A Celebration of The Marriage of Valerie Walker and Ron Miller, originally celebrated on Winter Solstice 1977; renewed Dec. 20, 1987; renewed again Dec. 25, 1997.

[BRIDE casts circle before guests arrive, leaving doors for them to enter. When all are assembled, they gather in a circle. Each guest is given a candle to hold. GROOM AND BRIDE stand by a small table with a lit candle on it.]

BRIDE:
East, South, West, North, Above, Below, Past & Future--they form the sphere of the Universe. We are, each one of us, at the center of that sphere. When two people marry, they meet at that center, and both are changed.

GROOM:
Let us share light around the circle.

[He lights the candle of the person to his right, while Valerie lights the candle of the person to her left. The light travels in both directions to meet at the other side of the circle.]

BRIDE:
Today is the birthday of the sun, a good time for new beginnings. In some ways, what we do today is not new-it has been building for years. But today we announce and declare our marriage as an accomplished fact. Our marriage is not bondage.

GROOM:
We are bound to each other of our own free wills.

BRIDE:
We love each other.

GROOM:
Our bond is formed by our love.

BRIDE:
Each of us is an independent entity with an individual life to live.

GROOM:
Each fills needs for the other which are necessary for happiness & fulfillment in this life.

BRIDE:
We form a union of two into one so that the two might become more complete in themselves.

GROOM:
We join our lives by choice.

BRIDE:
We each face inward toward each other.

GROOM:
We also face outward toward the world.

BRIDE:
Our parents and family, we ask your blessing on our union.

GROOM:
As you unite through us, we welcome you to our family.

BRIDE:
Our friends, we ask your blessing on our union.

GROOM:
As you unite through us, we welcome you to our community. We are here to make our solemn vows to each other, and you are here to bear witness to them.

BRIDE:
I vow to you, in the presence of the Gods and of these friends, that I will be to you a loving and faithful wife and companion as long as I live. Symbolic of this vow, I give you this ring, round as the circle of time [Places ring on GROOM's finger]. Wear it with my love, now and forever.

GROOM:
I vow to you in the presence of our family and friends that I will be to you a loving and faithful husband and companion as long as I live. Symbolic of this vow, I give you this ring, round as the circle of time [Places ring on BRIDE's finger]. Wear it with my love, now and forever. We have declared ourselves to be husband and wife.

BRIDE:
What the Gods have joined, let no man put asunder. SO MOTE IT BE. East, South, West, North: The circle is open but unbroken. May the peace of the Goddess go in your hearts. Merry Meet and Merry Part. BLESSED BE.