Occult Nuptial Traditions Occult nuptial traditions are an intriguing and often misunderstood aspect of wedding ceremonies. Rooted in ancient beliefs and practices, these rituals aim to infuse the union with spiritual energies and invoke blessings for the couple's future together. While some may view these traditions as mysterious or even taboo, they hold deep significance for those who engage in them. One prevalent occult nuptial tradition is the use of sacred symbols. From ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to Celtic knotwork, symbols have long been associated with wedding rituals. Couples may incorporate these symbols into their ceremony, décor, or attire to represent their desires for harmony, protection, and fertility.
Wicca is probably the most recognized modern Pagan movement in the US. It’s a staple in teen television shows and late night movies, and it’s traditional study of plant magics and remedies shares countless similarities with mainstream homeopathic medicine. Common denominations of Wicca in the US include Celtic, Gardnerian, and Eclectic Wicca, and the solo practice of Hedgewitchery.
One of the most popular denominations of modern Heathenism is Asatru, an earth-centered religion steeped in Viking lore and filled with the harsh and heroic mythology of Norse gods. For example, Wicca first gained popularity in England in the 1950s, and its rituals were recreated through the study of folklore, historical texts, mythology, and indigenous religions.
Couples may incorporate these symbols into their ceremony, décor, or attire to represent their desires for harmony, protection, and fertility. Another commonly observed occult nuptial tradition is the performance of rituals to invoke divine blessings. These rituals can vary greatly depending on cultural and religious contexts.
Wedding Blog
Most of us know at least one person who has recently been married and planned a wedding—many of us know several. The wedding ceremony can be one of the most spiritual and meaningful rituals a couple can experience together, and weddings oftentimes include a myriad of ceremonial traditions and etiquette passed on through generations. Yet have you ever wondered how and why weddings and wedding traditions are what they are?
Who decided that eating a year-old cake was a good idea? Why does the groom stand on the right side of the pulpit, not the left? Is there a perfect time and date to get married? Where did the phrase, "tie the knot" originate? How did the bouquet and garter toss come about?
Whether you call it wedding etiquette, traditions, cultural beliefs, or (my personal favorite) superstitions, I've explored many of these questions and had fun doing it! I know would like to share what I've learned with you!
The Significance of Wedding Dates and Times
Have you ever heard the following wedding rhymes, both of which are widely quoted in wedding books & on the Internet:
Married when the year is new, he'll be loving, kind and true.
When February birds do mate, you wed nor dread your fate.
If you wed when March winds blow, joy and sorrow both you'll know.
Marry in April when you can, Joy for Maiden and for Man.
Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day.
Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you'll go.
Those who in July do wed, must labour for their daily bred.
Whoever wed in August be, many a change is sure to see
Marry in September's shrine, your living will be rich and fine.
If in October you do marry, love will come but riches tarry.
If you wed in bleak November, only joys will come,
Remember, when December snows fall fast, marry and true love will last.
Marry in May and you'll live to rue the day
Marry in Lent, live to repent
Marry on Monday for wealth, Tuesday for health, Wednesday the best of all, Thursday for crosses, Friday for losses, Saturday no luck at all, and Sunday most popular of all.
Was why May traditionally considered an unsuitable month for marriage? This goes back to Pagan times, when May was the month of hedonistic outdoor festivals that marked the beginning of the summer season. Because of this, it was often thought of as an inappropriate time for newlyweds to begin their life together.
The sun, moon, and seasons have always played a major role in spiritual rituals as they were thought to predict a bride's fertility. For example, to marry when it's a full moon was considered lucky, but not so during a waning moon.
What about specific wedding days? Well, Asian cultures have always held a high respect for numbers. Eight has typically represented prosperity, while four symbolizes death. In Western cultures, thirteen is a bad omen. This preoccupation with dates, times, and seasons even concerned the Romans, who were known for studying pig entrails to determine the most auspicious marriage date.
If you've ever wondered why some ceremonies are held in the evening: another superstition suggests that vows are exchanged when the big hand on the clock moves upwards (5:30 p.m. onward). The upward movement supposedly indicates the willingness to work together and bring blessings to the couple as the minute hand "ascends towards heaven."
The Tradition of "Tying The Knot"
It's a phrase we often hear, but do you know its origins? The Romans were said to have girdled up the bride with a multitude of knots in her wedding gown, and it was the groom's duty on the wedding day to untie her. Celtic custom and some other cultures still partake in hand fastening. Couples' hands are tied together with ribbon, symbolically and actually bonding them together with the eternity knot highlighting their commitment to each other and the marriage.
