Paganistan: Notes from the Secret Commonwealth
In Which One Midwest Man-in-Black Confers, Converses & Otherwise Hob-Nobs with his Fellow Hob-Men (& -Women) Concerning the Sundry Ways of the Famed but Ill-Starred Tribe of Witches.
'My Life, My Love, My Earthly Worship': Handfasting at the Witches' Sabbat
When the Tribe of Witches foregathers in immemorial Grand Sabbat, it's only natural that they should enact the traditional rites of passage.
Grand Sabbat: Handfasting
Horned
(stands before altar)
Stand forth W. Stand forth M.
Couple approaches altar.
Horned
M, W: is it your will to be joined together, here before all the people?
Couple answers.
Horned
M, what do you give this woman in place of what she leaves behind for you?
Groom
My life, my love, my earthly worship.
Horned
So. (Or: It is enough.)
W, what do you give this man in place of what he leaves behind for you?
Bride
My life, my love, my earthly worship.
Horned
So. (Or: It is enough.)
Priest and priestess blood couple. Couple bloods the quaich of apple wine; together, they drink.
Horned
(Joins hands.)
Strength to strength.
Repeat after me:
By the setting of the Sun, by the rising of the Moon,
I...take you...to my hand.
Couple repeats.
Horned
Wraps cord around hands, knots cord three times. With each knot, he says:
So mote it be!
[People join in.]
Raises joined hands. Cheers. Couple kisses.
Song (all): Many Years
Drums up, hands clap.
Couple circles Fire three times.
Couple leaps Fire, runs off to woods to consummate. Applause.
A quaich is a two-handled drinking vessel traditionally used at handfastings.
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