Introduction to Ritual – Can a Non-Wiccan Take Part in a Wiccan Ceremony?
I know there’s a ceremony that enables you to become married by standing on either side of a stream with your hands placed on the water. I was wondering if you had to be a Wiccan to take part in this. I am Wiccan but my fiancée is not. However he is very interested in the beliefs and wants to share something with me that is important to me as well as him. We both believe that Wicca is a beautiful thing and we’d like to preserve our love with something so precious.
Thank you,
J.S.
Dear J.S.,
How wonderful your fiancée is interested in knowing more about your beliefs!
As you may have gathered from my writing, my beliefs as far as Wicca goes are very open and embracing. I believe this is way of life that looks for connections rather than separation. I don’t believe you have to be ‘a Wiccan’ to participate in most Wiccan rituals. All that really is needed is an open heart, understanding and respect.
I have not heard of this ritual you speak of, but it sounds wonderful! It shows the fluidity of life and love as an endless source between the two of you (not belonging to you – but a greater thing – the source of life itself). Absolutely let your loved one participate, but be sure to let everyone present know what the ritual means so they can appreciate its depth.
The fact that someone is uninitiated into Wicca is actually inconsequential. The purpose of initiation is not to get membership in an ‘exclusive’ club. Initiation is there to protect groups from ‘non-believers’ who might mess up the energy and make a ritual or ceremony less than perfect for those who are there with honest intent.
You may also wish to recite from the sections on love and marriage from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran (See the Recommendations page for this wonderful book) for your ceremony
“Love one another, but make not a bond of love: Let it be a moving sea between the shores of your souls.”
Congratulations and Blessed Be.
~Anand
