Ray's Thought for the Day
Whoa! Yesterday, Crumby and me were queried on the subtopic, Druid weddings, again. Triple yikes and Goddess help us out. No other subtopic, hardly, brings on the fidgets and the panic attacks in Crumby and me more than weddings. So we, that is the twain of us, Crumby and me, being Druids more expert on a variety of subtopics other than weddings, panicked and rushed straight to the internet, where we found this document, copied below. Now, when we discovered this document, we tried to run it by Nancy the Goddess of Practical Jokes, but Nancy wasn't paying attention to us or something and her only remark on it, the document below, was, "Nobody in their right mind would marry you, Ray.", which may be true, but misses the mark. So we are going to run this document by the LDR and Hope, maybe, to see what they think.
However, Crumby and me, apart from the annoying reference made to Aegnus, plus not catching on to the horseshoe part, and wondering about why there are 12 stations in the inner circle and not 13, surmise that this document is liturgically OK, maybe.
In addition to the document copied below, we found lotsa stuff on the internet that's not liturgically Okie Dokie, maybe. Nonetheless some of those described antics cited as Druidic, but decidedly not Druidic, maybe, were apparently lotsa fun for some of the participants. Then of course also on the internet, are the Little Witches hawking lotsa geegaws, play purties and "spells" for the terminally consumer minded under the general auspices of things pagan and/or Celtic.
One other thing, Crumby and me did notice about the below that we found troubling, apart from the all the blarney in an allegedly Breton derived ceremony, is the omission of strictures on lyin and gluttony.
DRUID WEDDING CEREMONY
1. (from The Druid Way)
In this ceremony, the participants form both a circle and a horseshoe. A larger outer circle containing a smaller horseshoe-shaped group of participants, or a small circle enclosed in a large horse-shoe may be formed by participants.
Once both circle and horseshoe are formed, the DRUID and DRUIDESS who will supervise the rite enter. The Circle is cast by the DRUID and blessed and consecrated by the DRUIDESS. They then say 'Welcome!' and all reply 'Welcome!' The DRUID and DRUIDESS then say, 'Oh Great Spirit/Goddess we ask for your Blessing on this our ceremony.' The Gates are then opened by those at the Quarters:
DRUID:
Let the four directions be honoured that power and radiance might enter our circle for the good of all beings.
CALLER OF THE NORTH:
With the blessing of the great bear of the starry heavens and the deep and fruitful earth, we call upon the powers of the North.
CALLER OF THE SOUTH:
With the blessing of the great stag in the heat of the chase and the inner fire of the sun, we call upon the powers of the South.
CALLER OF THE WEST:
With the blessing of the salmon of wisdom who dwells within the sacred waters of the pool, we call upon the powers of the West.
CALLER OF THE EAST:
With the blessing of the hawk of dawn soaring in the clear pure air, we call upon the powers of the East.
DRUIDESS:
May the harmony of our circle be complete.
DRUID:
We stand upon this Holy Earth and in the Face of Heaven to witness the Sacred Rite of Marriage between (GROOM) and (BRIDE). Just as we come together as family and friends so we ask for the Greater Powers to be present here within our Circle. May this Sacred Union be filled with their Holy Presence.
(pause)
By the power vested in me I invoke the God of Love whose name is Aengus mac Og to be present in this Sacred Place. In his name is Love declared.
DRUIDESS:
By the power vested in me I invoke the Goddess of the Bright Flame whose name is Brigid to be present in this Sacred Place. In Her name is Peace declared.
DRUID:
In the name of the Ancestors whose Traditions we honour,
DRUIDESS: In the name of those who gave us Life,
BOTH: May we all unite in Love.
DRUIDESS: The joining together of Man and Woman in the Sacred Rite of Marriage brings together great forces from which may flow the seeds of future generations to be nurtured within the womb of Time. Within every Masculine nature lies the Feminine, within every Feminine nature lies the Masculine. The interplay of Masculine and Feminine forces when flowing freely in a union based upon true Love finds many expressions. This union is truly Holy.
