Pagan weddings are a beautiful way to celebrate the union of two people. Should I tell my Christian grandmother about my Pagan wedding? (Partner A) and (Partner B), please cross your hands over one another, and take each others hands. In its simplest definition, Paganism is a modernized recreation of the indigenous spiritual traditions of Europe basically, it's a revival of the old pre-Christian beliefs and practices. A lot of Norse Pagans use different terms for themselves for that very reason. In ancient Egyptian mythology, Horus injured his left eye during his battles with the god Set, and thus his left eye represents the waxing and waning of the moon. Those few that Ive told of my beliefs actively forget them and tolerate me by pretending I never said anything and so must be Christian too..because isnt everyone?I explain this because letting people in on what I wanted and why for my wedding was not going to go well and I dont like drama. Claire (author) from Lincolnshire, UK on September 02, 2014: Thank you for your comment and glad you liked my hub :D. Beth Perry from Tennesee on September 01, 2014: I found this a very enjoyable introductory article on the subject! Answer: There are many symbols that re related to practicing magic, for example, magic circle, goodness, the elements, besom and athame. Information about the phase and its meaning is also present next to each moon symbol below. Because of this, the Eye of Horus is often used to decorate protective amulets and other items. The Gods have blessed us with a heart capable of love, a body capable of sustenance, and a mind capable of wisdom. Spiritual Marriage as Sacred Union of Female - Male aspects of Divinity. They can be used in writing and each rune also has associated meanings. I am interested in learnering more about wicca and paganism and what is the difference between them. Modern Paganism has been heavily influenced by modern values and ethics, such as feminism and environmentalism. Thanks for this! Paganism in Europe is more old-fashioned and less hippy-dippy thn in US. Claire (author) from Lincolnshire, UK on May 11, 2014: Thank you for the extra information and kids comment. The Paganism we know today takes old pre-Christian rituals, beliefs, and traditions and adds a modern take to them. The couple can use these items in a unity ritual, or they may offer them to the gods. I admire your talent. 9. Then, the officiant will read the vows as they wrap the cords or ribbons around the couple's hands. Her main goal for WeddingFrontier.com is to simplify the wedding planning process by sharing her years of expertise in the industry. The caduceus was the staff of the Greek god Hermes, and originally it did not represent healing or the medical profession. Answer: In general, if a symbol is displayed inverted it's meaning is also inverted. The number has continued to skyrocket since. . One of the most popular denominations of modern Heathenism is Asatru, an earth-centered religion steeped in Viking lore and filled with the harsh and heroic mythology of Norse gods. Pagan Symbols Pentacle Triple Moon Eye of Horus Ankh Hecate's Wheel Triquetra Triskele Setogram (Faery Star) Spiral Goddess Labyrinth Air Earth Fire Water Horned god Eye of Ra Black Sun (Schwarze Sonne) Helm of Awe (gishjlmr) Tree of Life Mandala Rod of Asclepius Caduceus Ouroboros Thor's Hammer (Mjlnir) Flower of Life Valknut Esoteric Symbols What worries me most is his very Catholic grandmother a very strong and wonderful lady whom I respect very much. 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." Well, we are hooked! Paganism refers to a group of religions with roots in pre-Christian Europe. By far one of the most helpful to someone exploring new aspects of life and callings. Setting up a Sacred Circle Frequently Asked Questions What is the core of the Pagan belief system? Black diamond engagement ring guide, everything you need to know to find the one! This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged. This means there are dozens and dozens of types of modern Paganism. In the simplest terms, Heathenism is the worship of and relationship to pre-Christian Germanic, Norse, and Viking spirits, gods, and goddesses. Many diverse gods, goddesses, and spirits are worshipped by Pagans. If youre invited to a Viking wedding, bring your heartiest thirst and appetite! This ancient Egyptian hieroglyph means life or living. In my heart of hearts, I believe we are two halves of one soul. During a handfasting ceremony, the officiant will start by explaining the purpose of the ritual. This symbol has been around for thousands of years and consists of many concentric, equal, and overlapping circles. In most of pre-Christian Europe, weddings were fairly straightforward affairs, and this was especially true for northern Europe and Celtic lands. Honestly, I heard about Jumping the broomstick on a video and it sparked my curiosity and interest. 