Symbolic Rituals to Evoke the Senses
SYMBOLIC RITUALS
Because you want to be truly present during your Ceremony, I love to awaken the senses as a way of grounding us all in the moment. I use an earth chime before we begin any of the Symbolic Rituals you might like to include. It helps us all gently focus on the beautiful ritual that is about to begin.
YOU WANT TO TIE THE KNOT
Hand-tying is a ancient custom that we can enjoy today in our modern wedding ceremonies. Couples choose colourful ribbons or use strips of fabric from family heirlooms or a simple cord. Family members and loved ones can be included in the Ceremony as they lay ribbons over the couples joined hands, offering their blessing to the union. It is also a beautiful way to include a loved one who is no longer living as a ribbon or cord is laid on the hands in their memory.
You offer each other your hand willingly and it is a representation of the support you give to one another in your relationship. After your hands are freed from the Hand-tie, because love is a gift of free will, not a bind, your tie will be the physical keepsake and a visual reminder of this celebration of love.
The Hand-Tying Ritual
THE UNITY CANDLE CEREMONY
As humans we are drawn to the light that burns in a naked flame. It captures our attention and connects us to our ancestors.
The Unity Candle ritual involves the lighting of three candles. Two taper candles, representing the individual lives of the couple are lit. This can be done by extended family members and is a beautiful way of including loved ones in the Ceremony. The couple comes together then, using the taper candles to light the pillar candle. Two flames become one as a symbolic representation of the couple’s union.
You are not limited to only two taper candles; extended family members or children can light additional candles at the beginning and then gradually the flame is passed along the line of taper candles through the generations. A gorgeous way to honour the ancestry of both families, culminating in the lighting of one flame of unity.
Two Flames become One
SAND BLENDING RITUAL
Your love is as inseperable as the grains of sand.
I love the simplicity and visual impact of the Sand Ceremony. I was raised near the coast and have always loved the feel of sand on my feet and the taste of salt on my lips. I think I love the Sand Ceremony because it brings me back to the carefree days of summer holidays as a child.
A Sand Ceremony can be included in a Wedding or Naming Ceremony. It symbolises so beautifully the inseparable union of you as a couple and/or family as grains of sand are poured together from small individual vessels into one large vessel. You personalise this Ceremony by choosing colours for the sand that hold meaning to you. We can talk about that as part of planning your Ceremony. The wording I craft for the Sand Ceremony tells your guests why this Ceremony holds meaning for you.
It can be a powerful ritual to perform for a newly blended family or for a child adopted into a family.
It is a beautiful Ceremony and one I love to perform.
The Sand Ceremony
Have something else in mind?
Any ritual can be created around symbolic elements that hold meaning to you. Many of the rituals are visual, so I have collaborated with a local herbalist to create a unique Scent Ceremony. No better way to bring something back to mind than to stimulate the olfacotry sense! Watch the video to find out more.
Or perhaps you prefer to savour the flavour of a delicious herbal tea during the Love Tea Ritual I offer.
Let your imagination be your guide!