DRUID: Goddess to God,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 1: God to Goddess,
MALE PARTICIPANT 1: Priestess to Priest,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 2: Priest to Priestess,
MALE PPARTICIPANT 2: Woman to Man,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 3: Man to Woman,
MALE PARTICIPANT 3: Mother to Son,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 4: Son to Mother,
MALE PARTICIPANT 4: Daughter to Father,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 5: Father to Daughter,
MALE PARTICPANT 5: Sister to Brother.
DRUIDESS: Brother to Sister.
DRUID:
Who walks the Path of the Moon to stand before Heaven and declare her Sacred Vows? (BRIDE steps forward) Do you (BRIDE) come to this place of your own free will?
BRIDE: I do.
DRUIDESS:
Who walks the Path of the Sun to stand upon this Holy Earth and declare his Sacred Vows? (GROOM steps forward) Do you (GROOM) come to this place of your own free will?
GROOM:
I do.
(Both BRIDE and GROOM walk the paths of the sun and moon [clockwise and anti-clockwise] around the circle, returning to the East)
DRUID:
(GROOM) and (BRIDE) you have walked the Circles of the Sun and Moon, will you now walk together the Circle of Time, travelling through the Elements and the Seasons?
BRIDE and GROOM: We will.
(They Walk hand in hand to South)
CALLER OF THE SOUTH: Will your love survive the harsh fires of change?
BRIDE and GROOM: It will.
CALLER OF THE SOUTH:
Then accept the Blessing of the Element of Fire in this the place of Summer. May your home be filled with warmth.
(Walk together to West)
CALLER OF THE WEST:
Will your love survive the ebb and flow of feeling?
BRIDE and GROOM: It will.
CALLER OF THE WEST:
Then accept the Blessing of the Element of Water in this the place of Autumn. May your life together be filled with love.
(Walk together to North)
CALLER OF THE NORTH: Will your love survive the times of stillness and restriction?
BRIDE and GROOM: It will.
CALLER OF THE NORTH:
Then accept the Blessing of the Element of Earth in this the place of Winter. May your union be strong and fruitful.
(Walk together to East)
CALLER OF THE EAST:
Will your love survive the clear light of Day?
BRIDE and GROOM: It will.
CALLER OF THE EAST:
Then accept the Blessing of the Element of Air in this the Place of Spring. May your marriage be blessed by the Light of every new Dawn.
DRUIDESS: All things in Nature are circular - night becomes day, day becomes night and night becomes day again. The moon waxes and wanes and waxes again. There is Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and then the Spring returns. These things are part of the Great Mysteries. (GROOM) and (BRIDE), do you bring your symbols of these Great Mysteries of Life?
BRIDE and GROOM: We do.
DRUID:
Then before all present repeat these words.
BRIDE (facing GROOM and handing him the ring):
Accept in freedom this circle of gold as a token of my vows. With it I pledge my love, my strength and my friendship. I bring thee joy now and for ever. I vow upon this Holy Earth that through you I will honour all men.
GROOM (facing BRIDE and handing her the ring):
Accept in freedom this circle of gold as a token of my vows. With it I pledge my love, my strength and my friendship. I bring thee joy now and for ever. I vow in the face of Heaven that through you I will honour all women.
BRIDE:
In the name of Brighid I bring you the warmth of my heart.
(BRIDE is handed a lighted taper by her MOTHER or FEMALE PARTICIPANT)
GROOM: In the name of Aengus mac Og I bring you the light of my love
(GROOM is handed a lighted taper by his FATHER or MALE PARTICIPANT)
BRIDE and GROOM both light a single candle together. (This candle could be kept and relit at each anniversary)
ALL:
May the warmth and the light of your union be blessed.
DRUID:
Do you swear upon the Sword of Justice to keep sacred your vows?
BRIDE and GROOM: We swear.
DRUIDESS:
Then seal your promise with a kiss.
DRUID:
Beneficent Spirits and Souls of our Ancestors, accept the union of your children. Help them, guide them, protect and bless their home and the children born of their union. May their life together reflect the harmony of all life in its perfect union. May they work together in times of ease and times of hardship, knowing that they are truly blessed. From this time forth you walk together along Life's Path; may your way be Blessed.
