A Wiccan Wedding: Rituals And Magic

A Wiccan wedding, or 'handfasting' ceremony, is a beautiful celebration of love between two people. The ceremony is usually held outside, with the couple standing within a sacred circle cast by the presiding priestess, who walks the boundaries of the circle and marks it with a ritual knife, calling upon the four elements and the God and Goddess to bless the circle and the ceremony. The couple's hands are then bound together with a red cord, uniting their spirits, before they exchange vows and rings. The ceremony is completed with a broomstick jump, feasting, and the sharing of wine and small cakes.

Wiccan weddings are called 'handfasting' ceremonies

Wiccan weddings are called handfasting ceremonies. This term comes from the ancient Scottish custom of tying a betrothed couple's hands together and keeping them bound for a year. If the couple is still together at the end of that year, they are then considered officially married.

A handfasting ceremony joins two Wiccans in a symbolic marriage. The vows usually take place between two members of the same coven, but it is also normal for members of different covens to marry. The handfasting vows generally do not include the phrase 'till death do us part'. Instead, Wiccans often use the vows 'as long as our love lasts', allowing both partners to go their separate ways if they fall out of love.

A handfasting ceremony is traditionally performed by the High Priestess or High Priest of the coven. White robes are often worn by all who attend the ceremony, though some couples prefer to be 'skyclad' (nude). Similar to a Christian wedding, rings in gold or silver are exchanged between the couple to formalise the bond. The hands of the couple may also be bound together with a consecrated cord to symbolise that they have been joined together in union.

The couple may travel to the ceremony on a small cart, decorated with flowers, and pulled by members of the coven. The procession ends at the Wiccan wedding circle, which is usually decorated with flowers, fruits, nuts, leaves and berries to symbolise fertility and abundance. The circle is cast larger than usual to accommodate additional guests. The High Priestess and High Priest wait at the entrance of the circle, ready to welcome and anoint the witches of the coven as they enter the sacred space.

The actual handfasting ceremony varies from coven to coven, but it often involves the couple's hands being bound together with a red ribbon. The ribbon is given to the couple after they are married to remind them of their everlasting passion for each other. The couple may also exchange rings, which are placed on the bride and groom's left ring fingers.

The couple's hands are bound together with a red cord

The binding of hands with a red cord is a traditional part of a Wiccan wedding ceremony, also known as a 'Handfasting'. The couple's hands are bound together, often in a figure-of-eight shape, to symbolise that they have been joined together in union.

The colour red is significant in Wiccan ceremonies, symbolising will, strength, courage and fertility. The cord itself represents the binding of two lives, and the union of the couple's hopes and desires. The red cord is also a physical representation of the phrase 'tying the knot', which is commonly used to refer to marriage.

The couple's hands are usually bound by the High Priest or High Priestess of the coven, but some couples choose to have a member of their family perform the binding, or even to have multiple people help to tie the knot. The couple's hands can be bound in a number of different ways, with many choosing to cross their right hands with their partner's right hand, and their left hands with their partner's left.

The handfasting ceremony is a symbolic marriage, and often the vows will take place between two members of the same coven. However, it is also common for members of different covens to marry. The vows generally do not include the phrase 'till death do us part', but instead, Wiccans often use the vows 'as long as our love lasts', allowing them to separate if they fall out of love.

The handfasting ceremony is often followed by a wedding reception, full of evening entertainment, food, family, friends and celebration.

The ceremony involves invoking the four elements

The ceremony often begins with the officiant turning to each point of the compass, honouring the four elements. Objects symbolising the elements, such as salt (earth), a candle (fire), a feather (air), and a bowl (water), may be used. The couple then invokes each element in turn, starting with air in the east, to bless their union.

Earth, connected to the north, is considered the ultimate feminine element. It is fertile and stable, associated with the Goddess and the cycle of life. The colours green and brown are connected to the earth. Air, the element of the east, is linked to the soul and the breath of life. It carries away troubles and brings positive thoughts. The colours yellow and white are associated with air.

Fire, associated with the south, is masculine energy. It symbolises both creation and destruction and the fertility of God. Fire is purifying and can bring about new life. Red and orange are the colours of fire. Water, connected to the west, is feminine energy and associated with the Goddess, healing, and purification. It is also linked to passion and emotion. Water is typically represented by the colour blue.

The four elements are invoked to bless the couple's union and symbolise their connection to the natural world.

The couple jumps over a broomstick

Jumping the broom (or jumping the besom) is a custom relating to a wedding ceremony in which the couple jumps over a broom to symbolise their union. The custom is widespread among African Americans and Black Canadians, and originated in mid-19th-century antebellum slavery in the United States. It is also practised in Irish weddings.

The earliest accounts of jumping or stepping over a broom to signify marriage date back to the 1700s, when 'besom' (a type of broomstick) weddings were held by members of the Roma community. Couples married over a broom as their beliefs prevented them from being officially joined in matrimony in the eyes of the Church. In other parts of Europe, it was customary for the bride to jump over a broom when entering the marital home for the first time, to signify a rejection of witchcraft.

There are several ways to jump the broom. The couple could jump over the same broom together, holding hands. Alternatively, they could jump over each other's brooms, either individually or at the same time. The broom could be laid out by a friend, family member, bridesmaid or groomsman.

Jumping the broom is a highly personal choice and is a ritual that is becoming increasingly popular among Black couples in the US, as a way of honouring their ancestors and respecting their legacy. It is also practised by some Wiccans, owing to its pagan roots.

The wedding cake is often gothic in design

A Wiccan wedding, or Handfasting, is a unique and enchanting ceremony. The wedding cake is often gothic in design, with intricate details and a darker tone. These cakes are a delightful contrast to the bright and colourful clothing often seen at Wiccan weddings. The cake toppers, for example, can include two skeletons kissing, adding a playful and whimsical touch to the celebration.

The gothic wedding cake complements the overall theme of the wedding, which may include medieval clothing, renaissance attire, or romantic gothic styles. The cake design embraces the couple's Wiccan beliefs and adds a touch of magic to the celebration. It reflects the couple's individuality and their desire to embrace their faith through unique and memorable details.

The gothic wedding cake is a delightful centrepiece, often featuring intricate details, dark colours, and symbolic elements. It might include black fondant, intricate sugar lace, or gothic-themed decorations. The cake might be designed to resemble a gothic castle, a mysterious forest, or even a spooky graveyard, creating a striking visual impact.

The cake might also incorporate gothic motifs such as skulls, ravens, or dark roses. Each element is carefully crafted to reflect the couple's interests and personalities. For example, the cake could feature a stack of ancient spell books, a crystal ball, or a cauldron bubbling with purple frosting. The possibilities are endless, and the cake often becomes a conversation starter, intriguing guests and leaving a lasting impression.

The gothic wedding cake is a testament to the couple's creativity and their willingness to embrace their unique style. It adds a touch of drama and mystery to the celebration, creating an unforgettable experience for the couple and their guests.

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