Romantic HandFastings & Weddings

FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
MARRIAGE AND HOW WE VIEW IT

What do you believe about Marriage?
Marriage is a sacred contract between two consenting adults, to share their lives and selves with each other, and additionally raise or provide together for any children of the makeup of this households union. Being mindful that children deserve love, stability and guidance from their parents throughout their lifetime. Whatever the setting or the preferences agreed upon together, what is important is that everyone is comfortable and happy with it.

Do you believe in divorce?
While we would like to believe in fairy tales, people change or being human they do make mistakes. It exists as a necessary means of undoing mistakes, or acknowledging change that has caused those in the marriage to grow apart. If all parties enter into a union with a clear understanding of what is wanted, expected, and committed to, it is unlikely that divorce will be a necessary option. When people grow from a place where they are truly together, they rarely grow apart. This is why it is important that all parties be honest with each other, and make sure they know each other well from the start. As I discovered during my short marriage to my husband of 6 years communication, communication, communication it really works.

Do you believe in interfaith marriages?
We have no objection to interfaith marriages, per se, as long as the couple remain compatible enough to be happy together, and have come to a comfortable decision regard which tradition to raise the child or children of the union, if any. It is likely to be necessary that the other faith be one that we consider to be positive, as it's hard to imagine a comfortable union between people who are disturbed by one another's beliefs.

What about interracial marriages?
Until such time as a non-human wants to marry with a human being, and can clearly demonstrate and attest to that fact, and the human is willing, I do not believe there will be such a thing as an interracial marriage. People of all colors and heritage can be happy together; the only requirements are that they be human beings.

What do you mean by "Handfasting"?
We believe that people should know each other well, and in all seasons, before committing to something as serious as marriage, whether to an individual, or to a community. The best way we have found to ensure this is a handfasting, a commitment to make a commitment, if all are suited to it. The people involved are essentially engaged, and the commitment is binding and serious, but on a trial basis, to make sure all are truly suited before committing to what cannot be undone. Genes cannot be unmixed once a child is engendered, and marriage should recognize that. A handfasting in our tradition is the common year and a day - this ensures that all parties see each other in all moods and seasons. At which time both parties make the decision to continue henceforth in marriage or to part.