Celebrate Winter Solstice with a Labyrinth walk and Love Commitment Ceremony

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/9/1/f/c/event_135877372.jpegSix months ago during the Full Moon Labyrinth walk in Cancer, Jeff and I realized we were made for each other.

I had manifested him right down to his long silver hair and "Harley"

and he had manifested his "classic Goddess body" Owl/Dragon woman.

So here we are asking you to join us in this Magical Winter Solstice Labyrinth walk and witness our love commitment in a very ancient European ceremony called a handfasting.

Wikipedia states, "Handfasting is an ancient European ceremony of (temporary or permanent) betrothal or wedding that dates back to pre-medieval times and usually involves the tying or binding of the bride and groom with a cord or ribbons."

The Tradition Of Handfasting (http://www.celticjewelry.com/content/celtic-weddings/a-brief-history-of-handfasting-in-celtic-marriage/)

These days, contemporary Celts, neo-pagans and others interested in alternative marriage ceremonies have adopted the tradition of handfasting, which involves binding the hands of the couple with ribbon or cord in a public to symbolize marriage vows. The tradition itself, however, is to believe to be ancient, deriving from Celtic tribes that were widespread in Europe before Christianity. Since that time, handfasting has been a practiced over generations, with many variations.

The term, handfasting, is from late medieval times, deriving from Old Norse: hand-festa, which means to strike a bargain by joining hands. The notion of a handshake comes from the old tradition of hand fasting; and even today, let’s shake on it, can represent a vow of sorts. Similarly, handfasting, represents a commitment in context to a more intimate partnership for a limited time or for a lifetime.

Everyone present will join us in walking the Labyrinth to ponder/meditate on love, peace, and joy in your life now and into what this new era will bring each and every one of us. This is the end of a very old way of life and the beginning of something new and exciting. Cosmic energies have been preparing us for this new phase. We must go beyond that tribe of one and embrace the love of community to survive this next phase of life here on Mother Earth.

Join us not only as witness' of our love and commitment to each other but also as support of our Shamanic community knowing that each of us needs one another through thick and thin now and in whatever the future holds for our tribe.

Please wear warm clothing, bring drums, or rattles, (some will be available if needed).

Schedule of Ceremony

• Gather at 2:30 pm

• Ceremony promptly starts at 3 pm

• Elisabeth Black (Matron of Honor, assisting Dee with her alter arrangement, head dress and organizational skills)

• Celia Blackwood opens ceremony calling in 4 directions

• Walking Labyrinth independently starting with Dee, then Jeff and guests following to form a circle at center.

• Quynn officiates ceremony (oath to each other, rings, binding of hands with ribbons, drinking special tea (made by Darcey).

• Blessing by Alyson Greene

• Closing of ceremony with drumming and rattling

• Precession leading out of Labyrinth with Jeff and Dee joined together, others to follow also jointly

Many thanks to all that join us for this fantastic Winter Solstice Labyrinth Walk and Love Commitment Ceremony. Please no gifts but any donations to ISA would be graciously accepted.

A special thank you from Jeff and I to those who are making our special day even more wonderful (Quynn, Elisabeth, Celia, Darcey, Alyson Greene)

Private reception to follow by invite only.