Me? Ordained?23:39 Jan 17 2006
Times Read: 900
No, but the laws of Colorado are such, that as long as a marriage license exists, anyone may perform the ceremony.
I was asked to officiate at one of my oldest friend's wedding.
We've chosen a handfasting ceremony. It is as follows. (Gods, I am nervous!)
Ric and Rebecca , please join hands.
Know now before you go further, that since your lives have crossed in this life you have formed ties between each other.
As you seek to enter this state of matrimony you should strive to make real, the ideals, which give meaning to both this ceremony and the institution of marriage.
With full awareness, know that within this circle you are not only declaring your intent to be hand-fasted before your friends and family, but you speak that intent also to the Gods. The promises made today and the ties that are bound here greatly strengthen your union; they will cross the years and lives of each soul's growth.
Do you still seek to enter this ceremony?
Couple: Yes, We Seek to Enter.
In times past it was believed that the human soul shared characteristics with all things divine. It is this belief which assigned virtues to the cardinal directions; East, South, West and North. It is in this tradition that a blessing is offered in support of this ceremony.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the East. Communication of the heart, mind, and body. Fresh beginnings with the rising of each Sun. The knowledge of the growth found in the sharing of silences.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the South. Warmth of hearth and home. The heat of the heart's passion. The light created by both To lighten the darkest of times.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the West. The deep commitments of the lake. The swift excitement of the river. The refreshing cleansing of the rain. The all encompassing passion of the sea.
Blessed be this union with the gifts of the North. Firm foundation on which to build. Fertility of the fields to enrich your lives. A stable home to which you may always return.
Each of these blessings from the four cardinal directions emphasizes those things, which will help you build a happy and successful union. Yet they are only tools. Tools, which you must use together in order to create what you seek in this union.
I bid you look into each other’s eyes.
Ric , Will you cause her pain?
I May
Is that your intent?
No
Rebecca , Will you cause him pain?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you share each other's pain and seek to ease it?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*First cord is draped across the couple’s hands*
Rebecca , Will you share his laughter?
Yes
Ric Will you share her laughter?
Yes
*To Both*
Will both of you look for the brightness in life and the positive in each other?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Second chord is draped across the couples hands*
Rebecca , Will you burden him?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
Ric Will you burden her?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you share the burdens of each so that your spirits may grow in this union?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Drape third chord across the couples hands*
Rebecca , will you share his dreams?
Yes
Ric will you share her dreams?
Yes
*To Both*
Will you dream together to create new realities and hopes?
Yes
And so the binding is made.
*Drape fourth chord across the couples hands*
Ric will you cause her anger?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
Rebecca , will you cause him anger?
I may
Is that your intent?
No
*To Both*
Will you take the heat of anger and use it to temper the strength of this union?
We Will
And so the binding is made.
*Drape fifth chord across the couples hands*
Rebecca , Will you honor him?
I will
Ric Will you honor her?
I will
*To Both*
Will you seek to never give cause to break that honor?
We shall never do so
And so the binding is made.
*Drape sixth chord across the couples hands*
*Tie chords together while saying:*
The knots of this binding are not formed by these chords but instead by your vows. Either of you may drop the chords, for as always, you hold in your own hands the making or breaking of this union.
*Once chords are tied together they are removed and placed on altar*
Blessing and Exchange of Rings
Who holds the rings?
Assignees: We do
(the hold their hands up to display the rings and holds them up to be blessed)
Let us bless these rings! These rings are circles, symbols that remind us of the Sun, and the Earth, and the universe. Symbols of holiness, of perfection and peace ... that which has no beginning and no end.
And so, in this moment, bring your blessing to these rings to also be symbols of unity, of joining and of commitment. Grant that the love which Rebecca and Ric have for each other now may always be just this way.
These are the rings that Rebecca and Ric will wear for the rest of their lives, that express the love that they have for one another. Let us take a moment and send our prayers, our thoughts and our love to these rings, so that as they wear them, they will carry our love with them as well.
(Exchange rings and state for each, “with this ring, I thee wed”)
Recognition Of Marriage
Only a couple can administer the sacrament of marriage to each other, and only a couple can sanctify it. Neither the church, nor any power vested in me, can grant me the authority to declare what only two hearts can declare, and what only two souls can make real.
And so now, inasmuch as you, Ric , and you, Rebecca , have announced the truths that are already written in your hearts, and have witnessed the same in the presence of these, your family and friends, -- we observe joyfully that you have declared yourselves to be ... husband and wife.
I present to you Mrs. Rebecca and Mr. Ric Arthur
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