A Witch handfasting ritual is a pagan wedding ceremony that has its roots in ancient Celtic traditions. The word "handfasting" comes from the custom of binding the couple's hands together with a cord or ribbon, symbolizing their commitment to one another. This practice is believed to have originated in Scotland, where it was a legal form of marriage until the early 18th century. In a Witch handfasting ritual, the couple usually chooses a sacred space, such as a forest or a meadow, to exchange their vows. They may invite friends and family to join them, or keep the ceremony intimate with just the two of them. The officiant, who is often a Wiccan priest or priestess, guides the couple through the ritual, invoking the blessings of the earth, air, fire, and water.
There are many variations to a handfasting rite. It all depends on the bride, groom and the High Priestess whom they chose to preside over their wedding ceremony and arrangements should be agreed with all 3 people.
If you re looking for a way to add an extra layer of meaning to your wedding ceremony, know that incorporating unity rituals into the celebration is any easy way to do just that. Considering we were in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina right out in plain view of the road and all the country neighbors, and wandering dogs who came to sniff out what weird incenses were burning the entire event was a miraculous triumph of Love and the Old Religion.
The officiant, who is often a Wiccan priest or priestess, guides the couple through the ritual, invoking the blessings of the earth, air, fire, and water. The centerpiece of the handfasting ceremony is the binding of the couple's hands. The cord or ribbon is usually chosen for its symbolism, such as the color representing love or fertility.
When Witches Wed: A Hand-Fasting Ritual
Last weekend it was my honor to officiate the marriage rites of two Witches in my tradition. It was a fun blend of things the average North Carolinian could expect to find at the other end of a wedding invitation, and then a total trip on the wyrd side, too. These witches are out ‘n’ proud and chose to unabashedly invite their family and friends of all faith traditions and walks of life to join them for their Wiccan-style Hand-Fasting rites.
Afterward, they threw a southern Pig-Pickin’ Barbecue reception with delicious home-catered food. There was music and dancing and a whole tent just for the booze. They also hired me to mehndi the Bride’s hands and feet with traditional bridal henna designs. It was a schweet gig!
Hand-Fasting of Clare and Buddy Hobby, Sept. 10, 2016 – Photo used with Permission
Both the Bride and Groom saw these rites as not just a legal opportunity to interweave their two families, but a magickal opportunity as well. So they invited their closest family members to take speaking roles, and present a cord in the hand-fasting ceremony; they all rocked it like old pros! There were around 150 guests, and as far as I know most had never witnessed anything close to a Wiccan ritual before, yet they enthusiastically brought some loving mojo to the festivities!
I won’t deny that I was nervous about accepting this charge to be their officiant. It was my first solo gig of this magnitude. I’ve conducted at least a hundred rituals, but a marriage isn’t your average full moon esbat, where if you flub it up, oh well, better luck next month, and there aren’t any cameras to catch you. A wedding may be the most important rite in your whole life! No pressure.
I’ve only ever witnessed one other hand-fasting, and co-led one small rite of engagement (a hand-fasting set for only a year and a day.) In that case they didn’t stay together the whole year, and it was something of a nightmare break-up for both of them, and that broke my heart, too. I learned a lot from that one ritual–mostly that the officiant must make it really, really clear what is at stake if you break the vows. Now, I won’t conduct any rite that I don’t feel absolutely confident is a good idea.
The couple's hands are bound together in a figure-eight pattern, symbolizing the infinite nature of their love and commitment. This act is accompanied by spoken vows or blessings, which can be personalized to reflect the couple's beliefs and desires. **The main idea of a Witch handfasting ritual is that it is a pagan wedding ceremony that includes the binding of the couple's hands to symbolize their commitment to one another.** After the binding, the couple may exchange rings or other tokens of their love and commitment. They may also jump over a broomstick, a tradition believed to bring good fortune and fertility to the marriage. The ceremony concludes with a shared meal or feast, where the couple and their guests celebrate the union and offer their blessings. Witch handfasting rituals are deeply spiritual and emphasize the connection between nature, love, and sacred union. They are highly customizable, allowing the couple to incorporate their own beliefs and traditions into the ceremony. Whether it is a small gathering of close friends or a larger celebration, a Witch handfasting ritual is a beautiful way to honor and deepen the bond between two individuals..
Reviews for "The Significance of Handfasting in Witchcraft: Past and Present"
1. Emily - 1 star
I attended the Witch handfasting ritual with high hopes and excitement, but was ultimately disappointed. The overall atmosphere was lacking, with very little energy or engagement from the participants. The ritual itself felt poorly thought out and rushed, with no clear structure or guidance. The participants seemed unsure of what they were supposed to be doing, which made it confusing and difficult to follow along. Overall, I found the experience to be underwhelming and unfulfilling.
2. Jacob - 2 stars
I was intrigued by the concept of a Witch handfasting ritual, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The organization and execution of the event were subpar, with a lack of clear instructions and direction. The ritual itself felt disjointed and uncoordinated, with different elements thrown together without any logical flow. Additionally, the facilitators did little to create a welcoming and inclusive environment, making me feel like an outsider. Overall, I left the event feeling unsatisfied and wishing for a more well-planned and engaging experience.
3. Samantha - 2.5 stars
While I appreciate the effort that went into organizing the Witch handfasting ritual, I was left disappointed with the execution. The facilitators did not adequately explain the purpose and significance of the various rituals and symbols used, leaving me feeling confused and disconnected. Furthermore, the ritual itself lacked a cohesive structure, making it challenging to fully immerse myself in the experience. I also found the overly scripted nature of the event to be off-putting, as it took away from the authenticity and spontaneity that I was hoping for. Overall, I was left wanting a more immersive and meaningful experience.