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icymist

(15,888 posts)
Mon May 6, 2013, 09:41 AM May 2013

Who Can Perform a Handfasting?

In many Pagan traditions, participants opt to have a handfasting ceremony rather than a formal wedding. Handfasting was common centuries ago in the British Isles, and then vanished for a while. Now, however, it's seeing a rising popularity among Wiccan and Pagan couples who are interested in tying the knot. In some cases, it may be simply ceremonial -- a couple declaring their love for one another without the benefit of a state license. For other couples, it can be tied in with a state marriage certification issued by a legally authorized party. Either way, it's 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?

In general, either women or men may become priests/priestesses/clergy in modern Pagan religions. Anyone who wishes to learn and study, and commit to a life of service can advance into a ministerial position. In some groups, these individuals are referred to as High Priest or High Priestess, Arch Priest or Priestess, or even Lord and Lady. Some traditions opt to use the term Reverend. The title will vary depending on the tenets of your tradition. However, just because someone is licensed or ordained as clergy within their particular tradition does not necessarily mean they are able to perform a legally binding ceremony.

http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/handfastings/a/Who-Can-Perform-A-Handfasting.htm

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Who Can Perform a Handfasting? (Original Post) icymist May 2013 OP
Not me libodem May 2013 #1

libodem

(19,288 posts)
1. Not me
Mon May 6, 2013, 10:08 AM
May 2013

I don't think I could even call corners to open a circle. Nah, I could if no one else could, I guess.

This is a wizard, not a dunce, I tell you!

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