12. Many people think these symbols have something to do with the devil. Glad the blog could help you. . Need inspiration? The light blue cord is draped over the hands of the couple. Officiant: Do you promise to help each other carry your burdens, to allow your souls to flourish in this union? Your email address will not be published. The Handfasting part of Magical Handfasting The "star" of a Handfasting (other than the couple) is the Handfasting cord itself. anointing oil, crystal, or other Spirit symbol qualities: balance, wholeness, integrity, and spiritual growth. This ancient Viking symbol is one of power and strength. Why I can't gush enough about our color-coded handfasting ceremony, So you've been invited to a pagan wedding (Part 2 of our Pagan Wedding Guide), Get back to nature with Tatjana & Kens dog-friendly and rainy forest wedding, Kristin & Brian rock polka dots and Ouija at their vintage-inspired Autumn wedding. Its only one movement under the larger umbrella of earth-centered faiths called Paganism. I look forward to my own Pagan wedding! The horned god is associated with the wilderness and virility. Thanks, I saw the Ankh in a dream around my fianc, and I was trying to determine where I've seen it before. After drawing the circle for the ceremony: Officiant: The circle has been cast, rendering this a blessed space. SEE OUR ENTIRE COLLECTION OF DECALS AND SHIRTS! The Celtic Ailm symbol is derived from the first letter of the Celtic Ogham alphabet. No one cared enough to ask and I didnt feel the need to tell it was for me, my husband and the spirits anyway. I knew some of the actual symbols, but not all of their meanings or history. Pagan High Pristess, Witch, Celebrant. Thanks so much for creating this post. Animal sacrifice, wine, and the Blot ritual. :P I've never really thought about the meaning behind these symbols, so I definitely learned a lot here! Learn from the Pros to Officiate with Confidence! Historically, pagan meant anyone who was non-Christian and was used in a derogatory way, and the term has been reclaimed and redefined in many ways since those early days. But it might help to give you an overview on what to expectso we prepared this guide! CloseoutWarehouse. Question: Are there any symbols related to magic? The star in this symbol is used to represent the four classical elements of earth, air, water, and fire, plus spirit. Gods, goddesses, or Earth elements may be invoked during the ceremony. 34-year-old punk, hippy, pagan chick. 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. Blessed Be. Ill keep this article in mind when I talk to her about it. You do your research as well before telling anyone they cant do something at their own ceremony. Declaration of intent. I've seen some of these before (the ankh and the pentacle, I've seen a lot!) Then you dont know much about european paganism. 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. The officiant may also ask the guests for their approval of the marriage. The custom of throwing grain, rice, or confetti is another fertility symbol. Claire (author) from Lincolnshire, UK on April 25, 2013: Catherine Taylor from Canada on April 25, 2013: I learned a lot from this hub and really enjoyed it. Over time the ankh has come to symbolize eternal life and immortality to people from many walks of life. In Viking mythology, Thor is known as the god of thunder and storms and the defender of Asgard, where the other gods in the Norse pantheon lived. Question: Which pagan symbol could I use to rid my home and body of evil spirits? There is a growing movement on, for example, Tumblr, that is very diverse, positive and open, and very hot on actively working against and calling out both the more obvious and more subtle forms of bigotry. So, the folk looked back to the traditions of their grandparents and found a compromise. the pentacle is actually medieval christian symbol. As such, Pagans who wish to become legally married will often get legalled before or after the wedding. She was also the wife of Odin, one of the principal Norse gods often associated with wisdom, healing, magic, war, death, poetry, etc. Required fields are marked *. A Wiccan wedding ceremony is typically an outdoor wedding. Jewish brides often wear it on their right index finger, for example. Pagans, Wiccans, and those in the growing community of alternative faiths needed a marriage ritual which was sacred and historied, but that didn't have an association to other religions. Like how the Westborro Baptist Church is to Christianity. Air can also be represented by feathers, a fan, or incense. Marisa Jenkins is a wedding planner and event coordinator. Interestingly enough, while most modern Druids are Pagan, in the 1700s, many European Druids considered themselves Christians. 