Rituals

A Norse Wiccan Handfasting Rite

The Lady should be dressed in white
wearing a long wide headdress
or
veil fastened to the top of her head
or hanging down her back
At her breast she wears a jewel or rune ornament in rememberance of Lady Freyas powerful and magical Brisingamen gem
The keys to the new home
or an ornate set of keys on a colored sash are on the altar to be presented to the Bride as symbol of her attaining to the household

An attendant carries a sword for the Lord
It can be worn or simply carried

When all is in readiness
the Godi asks all to be silent for a moment and then says
We are gathered here at this time
To mark and to witness the handfasting
Of two who would become one

At this time and at this place we call upon
The Allfather Odin
Freya of love and desire
And Goodfriend Thor
To witness the words that here shall be spoken

In the ancient manner do we also invoke
The Goddess Var
who
As told in our ancient legends
Hears the vows
Of men and of women

After a pause of five heart beats
the Godia says
Carry in the Hammer
To consecrate this union
Lay this symbol of our Gods
In the lap of each
To so join these two together
With the hand of Var

A Hammer of Thor is brought forth
and the Godi says to the Lord
Kneel now to receive the ancient blessing

To the Lord as the Hammer is touched to him
Before the High Gods and before our people
Art thou blessed anew once again

The Hammer of Thor is handed to the Godia who says to the Lady
Kneel now to receive the ancient blessing

To the Lady as the Hammer is touched to her
Before the High Gods and before our people
Art thou blessed anew once again

When both are blessed the Godi bids them to rise
The Godi then says to the Lord
If you truly desire to join this woman
I ask thee to give wholeheartedly
The blade which symbolizes thy strength
Swear thy weapon to her
Always to be at her service

The Lord takes the sword and offers it to the Lady saying
My most beloved
Accept the oath of love which I offer thee
I vow this sword as I vow my soul
Ever to be at thy service
Like this blade my heart will be strong
Like this steel my love will endure
Accept it my chosen one
For all which is mine
Will now be thine

The Lady takes the sword silently in her hands and touches it to her forehead for the time of three heartbeats
She returns it to him saying
My most beloved
I accept this oath sworn on thy blade
Thou knowest what is in my heart
As I know what is in thine

The Godia then says to the Lady
If you truly desire to join this man
I ask thee to give wholeheartedly
The jewel of beauty which thou wearest
In symbol of our Ladys great magic and power
Swear thy jewel to him
Always to be at his service

The Lady then takes her jewel and holds it out to the Lord saying
My most beloved
Accept the oath of love which I offer thee
I vow this jewel as I vow my soul
Ever to be at thy service
Like its beauty my heart will be strong
Like this value my love will endure
Accept it my chosen one
For all which is mine
Will now be thine

The Lord takes the jewel silently in his hands and touches it to his forehead for the time of three heartbeats
He then returns it to her saying
My most beloved
I accept this oath sworn on thy jewel
Thou knowest what is in my heart
As I know what is in thine

The Godi says
Thou who shalt be joined as one
Listen to what we say here and now
Whatever each of thee
May accomplish in future years
Wherever thou may wander
Know full well that thou shalt do all
For our people for thy family and thy kin
And to be worthy each of the other

The Godia hold forth the keys to the Lady saying
If thou would be mistress of the household
And all therein honored for thy wisdom
In the councils of our people
And equal partner to thy Lord
I bid thee take these keys
Symbol of thy new life

The keys are handed to the Lady and the handmaiden sees that they are fastened at her waist as the Godia says
At this time and henceforth
As the keys are given to thee
Dost thou take over a new household
Be wise in all thou doest

Then the Godi says to the Lord
With this rite thou gainest a treasure of greatest value
Care for her and protect her always
For there is none who is her equal

Then the Godia says to Both
Above thee are the stars
Below thee are the stones
Remember always
Like a star should thy love be constant
Like the Earth should thy love be firm
Possess one another yet be understanding
Have patience for storms may come and go
Be free always in giving of affection and of warmth
For our Gods and our people will always be with thee

After a pause of five heartbeats the Godi asks
Dost thou desire
To have this man as thy partner
Forsaking all others
Lady Answers

Dost thou desire
To have this woman as thy partner
Forsaking all others
Lord Answers

The Godia says
All have heard and witnessed that which has been said
Are there any who say nay

After a pause of five heartbeats the Godi says
Then in symbol of thy joining one to the other
Place each the ring upon the others finger
And seal the troth with a kiss

The couple will do so and the Godi or Godia continues
Before those gathered here
And before the High Gods
Thou are joined
And henceforth be as one

Pause at this time if the couple wishes to receive the congratulations and felicitations of those in attendance
After a suitable time the Godia continues

The Godia pours a horn of ale for the two to share and gives each to drink saying
In the name of our people and our Gods
May thou knowest the best of fortune
And thy life henceforth be one
Of joy and prosperity for thee
And pride and strength for our people

Then the horn is passed around the circle
I ask thee to wish well to those now joined
And to drink in their honour

When the last guest has so pledged the Godi says
This rite is ended
May our Gods be with us always
Blessed Be