Hectate is a goddess in Greek mythology who is associated with crossroads, entrances, the moon, witchcraft, magic, herbs, necromancy, and sorcery. Weddings are beautiful and meaningful ceremonies for Pagans just like for everybody else. They each have their own gods, their own stories, their own histories, and their own rituals, including the wedding rite. Each person in the ceremony holds a part of a wrapped cord or ribbon, and when they recite their wedding vows, one end is tied together. Then, the couple would exchange gifts, clasp hands, and make oaths of loyalty to each other. Hope that helps. Officiant: Do you promise to be supportive of each others aspirations? Over time the ankh has come to symbolize eternal life and immortality to people from many walks of life. So please don't fear that you may witness an animal sacrifice at a Pagan ritual; many of us are vegan and are strong supporters of animal rights! Valknut, Odin's Symbol, the Knot of the Slain Warrior by Anne Mathiasz on Shutterstock Save 5% with coupon (some sizes/colors) FREE delivery Thu, Mar 2 on $25 of items shipped by Amazon. This six-pointed star is drawn unicursally, meaning that it is drawn in one continuous line. We had a Scottish medieval wedding. It is used within some faerie traditions but is also associated with many other magical traditions. It's also difficult to ask young people in love to wait so long before they can make a home together. I will be there for you in sickness and in health, in good fortune and bad luck, in glee and despair. I appreciate the symbols and their explanations. . It was common for the exchanging of rings to signify the sealing of a deal. Sacred circles, handfasting unity candles, and feasting -- learn what to expect at a modern Pagan or Neopagan wedding ceremony, including marriage rites of Wicca, Druidism, and Norse inspired Heathen Vikings. Many health organizations use the symbol, though it is commonly confused with the caduceus, due to the similarities between the two. The triskele is generally considered to be a Celtic design, but it has also been found in Buddhist writings. There is much discussion as to what this symbol represents in Norse mythology, as no one can really figure it out. They're awesome and we love them. I know that I have learnt so much and met with people I would not have had the opportunity too if it had not been for the internet. So Each 'Book Of Shadows' is unique. 8 Pagan Wedding Traditions and Rituals 1. There are a lot of pagan symbols out there. Answer: Many symbols can be used in protection: for example the pentagram or ankh. It could be your friend, someone you know. I wish for you , a happy and safe day. My Beloved is leaving all the wedding stuff to me. thank you for your kind act of reading one or two of my hubs. If you're a vendor let's get you in here! Paganism is the fastest growing spiritual movement in the country: There were nearly 1 million to 1.4 million Wicca or Pagan followers in the US in 2014, up from 340,000 in 2008, and only 8,000 openly practicing members in 1990. Near the officiant, an altar may be prepared with significant items such as candles, incense, or blessed wine. Couples are free to decide the material and amount of the cords they will use. I feel commended to be followed by a high priest. In the past, there has been speculation that the triquetra is a symbol of the triple goddess or was used as a Celtic symbol of feminine spirituality though no solid scholarly evidence has been found to date. The hammer also served other ceremonial purposes such as protecting mortals, blessing marriages, and replicas of Mjlnir were used in ancient Viking rituals. Its always great to see info put out there, for unfamiliar people to see. So lets start with explaining what Paganism actually is. The eye of horus (left eye) the eye of Ra (right eye) you have both right eyes to represent 2 different Gods.. Claire (author) from Lincolnshire, UK on July 07, 2017: You're welcome :) Glad you enjoyed reading. Modern Paganism is highly influenced by environmentalism, feminism, and other modern value systems. I love so many of these symbols and several are near and dear to me. It represents the wheel of the year and the eight pagan sabbats (festivals). I think I remember someone drawing a pentacle in the Sleepy Hollow movie with Johnny Depp. I found it fascinating! Pagan Symbols of Protection Pentacle Eye of Horus Thor's hammer (Mjolnir) Om Triple Horn of Odin (Triple Triskele) Ancient Pagan Symbols Air Water Earth Fire Pentagram Triple Moon (Triple Goddess) The Horned God The Ankh Corn Dolly Labyrinth The Seven-Pointed Star Valknut The Svefnthorn The Swastika The Vegvisir The best person to officiate is someone who knows you both well, has known you for at least six months beforehand and can perform a ceremony that both you and your future spouse will enjoy. Have an. The circle itself has no ends, like a ring with no starting point or ending point. Renee Henricks; There is no one Book of Shadows. To put that in perspective, there were only an estimated 1.4 million mainline members of the Presbyterian church in 2018. The symbol is closely associated with that of infinity, and the two are typically combined. Information about the phase and its meaning is also present next to each moon symbol below. Claire (author) from Lincolnshire, UK on October 13, 2014: Thank you for your kind comment. I did not know that about the star of David. Historically, couples had to wear the knots until midnight. I believe it is also a symbol used within Islam. that they refuse to admit that Jesus would most likely have been executed on a cross-all because the cross was a pagan symbol (and supposedly God would've prevented the pagan Romans from humiliating Jesus in this way [right: just like he prevented the humiliation of