We're a flutter! However, if your answer to Question 1 above is that you'd like to have a meaningful ceremony celebrating your love that . This is a wonderful Wicca gift idea since you are in essence, encouraging your Wiccan friend to broaden their horizons and learn how to use magick in every way. Wiccaning Ceremony - A Guide to Welcoming a New Witch Published Wednesday, Oct. 13th, 2021 Written by Jessica Levey A 'wiccaning' is the deeply joyful ritual celebration of welcoming a new Pagan into a spiritual community, with a promise and blessing to protect them against harm. All of the candles are alight. Billy P Eldred. A wiccaning is the deeply joyful ritual celebration of welcoming a new Pagan into a spiritual community, with a promise and blessing to protect them against harm. Burning sage is the easiest way to smudge a place, though any cleansing incense is worthwhile. Check out this years best local pros, chosen by couples like you. Let it light the way through the darkness of ignorance to the world of knowledge. The mountainside is about relaxation and ease, but dont forget the chic part of the dress code!, DO:Pick a cocktail dress or chic suit. If the parents of a new witch belong to a coven, they might ask a coven elder or Priestess to lead the ritual, with all other members of the community joining in to bestow their blessings. Introduction There is not a lot of info on it. Your attire should be crisp, but can definitely be creative!. Stick with us and you'll stay on the right path. Black-Tie Attire. Marriage laws vary state-to-state, but these laws only refer to things like the age of consent and how long one must wait to file the paperwork. You can even wear flats if the wedding will be in the grass and is super casual, says Hovhannisyan. After that, light the candles in a circle. A handfasting is performed by a priest or priestess. Believe me, if your loved ones are having a Satanic wedding (and there are at least two breeds of those, which we wont get into), they will be very sure to let you know. In fact, Wiccans have their own version of the wedding ceremony called a Handfasting. Sprinkle water over their head and heart. Men could wear dark jeans with a blazer and a crisp button-down, while women could wear a tea-length dress or a form-fitting pencil dress, says Hovhannisyan. Your generosity keeps American Marriage Ministries running. Flowers, nuts, fruits and berries make wonderful decorations as these symbolise fertility and abundance. Be with us here and witness these rites held in your honor. However, just like in any other religion, Wiccans and Pagans are people. Many Wiccans and Pagans today have made handfasting as part of their wedding ceremony, and it is usually tailor-made to suit a couple's tastes and needs. Our premiere package contains everyting you need to officiate like a pro. An outdoor wedding is a good bet. Privacy Policy. Here I do build a temple of life in which to honor you. The procession would end up at the Wiccan wedding circle. Your makeup should be sun-kissed and bronzy, says Hovhannisyan. HPS: Let the sacred salt drive out any impurities in this water, so that together they may be used in the service of the deities, throughout these rites and at any time and in any way we may use them.. In the dear green earth, blessed by the Lady and the Lord. Dress codes can vary significantly depending on the kind of wedding reception you're attending - a white tie or black tie affair is likely for church or destination weddings, however, lounge suit, cocktail and even smart casual could appear if the bride and groom - and their event - is more laid-back, think a beach wedding or backyard BBQ. Bust out your nicest jewelry, best shoes, and a fur coat if youve got one. You may see an altar in the circle, with traditional implements such as a cup, a knife, and a trowel. However, just like in any other religion, Wiccans and . Wear whatever you'd like! Midsummer might be in fiery hues, for example. Preparing for Your Wiccan Wedding Here's a checklist for the ceremony given here: Officiant Candles Wedding garb Wiccan altar Bowl of saltwater Sage smudge stick Dried lavender A long piece of cloth or cord for binding, usually white. May the gods give me the strength to keep these vows. If you're invited to a wedding in the height of summer, you're going to respond to what's on the rack: fabrics that are sheer, lightweight, flowy and comfortable. I once had a bride do her bridal portraits on a horse farm, in a short lace dress and boots. Men should skip the sneakers or daytime slacks in favor of tailored pants (even in a bright color). A Wiccan wedding ceremony is typically an outdoor wedding. Assist me as I lay down the foundation stones on which I will build my cone of power. They turn and move around the Circle, saluting and embracing all within. Historical Origins of Handfasting The handfasting ceremony originates with the Celts in pre-Christian Europe and the British Isles. Men are required to wear a tuxedo with tails, a formal white. DO:Wear a short, playful dress in pastel colors. I dedicate it to the gods, in love and light. A Pagan wedding is definitely not everyones thing, but it sure can be a fun thing for a few hours. HPS: I use this sacred liquid now in the building of this, our sacred temple. 