(BRIDE and GROOM walk together sunwise around the circle to be greeted by each of the PARTICIPANTS, then stand together west of centre)
DRUID: It is the hour of recall. As the fire dies down let it be re-lit in your hearts. May your memories hold what the eye and ear have gained.
DRUIDESS:
We thank the Powers of Love and Peace for their presence within this Sacred Place. Let us offer the words that unite all Druids:
Grant, O God/dess, thy Protection
And in Protection, Strength
And in Strength, Understanding
And in Understanding, Knowledge
And in Knowledge, The Knowledge of Justice
And in the Knowledge of Justice, the Love of it
And in the Love of it, The Love of all Existences
And in the Love of all Existences, the Love of the God/ess and all
Goodness.
DRUID:
Let the spirits of the Four Directions be thanked for their blessings.
CALLER OF THE EAST:
In the name of the hawk of dawn and of the element air, we thank the powers of the East.
CALLER OF THE WEST:
In the name of the salmon of wisdom and the element of water we thank the powers of the West.
CALLER OF THE SOUTH:
In the name of the great stag and of the element of fire, we thank the powers of the South.
CALLER OF THE NORTH:
In the name of the great bear of the starry heavens and of the element of earth, we thank the powers of the North.
DRUID:
May the blessing of the Uncreated One, of her Daughter/his Son The Created Word and of the Spirit that is the Inspirer be always with us. May the world be filled with Harmony and Light.
DRUIDESS:
Let us now form the Three Circles of Existence.
(The married COUPLE hold hands, forming the central circle. The PARTICIPANTS in the OUTER CIRCLE and the HORSESHOE hold hands to form two further circles.)
ALL:
We swear by peace and love to stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand
Mark O Spirit and hear us now
Confirming this our Sacred Vow.
DRUID:
This Sacred Rite of Marriage ends in peace, as in peace it began. Let us withdraw, holding peace and love in our hearts until we meet again.
The DRUID unwinds the circle and exits with DRUIDESS sunwise. GROOM and BRIDE follow. Then the rest of the INNER CIRCLE. Then the OUTER CIRCLE walk across the centre in pairs and out through the western gate.
_____
When Druids, in the old days, had lotsa state power, customs were very different, including "weddings" customs.
The Arkdruid
However, Crumby and me, apart from the annoying reference made to Aegnus, plus not catching on to the horseshoe part, and wondering about why there are 12 stations in the inner circle and not 13, surmise that this document is liturgically OK, maybe.
In addition to the document copied below, we found lotsa stuff on the internet that's not liturgically Okie Dokie, maybe. Nonetheless some of those described antics cited as Druidic, but decidedly not Druidic, maybe, were apparently lotsa fun for some of the participants. Then of course also on the internet, are the Little Witches hawking lotsa geegaws, play purties and "spells" for the terminally consumer minded under the general auspices of things pagan and/or Celtic.
One other thing, Crumby and me did notice about the below that we found troubling, apart from the all the blarney in an allegedly Breton derived ceremony, is the omission of strictures on lyin and gluttony.
I swear by the Great Goddess to tell the truth to ye?, I swear by the Great Goddess to share fairly with ye? Yeppers on these two. All righty then. Let's everyone celebrate and have lotsa fun.
DRUID WEDDING CEREMONY
1. (from The Druid Way)
In this ceremony, the participants form both a circle and a horseshoe. A larger outer circle containing a smaller horseshoe-shaped group of participants, or a small circle enclosed in a large horse-shoe may be formed by participants.
Once both circle and horseshoe are formed, the DRUID and DRUIDESS who will supervise the rite enter. The Circle is cast by the DRUID and blessed and consecrated by the DRUIDESS. They then say 'Welcome!' and all reply 'Welcome!' The DRUID and DRUIDESS then say, 'Oh Great Spirit/Goddess we ask for your Blessing on this our ceremony.' The Gates are then opened by those at the Quarters:
DRUID:
Let the four directions be honoured that power and radiance might enter our circle for the good of all beings.
CALLER OF THE NORTH:
With the blessing of the great bear of the starry heavens and the deep and fruitful earth, we call upon the powers of the North.