the crown of thorns also a pagan . Furthermore, these are the hands that, even though bent and wrinkled, will still be reaching for yours, still conveying the same unspoken affection with a light touch. Setting up a Sacred Circle Frequently Asked Questions What is the core of the Pagan belief system? Your email address will not be published. Being with you for the past three years has been a dream come true. The Claddagh Ring - represents love, loyalty, and friendship. You have a safe, successful day. The Celtic Ailm symbol is derived from the first letter of the Celtic Ogham alphabet. I knew most of them, but I only work with some of them. There are many other references to the concept of a tree of life in other pagan religions as well. Click image or button bellow to READ or DOWNLOAD FREE Myths and Symbols in Pagan Europe: Early Scandinavian and Celtic Religions. We are committed to providing unbiased, credible reviews so you can choose with confidence. The earliest known example of a pentacle appears on a signet ring worn by a Pythagorean sect in southern Italy, around 525 BCE. I think you might make an x and jump over them both. As Christianity began to spread across Europe, the new Church lacked the resources to have a clergyman in every rural village and hamlet. This wedding script incorporates the literal 'tying of the knot' of handfasting with other common Celtic traditions for a beautiful ceremony that celebrates the couple's newly-united life together. These rites are usually performed outdoors in nature, within a sacred circle that is either cast magically, or marked with flowers, straw, stone, or other materials. If using charms or similar items take care with younger children and possible choking hazards. Bridal Capes The ultimate guide plus the best 2023 wedding capes! Choose Your Officiant with our "Will You Marry Us?" The Paganism we know today takes old pre-Christian rituals, beliefs, and traditions and adds a modern take to them. Thay may also add in jumping over fires or brooms for good luck, and feasting after the ceremony. Question: What does the inverted omega mean? Air is one of the elements that are found within most pagan traditions. While many modern weddings take place in a church even for couples that arent religious the wedding ring was initially a pagan symbol that got co-opted into the church. I do believe in American culture yes it is linked to African Americans and slavery. 3 + 4 = 7, which can be seen as heaven and earth coming together as a whole. The couples hands are tied together with a cord, which symbolizes the union and coming together of two people. No one cared enough to ask and I didnt feel the need to tell it was for me, my husband and the spirits anyway. But! I live maybe 20 minutes away from a place called Besom Hill. This caused me to google and learn about other branches/factions of this pagan tradition. Orange, for example, can act as a symbol of encouragement, blue can act as a symbol of loyalty and patience, and red can act as a symbol of strength. non traditional & alternative wedding Planning | 5 comments. The Handfasting part of Magical Handfasting The "star" of a Handfasting (other than the couple) is the Handfasting cord itself. Congrats on your upcoming wedding, sounds like an amazing ceremony! The triple moon symbol represents the three phases of the moon, known as waxing, full, and waning. The fourth binding is completed with a light blue cord, symbolizing Air, which may represent your love as limitless as the sky and filled with life. My husband and I are having a handfasting for our vow renewal is in 22 days and I have been looking for months for how to explain certain things to people and this post covered it all in one neat package. The main three religions you will find within Paganism are: If you're curious if handfasting is a pagan ceremony, the answer is yes. Have you heard of silicone rings? You may see a bride wearing a veil; after all, this practice goes all the way back to ancient Pagan Rome, when brides wore brightly colored veils to protect themselves from evil spirits. I incorporated many Pagan practises in my own Wedding, but didnt tell anyone except my husband what I was doing. The Shillelagh - The Irish fighting stick Quaternary Celtic Knot The Celtic Bull The Ailm Celtic Symbol Serch Bythol - The Celtic symbol for eternal love Beltane - Celts symbol for the beginning of summer Celtic Five Fold Symbol - The holy Celtic symbol. The origin of this custom was the desire that every maiden should have at her marriage, or sale, that which is spoken of in the Pentateuch as "the token of virginity." Question: Can these symbols be used with children? Two fit the bill: the tying of hands in the handfasting tradition, and the jumping of the broom. Each individual may also maintain their own book detailing not only their traditional path but individual actions, spells and rituals that pertain only to them. These are the hands that will provide you strength when you need it, offer support and encouragement as you pursue your ambitions, and soothe you during challenging times. Question: Which pagan symbol could I use to rid my home and body of evil spirits? It has an awesome interfaith ceremony in it that works well when guests are Christian Hope that helps you! Question: what is the meaning of occultism? Paganism refers to a group of religions with roots in pre-Christian Europe. I love this, thanks so much for writing it! While water is seen as a feminine symbol, earth is considered the "ultimate symbol of the divine feminine" or the giant womb which is a source of life. Hope his helps. If youre invited to a Wiccan wedding, be prepared for celebratory fires and feasting. From Fire, we ask for passion, drive, and fearlessness. 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