1393169 views. Be here in peace and live, with honor, HP rings the bell three times or nine times in all, HPS: Welcome, my brothers and sisters. When in doubt, opt for natural fibers and earth tones with a splash of color. Try not to wear anything thats got too much fabric or is overly bohemian, Hovhannisyan advises. It can involve invocations and spells or be secular. HPS dips her fingers into the water and marks a cross within a circle on the forehead and a pentagram over the heart of HP. Head to our homepage if you're ever stuck and in need of some seriously beautiful inspo. Here today are two who would be made one, in your eyes. The term saining is commonly when the individual being welcomed isnt Wiccan, but is another kind of Witch or Pagan. Wigington, Patti. Tulle & Tweed Photography. No more can any two people fit together, perfect in every way, no matter how hard they may try, HP: There will be times when it will seem hard to give and love. Modern Heathenism In the US, Modern Heathenism is less understood than other movements, (in part because of its contentious history, noted below) although it continues to grow steadily. HPS: But know that as quickly as the storm comes, so equally quickly may it leave. All Witches raise their athames also. In Catholic weddings, it is generally discouraged for guests to wear outfits that reveal their cleavage, shoulders, and chest. Formal beach weddings often take place at bigger hotels or resorts, making a dressed-up vibe fit well. 5. Chief among these is the handbinding - an important part of many Wiccan/Pagan wedding nuptials. Discover how witchcraft and tarot can work together to benefit and enhance your practice of the craft. Wear this dress and whatever shoes you have that are comfortable. It can be tough to narrow down the long list of wedding vendors near you, but these seven details may help. Marvel's preview of Empyre #5 flashes back to the secret wedding day for the Young Avengers' Hulkling and Wiccan, along with the special guests. Pagans and Wiccans have a lot in common, but they arent necessarily the same thing. Err on the side of fancier for wedding guest outfits, as the bride will definitely be wearing a statement gown to match the setting. Everything you need to know to officiate. The open hand represents an openness to blessings and power. Don't wear anything too short, tight, flashy, or revealing. AMM ordains people of all faiths -- from pagans to monotheists, atheists to agnostics! HP: Ever love, help, and respect each other, and then know truly that you are one in the eyes of the gods. Or they may worship nature itself. Many are intimidated by it because there is a bit of a learning curve. Along with regular tools is a three-foot length of red silk ribbon, and, if the couple wishes to exchange rings, the wedding rings. This is your protection/blessing ritual. That is ridiculously rude. Wiccan poem for a Wedding. Dress Modestly. Hope you have fun! That says to me very casual and that skinny jeans would be fine. What should you wear to a handfasting ceremony? Reasonable price and guranteed quality make us your top choice. He moves on around to the west and lights the candle from the taper. A high priest or priestess, or even a friend who's a respected member of the Pagan community can do it for you, with little to no fuss. HPS (to groom): What do you bring with you to this marriage? Handfasting is a ritual where two people are bound together as one. Self-Portrait Can we please stay on topic here? While its exciting to get an invitation in the mail, figuring out what to wear to a wedding might be a little less exciting. Wiccan weddings are a beautiful celebration of love between two people and I cant think of a ceremony I adore more. HPS lowers the blade and walks over to the east point in the Circle. (Though sometimes youll walk in and see a circle that has been cast and consecrated a few hours beforehand.) Thank everyone who participated, including other guests and any spirits and gods you invoked. Trust us when we say that your friends will thank you for thisheres how to do it. Your lives are now joined together by the joining of hands and the formation of a knot. Then again my invites specifically state, "formal event, no jeans."). Not every witch knows how to use a crystal ball. For example, the safety and abundance of earth, the laughter and adventure of air, the resilience and patience of water, and the creativity, wit, and passion of fire. "Reader Mail: What Do Pagans Wear?" Get this handfasting cord here. You can wear a cocktail dress that is either sleeveless or short-sleeved. Once youve named the ritual, its time to invoke the spirits, gods, and ancestors you wish the new witch to be blessed and protected by. Women will wear