3. So lets start with explaining what Paganism actually is. Officiant: Do you promise to view each other as equals and to act in accordance with this equality? Modern Paganism is highly influenced by environmentalism, feminism, and other modern value systems. ceremony-tone-and-feelceremony-planningprofessional-officiantswedding-planningpagan-wedding-ritualswiccan-weddingwedding-and-ceremony-planningreligion-and-rituals. Weddings are beautiful and meaningful ceremonies for Pagans just like for everybody else. learning about the meanings of theses symbols was interesting. A pagan wedding ceremony can be a mix of traditional pagan rituals. Easy to understand. The Chalice or Cup is a pagan ritual tool. https://www.holisticshop.co.uk/articles/guide-rune https://www.ancient-symbols.com/symbols-directory/ the seven classical planets (Sol, Luna, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Saturn), the seven notes in a diatonic music scale (white notes), the seven tenants (balance, harmony, humility, learning, reincarnation, tolerance, and trust), the seven elements (earth, air, fire, water, above, below, and within). You may be surprised at how familiar much of the ceremony will be. However, the ties of marriage are not forged by this cord nor the knots, but by the sincere and heartfelt vows you shared. The couple would self-marry in the old style when it was convenient for the community. Do you think that you could trust each other with your hearts and yourselves, and make time to be together? 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! Pagan Wedding Considerations for Couples by Selena Fox Permission to reproduce or adapt these must be obtained from Selena Fox in writing in advance. Surprisingly, a majority of the traditions the Celts celebrated for their weddings have found their way into other cultures, and even Pagan Celtic traditions were transformed into Christian Celtic traditions. Question: What do three crescent moons in a triangle shape pointed down mean? The section about jumping the broom caught my attention due to the mention of the wedding broom having the old timey wimey name of Besom. Unlike a maze, you cannot get lost or trapped in a labyrinth. on May 10, 2014: Good article. For instance, they can include other unity ceremonies, such as the unity sand ceremony or the jumping of the besom broom. The symbol of earth is also sometimes used to symbolize Mother Earth. Given that Paganism is not a major religion, the number of Pagan clergies who are also legally ordained to act as officiants is limited. Paganism is a group of religions that have their roots in pre-Christian Europe. The hammer also served other ceremonial purposes such as protecting mortals, blessing marriages, and replicas of Mjlnir were used in ancient Viking rituals. Note: This article is in no way intended to offer a complete look at modern Paganism. Claire (author) from Lincolnshire, UK on November 22, 2012: Thank you Glad you found it interesting :). The earliest known example of a pentacle appears on a signet ring worn by a Pythagorean sect in southern Italy, around 525 BCE. The open hand represents an openness to blessings and power. Officiant: (Name of Partner A), please give (Name of Partner B) the ring. Even the placement of wedding rings has pagan meaning. The officiant will call these beings or powers to join the event at the start of the ceremony before any sacred readings or vows are said. As illustrated above, Pagan weddings honor four elements: earth, water, fire, and air. You have the freedom to decide what colors the cord will be; you can coordinate with your color scheme, or you can look into the symbolism of each color. These include: The number three is commonly considered to relate to heaven and the higher realms, while the number four relates to the earth. A Pagan wedding is an opportunity to make your vows special and unique. You have a safe, successful day. The second binding is made of green, which symbolizes Earth and indicates that your love may be wise and nurturing, as well as being happy. Have an. However, in modern practice, you can also take them off after the ceremony. Thor wields the hammer known as Mjlnir, a powerful weapon that would always hit its intended target. You will probably see the couple exchanging rings or some other token of their love, such as necklaces. The officiant can