The ceremony begins by the Gothi calling the Folk and witnesses for the couple to the alter or stalli . Once the Folk are assembled , he summons the bride and groom . They should enter the circle together and approach the alter .
Gothi : " In all meaningful and significant gatherings undertaken by our Folk , the The All Powerful Spirit of our tribal Gods and Goddesses is present . So , also today , when we come together for this truly joyous occasion of joining this man and this woman , " ________ " and " _______ " , in the bonds of matrimony .
From the most ancient times of our Folk , the family has been the most important part of the tribe and community . The rite being performed here , sanctifying - In the sight of the Holy Ones and the Folk - the bonding of a man and a woman in marriage is a religious act in the ultimate sense .
We know of no other word to describe the awe and wonder with which we face this act , one of the most momentous events in our life experiences . One which is hallowed by the Holy Hammer , and witnessed by the Gods and the Folk . A marriage vow is , in itself , a holy oath , I ask you to remember this and choose your vows carefully .
Our ancestors required nothing more than a statement of intent of the parties be made before an assembly of the Folk . Today we must satisfy the state as well . Therefore we shall proceed , before witnesses , by stating that you " _______ " and " _______ " have freely voiced your decision to be united in marriage .
Couple : We have .
Gothi : Who represents the families of the bride and groom .
Witnesses : I do .
Gothi : The couple has spoken their wish . Do you know of any reason why this should not be granted ?
Witnesses : I know of no reason .
Gothi : Then you give your blessing to this union .
Witnesses : Yes , I do .
Gothi : As you know , no minister or priest , no public official or private person can marry anyone . Only you can decide in your hearts to heed the marriage commitments . I ask if you have done so ?Couple : We have .
Gothi : ( to groom ) What vows do you declare ?
Groom : I , " _______ " , take you , " _______ " , to be my wedded wife , to have and to hold from this day forward , to honor and to protect as long as we both are true .
Gothi : ( to the bride ) What vows do you declare ?
Bride : I , "_______ " , take you , " _______ " , to be my wedded husband , to trust and to cherish from this day forward , to respect and to follow for as long as we both are true .
Groom : I give you the keys to our household as a symbol of my respect and devotion , and as the outward symbol of your authority and responsibilities to the home .
Bride : I accept this ring of keys as proof of my undying devotion to you , and your family that will be . I give you this ( dagger , knife , sword , etc. ) as proof of your willingness to defend our home , family , kindred , and tribe from all enemies .
Gothi : May these words , sincerely spoken , ever be inscribed upon the tablets of your hearts and upon your lips . ( Bride and groom each take a candle and light it ) . As these two candles you now hold in your hands burn seperately , so have you until this moment lived seperate lives , each with your own glow of light in the circle of friends and family . With your candle you shall now , together , light a new candle ( they do so ) which shall be a reminder to both of you of the married ideal of oneness , and , although each has his or her natural role in the home , you are now joining to form a family in which you will function as one . ( to groom ) Let this knife serve as a symbol of your duty to protect your wife and your young , with all your might and with all your means from this day forth . ( to bride ) Let these keys remind you of your duty to care for the hearth and haven of your husband and your children , with all your strength from this day forth .
Gothi : ( to both ) You are now , as witnessed by your family , members of the Folk , and the Holy Ones of Asgard , joined as husband and wife . Together you shall support and help each other to build a home where children will grow up in happy surroundings to become worthy members of the Kindred and Tribe ; where friends will be at ease and be glad to come ; and where you yourselves will grow as individuals , yet feel and experience the companionship and harmony that are essential components of a fulfilled married life .
Gothi : We who are present express our hopes and wishes that you forever will keep the inspiration of this hour in your hearts .May the Spirit of the Gods and Goddesses shine upon you and light your path . ( The Gothi now takes up the Hammer and Hammer signs the bride and groom with the blessing ) May the wisdom of Odin , the strength of Thor , and the fruitfulness of Freyr be yours !
Gothi : Congratulations , _______ . You may kiss the Bride .
( The Gothi then pours the mead into the bowl , takes up the evergreen twig , and blesses the assembled with the words ) May the AllMother Frigga bless and keep you all ! This rite is done . So Shall it be .
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