This handfasting...


..had to be moved indoors due to torrential downpours. Luckily the couple ahd hired a tent for the reception and it had a dance floor. The bower was handmade by the groom as were all the candle centerpieces and decor.
It was a wonderful ceremony where we had members of the family and friends of the couple come up during the ceremony and attach small spirit pouches to the handfasting cord and give the couple a blessing. each of the pouches was knotted into the cord and at the end of the ceremony a bell was attached on the end. This produced a witches ladder with blessings and a spirit calling intent. The couple made the cords themselves and incorporated their own hair into the weaving.

Steve and Jess


Consecration of the Altar


smudge and bless


NOTE - I think where you have drape nth cord, it should be tie knot and add blessing.......try to match the blessing to the vow...ie laughter = blessing of happiness etc


Handfasting & Declaration of Intent 

Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other. As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals which you give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage. With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be handfasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to your creative higher powers. 

The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul’s growth. 

Do you still seek to enter this ceremony? 

Yes, We seek to enter. 

In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is the belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North.  It is this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony. 

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body. Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences. 

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home. The heat of the heart’s passion. The light created by both to lighten the darkest of times. 

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake. The swift excitement of the river. The refreshing cleansing of the rain. The all encompassing passion of the sea. 

Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North. Firm foundation on which to build. Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives. A stable home to which you may always return. 

Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union. 



Photos