also impart some advice for the couple and their partnership. Paganism has been around a very long time. These offerings are burned over a bonfire or hearth fire during the ritual -- right before a large meal to close the celebration. Two fit the bill: the tying of hands in the handfasting tradition, and the jumping of the broom. This is partly because popular media and entertainment frequently lump all modern Pagans together into one big group (and that group is usually Wicca). Tying the knot. These ideas embody the strength, cunning, and power associated with these North Atlantic warriors. It can be a legal marriage. It has an awesome interfaith ceremony in it that works well when guests are Christian Hope that helps you! non traditional & alternative wedding Planning, Rings, Wedding Bands. Question: What does a pagan protection symbol look like? It represents the wheel of the year and the eight pagan sabbats (festivals). Rune stones can also be used as a form of divination. We both have family who is Christian though. We may earn commissions on purchases made from visiting our partner stores. Work with your chosen officiant and come up with vows that tell a story about you as a couple. Check out our pagan symbols gifts selection for the very best in unique or custom, handmade pieces from our shops. As with any religion, each person has a different relationship to it. , A lot of folk are so ignorant (and I mean this in a kind, awareness way) of other religions and customs that they dont realize what is happening when some ritual is a little different is slipped into the ceremony. Within these traditions there are many symbols. Earth is one of the classical elements (earth, air, fire, and air). Question: Can these symbols be used with children? These types of self-uniting marriage traditions lasted well into the colonial era, when settlers in the New World faced difficulties due to long distances and lack of resources. Spirals can also be found in many instances in nature, for example, galaxies and seashells. thank you for your kind act of reading one or two of my hubs. Many modern organizations emphasize inclusiveness, and a majority of modern Heathens disavow any connection to racist groups, but these strong divisions continue. Question: Why does everyone think the satanic cross is just an upside down cross? An altar may hold typical Wiccan ritual symbols - or it may not be present at all. The setogram is also known as the faery or elven star. This ritual takes place within a sacred circle, and may involve invoking ancestors, the four corners or elements, or specific god/s or spirits. Your email address will not be published. Each element has features that Pagans revere, such as strength, courage, humility, and peace. HubPages is a registered trademark of The Arena Platform, Inc. Other product and company names shown may be trademarks of their respective owners. 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. Will you both try to alleviate one anothers anguish and suffering, sharing joy and pleasure? If you are attending a Viking themed wedding, for example, a piece of Norse decor can be a great addition to their home: not only it reflects their interests, but also it's practical . Question: What does the inverted omega mean? Answer: Triple moon symbols are often used in Wicca to represent the goddess. This is wonderful!! Other popular movements in the US include Voodoo or Vodun, Dianic Wicca, Green Witchcraft, Mexicayotl. Dark Moon Pagan Symbol and Meaning When the moon is dark, it is because of its close proximity to the Sun. Answer: Sigils are very individual as they are created by individuals and so the designs vary greatly. As modern Paganism began to truly grow in the early-to-mid 20th century, Pagans sought marriage rituals that had historical significance without strong ties to other religions. But there are many other paths for Heathen practitioners to follow, and even non-denominational organizations, as well. A genuine wedding vow contains realistic promises dedicated to your partner, your relationship, and your future. There are many different pagan vow options but the most important thing is to make it personal and unique to you as a couple. They also honor their ancestors, have a deep appreciation for family, and interact with the spirits of the earth. Included in the binding ceremony are colorful cords, with each color symbolizing different virtues. For best results, please first read StarFields's free guide to magic; Added Jun 26, 2010 | Silvia Hartmann | 21,854 Reads . Most Pagan wedding ceremonies will include or acknowledge the 4 elements in some way during the ceremony. The sun wheel is associated with fire and magic as well as fire and masculine energy. What does it mean when it's upside down? I knew most of them, but I only work with some of them. Viking weddings often include traditional clothing, drinking, songs, and ceremonial fire. Hecate relates to my name, glad to know a little more. Great Article, done a few of these myself, thanks for sharing. Pagan weddings tend to be non-religious because they focus on the union between two people instead of the divine. 