Handfasting Blessing at the Far Away Centre
I was asked recently to compose and officiate a pagan handfasting blessing for a couple who are close friends and neighbours of ours here at the Far Away Centre. Strangely enough, he is a well-respected Astrologer! The hamlet where we live has attracted a wonderful crowd of people. I wrote the ceremony based on Greek, Roman and Celtic revivalist readings, and used the pseudo-traditional device of the ribbons and the rings for the handfasting itself.
There was a “Myrtle” theme, being sacred to Venus, and I created a special incense based on Myrtle leaves, rosemary, frankincense, sandalwood, and then oils of Bay Laurel, Rose and bergamot to add a citrus top-note. The base was cedar chips to ensure a nice smoky burn for outdoors usage!
We even managed to import some Mirto wine, the national drink of Sardinia, apparently, made of myrtle! That went very well, I can assure you, and we are now probably going to set up a specialist import business for the liquor!
I obviously can’t show photographs of the guests, but there over 30 people in attendence, so it was a bit of a “coming out” ceremony for me also.
