BS: Handfasting for Beginners

Subject: BS: Handfasting for Beginners
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 May 05 - 04:08 PM

A few people have wondered about Handfasting after the 'nuptuals' this weekend. Here's a short description from a spectator of the particular ceremony held for CatsPHiddle and Micca in the Black Lion, Plaistow. (Please note, this is not how it's done everywhere, just how this particular group do it).

The venue was swept clean with a broom and the table set up with various items, including candles for each quarter, incense, salt, annointing oil, water and iron (an anvil in this case). People in robes, representing the four quarters/elements and the priest and priestes gathered around the table. Everyone in the room was called to the circle, which the priest then 'cast' ~ a stang (a staff decorated with various sacred symbols and items) was passed over our heads, and the god and goddess invoked to enter the circle and protect us whilst we were in it. The circle was then blessed with the elements and the quarters called. Calling a quarter is asking the particular compass point to come to us and bring with us its peculiar blessing, one of the four elements (earth, air, fire and water).

Once this was done, the priest called for the groom to be brought to the circle. He was stopped at the 'gate' by the gatekeepers holding staffs which he had to ceremonially cut through to be allowed into the circle. He was introduced to the circle and taken round the four elements to be blessed. The blessings were of air, represented by incense; fire - a lighted candle passed over the head; water - which was sprinkled over him (with great gusto I may add!) and earth - represented by salt.

Then the bride and her attendants were called in, ceremonially cutting her way in as the groom had done. She was taken around the circle and blessed by the elements in the same way as the groom, as were the rings (carried on a cushion by Limpit, taking the role of handmaiden with unaccustomed solemnity).

The bride and groom then held hands over the anvil and had a red cord looped over them. They made their promise to live with each other for a year and a day and then to either renew their vows or go their separate ways. The cord was pulled, they withdrew their hands and were 'married'. They were presented to the quarters and received a gift from each. Salt gave them bread, with the wish they would never go hungry; air gave them some incense to burn, to signify inspiration; fire gave them a candle with the wish they would never go cold and finally from Water, some mead, that they may always have laughter. To wish the couple luck, every one was invited to eat and drink the biscuits and wine that was passed around, and to wish the bride and groom luck, with a kiss.

Their final act was to 'jump the broom' and an invitation was issued to any there who wanted to renew their own vows to jump the broom after them. The circle was then opened but not broken, so that we might 'merry part and merry meet again'.

And that's when the party started!!!

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Handfasting for Beginners
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 15 May 05 - 05:13 PM

Sounds absolutely lovely, Liz! Thanks for the description! I was there in spirit, though I couldn't be there in the flesh! I'll have to hear it described all over again when I come in July!

Allison

Subject: RE: BS: Handfasting for Beginners
From: Catherine Jayne
Date: 15 May 05 - 05:19 PM

Wonderful summary Liz!

Micca and I cut a cord before we entered the circle to leave all links with our pasts behind so that we could start our journey as a married couple with a clean slate so to speak.

Liz omitted that while the groom got blessed with some gusto by the water quarter, when it came to my turn to be blessed hy water I had it sprinkled over me then the remaining water (which there was rather alot of and it was very cold) was then tip all down my top.....everyone found it very funny. It's a good job I know the Coven well (being a member of it myself)....and I can wait for my little revenge *BG*

Subject: RE: BS: Handfasting for Beginners
From: GUEST, Ebbie
Date: 15 May 05 - 05:20 PM

Thanks, Liz. I'm fairly uncomfortable in most ceremonial events but this sounds fascinating. I know one man who was married in a version somewhat like this - done by a Tlingit medicine man - and my friend said that it was so interesting he forgot to be nervous.

Congratulations, Micca and khatt. May your days be forever full of bright hope and realized dreams.

Subject: RE: BS: Handfasting for Beginners
From: Deckman
Date: 15 May 05 - 05:42 PM

I've attended, and sung, at several handfastings. I've often found the ceremony to be more "moving and sincere" as those who choose this path are usually very spiritual believers.

My very best wishes to all the participants! CHEERS, Bob(deckman)Nelson

Subject: RE: BS: Handfasting for Beginners
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 15 May 05 - 06:34 PM

So THAT'S what you were looking at down your front in the picture.. I missed that bit!

As I mentioned, it was just my observation so if anyone wants to fill in the bits I've missed out, please feel free...

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Handfasting for Beginners
From: Shanghaiceltic
Date: 15 May 05 - 07:56 PM

Thanks for the nuptual report Liz. Best leave it to Micca and Cats to fill in the bits missed out :-0 or not witnessed.

Subject: RE: BS: Handfasting for Beginners
From: Cats at Work
Date: 16 May 05 - 04:32 AM

I wish we had been there. Bright Blessings to Micca and Khatt.