Magickal Weddings: Pagan Handfasting Traditions for Your Sacred Union

Daniel M. Kolos is president of Benben Books, a company publishing
scholarly works.

In this guide to handfasting, or “magickal weddings,” Ferguson
offers a historical view of this pagan tradition, a seasonal and
astrological chart indicating the best or most “magickal” time for
the ceremony, and advice on planning the ceremony. She devotes an entire
chapter to ceremonial tools (including a recipe for mead and
aphrodisiac oils for the prenuptial massage), describes the ritual for
creating a sacred space, and lists the various methods of divination.
Her final chapter deals with the vows and ritual of the handfasting
ceremony itself.

Ferguson’s writing style is rich with imagery and her research brings
a variety of options to potential pagan lovers. Handfasting is only for
“a year and a day,” after which the couple, if they cannot get
along, can go their separate ways. Although they can also renew their
vows year after year, pagans can register as “domestic partners”
only in British Columbia. Handfasting does not take the place of legal
weddings such as church or civil ceremonies. Sexual union at magickal
weddings is also optional, but Ferguson offers both historical and
practical background for those who wish to include this rite during
their handfasting. With earth religions, the goddess’s creed is that
“all acts of love and pleasure are my rituals.” Accordingly,
Ferguson lists incense, love knots, spells, and oils to facilitate the
union.

The book is written from a pagan point of view for practising pagans.
There is no discussion of possible breaches of morality because the
pagan tradition weaves its own moral consistency and ethical practices
into its rituals. Magickal Weddings is a well organized, lucidly
written, and thoroughly researched guide to handfasting.