Celtic Marriage Herbs Spells And Traditions

Adapted from A Druid's Herbal, by Ellen Evert Hopman (Inner Traditions,1995).Learn how to do a traditional divination to see if you will marryyour lover, find out which herbs Wise Ones used to increase passionand ensure fidelity, read some good-luck Celtic wedding customs, andmore. It's all here:To See if You Will Marry Your Lover:Drop two acorns in a pan of water. If the nuts come together, amatch is certain.Celtic Marriage TraditionsWeddings are often held under the marriage oak, or inside stonecircles within which the participants dance. Newly married couplesmight circumambulate a stone while asking for fertility, or passnaked through a large hole carved out of a stone (symbolic ofrebirth into their new life).A bride was thought to be the earthly representative of spiritualtreasure, which must be fought for with determination and courage.She symbolized the Otherworld and a previously unexplored region ofthe groom's psyche. The groom embodies the assertive male energythat must accomplish worldly deeds. Spiritually and physically, thecouple must overcome the obstacles to their union in order for eachto become whole.For these reasons, displays of mock hostility, the blocking ofentrances and gates, and the creation of rope barriers to test thecouple's determination are often part of the rite. Hostile spiritsare dispelled by loud noises. A relative of the bride might carryher off, with the groom and his party in hot pursuit. When everyonetires of the game, the groom is "allowed" to claim the bride, andthe celebrations and feasting begin.An alternative to the horseplay might be to challenge the groom tosolve a riddle. Or the bride's people and the groom's people canchallenge each other to a contest in verse. And old Welsh custom isfor the bride to disguise herself; one of the groom's men issupposed to pick her out of the gathered crowd.After the ceremony, an old woman meets the bride and presents herwith a bag of hazelnuts--symbolic of the wisdom and the creativityshe will enjoy in her new life's passage.Traditional Marriage HerbsBecause they are an herb of protection, said to avert evil, theAncient Romans baked ANISE SEEDS into wedding cakes.APPLES AND APPLE BLOSSOMS are symbolic of love, healing, andimmortality. Burn the blossoms as incense, wear the perfume, andmake them into herb candles.BROOM FLOWERS bound with colored ribbons are carried at weddings.Couples may choose to "jump the broom" as they make their transitionto a new station in life.CARAWAY SEEDS are often added to love potions to keep loversfaithful. They are said to inspire passion when baked into cakes orbreads, so put some in the wedding cake, or throw it at the brideand groom instead of rice (it's much better for the birds!)ELDERFLOWERS are used to bring blessings and luck to marriedcouples.LAVENDER is a classic ingredient of love charms. If worn, it helpsprotect against spousal abuse.LEMON VERBENA is worn to increase one's attractiveness to theopposite sex.LICORICE brings fidelity and passion to a sexual union.MARJORAM brings joy and is a common ingredient in love spells.ROSES are ancient symbols of love. Strew them before the bridalpair, use them on the altar, wear them, and place them on themarriage bed.ROSEMARY, an herb of consecration and remembrance, is often added toincense, placed in the chalice, and distributed to guests.

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