Goddess Oriented Handfasting Special Altar Supplies: white, red and black ribbons threaded through the rings to be exchanged; two white candles carved with the names of the couple; a small white taper used for lighting; chalice of wine or juice; a bell. A third white candle is lit on the altar before the ceremony begins When everyone is assembled, the COUPLE should walk in together. The two WITNESSES stand behind the COUPLE, who stand before the altar and the officiating PRIESTESS.  If a circle is cast, one side is left open until the COUPLE enters.  Then the PRIESTESS seals the circle.  PRIESTESS: Come, Goddess. Be with us as we celebrate this joining in love of (the names of the COUPLE).  Pour out upon us all your blessings. The PRIESTESS rings the bell twice. Hear me you guide and guardians of (the names of the COUPLE).  What you once did for one, you must now do for two.  By the power of the Goddess, I charge you to perform your tasks with love and compassion, blessing this couple each day anew. The PRIESTESS speaks to the COUPLE: True marriage is not to be undertaken lightly.  It requires much love, commitment, trust, and work.  Many times it also requires compromise of desires.   Life's path may become rocky with illness, periods of financial troubles, sorrow, or a host of little nagging difficulties.  Look upon these as tests of your love and dedication to each other.  Each of you is giving your heart and dreams into the keeping of the other.  Do not break the trust you have been given, for it is sacred before the Goddess.  If you can speak in honesty before the Goddess Herself, answer, "I will." The COUPLE answers.  The PRIESTESS point to the white, carved candles, and says: Here are the outward symbols of your inner dedication to each other.  Before these witnesses, light the candle of your chosen mate and pledge your troth. The PRIESTESS lights the little taper and hands it to the WOMAN, who lights her mate's candle and says: I have chosen you above all others.  I share with you my love and the light of the Goddess. The PRIESTESS hands the lighted taper to the MAN, who lights his mate's candle and says: I have chosen you above all others.  I share with you my love and the light of the Goddess. The PRIESTESS snuffs the taper.  She takes the three ribbons, one by one, out of the cauldron as she describes them. These ribbons symbolize the Triple Goddess in Her aspects of Maiden, Mother, and Wise One. (She draws out the white ribbon). White is the Maiden, the bringer of new life and new goals. (She draws out the red ribbon).  Red is the Mother, the Creatrix of growth and sometimes changes.  (She draws out the black ribbon.) Black is the Wise One, the keeper of the cauldron, the one who ends all life and prepares for new beginnings.  This is the patter of all life-paths, that our lives begin new cycles, they grow, and then they either change to new beginnings or they die. Can you accept this? The COUPLE answers: I can. The PRIESTESS gives the WOMAN'S ring to the MAN and says: Place this ring of troth upon the hand of your chosen and make your vow. The MAN places the ring on the WOMAN'S hand and says: This is my beloved and this is my friend. he PRIESTESS gives the MAN'S ring to the WOMAN and says: Place this ring of troth upon the hand of your chosen and make your vow. The WOMAN places the ring on the MAN'S hand and says: This is my beloved and this is my friend. The PRIESTESS raises the wine chalice high and says: By the power of the Goddess granted to me by Her and Her earthly representative, and by the civil authority granted to me by temporal powers, I declare before all here that these two are joined in marriage.  Goddess, and Your Priestess, I ask that you bless this fair company with joy and happiness.  To Freyja and all the goddesses.   Blessed be! The PRIESTESS hands the chalice to the COUPLE, who drinks and hand it back to her.  She drinks, and then passes the chalice around to any others present.  When the chalice is returned to the altar, the PRIESTESS says: Let us rejoice with our friends and celebrate their special time. For the Goddess is honored by joy and love. The circle is closed and the wedding celebrations continue.  Give the ribbons to the COUPLE.  They can be used as part of every anniversary.  If ever a divorce should occur, these ribbons can be used in the separation ceremony.