Rites

We have added this section to the website quite simply because we have a lot of enquiries about the following services. We have decided that we will offer Handfasting Rites through Witchcraft Emporium. Other such services may be available in the future. Below is some general Handfasting information on the Rite itself and what we offer.

What is a Handfasting?

A Handfasting is a beautiful marriage ritual based on ancient Celtic tradition. In days of old the Handfasting was traditionally seen as a rite of betrothal, lasting a year and a day. If all goes well, after the year and a day the two lovers would hold a second Handfasting ceremony that would bind together hearts, minds, bodies and spirits for as long as love is shared between the two.

Today many Handfasting ceremonies skip the betrothal period especially if the couple have been together some time and go straight to the joining of the couple for the duration of their love. A Handfasting can last forever, so long as love remains, even unto the lives that may follow. The only thing that may sever a Handfasting is if the love between the couple fades.

Most often a Handfasting will be held outside, in as natural a setting as possible amongst nature and the Elements. The space chosen is decorated with flowers and foliage of the season, lit with candles and perfumed with incense. It is a space that is honoured and made sacred to the Elements of nature, and one that is made special for this most honoured and romantic tradition. Handfastings are a time of joyous revelry and magical merriment. It's a perfectly wonderful reason to dress in fanciful, flamboyant garb and wear flowers in one's hair, entering into the spirit of romantic times past.

The ceremony is presided over by a Priest and Priestess chosen by the couple for their knowledge of the Rite. The space is made sacred with words and gestures that acknowledge nature and the Elements and fortuitous spirits are invoked

The couple are invited into the Sacred Circle to exchange their vows one to the other. They gaze lovingly and deeply into one another's eyes and whisper promises to each other as the Priest and Priestess gently binds their wrists together with a red cord. This is the actual 'fasting' - the red cord signifying love and knots indicating the tender bondage of their mutual commitment, hence the saying -tying the knot. Rings are exchanged along with their promises of love and the whole Rite is viewed as a sacred act between the two.

When the ceremony is over the happy couple jump the broomstick, which is a symbol of the joining together of man with woman, to ensure love and happiness for their future. Food and wine are then shared with the guests to celebrate this wonderful occasion. A Handfasting is a truly beautiful ceremony to behold and guest will take away with them a sense of times past and true romance.

Who will conduct the Rite?

Willow and Ash are an experienced High Priestess and Priest with over 40 years experience between them. They work with a local Coven, Raven Circle and have officiated over many Handfastings and other Rituals over the years. Willow has taught Witchcraft Courses both here and abroad and Ash is an experienced Rune Reader and artist. Their Witchcraft roots are very eclectic drawing inspiration from modern, contemporary and traditional sources. They believe Handfastings are a beautiful and empowering ritual honouring the love between two people, celebrated in Nature before the God and Goddess of old.

Choosing your Handfasting:

Willow and Ash will discuss with you the options for the Handfasting Ceremony. There are 3 scripts that the couple can choose from, with the Bride and Groom writing their own vows if they wish. Willow and Ash will be available to offer any assistance with the vows if needed. Willow and Ash understand that every ceremony is different and the personal requirements of each couple will fashion the overall Ritual.

Venue:

Willow and Ash are happy to travel within reason to accommodate the Couple as much as possible, but they can also arrange for the Ceremony to be held in Glastonbury at Tir Na N’Og which is set amongst stunning Somerset scenery with views across to Glastonbury Tor. The land is both ancient and sacred, lending itself to this beautiful ceremony. For more information about Tir Na N’Og click here

The space chosen for the Handfasting will be prepared by Willow and Ash in advance of the ceremony. The Circle is set up and the Altar is laid. The Circle will be cast in view of the Bride and Groom and guests. The Bride and Groom enter the Circle and the Ceremony takes place, culminating in the Jumping of the Besom symbolising their sacred union.

Equipment:

Willow and Ash will provide all their own equipment for the Casting of the Circle. If the bride and Groom would like to provide their own Wand, Chalice or Athame or, indeed all three, they are most welcome, but these need to be provided in advance of the Circle Casting.

The price of the Handfasting also includes the following:

Liaising with the Bride and Groom
Liaising with Tir Nan Og or helping with the choice of venue otherwise.
Providing the scripts
Setting up of the Sacred Space in advance

And also includes (to be kept by the couple)

Handmade Handfasting Incense – blended by Willow on the correct phase of the Moon.
Handfasting Anointing Oil – blended by Ash and consecrated to the Bride and Groom Hand rolled beeswax Quarter Candles (in appropriate colours) – rolled by Willow and Ash
Hand rolled white beeswax Altar Candles – rolled by Willow and Ash
Red cord for the fasting of hands Besom – a powerful symbol of the joining of the couple and symbolic of the sacred union of Goddess and God.
Rose Petal Wine
Traditional Sabbat Cakes – baked by Willow

 

Cost:

£500
This cost is applicable if the Rite is near or around the Glastonbury area. The cost of petrol will be taken into consideration if Willow and Ash have to journey to another area.

 

Please contact us by email if you require any further information: handfasting@witchcraftemporium.com