Handfasting -- An Old Tradition in a New World

On February 2, 1997, I had the pleasure of marrying my wonderful husband.

Twice.

A bit redundant?

Not if we wanted to be handfasted according to Wiccan tradition and legally married.

The Province of Manitoba had yet to appoint someone who was ordained in the Wiccan faith ,to be a Marriage Commissioner. And so began my journey through the land of red tape. I felt that in this day and age, dual ceremonies to fulfill both legal and spiritual requirements, was just downright silly. I knew that B.C. and Ontario both had Wiccans that could legally marry people, so why not Manitoba?

I started at the Department of Vital Statistics. To their credit, Vital Stats. were fairly sympathetic. They realized that the Pagan community was a segment of society who's needs were not being met in this regard. It was simply that no one had stepped forward with the appropriate qualifications and intentions to fulfill that need.

In March of 1999, after providing details about myself and my spiritual history, character references, information about the Pagan community in Manitoba, and my shoe size, (okay, not really) the Province of Manitoba granted a Marriage Commissioner's licence to a Witch for the first time. Well, knock me down with a feather!!

I felt, and still feel, extremely honoured. Each time I have the pleasure of marrying a couple, whether it is a Wiccan Handfasting or a civil ceremony for non-Pagans, I realize what an awesome responsibility it is. And wow, what a feeling to be a part of that special moment for someone. I am blessed and thankful to be able to serve the children of the Goddess in this way. Unfortunately, my authority as a Marriage Commissioner, only extends to traditional male-female couples, as that it the state of our present laws. All other couples have to be content with a ceremony of commitment. Although this may not be legal, it is in my mind, no less meaningful. As the wheel turns, and life continues, I have found myself called upon by some of these couples to perform a Wiccaning as children arrive in their union. I am touched by the fact that they remember me, and hopeful that I can once again serve my peers and the Devine in a way that is meaningful. A wonderful part of my experience has been the people I have met. Some of the couples I have married, have since become treasured friends of my husband and I.

Being an out-of-the-broom-closet Witch has it's pros. and cons. and is not always an easy decision. For me, the pros. of being true to myself and the Gods whom I serve, far outweighed the cons. Oh sure, I get the odd (and I do mean ODD) phone call from some mis-guided soul who wants to know if I can "help him raise the dead?" Puh-lease!! Honey, we don't do that. But I realize that there are nuts falling from every tree in the forest. You can't escape that regardless of your spiritual ilk.

The longer I live my life publicly as a Witch, the more I come to understand that with a few exceptions, most people would rather ask questions that allow you to dispel myths, than be mis-informed. Just as Witches should seek the truths of other religions, to better understand them. We can't expect tolerance, if we practice intolerance. May the turning Wheel of the Year allow you to see all the beauty around you. And may the re-birth of the Sun-King bring awakening in whatever way you need. Have a blessed Winter Solstice!!

By Amy Moore-Peters