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. Get it Wed, Jul 27 - Wed, Aug 17 +2 colors/patterns. They celebrate the changing seasons and natures bounty, usually through festivals or rituals. JULES Ring Sterling Silver Mobius Ring, Brushed Oxidized Finish. Leaping Over the Broom 3. We hear you, a rubber wedding band! Sun cross. Outdoorsy in the summer and total gamer in the winter. I did not know that about the star of David. Or fastest delivery Mon, Feb 27. It can be a commitment ceremony for a common law or civil union. They're awesome and we love them. Unfortunately, despite being increasingly mainstream, Paganism and its various rites are often misunderstood. The Horned God is a pagan god of life cycle, nature, wilderness, virility or sexuality, and hunting. Sort of like an open ended triangle? Many of them have rich stories behind them and others have meanings unknown. This was also the time when white veils became popular, and the length of the veil marked the bride's wealth. Celtic Cross - This is the basic Celtic cross. I dont have family, but my friends are born-again Christian. Perhaps a dog could symbolise loyalty as theu are such loyal compainions to humans? This adds a sense of balance and harmony to the proceedings. Out of all the symbols used in ancient Norse mythology, Thor's Hammer is one of the most well-known in the modern world. Pagan ceremonies can be religious or non-religious, but they always have a common thread: showing respect for your ancestors and celebrating love with friends and family. Two Dragons is the perfect poem for a pagan wedding ceremony such as handfasting. Sources for the Symbols Archaeology perhaps offers the best testament to early Norse symbols and traditions. Answer: I have seen this symbol used to represent a fire or cauldron. Handfasting Is an Important Part 2. Answer: Many symbols can be used in protection: for example the pentagram or ankh. Modern Paganism is one of the world's fastest growing religious bodies. Its fun. Youve just been bound together, your two lives linked by love and trust into one. Your generosity keeps American Marriage Ministries running. Some Celtic traditions use the triskele to represent the realms of earth, sea, and sky. Can you help. Good luck on your journey. Check out our free ceremony scripts! You may see the lighting of candles, possibly even a unity candle ceremony. Question: What is the symbol that looks like a double-cross with the infinity symbol at the bottom? First appearing in ancient Egyptian engravings, the Ouroboros has been used throughout ancient and medieval Europe, eventually becoming a symbol for alchemy in the early renaissance period. One theory is that the loop at the top symbolizes the rising sun, the horizontal bar represents feminine energy, and the vertical bar indicates masculine energy. Answer: I have not seen this symbol before, but would guess that its meaning is similar to the triple goddess symbol in represent the three aspects of the goddess and women (maiden, mother and crone) and how they are distinct phases but also one. Air is one of the four classical elements that are often invoked during pagan rituals and spiritual workings. Below are the common pagan symbols for the various moon phases. There is a wide array of religions and spiritual traditions that fall under the Pagan umbrella, and yes, some are legally recognized faiths. He seems cool with it. There are many Adinkra symbols from West Africa including Nyansapo, representing wisdom and Mpuannum which is used to symbolise loyalty. As a Wiccan High Priest, I do wear various items that use some of these symbols for what they represent as well as how they resonate with myself. 16). If you are interested in crystals, there are several that are thought effective in protection including black tourmaline, black onyx, and smoky quartz. The elements are also represented in a variety of ways. This deep dive into one of the most exciting trends in weddings is inspired by love stories that reach far back into the misty origins of human history, when Druids and Priestesses dispensed esoteric wisdom, cast powerful spells, and magic and nature were one-and-the-same.
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