floor-length evening dresses, but not necessarily gowns (i.e. A forest glade, a summer meadow or a beautifully decorated lawn would make the perfect wedding locations. They invited you because they love you and want you there. If the wedding is at, for example, the New York Public Library, its one of the most sophisticated settings a couple can choose, says Hovhannisyan. A long piece of cloth or cord for binding, usually white. I will always support him in everything he does and join with him in his love and praise of the gods in whom we believe. Let this salt be pure and let it purify our lives, as we use it in this rite dedicated to the God and the Goddess in whom we believe. They may see the Judeo-Christian deity as one legitimate choice in an array of deities, or they may see their pantheon as different aspects of essentially the same big God youre used to. HUhI realized that my comment did not post correctlyhaha, (I'm going to kick people out if they wear jeans to my wedding. You may be asked to take a moment of silence to pray to whomever floats your boat, or there may be parts of the ceremony in which the four elements or the Masculine and Feminine energies are honored. link to The Deeper Meaning of the Dragonfly, what the difference between Wicca and Witchcraft actually is. They raise them in salute and describe the pentagram over the altar. Answer (1 of 10): Thank you for the A2A, Well, you can if you want to. I wanted to show off my foresty-witchy wedding dress. The choice is yours. twitter: @CeridwenWardemail: [emailprotected], The Chariot Tarot Card Meanings Made Easy, The Strength Tarot Card Meanings Made Easy. If you pair the dress code with what you know about the settingand throw in a few expert styling tipsyoull be guaranteed to be the best-dressed person there (aside from the bride, of course!). Feeling a bit lost after learning more about Wicca. Nowadays a couple is likely to consider the marriage permanent immediately, but keep the handfasting ritual as a part of their ceremony. Rings and other jewelry have been used for the purpose of binding people to an oath since at least the Iron Age. If this officiant is completing the legal part of the wedding, then you should make sure theyve completed whatever certificate is required by your state ahead of time. He moves on around to the north and lights the candle from the taper. Do opt for appropriate wedding footwear (you can always bring a pair of backup shoes for dancing) Don't wear denimunless it's a very casual wedding. That point of view still may not thrill you, but its important to note that a Pagan ceremony wont involve any kind of a refutation of your personal beliefs. A Wiccan Wedding can be held at any time of the year although certain feast days, like Litha (the Summer Solstice) or Beltane (Mayday), are considered most popular as the weather is good. These settings walk the line between semi-formal and formal, so depending on the setting and the couples style, you could wear a silver lam jumpsuit or a cocktail dress with statement jewelry, Hovhannisyan explains. At 12:00 am, light both bundles of dried sage-smudging incense and walk slowly clockwise around yourself and your partner with it while visualizing negative emotions leaving you and filling up the circle so no harm will ever come to you both. Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" Wiccans believe in the concept of marriage, but they may approach it differently than some other belief systems. The ritual can be done outside or inside, but make sure that if you do it outdoors to choose an area that doesnt have too many trees overheadyou may want to involve the moon, and visibility should be a consideration. Share with your guests to collect your wedding photos. HPS holds the censer under their hands, censing them. (I roomed with a philosophy/art major in college). The choice is up to the participants. You might want to bring an extra pair of shoes with you in case the weather does get messy., DO:Choose something airy and light, like a maxi dress or a crochet skirt with a silk cami. DO:Consider the setting. Women should wear a formal floor-length evening gown, no exceptions. In the U.S., the answer is: of course Pagan weddings are legal. I have some great tops I have not worn in forever and I do not want to feel OVER dressed. Learn Religions, Feb. 8, 2021, learnreligions.com/do-pagans-and-wiccans-dress-a-certain-way-2561852. The couple may walk around the circle and greet friends and family, and then the officiant may uncast (or banish or deconsecrate) the circle. While the Wiccan couple in the above story may have . Your options for bride sunglasses and bachelorette party sunglasses are practically limitless. HPS again takes up her athame and dips the tip of the blade into the bowl of salt. The officiant may cast whatever protection spell they see fit or you can be satisfied with this. I ordered this dress recently for this event (has not arrived yet)but now I do not feel like buying shoes for it (I do not really own dressy shoes in my current sizesince having babyfeet got bigger). I personally don't think it is ever appropriate to wear jeans to a wedding. 