The Groom on the Right, the Bride on the Left
During the wedding, placing the bride to the left of the groom allowed him to have his right hand free. By keeping his right hand free, the groom could fight off other suitors, and he was able to draw his sword to defend his bride. This was where the Best Man came in, as he was typically the strongest friend that would then also help fight off suitors or relatives that might want the bride back.
The Wedding Cake
The wedding cake originated in Ancient Rome. Wedding guests would break a loaf of bread over the bride's head to encourage fertility. Beautifully tiered cakes became popular in the 19 th Century. With the tiered cakes, couples incorporated a game where the bride & groom attempted to kiss over the tiers without knocking the cake down. With large cakes, there were always leftovers, and so it became tradition to save the leftover cake until 9 months later to be reused at a christening party once a baby arrived.
Cutting the cake has always symbolized two people coming together as one, and then eating the cake (as a guest at a wedding) was traditionally done in celebration of this unity, and to wish good luck to the newlyweds.
Ready for a to-go slice? There's also a superstition that if an unmarried man or woman sleeps with a piece of wedding cake under their pillow, they will dream of and discover their future spouse.
Boutonniere, Bouquet, and Garter Toss
During the medieval times, a knight would wear the colors of his lady as he rode into battle. This tradition evolved into one where the groom wore the color of his bride. The history of the bouquet & garter toss is not as romantic. It was considered lucky to obtain a piece of the bride's clothing. To obtain a piece of the gown, the guests would follow the couple into the wedding chamber, and stand around the bed to strip a piece of the bride's gown off her. Brides began to throw their bouquets to distract the guests, and grooms would toss the garter to the assembled guests to prove the consummation of marriage.
The history and evolution of wedding traditions and superstitions is fascinating, especially as we consider how these practices are celebrated today. What is kept and what is changed as we incorporate the old traditions with the modern age highlights how society has evolved itself. Yet no matter what traditions are kept and which are left behind, a wedding continues to be an important ceremony that represents the joining of two individuals who have decided to dedicate themselves to each other.
Whatever you choose to believe about this story, we're certain that bridal bouquets aren't going anywhere anytime soon! It's a beautiful tradition and accessory that you can have as a keepsake for the rest of your years.
For example, in Hindu weddings, the couple may perform a fire ritual called Agni Pariksha, symbolizing the purification of their union. In Wiccan ceremonies, the couple may cast a circle, call upon the elements, and exchange vows while surrounded by the sacred energies of nature. Magical objects and talismans also play a significant role in occult nuptial traditions. These objects are believed to harness mystical powers and can be used to channel positive energies into the marriage. For instance, placing a rose quartz crystal, known for its association with love and harmony, beneath the couple's wedding bed is thought to enhance their bond. Furthermore, the use of divination or fortune-telling methods is often part of occult nuptial traditions. Couples may seek the guidance of astrologers, Tarot readers, or other diviners to gain insight into their compatibility, future challenges, and the overall success of their marriage. These practices are aimed at providing the couple with a deeper understanding of their union and aiding them in navigating potential obstacles. In conclusion, occult nuptial traditions are a fascinating facet of wedding ceremonies that have been passed down through generations. Despite their esoteric nature, these practices hold profound meaning for those who embrace them. By incorporating sacred symbols, performing rituals, utilizing magical objects, and seeking divination, couples aspire to create a spiritually enriched and blessed union..
Reviews for "Spellbound Love: Unleashing Magickal Energies in Occult Nuptial Ceremonies"
1. Jane - 1/5 stars - I found "Occult nuptial traditions" to be extremely disappointing. The book promised to provide an in-depth exploration of occult rituals related to weddings, but instead, it was a collection of poorly researched and superficial information. The author seemed to have a basic understanding of the subject matter and failed to provide any interesting or insightful analysis. I was expecting a thought-provoking read, but I was left feeling unsatisfied and underwhelmed.
2. Mark - 2/5 stars - As someone with a genuine interest in occult practices, I was excited to pick up "Occult nuptial traditions" to learn more about the hidden rituals associated with weddings. However, the book fell short of my expectations. The information provided was basic and lacked depth. It felt like a rushed and shallow overview of a complex topic. The author also failed to cite credible sources, making it difficult to trust the accuracy of the information presented. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for a comprehensive exploration of occult wedding traditions.
3. Sarah - 2.5/5 stars - "Occult nuptial traditions" had the potential to be an intriguing read, but unfortunately, it fell flat. The writing style was convoluted and hard to follow, making it difficult to engage with the content. The book failed to provide a clear structure and often jumped between different topics without proper transitions. Additionally, the author seemed more focused on providing personal anecdotes rather than delivering solid research and analysis. While there were a few interesting points scattered throughout, they were overshadowed by the overall disappointing execution of the book.