News From the Grove
The Handfasting, Lughnasadh 1999
On Lughnasadh, the Grove gathered at the home of betrothed Grove members Okana and Weylin. On this day (which is also Weylin’s birthday), Okana and Weylin were handfasted before family, friends, the Nature Spirits, their ancestors, and the Gods. Okana and Weylin chose to hold their ceremony beside a quiet stream surrounded by towering trees in the Greenwood Creek State Forest. The setting proved to be a very well chosen location for the ceremony.
The area had been cleansed by a rain storm on the
previous night and everything was refreshed and clean. The area projected a great sense of peace and
calm. The day was warm and sunny with gentle breezes playing through the trees. In the background
we could hear the stream gently singing her songs of peace, love and timelessness to us.
The ceremony was written by Okana and performed
by Druidess TopazOwl and Wiccan High Priest Harold, with RavenDancer acting as Grove
Tender/Handmaiden. All other members of the Grove were in attendance.
Considering that Okana placed her special Polish
spin on the ceremony, this was a truly multifaith affair, which blended nicely and was a true delight to
attend. Everyone who attended the handfasting found meaning and beauty in the ceremony, whether they
were Pagan or not. The ceremony was emotional charged, and the magic of the ritual flowed smoothly.
The Grove’s gift to the happy couple were two
apple trees, which we later planted in Okana and Weylin’s back yard with a simple ritual and blessings.
We wish them three blessings:
Hope - The hope that all good things come their way.
Health - That they enjoy health in their lives together.
Happiness - That they share much happiness in their union in this life and in the next.
GreyWolf,
Garrán an Eich Órbhuí Scribe