1. And they do not wash away original sin -- these blessings are unrelated to concepts of sin or salvation, which arent a part of Pagan beliefs. Check out our wiccan clothing selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. HPS: Lord and Lady, God and Goddess, I invite you to enter into this temple constructed to venerate you. HP now walks over to the east point in the Circle, taking with him a lighted taper. Chances are everyone will be in more fashion-forward attire, Hovhannisyan says. Whether Wiccans celebrate marriage in a traditional sense, what a Wiccan wedding is called and how a Wiccan wedding is celebrated are all topics that well explore in detail. HP and HPS move to stand in front of the altar which has all of the tools on it. This ancient ritual predates Christianity and forms the basis for most Wiccan commitments today. The opposite of a Wiccan wedding, or handfasting, is a handparting. Again, Pagans are inclusive, and as members of a religious minority they will understand your potential discomfort. Some people like jeans and t-shirts, others like pink tutus, and some like to dress like theyre always at the Renaissance Faire. You should wear traditional white wedding garb: gown, veil, flowers, etc. What if your religion doesnt match? I ordered it and am having it shipped to Torrid to avoid shipping costs (I hate paying shippingspoiled by Amazon Prime..haha). Find wedding inspiration that fits your style with photos from real couples, Sit back and relax with travel info + exclusive deals for the hottest honeymoon destinations. One of those differences is that the handfasting vows generally do not include the phrase till death do us part. With these things in mind, its helpful to know that most Pagan rituals still follow a similar outline. Theyll be very careful to let you know whats coming, and will give you at least a brief overview of what it all means. You're not required to wear it simply because you're now Pagan. The cart would be decorated with flowers (a sign of fertility) and flowers would be strewn along the way. Row 1: Gold and Black Dress // Black Cardigan // Black Tights // Mary Jane Pumps. White tie is definitely not a fluid dress code!, If youre trying to figure out what to wear to a wedding, dig into your closet to identify your options. First off, lets get a little terminology out of the way. The officiant will either select their own or have them use a traditional Scottish infinity knot: You may exchange vows at this point or you may choose to forego this modern part of the ceremony. HPS: Lord and Lady, here stand two of your folk. Even Pagans who identify as witches tend to be goody-goodies. A Wiccan prayer can promote the blessing of the marriage that is being celebrated, wishing the happy couple a good start and a strong paht full of togetherness. ThriceRound. DIY (829) $17.24. On the handful of occasions that I have been a guest or officiant, it should be noted that clothing at these events are fun and often fantastic in color and styling! There she raises her atheme in salute and describes the pentagram in the air. The dragonfly is a creature that has been around for over 300 million years. Crystal Ball. Pagans dont necessarily see Christianity or Judaism as incompatible with their religion. The handfasting ceremony has its roots in ancient Celtic tradition and dates as far back as 7000 B.C. DO:Bring a jacket, as it tends to get cold at night. A good smudging, followed by a good airing if the weather permits. Don't worry about feeling out of place if you're wearing your business casual attire at a Pagan event - chances are there's at least five other people looking at you with envy, wishing they had dared to show up in something from the LL Bean catalog. This may be one of the more obvious clothing choices to avoid as it seems to be relatively common knowledge these days, but it bears clarifying anyway, especially after I recently attended a few weddings and spotted at least one guest wearing a decent amount of white. The actual handfasting ceremony varies from coven to coven. We can be reached by phone, email and live chat. Think after-work drinks, somewhere between business and cocktail attire. HP lowers the censer and again passes along the line of the Circle, swinging the censer so that the fumes and smoke pass along it. This illustrated handfasting ceremony planning guide is practical, magical, and filled with Pagan lore blending timeless insights and ancient Celtic and Pagan wedding traditions with modern how-to instructions and ceremony scripts, to help you plan the perfect handfasting celebration. BRIDE: To be made one with my soul mate (name), in the eyes of the gods and my brothers and sisters of the Craft. A beautiful handfasting ceremony, borrowed from the wonderful book Wicca for life: The Way of the Craft From Birth to Summerland by Raymond Buckland is detailed below.