CALLER OF THE SOUTH:
With the blessing of the great stag in the heat of the chase and the inner fire of the sun, we call upon the powers of the South.
CALLER OF THE WEST:
With the blessing of the salmon of wisdom who dwells within the sacred waters of the pool, we call upon the powers of the West.
CALLER OF THE EAST:
With the blessing of the hawk of dawn soaring in the clear pure air, we call upon the powers of the East.
DRUIDESS:
May the harmony of our circle be complete.
DRUID:
We stand upon this Holy Earth and in the Face of Heaven to witness the Sacred Rite of Marriage between (GROOM) and (BRIDE). Just as we come together as family and friends so we ask for the Greater Powers to be present here within our Circle. May this Sacred Union be filled with their Holy Presence.
(pause)
By the power vested in me I invoke the God of Love whose name is Aengus mac Og to be present in this Sacred Place. In his name is Love declared.
DRUIDESS:
By the power vested in me I invoke the Goddess of the Bright Flame whose name is Brigid to be present in this Sacred Place. In Her name is Peace declared.
DRUID:
In the name of the Ancestors whose Traditions we honour,
DRUIDESS: In the name of those who gave us Life,
BOTH: May we all unite in Love.
DRUIDESS: The joining together of Man and Woman in the Sacred Rite of Marriage brings together great forces from which may flow the seeds of future generations to be nurtured within the womb of Time. Within every Masculine nature lies the Feminine, within every Feminine nature lies the Masculine. The interplay of Masculine and Feminine forces when flowing freely in a union based upon true Love finds many expressions. This union is truly Holy.
DRUID: Goddess to God,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 1: God to Goddess,
MALE PARTICIPANT 1: Priestess to Priest,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 2: Priest to Priestess,
MALE PPARTICIPANT 2: Woman to Man,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 3: Man to Woman,
MALE PARTICIPANT 3: Mother to Son,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 4: Son to Mother,
MALE PARTICIPANT 4: Daughter to Father,
FEMALE PARTICIPANT 5: Father to Daughter,
MALE PARTICPANT 5: Sister to Brother.
DRUIDESS: Brother to Sister.
DRUID:
Who walks the Path of the Moon to stand before Heaven and declare her Sacred Vows? (BRIDE steps forward) Do you (BRIDE) come to this place of your own free will?
BRIDE: I do.
DRUIDESS:
Who walks the Path of the Sun to stand upon this Holy Earth and declare his Sacred Vows? (GROOM steps forward) Do you (GROOM) come to this place of your own free will?
GROOM:
I do.
(Both BRIDE and GROOM walk the paths of the sun and moon [clockwise and anti-clockwise] around the circle, returning to the East)
DRUID:
(GROOM) and (BRIDE) you have walked the Circles of the Sun and Moon, will you now walk together the Circle of Time, travelling through the Elements and the Seasons?
BRIDE and GROOM: We will.
(They Walk hand in hand to South)
CALLER OF THE SOUTH: Will your love survive the harsh fires of change?
BRIDE and GROOM: It will.
CALLER OF THE SOUTH:
Then accept the Blessing of the Element of Fire in this the place of Summer. May your home be filled with warmth.
(Walk together to West)
CALLER OF THE WEST:
Will your love survive the ebb and flow of feeling?
BRIDE and GROOM: It will.
CALLER OF THE WEST:
Then accept the Blessing of the Element of Water in this the place of Autumn. May your life together be filled with love.
(Walk together to North)
CALLER OF THE NORTH: Will your love survive the times of stillness and restriction?
BRIDE and GROOM: It will.
CALLER OF THE NORTH:
Then accept the Blessing of the Element of Earth in this the place of Winter. May your union be strong and fruitful.
(Walk together to East)
CALLER OF THE EAST:
Will your love survive the clear light of Day?
BRIDE and GROOM: It will.
CALLER OF THE EAST:
Then accept the Blessing of the Element of Air in this the Place of Spring. May your marriage be blessed by the Light of every new Dawn.
