, very different than what youre used to. May the gods give me the strength to keep these vows. This is a surprisingly common question. Be here in peace and live, with honor, HP rings the bell three times or nine times in all, HPS: Welcome, my brothers and sisters. She returns to the east point and raises the dish briefly in salute, then returns to the altar. All of the candles are alight. Or you might call upon the generations of witches who came before you, asking for their guidance, care, strength, and wisdom. The candles beyond the circle are alight, but not the four-quarter candles around the Circle itself, or the altar candles. Examples include blazers, jackets, and shawls. Its time to start winding things down. Many are intimidated by it because there is a bit of a learning curve. An altar may hold typical Wiccan ritual symbols - or it may not be present at all. Should you decide to go with a dress, one like in the photo you posted would be ideal. You might want to bring an extra pair of shoes with you in case the weather does get messy., DO:Choose something airy and light, like a maxi dress or a crochet skirt with a silk cami. BostonBride I feel you, that was my concern. We can't go to that and fiance's (my fiance) family is coming up for this one so they can see our daughter since they are in California and do not get to see her often. Aside from "Who would win in a fight?", no debate gets comic fans more heated than the question of whether or not superheroes should marry. (Image credit: New Look) New Look Red Floral Frill Tiered Midi Smock Dress | RRP: 25.99 | Sizes: 6-18 Here is erected the watchtower of the Fire, standing guard over this temple of the gods. Let this salt be pure and let it purify our lives, as we use it in this rite dedicated to the God and the Goddess in whom we believe. HP binds the hands together with the red ribbon. RavenMysticUK. The expression refers to the act of making a vow by shaking or linking hands. The procession would end up at the Wiccan wedding circle. When deciding what to wear to a wedding, the invitations wording and design will give you clues into what is a good fit: A sleek, shining invite is begging for that jumpsuit, while a muted design with a floral motif is probably not going to be the right setting for something so fashion-forward. Depending on how formal the dress code is, you may even be able to dress up a beach maxi or linen set, though it depends on the venue and level of formality, of course. 4. This can be as simple as saying, This ritual is over! HP replaces the censer and both he and the HPS take up their athemes. Wigington, Patti. Wiccans may also place a strong emphasis on the idea of personal autonomy and the importance of both partners being able to maintain their own identities within the relationship. The cart would be decorated with flowers (a sign of fertility) and flowers would be strewn along the way. Food Related:Naming Ceremonies at Any Stage of Life: How Celebrants Create Space for Authentic Identity. One of those differences is that the handfasting vows generally do not include the phrase till death do us part. Clutches: Bulky totes and crossbody bags will usually strip your outfit of any class. An outdoor wedding is a good bet. HPS: Lord and Lady, here stand two of your folk. Some may wear modern clothing in the appropriate colours, others go for full-on gowns or robes. DIY DONT:Overdress. And drive 9 hours round trip? The reason Wiccan weddings and handfasting ceremonies have so many possibilities is that the ceremony developed in pre-Christian Gaelic traditions before the state-sanctioned Christian form, which is more popular today. I wish you all the love in the world. link to The Deeper Meaning of the Dragonfly, what the difference between Wicca and Witchcraft actually is. The bride and groom put the rings on each others fingers. Pagan weddings tend to be harmless, very fun and in my experience very moving. There is not a lot of info on it. Wiccans generally believe in the idea of a sacred union between two people, and many Wiccans view marriage as a spiritual partnership as well as a social and legal contract. Rings and other jewelry have been used for the purpose of binding people to an oath since at least the Iron Age. You may see the lighting of candles, possibly even a unity candle ceremony. Firstly, when considering what to wear to a summer wedding, think cool and breathable fabrics like cotton and linen in loose silhouettes that won't cling to the body. "Traditionally, black-tie weddings happen after 5:30 or 6:00 pm," explains Virginia-based wedding style expert Monte Durham. Assist me as I lay down the foundation stones on which I will build my cone of power. The couple may also jump a broom, which depending on who you ask is either from the exact same or completely different origins as the African-American broom-jumping ritual. Start by stating the significance of the date, and then state why youve gathered -- to bless a new witch! And the wedding sounds like it'll be interesting! As a Wiccan, you need to be responsible for your relationship to and use of magick. Do keep in mind that one person's "dressing funny" can be another's "dressing for comfort." Some people like jeans and t-shirts, others like pink tutus, and some like to dress like they're always at the Renaissance Faire. Wiccaning Ceremony - A Guide to Welcoming a New Witch Published Wednesday, Oct. 13th, 2021 Written by Jessica Levey A 'wiccaning' is the deeply joyful ritual celebration of welcoming a new Pagan into a spiritual community, with a promise and blessing to protect them against harm. I feel out of place at public events, because everyone is wearing things that look like Ren Faire garb, and I'm really more comfortable in a polo shirt and a pair of Dockers. That point of view still may not thrill you, but its important to note that a Pagan ceremony wont involve any kind of a refutation of your personal beliefs. The dress code will be casual. If this officiant is completing the legal part of the wedding, then you should make sure theyve completed whatever certificate is required by your state ahead of time. A common tenet is that any harm you wish someone else comes back to you threefold. The Circle is suitably decorated with flowers. HP now walks over to the east point in the Circle, taking with him a lighted taper. Theres no right or wrong way to perform a wiccaning, and each movement within the umbrella of Paganism has its own unique customs. Well, you can if you want to. This is a wonderful Wicca gift idea since you are in essence, encouraging your Wiccan friend to broaden their horizons and learn how to use magick in every way. Get your sass on with these playful styles. If you feel the need to (gently) decline the invitation due to your own religious beliefs, the happy couple will understand. The bride and groom enter and stand facing the altar. The officiant will either select their own or have them use a