The Season of Love
For it is in loving, as well as in being loved, that we
Become most truly ourselves. No matter what we do, say
Accomplish, or become, it is our capacity to love that
Ultimately defines us. In the end, nothing we do or say in
This lifetime will matter as much as the way we have loved one another.
Self Blessing for Love and Commitment
This sacred ritual can strengthen your commitment to your higher purpose and enhance your relationship with the divine.
Create an altar with a bouquet of daffodils (new beginnings) and freesia or roses (love), a white candle (intention), a bell to call in Spirit, paper and pen, wine or juice (celebration and abundance), saltwater or sage (purification)
Begin by creating sacred space by burning sage or sprinkling the saltwater around the space. Affirm that you are purifying yourself of any old relationships and patterns that would obstruct your commitment to your higher self. Set the intention that you are free to do things differently and that you are committed to valuing yourself. Ring the bell to call in the Divine to honor this ceremony as sacred.
Take some time and write down your vows to yourself. They might include, I promise to take care of myself and give myself quality time alone. or promise to eat healthy food and exercise my body. Take your time and speak your truth.
When you are finished light a white candle and say:
Bless my body that it may be healthy and strong.
Bless my words that they may always be truthful and kind.
Bless my home that it may provide a safe and nurturing space.
Mother/Father God release to me all that is mine by divine right under grace
And show me clearly what it is I am to do.
End by drinking some wine or grape juice.
Marriage
A true marriage is a sacred act of transformation, as two individuals lives are merged into something totally new that has never existed before. It is an initiation into a life of shared values and dreams. In order to sustain this mystical union, the individuals must constantly contribute their individual unique qualities as well as tap into the renewing forces of the Divine.
As an interfaith minister I have had the privilege of officiating at many different types of ceremonies from traditional to same sex couples. More and more people are seeking new ways to make not only their vows but also the whole marriage ritual more relevant to their circumstances and expectations. I perform ceremonies for couples who are marrying for the first time, second time, third time or even remarrying their former spouse. A typical ceremony may include grown children and former in laws. This summer I am facilitating a wedding in Vermont with the couples two-year daughter, the grooms two grown children and his ex wife and her girlfriend. This is truly a wedding that honors the whole family and gives a sense of continuity to the ritual.
Laurie Sue Brockway in her new book, Wedding Goddess (A Divine Guide to Transforming Wedding Stress Into Wedding Bliss, Perigee), shares some interesting rituals from traditions around the world.
African American. Jumping the broom takes a couple from single life into the land of matrimony this custom honors the tradition begun by slaves. At a time when they were not allowed to legally wed, couples would jump over a b room holding hands to signify their commitment to each other.
Chinese- The Chinese red goblet ceremony gives the couple a chance to take a sip from either one goblet or two goblets tied together by red or gold ribbon. It symbolizes unity and blessings for shared good fortune.
Christian- the lighting of the family unity candle brings the light of two separate candles together to light the one candle that represents the new union. (Can also be adapted as a non-denominational ritual)
Hindu:Satipati or the Seven Steps is one of the most important Hindu rituals, where the bride and groom take seven sacred steps to seal their marriage covenant.
Japanese: the saki ceremony symbolizes the fusion of two lives and offers blessings for long life and good fortunes as bride and groom alternate sipping from three different sized cups.
Jewish: The breaking of the glass reminds us that while we are joyous, there is still suffering in the world, but that the love of the couple adds to the healing of the world.
Native American: Calling in the directions is a way of praying for blessings for the east, west, north, and south. It honors the ancestors and calls in the support of the spirits from all corners of the universes.
Pagan ritual: Hand fasting is ancient Celtic tradition of literally tying the couples hands together to signify their bond.
Did you know?
Throwing rice is an ancient fertility rite.
The practice of giving the bride something old, something new, somethingBorrowed and something blue is another ancient ritual. Something old represents the clan line of the bride and groom. Something new represents the new family being created. Something borrowed symbolized fertility, since the bride had to borrow an item from the most fertile woman in her village to insure that she would have many children. And blue was the color of the goddess; signifying a divine marriage.
Wedding bouquets once were woven of fresh rosemary to signify a strong bond between the couple. Apple blossoms were also popular because they represented future offspring.
Remember that your marriage is sacred. Renew your vows often and make your relationship a living testimony to love.