Wedding
Amy and Marshall
November 6, 2007

Items needed:
Bell lighter rose oil stole
Incense goblet small table altar cloth
Candles water robe

Greeting:

Priestess: Welcome, friends and family! We are gathered here today to celebrate the union of Amy and Marshall 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. When such a true bond exists between two people, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgement be made. 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.

Speak to Couple:
Priestess: 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 give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.

With full awareness, know that at this time 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?

Couple: Yes, We Seek to Enter.

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

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

Lights candles, faces South and says: Powers of fire, ignite the passion and love for Amy and Marshall, ever burning yet never one consuming the other.

Raises the chalice up to the sky, faces West and says: Powers of water, bless Marshall and Amy with a love as deep as any ocean. Sprinkles some water over the couple’s heads.
Raises oil to North and says: Powers of the earth, bless Marshall and Amy with strength and wisdom as long as life and love lasts! anoints the bride and groom’s foreheads with rose oil

Invoke Goddess/God:
Priestess:
Goddess, we invite you to join us in this sacred rite this night. Hail and Well Met.

God, we invite you to join us in this sacred rite this night. Hail and Well Met.

Charge:
Priestess: Amy and Marshall, I would ask that you both remember to treat yourself and each other with respect, and remind yourself often of what brought you together today. Give the highest priority to the tenderness, gentleness and kindness that your marriage deserves. When frustration and difficulty assail your marriage – as they do to every relationship at one time or another – focus on what still seems right between you, not only the part that seems wrong. This way, when clouds of trouble hide the sun in your lives and you lose sight of it for a moment, you can remember that the sun is still there. And if each of you will take responsibility for the quality of your life together, it will be marked by abundance and delight.

To Couple: Do you so promise?

Rings:
Priestess: 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.

Groom: This ring I give to you is a symbol of our love, and of the promises I have spoken to you on this day

Bride: This ring I give to you is a symbol of our love, and of the promises I have spoken to you on this day

Offering to Erin
Priestess: Amy and Marshall, you both have also been blessed with a beautiful bundle of joy. And as she is also part of this joining, part of this family….we ask that you both make an offering to your child, Erin, in front of the God and Goddess.

Blessings and Advice:
Priestess: Amy and Marshall… as the two of you come into this marriage uniting you as husband and wife, (and daughter) and as you this day affirm your faith and love for one another, I would ask that you always remember to cherish each other as special and unique individuals, that you respect the thoughts, ideas and suggestions of one another. Be able to forgive, do not hold grudges, and live each day that you may share it together – as from this day forward you shall be each other’s home, comfort and refuge, your marriage strengthened by your love and respect for each other.

Closing:
Priestess: Amy and Marshall have declared their love before this gathering, and made their pledges to each other. Therefore, by the authority given to me by the state, and by the depth of your commitment to each other, I take great pleasure in introducing this newly united couple, Mr. and Mrs. xxxx.