Goddess Oriented Teutonic Handfasting Ceremony Special Altar Supplies: white, red and black ribbons lying inside the cauldron; two white candles carved with the names of the couple; a small white taper used for lighting; a broom. Cast the circle as usual.  Calling to the Element positions can be performed by other than the PRIESTESS.  Since the COUPLE to be hand fasted comes in last, leave a portion of the circle open until they enter.  When the circle is closed, the PRIESTESS takes the broom and sweeps outward around the edge of the circle.  She places the broom on the floor before the altar.  Then she goes to her position at the altar, raises her arms and says: PRIESTESS: Great Goddess, bless all those who are gathered within this sacred circle.  We join with this couple in celebrating their hand fasting, a joining of their lives as it was done in ancient times. The PRIESTESS turns to the East, raises her arms and says: Rejoice, O Idhunn, for these two have heard your call to begin new things. The PRIESTESS turns to the South, raises her arms, and says: Rejoice, O Frigg, for these two have found love with each other. The PRIESTESS turns to the West, raises her arms, and says: Rejoice, O Nehellania, for these two have discovered a companionship of heart and spirit. The PRIESTESS turns to the North, raises her arms, and says: Rejoice, O Skadi, for these two have chosen to walk this cycle of life together in search of the Goddess. The PRIESTESS returns to her position at the altar and 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: The sharing of a life-path 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 ONE of the COUPLE, who lights the 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 other person, who lights the 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 COUPLE hold out their left hands, and the PRIESTESS loosely wraps the three ribbons around their wrists.  She says: May you always stand together, but not too close together.  May you be as one, but keep your own self-free. May you love fully, but not smother with that love.  And may you walk the path of the Goddess each day of your lives.  So mote it be. The PRIESTESS removes the ribbons.  If rings are exchanged, it is done now.  If rings are not exchanged, the COUPLE may wish to exchange pieces of magickal jewelry.  The PRIESTESS then raises the wine chalice high over the altar and says: By the power of the Goddess granted to me, I declare (names of COUPLE) joined in hand fasting.  Goddess, as 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.  When the chalice is returned to the altar, the PRIESTESS lays the broom where the couple can jump over it.  She says: Over the broom and into new life! The couple jumps over the broom.  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 hand fasting celebrations continue.  The ribbons are given to the couple who can use them as part of each anniversary.  If ever the couple decides to separate, these ribbons can be used in that ritual.