traditional Scottish infinity knot: You may exchange vows at this point or you may choose to forego this modern part of the ceremony. This is usually an elder who knows what to do when things get started, so if you attend Sabbats often enough, ask the high priestess if she would be willing to officiate. Weddings can range from super casual to ultra high end, and, as a . I love (name) as I love myself, honoring and respecting her in all things. Gods, goddesses, or Earth elements may be invoked during the ceremony. State that the ritual is ending, and close the space. In this article we mostly use wiccaning, but you can call the ritual whatever you choose! Its highly unlikely that youll be asked to pray to any alternate deities. Thank everyone who participated, including other guests and any spirits and gods you invoked. Sprinkle water over their head and heart. She points the tip of the blade at the line drawn on the ground and slowly walks around the circle directing energy as she goes. Handfasting gift crystal Pagan candle for wedding altar. Stay up to date with the latest wedding ceremony trends, script writing inspiration, tips and advice for first-time officiants, and news that matters to couples and wedding ministers. Or they may worship nature itself. Burning sage is the easiest way to smudge a place, though any cleansing incense is worthwhile. At 12:00 am, light both bundles of dried sage-smudging incense and walk slowly clockwise around yourself and your partner with it while visualizing negative emotions leaving you and filling up the circle so no harm will ever come to you both. A high priest or priestess, or even a friend who's a respected member of the Pagan community can do it for you, with little to no fuss. (Image credit: Getty) Much like what to wear to a bridal shower, a flattering jumpsuit is a great sartorial choice for the big day. The choice is yours. Reasonable price and guranteed quality make us your top choice. HP lowers the censer and again passes along the line of the Circle, swinging the censer so that the fumes and smoke pass along it. If you're unsure, it's never too late to ask the couple if they prefer formal wear. Is there anything that I should know before I show up so I don't offend anyone? So mote it be. Sometimes the ritual is combined with a naming feast or naming ceremony. If the wedding is at, for example, the New York Public Library, its one of the most sophisticated settings a couple can choose, says Hovhannisyan. Gorgeous inspiration for every aspect of your wedding, See the venues, photographers, florists and more, near you, Browse thousands of photos and track with Ideabooks. HP: Here is light at the south, where the fire rises up to warm and illuminate the earth. As Wicca is a nature-worshipping religion many Wiccans prefer to have their Wedding or handfasting ceremonies outdoors. . After youve done this, pick up the bowl of salt water and walk around the same way with it, visualizing protecting yourself from negative influences as well as cleansing your body of any toxins. You may simply state to your surroundings, and to any living things or spirits present, We begin!. If youre from a Judeo-Christian background, you may have been brought up to believe that your religion and Paganism are diametrically opposed, but that isnt necessarily the case in the view of your hosts. Handfasting is a ritual where two people are bound together as one. A good smudging, followed by a good airing if the weather permits. It makes me feel like a Goddess. This illustrated handfasting ceremony planning guide is practical, magical, and filled with Pagan lore blending timeless insights and ancient Celtic and Pagan wedding traditions with modern how-to instructions and ceremony scripts, to help you plan the perfect handfasting celebration. Amythest is a true white witch spreading love and light wherever she goes. Long gowns are ideal for black-tie weddings. 1393169 views. For a ballroom celebration, you might want to go with a longer dress, while a cocktail dress is great for a golf club wedding. This involves the officiant turning to each point of the compass and honoring the four elements of earth, water, fire, and air. Heres a checklist for the ceremony given here: Usually, you will only involve your coven and/or close friends and family. Theres no better time to toss self-consciousness lightly to the side and try a new dance or even take over the conga drum for a minute. So mote it be. Your makeup should be sun-kissed and bronzy, says Hovhannisyan. In modern days, a Wiccan handfasting wedding is an adaptation of the ancient Celtic ceremony in which two lives are joined together through vows and the ceremonious binding of hands together with ribbons or cords. The really important thing to remember, though, is that your spirituality is not defined by what you look like on the outside. Although each of these rituals welcome someone into a spiritual community, and sometimes involve spiritual bathing or the use of powerful words spoken aloud, thats where the similarities end. Err on the side of fancier for wedding guest outfits, as the bride will definitely be wearing a statement gown to match the setting. Not every witch knows how to use a crystal ball. HP: As the grass of the fields and the trees of the woods bend together under the pressures of the storm, so too must you both bend when the wind blows strong. Dont let the earnestness of Pagan wedding celebrants fool you: These people know how to throw a party. Butdress codes dont have to be hard! The wine goblets are full. If you wish, now is a good time for everyone present to offer blessings to the child or individual, by repeating their name, singing, clapping, and generally having a joyful time. It should look like you are hugging a large beach ball that is between the palms of your hands. These Cyber Monday sales will help you save money while shopping for your big Not sure what to wear to a winter wedding? For air, you might bring incense or feathers. You dont have to wear a pentacle the size of a dinner plate just because youve decided Wicca - or some other form of Paganism - is the right path for you. Be here in peace and love, with honor to all life. A beautiful handfasting ceremony, borrowed from the wonderful book Wicca for life: The Way of the Craft From Birth to Summerland by Raymond Buckland is detailed below. It is considered a legal marriage or a commitment made to one another for as long as your love lasts. They are asking for people to bring finger foods, bar is 2.50 a drink and it is at their home. The term saining is commonly when the individual being welcomed isnt Wiccan, but is another kind of Witch or Pagan. Always avoid white. Inspired by love stories that reach far back into the misty origins of human history, when Druids and Priestesses dispensed esoteric wisdom, cast powerful spells, and magic and nature were one-and-the-same. 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