Ceremonies
There
are many different types of ceremonies in the Craft that people aren't
exactly clear on. Listed are a few here, but if you click on the title
of the ceremony, it will take you to a page with an example of that
ceremony. Mind you these are just some examples of ceremonies. There
are many more but i post these from my own experience. If you wish a
ceremony to be posted here, please let me know and i will find it or
post it if i already have it.
There is a wiccaning ceremony
that asks the Elders and Gods and Goddesses to look over a child after
they are born and until they decide on their own which faith they
practice. This in no way, shape or form makes the child wiccan. It is
simply asking for a blessing over the child.
A sample Wiccaning Ceremony
You will need:
~altar set up for the four elements
~illuminator candles
~a NEW baby blanket, big enough to wrap the child in
~8 (13 inch long) ribbons
*carefully
sew the ribbons onto the blanket, thinking of what they stand for as
you sew. Each ribbon's color stands for a special gift.
WHITE: The gift of spiritual success and free will and the purification of spirit.
SILVER: The gift of psychism and the love of the Goddess.
BLUE: The gift of communication and intellegence.
GREEN: The gift of healing and attunement with nature.
YELLOW: The gift that all needs will be met in a positive way and that joy will be a constant companion.
GOLD: The gift of communication and discernment.
RED: The gift of courage, laughter and right action.
PURPLE: The gift of communication with your guardian.
INSTRUCTIONS:
Cleans
the area with the four elements. Stack any physical gifts for the baby
by the alter. AT the core of the ritual, bless the baby with Holy
Water aka Blessed Water(just a touch), saying:
"May
you be cleansed, consecrated and regenerated in the name of the Lord
and Lady (or Spirit). May your feet always walk the path of love and
enlightenment. So Mote It Be!"
Pass
the four elements over the baby, asking each for love and empowerment
in his or her forthcoming life. Place the blanket around the baby,
saying:
"Welcome
little one! May the Great Mother's blessings shower thee with the love
of family and friends by my hand on your head. I empower thee in this
Circle that never ends. I give you these gifts of life and enchantment."
Touch
each ribbon as you repeat the gift, then hold your hands over the baby
and envision all the gifts coalescing into a ball of light that
surrounds the baby. Draw an equal-armed cross over the baby, saying:
"These gifts are yours to keep or to discard when you come of age to understand them. May you use them wisely.
So Mote It Be!"
If there are other gifts to be given to the baby, do so now, then close the ritual in the normal way.
**NOTE FROM RANE**
This
is usually done within the first year but can be done up to an age of
10-12 yrs old. My preference is in increments of 3... 3 months, 6
months, 9 months, 12 months, 3 yrs, 6yrs, etc not to go older then 12
yrs as you are now getting into pubescent stage of life.
A Handfasting Ceremony is much like a marriage ceremony. It can be complex as any wedding in
history or it can be as simple as delaring yourself bound to another in
front of the God or Goddess of your choosing. It is the original form
of marriage where two people shook hands over a relationship in front
of witnesses, that took the turn of having rope, ribbon, string of
sorts tied around both hands to symbolize a union between two people,
A Handparting is just the opposite, breaking the bond between two people and going on with your life separate and apart.
Handfasting
Handfastings can be very elaborate or very simple.
There
are many books out there on handfastings and marriages. You should
consult a minister of whatever faith you choose or simply a Universal
Unitarian Minister in your area concerning any legal marriage or
ceremony that resembles marriage as well as your state and local laws.
What
follows is one ceremony that i, devoted rane, performed for someone
very close to me. I have used their online names instead of their real
names to protect their identity.
Many blessings to that wonderful couple.
~*~
Before the guests arrive measure out a circle that will hold all of the
wedding party AND the alter, giving enough room for the officiant to
stand and members to move around as necessary. I believe the one i
performed was 18 feet with candles posted at each direction and 3 tea
lights between each direction. We used a purple candle to represent
spirit as the Unity candle was white. You can use whatever you choose.
These are just the specifications the bride and i chose. Bless the
circle, mark where everyone stands and remember to mark the
entrance(from the east to represent new beginnings), close it after
all have entered and no one is to leave until you cut a doorway on the
west side(to start a new life).
.
The Wedding Opening
Friends,
family, tribe and community, We are gathered here today to celebrate
love in all its forms, but especially the love that makes a commitment
between two people. This kind of love is not afraid to make promises.
It is not afraid to work or to struggle. It seeks not only to be but to
continue. It is based not only on the pleasures of the present but on
the hopes of the future. This is the kind of love that creates an
anchor between two people, one that they can float away from and then
find their way back safely. It also anchors a home and a family and
along with such other great loves, creates the bonds of a community. We
celebrate and applaud the love and the promises of Sarge and Mira. May
they always be a living hope for the future and for all of us.
Handfastings
were the original form of marriage. It started in the British Isles and
was simply performed by the couple in front of a witness or two.
Traditionally it was no more complex then the couple joining hands and
declaring themselves united, sealing it with a kiss.
*BEST MAN*
**Call the elements forth..Light the candles at each direction. stating your wish before the element**
East: The scent of love is roses in the wind, the spring day dawns and we rise and begin.
South: the sight of love is two pair of flashing eyes that lock onto each other and reflect summer skies.
West: the taste of love is kisses like wine as we share the cup that is yours and mine.
North: the feel of love is a warm embrace, held like a babe in our safest place.
Center
(Spirit)(stand at alter facing North): the sound of love is a silent
song that runs through our souls, resounding and strong.
(return to your spot in the circle)
**OFFICIANT**
In
the many names of the God of Love, Whose love began the Universe, Whose
touch sparked all beginnings, I bless this circle and all within it.
In the many names of the Goddess of Love, whose love holds all things
together, Whose body encircles eternity, I bless this circle and all
within it.
In the many names of all who have ever loved, whose
stories are stars in the night sky, whose paths light our lives, I
bless this circle and all within it.
May only love enter and only love depart.
**MOTHER OF THE BRIDE'S BLESSING**
Long
ago, love made you and laid you in my arms. Through the years love
grew you until you came into your own. Today love joins you together as
you willingly take on this bond.
**MAID OF HONOR BLESSING**
Aphrodite foam born, green as the sea,
open the arms of these lovers as the sea rushes to greet the shore.
Aphrodite honey gold, give them sweetness at every mornings table.
Aphrodite flowering one, let your bodies learn each others language
and never forget this silent speech.