The Marriage of A and S
February 26, 2004

CEREMONY

In lieu of casting a circle, we would like everyone to join in a brief breathing and grounding exercise to focus attention on 
the ceremony, and create sacred space.


[Priestess]

Welcome, friends and family! We are gathered today to celebrate the union of A  and S in marriage. This ceremony is but an outward 
sign of their inward union of heart, mind and spirit, a celebration of the joining of two souls already attuned to each other. When 
such a true bond exists between two people, it is fitting that an outer acknowledgement be made. We are here to bear witness to the 
entry into life partnership of these beloved friends who are already one in spirit.


(To couple)  I ask you now to state your intentions. A, is it true that you come of your own free will and accord?


[A]

Yes, it is true. I have come of my own free will, in perfect love and perfect trust, to seek the partnership of S.


[Priestess]

And you, S, do you also come here today of your own accord?


[S]

Yes, I come of my own free will, in perfect love and perfect trust, to seek the partnership of A.


[Priestess]

Please join hands with your betrothed.


Moving to the altar, Priestess lights the incense and says: Powers of the air, weave tightly the bonds of Heart, Spirit, and Love between 
A and S. Let none undo the fabric of their love. Smudges the couple with incense.

Priestess lights candles and says: Powers of fire, ignite the passion and love for A and S, ever burning yet never one consuming the other.

Priestess raises the chalice up to the sky, saying: Powers of water, bless A and S with a love as deep as any ocean. Sprinkles some water over 
the couple’s heads.

Priestess anoints their foreheads with rose oil saying: Powers of the earth, bless A and S with strength and wisdom as long as life and love lasts!

Above you are the stars, below you are the stones, as time doth pass, remember... Like a stone should your love be firm like a star should your 
love be constant. Let the powers of the mind and of the intellect guide you in your marriage, let the strength of your wills bind you together, 
let the power of love and desire make you happy, and the strength of your dedication make you inseparable. Be close, but not too close. Possess 
one another, yet be understanding. Have patience with one another, for storms will come, but they will pass quickly. Be free in giving affection 
and warmth. Let the innocent passion and joy of your relationship be with you always.


The giving and receiving of the circular rings symbolizes eternity. (beat)


Circles represent eternity, and though our lives are finite, love - the creative force that binds us together, the force that gives new life - 
is everlasting. 

S, I have not the right to bind thee to A, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.

[S]

It is my wish. (places ring in A’s hand)

[Priestess]

A, if it be your wish for Sherry to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger. (places ring on S's left ring finger)

A, I have not the right to bind thee to S, only you have this right. If it be your wish, say so at this time and place your ring in her hand.

[A]

It is my wish. (places ring in S’s hand)

[Priestess]

S, if it be your wish for A to be bound to you, place the ring on her finger. (places ring on A's left ring finger) 

(to S)
Repeat after me: 
I, S…   
give you this ring as a symbol of my eternal love and commitment…   
All that I am and all that I have, I offer to you in love and in joy…   

I, S, take you A, to be my wife,…   
from this day forward…   
To be your constant friend, your partner in life, and your true love…    
I will love and comfort you without reservation…   
honor and respect you…   
protect you from harm…   
hold you close…   
and promise to grow with you in mind and spirit for all the days of our lives.

(to A)
Repeat after me: 
I, A…   
give you this ring as a symbol of my eternal love and commitment…   
All that I am and all that I have, I offer to you in love and in joy…   

I, A, take you S, to be my wife,…   
from this day forward…   
To be your constant friend, your partner in life, and your true love…    
I will love and comfort you without reservation…   
honor and respect you…   
protect you from harm…   
hold you close…   
and promise to grow with you in mind and spirit for all the days of our lives.


Couple and Priestess move to table where sits 4 candles. Priestess asks Z to join them, and asks them to each light a candle.

These three candles are yourselves. Each of you is a whole and complete human being.

Together, light the forth candle, but extinguish not the first three. For in marriage and family you do not lose yourself; you add something new, 
a relationship, the capacity to merge into one another without losing sight of your individual self.

(to A)
A, as the new parent in Z’s life, do you agree to accept Z as your child…to raise and lift him? To guide him when needed? To share your wisdom? 
To support the relationship he has with S? To love and cherish him?

[A]

Yes, I will.

[Priestess]

(to Z)
Z, as the child of this new family, do you agree to accept Anne as your parent …to listen to her wisdom and guidance? To share your wisdom? 
To support their relationship together? To cherish her being in your life?
[Z]

Yes, I will.

[Priestess]

(to S)
S, as Z’s mother, do you agree to support the relationship between Z and A ….To share your wisdom and experience with them both? To support the 
relationship he has with A? To love and cherish him?

[S]

Yes, I will.

(S and A present Z with a commitment ring, and place it on his finger)
(Priestess asks Z to sit down)

[Priestess]

(Handing chalice to S) May you drink your fill from the cup of life. May you never thirst.

(S holds chalice to A while she sips, then A takes chalice and holds it to S while she sips, and then returns cup to Priestess) 

(Handing bread to S) May you eat your fill from the food of the earth. May you never hunger.

(Same procedure repeated with bread, S feeding A and A feeding S)

May that glory which rests on all who love, rest upon you, bless you, and fill you with happiness and a gracious spirit. May all that is noble 
and lovely and true abound in your hearts, and abide within you. May it give you strength in all your days together. May you accept life's rewards 
and bear its burdens together for all time.

Then, as the Goddess and the God and the Old Ones
Are witness to this rite
I now pronounce you Partners For Life. You may embrace.
 
 

{some sort of conclusion, like: “Merry Meet and Merry Part and Merry Meet Again,” “Blessed be.” Etc… Invite everyone to stay/socialize/drink/have 
cake/whatever}