Heart Song

                       Ceremony

 

 

 

 

Rev. Evelyn Whitebear is available for

Hand-Fasting & Wedding Ceremonies

and Naming Ceremonies

Traditional, Spiritual, Religious or Non-religious services.

 

Also Full Moon Ceremonies &

Ceremonies of the Sabbats ~ the Solar & Lunar Festivals.

 

*****  BBC - Wedding Stories *****

The BBC are looking for couples who would agree to having their 'alternative' wedding, and the build up to their wedding, filmed for the next series. They are particularly interested in outdoor weddings, and especially those carried out at sacred sites.

If you would like to take part in the BBC series 'Wedding Stories' please contact me!

StellaMarisToL@aol.com

 

White Elephant and White Tiger

Thank you to Herne for guiding me to the following information.
 
Two nights before my first wedding ceremony, I dreamt of a baby white elephant and a white tiger. The white elephant is an auspicious animal, associated with Buddha, so I knew that spirit was trying to contact me, or at least showing me they were with me. The tiger represents pure energy, bringing new adventures, passion, power, devotion and sensuality. I mentioned the dream to an acquaintance who explained that the White Tiger is also a message that the Gods are trying to make contact. In a village in Bali, in a Mungku temple, she once saw a White Tiger spirit. The Mungku are Laypriests, who wear all white to show that they channel the Gods, as we do when we perform any sacred ritual. 'Mungku's perform Weddings in Bali, therefore the White Tiger symbolises sacred weddings. Buddha, and the God's were clearly showing me that they are with me, supporting me during these ceremonies, and bringing their blessings to the Newlyweds.

 

 

Celtic, Wiccan & Pagan Ceremonies

 

In our world there is a diversity of belief systems, some staid and reserved, and others vibrant and as colourful as life itself. Some follow religious practices, where others have no beliefs at all, and yet many more share spiritual beliefs that are not understood or recognised as a religion. Cultures differ greatly from country to country, but each incorporate its own traditions into their ceremonies, making them special, often sacred occasions.

In Britain alone there are many different religions being practiced by many different peoples. Yet, there are many people today that are not able to follow any religion that their heart does not resonate with. Because of this, many are looking to the beliefs of the ancient peoples, following the laws of natural world, respecting the beauty of the world around them, acknowledging the forces of nature and living with them and not against them, seeing the beauty of the Great Spirit within everything that exists. This is reflected in the Ceremony of Marriage, where the four elements are honoured in each of the four directions, as none can exist without the other; Earth, Air, Fire and Water.


During the wedding or hand fasting ceremony the elements represented symbolically; a piece of crystal or stone to represent Earth, incense or a feather to represent Air, a red candle to represent Fire, and a bowl of water to represent Water.

The Celebrant will bless the circle and Invoke the Spirits or Goddesses.

Often the ritual of 'Hand Fasting' is performed, whereby the Bride and Groom's hands are bound by a natural woven thread, fibre or cloth, and just before the 'Giving of Rings' the binding is slipped off with the knot still intact, signifying the fact they will always be 'bound together in marriage'.

 

A Beltane Hand-Fasting & Wedding

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Non-Religious Wedding Ceremonies

Weddings are important to every couple, and just because two people are not religious, it does not mean that their wedding is any less important to them than a traditional one is to a religious couple. A non-religious wedding shows the commitment of two people, beginning their lives together, in much the same way as any religious wedding.

Our wedding ceremonies allow the couple to personalise their wedding vows and ceremony entirely to suit themselves, allowing them to enjoy a very special day that they can share with friends and family.

The format of a Non-religious wedding would include:

Music
Introduction: setting the scene of the purpose and importance of marriage
Readings or poetry
Ritual: Including an exchange of rings, candle-lighting or a hand-fasting ritual
Formal words pronouncing the couple to be married
A Non-religious blessing of the marriage

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The Wedding or Hand-fasting Ceremony will cost in the region of £100-£200.
This includes the writing of the Ceremonial script which is personal and unique, meeting the individual needs and wishes of the Bride & Groom. 

Your Ceremony may be held anywhere you wish, such as a community hall, hotel, your own home or a park or woodland.

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Naming Ceremonies

Many parents would like to celebrate the birth of their child, but do not always want a Christening. An alternative such as a Blessing or Thanksgiving, a 'Naming ceremony' or a 'Naming day' can be arranged.

The purpose of a Naming Ceremony is to welcome babies or new family additions into the family. They provide family and friends with an opportunity to make a commitment to support and protect the child as he or she grows up. In place of 'God parents' chosen individuals called 'Mentors' or 'Special friends', will make a specific commitment to help support and guide the child moralistically through its young life, and will act as an extended family.

A Naming Ceremony is a unique and special way of celebrating the birth of your child, welcoming the new arrival into the family. Naming ceremonies can also be given for older children, and also for adoptive children or stepchildren, to welcome them into a new family, allowing them to feel acknowledged and special. It is an occasion for friends and family to feel involved as they state or pledge their love and support for the child's future development.

Anyone who has parental responsibility or legal guardianship of the child or children may organise a Naming ceremony. The parents of the child do not have to be married and can come from any cultural background. They may have varying spiritual or religious beliefs, or they may have none.

A Blessing is carried out for the child, where family and any chosen mentors are asked to say a few words.

In a Thanksgiving service there is no Blessing carried out, though prayers of thanks may be given.

Naming ceremonies may be carried out as religious, eg. Pagan, Wiccan, etc., or non-religious ceremonies. During the ceremony, parents state their love and commitment to their child and declare hopes for their future. Poetry or prose may be read, with music playing in the background. 'Supporting adults' or 'mentors' agree to be there for the child as he or she grows up, and throughout their life in whatever way is needed.

The ceremony may include:
Introduction and welcome
Readings by you or one of the supporting adults.
The naming of the child
The parents' promise, and promises of the supporting adults, to pledge love and support for the child's future.


Though Naming ceremonies do not have any legal status, you will be given a certificate as a token record of the ceremony, which is signed by the Parents, Supporting adults and myself, the Celebrant.

The Naming Ceremony will cost in the region of £100-£200.
This includes the writing of the Ceremonial script which is personal and unique, meeting the individual needs and wishes of the family. 

Your Ceremony may be held anywhere you wish, such as a community hall, hotel, your own home or a park or woodland.
 

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Celebrating the Sabbats

Summer Solstice at Callinish, Scotland

 

 Solar festivals:                   

 Lunar festivals:        

 Winter Solstice, Yule, 21st December      Imbolc, 2nd February
 Spring Equinox, Ostara or Eostar, 20th – 23rd March    Beltane, 1st May (early May)
 Summer Solstice, Litha, 21st June   Lammas or Lughnassdadh, 1st August
 Vernal Equinox, Mabon, 21st September   Samhain, 31st October
   

 

 

Please visit again soon,

or email for more information.

 

 

   
   

Website created by Evelyn Whitebear. Please contact Evelyn if you wish to use any information or pictures off this website. Thank you.