Keith Sauers, lawspeaker of the Kindred of Ravenswood, officiating as Goði.
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Bride and groom enter the hall in the traditional manner, with the bride escorted by her father. They stop before the goði at the harrow. Goði: We are gathered here at this time to mark and to witness the joining in marriage of two who would be husband and wife. At this time and at this place we call also upon Allfather Odin and Freya of love and desire, to witness the words that here shall be spoken. In the ancient manner do we also invoke Thor, who, as told in our ancient legends, sanctifies the vows of men and of women. Carry in the hammer to consecrate the bride and groom. {Pause for a moment while the Hammer-bearer carries the hammer to the Goði.} Now receive the ancient blessing. {The Goði makes the sign of the hammer before the bride and groom and says:} Before the High Gods, and before our people, art thou blessed anew once again. {The hammer is placed on the harrow and the Goði addresses the groom:} Daithi, if you truly desire to marry this woman, I ask thee to give, wholeheartedly, the blade which symbolizes thy strength. Swear thy weapon to her, always to be at her service. Daithi: My most beloved, accept the oath of love which I offer thee. I vow this sword, as I vow my soul, ever to be at thy service. Like this blade my heart will be strong, Like this steel my love will endure. Accept it, my chosen one, for all which is mine will now be thine. Kris: My most beloved, I accept this oath, sworn on thy blade. Thou knowest what is in my heart as I know what is in thine. Goði: Kris, if thou truly desire to marry this man, I ask thee to give, wholeheartedly, the jewel of beauty which thou wearest, in symbol of our Lady's great magic and power. Swear thy jewel to him, always to be at his service. Kris: My most beloved, accept the oath of love which I offer thee. I vow this jewel, as I vow my soul, ever to be at thy service. Like its beauty will my heart will be strong, Like its value my love will endure. Accept it, my chosen one, for all which is mine will now be thine. Daithi: My most beloved, I accept this oath, sworn on thy jewel. Thou knowest what is in my heart as I know what is in thine. Goði: Thou who shalt be husband and wife, listen to what we say, here and now. Whatever each of thee may accomplish in the future years, wherever thou may wander, know full well that thou shalt do all for our people, for thy family and thy kin, and to be worthy each of the other. Above thee are the stars. Below thee are the stones. Remember always, like a star should thy love be constant, like the Earth should thy love be firm. Have patience, for storms may come and go. Be free always in giving of affection and of warmth, for our Gods and our people will always be with thee. {The Goði addresses the bride:} Dost thou desire, Kris to have this man as thy husband, forsaking all others? Kris: I do. {The Goði addresses the groom:} Goði: Dost thou desire, Daithi to have this woman as thy wife, forsaking all others? Daithi: I do. Goði: All have heard and witnessed that which has been said, and the oaths that have been sworn. {The Goði addresses the bride:} Goði: If thou would be mistress of the household and all therein, honored for thy wisdom in the councils of our people, and equal partner to thy husband, I bid thee to take his keys, symbol of thy new life. At this time, and henceforth, as the keys are given to thee, dost thou take over a new household. Be wise in all thou doest. {The groom hands the keys to the bride. The goði now addresses the groom:} With this rite thou gainest a treasure of greatest value, care for her, and protect her always. For there is none who is her equal. {Pause for a moment as the best man and maid of honor hand the wedding bands to he bride and groom. The goði addresses both:} Then, in symbol of thy joining, one to the other, Place each the ring upon the other's finger, and seal the troth with a kiss. {Bride and groom place the rings on each others fingers, and kiss.} Goði: Before those gathered here, and before the High Gods, thou art man and wife, and henceforth be as one. In the name of our people, and our Gods, may thou knowest the best of fortune, and thy life henceforth be one of joy and prosperity for thee, and pride and strength for our people. I ask thee to wish well to those now wed, and to drink in their honor. This rite is ended. The Folk go on. May our gods be with us always!
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