Ceremony Gaelan & Mayda April 24th 2004 6:30pm

(Bride and Groom are in front of the altar, wearing each other’s rings on their right hands)

Priestess Rings Bell to warn that ceremony is starting.

[Priestess]
“Welcome, friends and family! We are gathered today to celebrate the union of Mayda and Gaelan in marriage. This ceremony is but an outward sign of their inward union of heart, mind and spirit, a celebration of the joining of two souls already attuned to each other. We are here to bear witness to the entry into the closer relationship of husband and wife of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.”

Priestess Rings Bell to open sacred space.

Priestess performs a small Grounding for wedding party and guests.

[Priestess]
Please join hands with your betrothed.

Moving to the altar, Priestess lights the incense and says: Powers of the air, weave tightly the bonds of Heart, Spirit, and Love between Gaelen and Mayda. Let none undo the fabric of their love. Smudges the couple with incense.

Priestess lights candles and says: Powers of fire, ignite the passion and love for Gaelen and Mayda, ever burning yet never one consuming the other.

Priestess raises the chalice up to the sky, saying: Powers of water, bless Gaelen and Mayda with a love as deep as any ocean. Sprinkles some water over the couple’s heads.

Priestess anoints the bride and groom’s foreheads with rose oil saying: Powers of the earth, bless Gaelen and Mayda with strength and wisdom as long as life and love lasts!

Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember… Like a stone should your love be firm like a star should your love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly. Be free in giving affection and warmth. Let the innocent passion and joy of your relationship be with you always

[Priestess]
By Air, by Fire, by Water, and by Earth do I bless and consecrate these rings. (The HP/S may present the rings to each direction/element).
The giving and receiving of the circular rings symbolizes eternity.

Circles represent eternity, and though our lives are finite, love – the creative force that binds us together, the force that gives new life – is everlasting.

Gaelan, I have not the right to bind thee to Mayda, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.

[Gaelan]

It is my wish. (places ring in Mayda’s hand)

[Priestess]

Mayda, if it be your wish for Gaelan to be bound to you, place the ring on his finger and repeat after me:

I, Mayda, take you, Gaelan, to be my husband, from this day forward. I shall not seek to change you. I shall respect you, your beliefs, and your ways. I will be your friend.
I promise to love you wholly and completely, to comfort you, hold you above all others, in joy and adversity, in sickness and in health, for richer or poorer, for as long as love shall last.

Mayda, I have not the right to bind thee to Gaelan, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in his hand.

[Mayda]

It is my wish. (places ring in Gaelan’s hand)

[Priestess]

Gaelan, if it be your wish for Mayda to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger and repeat after me:
Gaelen’s Vows tba

The couple will face each other, joining both their left and right hands together. Their arms and bodies form a figure 8 when viewed from above .The Priestess will place each colored cord over the couple’s hands.
[Priestess] (cords need to be decided on and the script written for them)

Drape each colored cord across their wrists….

Dark Blue – for a safe journey and longevity
Light Blue – for understanding and patience
Pink – for romance, honor, partnership and happiness
Green – for health, prosperity, luck, fertility and beauty
Red – for courage, strength and passion
Yellow – for wisdom and harmony
Brown – for healing animals and the home
Silver – for creativity and protection
Gold – for unity, prosperity, and longevity
White – for peace, sincerity and devotion

“With these cords, I bind you to the vows that you each have made.” (Wrap the cords around both arms) “May you be blessed with health and prosperity. For remember what one may not provide, the other may. So are you bound, each to the other, unto all of your days.”
The bonds are removed by the Priestess.

Passed through the flame…

‘With Blessings from the Mother’

and laid on the altar

[Priestess]
“Be understanding and patient, each with the other. Be free in the giving of affection and warmth. Be sensuous with one another. Have no fear and let not the ways of the unenlightened give you unease, for the Gods are with you now and always.”

Then, as the Goddess and the God and the Old Ones
Are witness to this rite
I now pronounce you Husband and Wife. You may kiss the bride.

The couple kisses.

[Priestess]

As your first act of working together as a couple, I’d like to ask that you jump the sword and the broom. May the sword cut all ties with the past that don’t benefit you both as a couple, and the broom sweep them away.

Jump over Sword and broom.

Blessed Be

Present the couple to the guests.
Make the announcement that there is cookies and punch, and that all are invited back to the house for more refreshments, wedding cake and socializing.

The Priestess, married couple, and witnesses sign the marriage documents.