Handfasting?

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 21 Oct 2002, and now archived in the Forum Library.

mirja crimson	21 Oct 2002
I'm not sure if this is the right forum to post this in, so feel free to move me! My friend is going to have a handfasting ceremony in about a year. He said it's like marriage... but he doesn't explain well and I'm still lost on what it is! Can anyone explain it? I'd appreciate it!!

Phoenix	21 Oct 2002
Well, there are many different handfasting rituals, but I will do my best to explain. A handfasting is a pagan wedding ceremony, stemming from Celtic marriage rituals. Traditionally, it is done on the Midsummers eve(Summer Solstice) I believe. When one takes place, a ritual circle is cast, and a sacred fire is built. The couple then enters the circle, and proceeds to the altar where a High Priestess(some traditions include a High Priest as well) whi is the symbol of the Goddess on earth. The couple then exchanges rings, says vows, the the High Priestess takes a string, and ties the left hands of the couples together. he couple then walks around the fire and back to the altar, where they kiss. In a sense, it is very similar to a Christian Wedding. If anyone else has anything to add, please feel free, but I believe that this is the "basics" for the Handfasting. Hope this helps!

Kirali	22 Oct 2002
From what I've learned about handfasting, it is where a couple decides to live together for one year, and it's a ceremony like marriage and they loosely tie the couple's hands together. Fast-forward to a year later and a day later (to correspond with the 13 moons and lunar cycle, I believe), if the couple decides to stay together, they tie their hands together again with a knot for a permanent union! Therefore the old saying, "tying the knot" is taken from this pagan ceremony. Correct me if I'm wrong. On google, a while ago when I was looking for information, I found this wonderful site about it and everyone in the ceremony wore beautiful robes and mideval costumes. They had wonderful pictures and it made me want a ceremony like that, if I decide to ever get married. ;) *edit* it's a year and a day sorry, not a year! :)

Indigo	22 Oct 2002
The word handfasting is used by a lot of pagans to describe the whole marriage ceremony. Other traditions beside the "tying of the knot" are also sometimes included in the ritual, like jumping over a broom, jumping over a fire... all sorts of cool stuff to declare the couple's love. My partner and I were handfasted at Beltaine 2 1/2 years ago, and we decided to repeat our vows each year. (I want to go to Las Vegas and have an Elvis impersonator as High Priest on our 10th anniversary ;) ) Since we're lesbians, ours was not legally binding, but some handfastings can be, depending on the wishes of the couple and the laws of the state/country. Congratulations to your friend, Mirja!

Kiama	23 Oct 2002
I believe the modern Handfasting is taken from teh Celtic tradition of it. Think marriage, but throw in Pagan Gods and beliefs, take out a church and instead add in maybe a nice outside scene, take out pews, and instead usually add in a circle of family and friends... My boyfriend and I will be having a Handfasting June 21st 2004 (Yep guys, we've finally set the actual date!) Kiama

Kirali	24 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama My boyfriend and I will be having a Handfasting June 21st 2004 (Yep guys, we've finally set the actual date!) That's wonderful!! :) Congratulations! I wish you both the best! *edit* spelling.. bleh hehe

mirja crimson	24 Oct 2002
Quote: Originally posted by Kiama My boyfriend and I will be having a Handfasting June 21st 2004 (Yep guys, we've finally set the actual date!)Kiama Yea!! That's awesome!! Congrats! Thank you so much for all your imformation Kiama, and everyone who posted! It was exactly what I was looking for!

Riversea	24 Oct 2002
Brightest and happiest blessings, Kiama!

Moonklad	25 Oct 2002
Congrats Kiama! well, my Sweetie and I were Handfasted in a Pagan ceremony at which time our HPS also legally married us. We got handfasted underneath a full moon of Friday the 13th. It was a memorable moment. There were many "non-pagans" there who thought the ceremony was more true to the heart that alot of traditional weddings. We wrote our own vows and most of the handfasting ceremony ourselves. For us, the handfasting was meant to be a life long commitment or for as long as our love will last and not a year and a day as some make theirs. Blessings, Moonklad

DeLani	03 Nov 2002
I love doing handfastings! In fact, I wrote a book about it..."Your Guide to a Magical Handfasting." I still haven't found a publisher, but I'm looking. Hopefully I'll get one soon, and you can pick it up and read it! Wish me luck! BTW - Congrats Kiama!

The Handfasting? thread was originally posted on 21 Oct 2002 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.