Hand Fasting

Before the ritual started, everyone was grounded and centered by the officiates and then the ritual began.

Items Needed
Bells Broom
Salt Water
bowl(for saltwater) cup(for wine)
Bread Wine or juice
2 candles for the goddess and god (optional)
A candle of the couples preference or making
A cord long enough to tie two of the couple’s hands together - (preferably of your own making from ribbon or cording)

PROCESSION
Banishing
Two people walk around the circle to perform the banishing ringing a bell and sweeping the circle as they went. Behind them, the couple and officiates walk into the circle, standing in the center at the alter.

Cleansing
A person sprinkled salt water on people as they followed the two banishers into the circle. (This could be exchanged with incense or smudging)

FORMATION OF THE CIRCLE
After everyone is within the circle, the quarters are called and the goddess and god are invoked. Because not everyone who was at the ceremony was pagan, the officiates made a purpose statement after the invocations to help them focus their energies within the ritual.

Calling of the Directions:
East

Guardians of the airy East,
Spirits of Spring and Dawn,
of Sylphs and Myrrh,
of Knowledge and Learning,
Witness and Bless this Union,
Protect and Watch over our Circle
So the Moon Waxes.
South

Guardians of the fiery South
Spirits of Summer and Noon,
of Salamanders and Hibiscus,
of Healing and Destruction,
Witness and Bless this Union,
Protect and Watch over our Circle
So the Moon Brightens.
West

Guardians of the watery West
Spirits of Autumn and Twilight,
of Udines and Lotus,
of Love and Sorrow,
Witness and Bless this Union,
Protect and Watch over our Circle
So the Moon Wanes
North

Guardians of the earthy North,
Spirits of Winter and Midnight,
of Gnomes and Comfrey,
of Birth and Death,
Witness and Bless this Union,
Protect and Watch over our Circle
So the Moon Darkens.
Invocations
Female Officiate (lights candle as says this)

Great Mother of all creation
You who are the rich Green Earth
The soul that lightens the midnight sky
The warm breath that is the wind
We ask your presence within our circle
Bless and keep this union in heart and spirit
Male Officiate (lights candle as says this)

Great Father of all creation
You who are the endless gray sea
The spirit that shines in the midday sky
The dancing shadow of the flame
We ask your presence within our circle
Bless and keep this union in heart and spirit
Purpose:
Female Officiate

A space is made
And the Circle cast
The gate is open
Through it we pass
Between the worlds.
Male Officiate

All bear witness
To this earthly affair
In the union of two for
A day and a year
in heart, spirit, and mind.
CAKES & ALE This can be done now, or after the binding and promise, however it seemed more appropriate to do it before, as though it was courting prior to commitment.
Female Officiate As a symbol of the Goddess's blessing, I offer this cake.
May you never hunger. (gives cake/bread to first) takes a bite and passes to second then to Circle)
Male Officiate As a symbol of the God's blessing, I offer this wine.
May you never thirst. (gives to second) (takes a drink and passes to first then to Circle)

BINDING AND PROMISE Each promise should be individual and personal. I chose not to publish my promise here because it was to private to be shared.

Female Officiate
Now, join hands and look into each other's eyes.
What do you promise to ________?
The first gives their promise
(cord is draped over wrists as the first’s promise is given)

Male Officiate
What do you promise to ___________?
The second gives their promise.
(the cord wrapped twice as second’s promise is given)(after both promises are finished, the cord wrapped twice and tied and the couple kisses)

CANDLEMAGICK
This could be coupled with dancing or chanting around the couple by the circle. The couple light their candle in unison using the goddess and god candles or holding a long match together.
First - We light this candle as a symbol of our union.
Second - For a year and a day the spell shall last.

GIFTS FROM THE CIRCLE The people go around the circle gifting the couple with words as hopes or wishes for them.

CLOSING OF CIRCLE F
arewell to Goddess and God:
Female Officiate

Lady and Lord, we appreciate your presence in our Circle.
For earth and sky, moon and sun,
we thank you.

Male Officiate
Lady and Lord, we ask your blessing through the year.
For happiness and joy,
love and good fortune,
hail and farewell.
Closing of the Directions:
East

Guardians of the airy East,
Spirits of Spring and Dawn,
of Sylphs and Myrrh
of Knowledge and Learning,
Thank you for witnessing
and blessing this union
Hail and Farewell.
So the Moon Waxes.

South
Guardians of the fiery South
Spirits of Summer and Noon,
of Salamanders and Hibiscus,
of Healing and Destruction,
Thank you for witnessing
and blessing this union
Hail and Farewell.
So the Moon Brightens.

West
Guardians of the watery West
Spirits of Autumn and Twilight,
of Udines and Lotus,
of Love and Sorrow,
Thank you for witnessing
and blessing this union
Hail and Farewell.
So the Moon Wanes

North
Guardians of the earthy North,
Spirits of Winter and Midnight,
of Gnomes and Comfrey,
of Birth and Death,
Thank you for witnessing
and blessing this union
Hail and Farewell.
So the Moon Darkens.
Female Officiate
May the circle be open yet unbroken.

Male Officiate
Merry meet, merry part, merry meet again.

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