DRUIDESS: All things in Nature are circular - night becomes day, day becomes night and night becomes day again. The moon waxes and wanes and waxes again. There is Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter and then the Spring returns. These things are part of the Great Mysteries. (GROOM) and (BRIDE), do you bring your symbols of these Great Mysteries of Life?
BRIDE and GROOM: We do.
DRUID:
Then before all present repeat these words.
BRIDE (facing GROOM and handing him the ring):
Accept in freedom this circle of gold as a token of my vows. With it I pledge my love, my strength and my friendship. I bring thee joy now and for ever. I vow upon this Holy Earth that through you I will honour all men.
GROOM (facing BRIDE and handing her the ring):
Accept in freedom this circle of gold as a token of my vows. With it I pledge my love, my strength and my friendship. I bring thee joy now and for ever. I vow in the face of Heaven that through you I will honour all women.
BRIDE:
In the name of Brighid I bring you the warmth of my heart.
(BRIDE is handed a lighted taper by her MOTHER or FEMALE PARTICIPANT)
GROOM: In the name of Aengus mac Og I bring you the light of my love
(GROOM is handed a lighted taper by his FATHER or MALE PARTICIPANT)
BRIDE and GROOM both light a single candle together. (This candle could be kept and relit at each anniversary)
ALL:
May the warmth and the light of your union be blessed.
DRUID:
Do you swear upon the Sword of Justice to keep sacred your vows?
BRIDE and GROOM: We swear.
DRUIDESS:
Then seal your promise with a kiss.
DRUID:
Beneficent Spirits and Souls of our Ancestors, accept the union of your children. Help them, guide them, protect and bless their home and the children born of their union. May their life together reflect the harmony of all life in its perfect union. May they work together in times of ease and times of hardship, knowing that they are truly blessed. From this time forth you walk together along Life's Path; may your way be Blessed.
(BRIDE and GROOM walk together sunwise around the circle to be greeted by each of the PARTICIPANTS, then stand together west of centre)
DRUID: It is the hour of recall. As the fire dies down let it be re-lit in your hearts. May your memories hold what the eye and ear have gained.
DRUIDESS:
We thank the Powers of Love and Peace for their presence within this Sacred Place. Let us offer the words that unite all Druids:
Grant, O God/dess, thy Protection
And in Protection, Strength
And in Strength, Understanding
And in Understanding, Knowledge
And in Knowledge, The Knowledge of Justice
And in the Knowledge of Justice, the Love of it
And in the Love of it, The Love of all Existences
And in the Love of all Existences, the Love of the God/ess and all
Goodness.
DRUID:
Let the spirits of the Four Directions be thanked for their blessings.
CALLER OF THE EAST:
In the name of the hawk of dawn and of the element air, we thank the powers of the East.
CALLER OF THE WEST:
In the name of the salmon of wisdom and the element of water we thank the powers of the West.
CALLER OF THE SOUTH:
In the name of the great stag and of the element of fire, we thank the powers of the South.
CALLER OF THE NORTH:
In the name of the great bear of the starry heavens and of the element of earth, we thank the powers of the North.
DRUID:
May the blessing of the Uncreated One, of her Daughter/his Son The Created Word and of the Spirit that is the Inspirer be always with us. May the world be filled with Harmony and Light.
DRUIDESS:
Let us now form the Three Circles of Existence.
(The married COUPLE hold hands, forming the central circle. The PARTICIPANTS in the OUTER CIRCLE and the HORSESHOE hold hands to form two further circles.)
ALL:
We swear by peace and love to stand
Heart to heart and hand in hand
Mark O Spirit and hear us now
Confirming this our Sacred Vow.
DRUID:
This Sacred Rite of Marriage ends in peace, as in peace it began. Let us withdraw, holding peace and love in our hearts until we meet again.
The DRUID unwinds the circle and exits with DRUIDESS sunwise. GROOM and BRIDE follow. Then the rest of the INNER CIRCLE. Then the OUTER CIRCLE walk across the centre in pairs and out through the western gate.
_____
When Druids, in the old days, had lotsa state power, customs were very different, including "weddings" customs.
The Arkdruid
posted by ray pistrum at Thursday, January 19, 2006
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