May the place of this rite be consecrated before the Gods. for we gather here in a ritual of love with two who would be joined. __ and______ come foward and stand here before us and before the Gods of nature.
The two to ve joined come foward at this time, the nam to the right of the woman, and stop before the priestess and the priest. The priestess says.
Be with us here, O beings of the air. With you clever fingers tie closely the bonds between these two. Be with us here, O beings of fire. Give thir love and passion your own all-consuming ador. Be with us here, O beings of water. Give them the deepest of love and richness of body, soul, and of sprit. Be with us here, O beings of earth. Let your strength and constancy be theirs for so long as they deaire to remain together. Blessed Goddess and Laughing Fod give to these before us we do ask, your love and protection. BLessed Be!
All: Blessed Be!
The priest picks up the wand and rings and holds one ind of it before him in his right hand, the priestess likewise holds the other end with her left hand, the rings on the exposed wand between them. The priestess then says to the two before her:
Place your right hands over the wand, and your rings. His hand over hers.
The priest then says:
Above you are the stars Below you the stones. As time soes pass rember... Like a star should your love be constant. Like a stone shouls your love be firm. Be colse, yet not to close. Possess one another, yet be understanding. Have pacience each with the other for storms will come, but they will go quickly. Be free in giving of affection and warmth. Make love often, and be sensuous to one another. Have no fear, andl let not the ways or words of the unlightened give you unease. For the Goddess and God are with you. Now and always.
After a pause the priestess says:
Is it your wish_(bride's name)__ to become one with this man? (answer to be given by bride_ Is it your wish ( grooms name) to become one with this woman? ( answer given by groom). does any say nay? Then as the Goddess, the God, and the Old Ones are witness to this rite YOu are now joined as one.
Not every coulpe will desire to stay together, for each person is and individual and some will differ too much to remain together. The desision to part is not one to be made lightly but if needed the final rite is to be performed.
All legal matters should be taken care of before this is done. The alter is placed to the west of ritual area and arragned the same. A double edged sharp knif should be placed before the image of the Lady, and a picture of the two who will be parting. to begin, the priestess and the priest light the candles and incense. The turn towards the others in the rite, t the priestess to the right fot he priest and thir backes to the alter. the proest holds his right hand aloft and says:
May the place of this rite be consecrated before the Old Ones. For we gather here to perform that which must be done. __ and __, come foward and stand here before us.
The two come foward at this time, the man to the right of the woman, and stop before the priestess and priest, the priestess says:
YOu both do fully know the import of this step. so now for the very last time... Do you wish__womans name_______ to part? Do you wish____mans name______ to part?
If one or both says no then the rite will be halted and an attempt at reconcilliation will be made. If this attempt fails, of if both say yes the priestess will tke the picture form the alter, place it in the incense smoke for a moment, and give it to the couple before her, saying:
Here in this place and befoe the eyes of the Old Ones and creatures of the elements I bid you to distroy this symbol of your life together.
The two will tare the photo and give the pieces to the priest. He shall place the pieces in the incense brasier and set them afire, while the pirestess ties a light chord abourt the right wrist of the woman and man keeping a hand's with of chord between them. The priest takes the knife from the alter and holds it aloft in salute as he stands before the woman and man. He invokes:
We so ask you , O Blessed Lady and most Revered God to heal the wounds of parting and to confort the harts of those who feel pain. When both have gone thir ways let love, and not bitterness, remain within.
He quickly cuts the chord.
You are Free.
The priestess says:
Go now, and go in peace for this rite had ended.
As the coffin is placed in the grave the priest shall place one torchbarer at teh foot of the grave, one at either side, and one behind the priest, priestess, and family who all so stand at the head. When all is in rediness the priest will hold both hands aloft and say:
We gather here now to bid farewell to a friend who must travel far. The blessings of the Goddess, of the God, and the Old Ones, andoof good friends are with you as you travel beyond.
If desired then a eugogy is given.
The priest shall say:
There is a reason for being here in this world and this life. There is a reason for leaving, When the purpose if this life are done. The soul must journey beyond to paude, to rest, to wait for those who are loved. For the world beyond is a land of eternal aummer, and of joy, far fromt he care of this world with happiness and youth anew.
The priestess shall place the three boughs of evergreen atop the coffin saying:
As the evergreen does grow and prosper both in summer and in winter, year after year. So also does the soul continue from life to life.. growing stronger, wiser, and richer.
The priest then places flowers on the casket saying:
May the servents of the Gods escort you with honor to thir own land of light, beauty, andof joy. BLESSED BE
all:
Blessed Be.
Thess last three rituals come froma book found by a friend Called Pagan rituals by The Pagan Way