"Handfasting" is the joining of a couple's hands is an ancient symbol of union between two people. It is from this very old custom we get the expression "tying the knot".

 

A handfasting can be performed as part of a traditional wedding ceremony, or it can be the basis of a ritual based Pagan wedding ceremony or a medieval ceremony.

 

Pagan handfastings are most often conducted with guests and witnesses standing in a circle around the couple. The circle symbolises the womb of the Goddess, and this ritual area can be marked out ritually either by the couple or by the officiating priestess before or during the handfasting. After casting circle it is usual for the spirits of the four directions (east, north, west and south) and the elements (earth, air, fire and water)to be called upon to witness the rite. This can be done by simply addressing the elementals and doesn't need to be done inside a circle with a person at each quarter, although it can be. If you prefer a traditional setting rather than having all your guests in a circle, the quarters can be addressed from the centre, or this part can be skipped if you don't want to acknowledge earth, air, fire and water.

 

You may choose to honour Divinity addressing the Goddess and the Goddess​ of your choosing or just the highest powers, earth spirits, your ancestors, it is really up to you if you would like to address Divinity in your ceremony. You might like a moment of silence for those on the other side as well. There are many ways we can honour spirit, including featuring photographs of those who can only be present in spirit. A special altar table can be set up separately from the signing table to be used for the purpose of photographs, crystals, treasures, incense, etc. Small ceremonies can include smudging all of the guests, gathering a collection of stones or crystals, or a water blessing of the hands of the couple before the handfasting ribbon is tied. These are just some ways we can involve everyone there in the ceremony. 

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