From our inbox to you, From Patti Wigginton on: Handfasting

SGC Admin: Yep it`s getting to that time of the year when it`s most popular for “tying the knot`… If you have ever wondered what goes into the Pagan celebration of hand-fasting (or getting married) check out Patti`s article below… :) 

Hands tied with ribbon at wedding hand fasting ceremony Stock Photo - 3337510

Handfasting Season is Here!
Looking for information on how to hold a Pagan handfasting ceremony? Here’s where we’ve got it all covered, from the origins of handfastings to jumping the broom to selecting your cake! Also, be sure to learn about magical handfasting favors to give your guests, how to make sure you’ll have a magical ceremony, and who can actually perform your handfasting!

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Patti Wigington
Paganism/Wicca Expert
Handfasting History: An Old Tradition Made New  
Handfasting was common centuries ago in the British Isles, and then vanished for a while. Now, however, it’s seeing a rising popularity among Pagan couples who are interested in tying the knot. Many Pagan couples choose to have a handfasting ritual instead of a traditional wedding ceremony. READ NOW
Handfasting Tips: How to Have a Magical Ceremony  
Spring is here, and love is in the air! For many people of Pagan faiths, this is the time of year for a handfasting ceremony. If you’re lucky enough to have someone you love this much, there are a few things you may want to keep in mind while planning your handfasting ceremony. READ NOW
Handfasting Favors: Magical Gifts for Your Guests  
t’s become traditional to give each of your guests a small wedding favor. Typically, these are small trinkets with either the date of the event or the couples’ names on them. However, if you’re having a Pagan or Wiccan handfasting, rather than a traditional wedding ceremony, why not come up with an idea that celebrates your spiritual path, as well as announcing your commitment to the community? READ NOW
Who Can Perform a Handfasting?  
Handfastings are becoming more and more popular, as Pagan and Wiccan couples are seeing that there is indeed an alternative for non-Christians who want more than just a courthouse wedding. A common question among Pagans is that of who can actually perform the handfasting ceremony itself? READ NOW
More About Handfasting  
Wondering about jumping the broom, handfasting bonfire safety, deities of marriage, and how to choose the perfect cake? We’ve got it all here, including a sample ceremony template that you can use!

How to Choose Your Handfasting Cake
Jumping the Broom: A Besom Wedding
Handfasting Bonfires: What You Need to Know
Deities of Marriage and Love

Sample Handfasting Ceremony Template
Handfasting Basket (Thirteen Blessings)

READ NOW

 

About Paganism/Wicca 

About Paganism / Wiccan: Traditional Folk Magic‏

SGC Admin: From our inbox to you: Check out the following from Patti Wigington on Traditional folk Magic… :)

Magic pot on the fire Stock Photo - 10699124
http://www.123rf.com: Illustrator: Oksana Merzlyakova

Many times in discussion of modern Paganism, it’s easy for us to overlook a valuable source of information – the past. Some of our not-so-distant ancestors practised various forms of folk magic, and we can learn a lot from those old remedies, charms, and stories. In fact, in many parts of the world, what is often dismissed as superstition is in fact a perfectly valid system of folklore-based practical magic. Today, let’s look at some of the most popular types of folk magic. We’ll talk about animal legend and folklore, weather magic, simple protection rituals, and more.

Animal Folk Magic 

In many modern Pagan traditions, animal symbolism — and even actual animals — are incorporated into magical belief and practice. Let’s look at some of the ways people have welcomed animals into their magical practice throughout the ages, as well as specific animals and their folklore and legends. Read Full Article
Search Related Topics: animal magic folklore

Weather Magic and Lore

In many magical traditions, weather magic is a popular focus of workings. The term “weather magic” can be used to mean anything from divination and forecasting to actual control of the weather itself. When you consider that many of today’s folk magic customs are rooted in our agricultural past, it makes sense that an ability to foretell or change weather patterns might be considered a valuable skill. After all, if your family’s livelihood and life depended on the success of your crops, weather magic would be a handy thing to know. Read Full Article
Search Related Topics: weather magic folklore

Protection Magic

Some of the most popular folk magic in the world relates to the protection of things (or people) that have value to you. In many magical traditions, workings can be done to ensure protection of home, property, and loved ones. There are a number of simple ways you can do protection workings. Read Full Article
Search Related Topics: magical theory folklore

Graveyard Dirt in Magical Workings

Have you seen a ritual or spell calling for the use of graveyard dirt? While it might seem a bit odd, graveyard dirt is used in many magical traditions for a variety of workings. Learn about why you might want to use some, and how to properly obtain it. Read Full Article
Search Related Topics: hoodoo graveyard dirt magical theory