Like any religion, the
Craft also has a process for what is commonly referred to as a divorce.
While we'd all love it if it wasn't neccesary, but we are realistic. That
being said, here is an example of how to perform a 'Parting of Ways'. While
this is designed for a coven, as with all rituals, it can easily be redesigned
to fit your particular circumstances.
Not every couple will desire to remain wedded forever. Each person is an individual, and sometimes the differences will be to great for them to remain together. The decision to part should not be taken lightly, but if all else fails this ritual should be performed to help the couple part as cleanly as possible.
The couple should spend as much time as needed with the priest and priestess to work out a fair distribution of properties, arrange for raising and support of children if any, etc. This agreement should be signed and witnessed and notarized, with copies for each. (Or this part may be done with a lawyer, if preferred.)
The altar should be set up in the western edge of the ritual area. The altar should be set up as usual, with two candles, a sharp knife, and a picture of the couple to be parted. The Priest and Priestess should light the candles and incense, then turn to those gathered.
Priest:
May the place of this rite be consecrated before the Old Ones
For we gather to perform
that which must be done.
_____ and _____ come before us.
The couple comes forward and stands before the Priest and Priestess, husband in front of Priestess, wife in front of Priest.
Priestess:
You both know fully well the import of the step you are about to take.
So now, for the very last time,
Do you ________ wish to part?
(wife answers)
So you _______ wish to part?
(husband answers)
If one or both say "no" the
ritual will be halted, and an attempt will be made at reconciliation. If
the reconciliation does not
work, and both say "yes"
the ritual continues as follows.
The priestess takes the picture
from the altar and places it in the incense smoke for a moment. She then
gives it to the couple
saying
Here in this place
and before the eyes of the old ones
and the creatures of the elements
I bid you destroy this symbol of your life together
The couple will then tear
and shred the picture, handing the pieces to the Priest. He will place
them in the incense brazier, and
set them afire. Meanwhile
the Priestess will tie a soft cord (the Handfasting cord if one was used
and kept) about the right wrists of each partner, leaving a handbreadth
space between them. The Priest takes the knife from the altar and stands
with it in
salute before the couple.
He says:
We ask you, O Blessed Goddess , And Most revered God To heal the wounds
of parting And to comfort the
hearts of those who feel pain When both have gone their ways Let love,
and not bitterness remain within
Priest quickly cuts the cord binding their wrists
Priest:
You are free.
Priestess:
Go now,
and go to peace
for this rite is ended.
If one partner is unavailable,
but all do agree that a parting is necessary, a Priest or Priestess from
another group can play the
part of the missing person
for the ceremony.
