Handfasting Celebration
   For Flame RavenHawk & FireWolfe of BirchTree Circle, May 1, 1999
   Facilitated by Cronelady, HPS and FastBison, HP - Elders of BirchTree Circle

Casting the Circle

Circle will be defined by Flame, FireWolfe, Cronelady and FastBison prior to arrival of guests.

A Guardian will be assigned to smudge guests as they enter the circle with sage from the shell bowl. After all have entered the circle, we will take a moment of silent interfaith Divine acknowledgment, asking that Spirit, as each individual knows/understands it, be present.

Opening Invocation (Cronelady)

What a beautiful day - the lusty month of May! What better time to conduct a Handfasting than on Beltane! Welcome!

Call Quarters: (Flame, FireWolfe, FastBison and Cronelady)

EARTH - (FastBison)

North, the physical realm - we present a dish of fertile soil. We ask for good health, a happy home and groundedness.

AIR - (Flame)

East, the mental realm - we ring a bell. We ask for wisdom and good and effective communication.

FIRE - (FireWolfe)

South, the action realm - we present the Athame. We ask for harmony and vitality.

WATER - (Cronelady)

West, the emotional realm - we pour water from the chalice. We ask for understanding and emotional support.

SPIRIT - (Guardian)

Center, the Spiritual realm. We drop some anointing oil into the fire.
 (Each guest is anointed with a drop of the oil, if they so wish).
 [crossed hands is “pass” - open hands is “accept”.]
We ask for balance and Spiritual growth.

INVOCATION of the Goddess: (Cronelady)

My Lady, you who are Maiden, the embodiment of unconditional trust and love, the one who does not yet bleed; My Lady, you who are Crone, the wise woman, the one who is there at birth and again when we leave for the Summerland, you who holds Her wise blood inside; My Lady, you who are the Great Mother, who bleeds freely - You who blessed Flame with your presence and gave her a mission in this lifetime - come once again and rest in Flame now.

INVOCATION of the God: (FastBison)

Lord, who art the strength of the hunt, and the fire in our veins, the embodiment of the life that thrives on our mother’s breast, the wisdom of the tribe, and the wild beat of the drum, We invoke thee to come and rest in FireWolfe now.

The GREAT MARRIAGE:

(FastBison inserts Athame into Chalice held by Cronelady)

THE VOWS: (Cronelady)

       A little over a year ago, Flame RavenHawk conducted a solitary personal HandParting, initiated by circumstances beyond her control, from the father of her children. Shortly thereafter, Flame and FireWolfe conducted a solitary personal Handfasting. Since it is exactly one year and one day since that dedication to each other, we gather here, before community, to witness a renewal of the vows they have already made with each other.
    Others may ask at this time, “Who gives this woman to this man?” But Woman is not property to be bought and sold - given and taken. Therefore I ask Flame — “Do you come here of your own free will and accord?”

Flame: I do.

       Flame and FireWolfe, please join hands and listen to what we say:
LOVE is a decision. Love can involve sexual unity and is all wound up with passion — but the physical unity should only be by mutual desiring. “Love is a decision” means understanding, acceptance and commitment to your beloved. Have patience with one another, for storms and change will come, but also will they pass. Be free with each other in giving and accepting affection and warmth. Know that Goddess and God is with you and in you, both forever and for all time.

UNITY CANDLE: (Cronelady)

       As you rededicate yourselves before your community as witness, we acknowledge that you have shared many experiences as if you were one, but yet, you retain your individual identities. We invite you now to light this candle as a symbol of your Unity. May your love for one another be always symbolized by this flame, and may this light guide you in your new life together.

RINGS: (Cronelady)

Do you, Flame and FireWolfe, wish to rededicate your rings and your lives, one to the other?

Flame & FireWolfe: We do. (They do so privately).

Affirmation of Vows:

(Cronelady) FireWolfe, please repeat after me:
“I, FireWolfe, in all the names of God, and the love I have for you, I join with you, Flame, my chosen one.”

(FastBison)  Flame, please repeat after me:
“I, Flame, in all the names of the Goddess, and the love that I have for you, I join with you, FireWolfe, my chosen one.”

APACHE WEDDING PRAYER (Cronelady)

Now you will feel no rain,
       For each of you will be shelter to the other.
Now you will feel no cold,
       For each of you will be warmth to the other.
Now there is no more loneliness,
       For each of you will be companion to the other.
You are now and forever will be two bodies,
       But there is one life before you, together.
May your days be good and long upon Mother Earth!

FINAL BLESSING: (FastBison)

May the Four Winds Bless You,
       May you always Dream Gently,
               and May You Never Thirst!!