Once upon a time, in a cozy little village nestled at the foot of a towering mountain, there lived a peculiar witch named Beatrice. She was famously known as the "bum witch" due to her rather unorthodox lifestyle. While other witches focused on brewing potions and casting spells, Beatrice had a different approach to magic. Beatrice was not interested in mastering the traditional forms of witchcraft. Instead, she dedicated her time to exploring the natural world and finding magic in the ordinary. She believed that the real magic lies within ourselves and the beauty that surrounds us.
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.
She believed that the real magic lies within ourselves and the beauty that surrounds us. This unconventional mindset caused many raised eyebrows and whispers among the villagers, who couldn't quite understand Beatrice's ways. Unlike other witches who lived in grand cottages or specialized in dark and mysterious spells, Beatrice resided in a humble little shack at the edge of the village.
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.
Her home was peculiarly decorated with an assortment of herbs, flowers, and rocks, each carefully placed to create a sense of harmony and peace. The villagers often saw her tending to her garden or sitting on her porch, lost in her thoughts. Beatrice had a deep connection with nature and animals. She believed that they held the key to true magic, and she spent countless hours observing and communicating with them. The animals of the village, from squirrels to birds, seemed to be drawn to her, seeking her guidance and comfort. In the evening, Beatrice would often venture out into the forest, her tattered cloak billowing behind her. With a small basket in hand, she would gather herbs, mushrooms, and other mystical ingredients. She had a special talent for concocting healing remedies for ailments and injuries that baffled the village doctors. The villagers would secretly come to her, seeking her help when traditional medicine failed them. Despite her unique lifestyle, Beatrice was always kind and compassionate toward others. She offered a listening ear to those burdened by their worries and sorrows. Her simplicity and authenticity resonated with those who crossed her path, earning her the trust and respect of the village. The villagers grew to see the wisdom in Beatrice’s unorthodox ways. They learned to appreciate the magic in the everyday, finding solace in her teachings. She reminded them that true magic is not found in grand gestures or expensive potions but in simple acts of kindness, love, and gratitude. Thus, over time, the villagers stopped calling her the "bum witch." Instead, they affectionately referred to her as the "wise witch," as they recognized the wisdom she possessed. Beatrice had found her place in the village, not as a traditional witch but as a gentle guide, spreading her magic through her compassion and love for the world around her..
Reviews for "The Bum Witch's Herb Garden: Plants and Potions for Every Need"
- Jessica - ★☆☆☆☆
I really did not enjoy "The bum witch". The storyline was confusing and poorly developed, leaving me feeling lost and disconnected from the characters. The writing style was also very lackluster, lacking any sort of depth or emotion. Overall, it was a disappointing read and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for a captivating and well-written book.
- Mark - ★★☆☆☆
"The bum witch" had potential, but it fell short for me. The plot had promising elements, but the execution was lacking. The characters felt one-dimensional and their motivations were not well explained. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, which made it difficult to stay engaged. Overall, it was an average read that didn't live up to the hype.
- Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I was really looking forward to "The bum witch", but unfortunately, it didn't meet my expectations. The writing style was overly descriptive, dragging the story along and making it a chore to read. The characters were also uninteresting, with no development or relatability. Overall, it was a forgettable book that failed to leave a lasting impression.