The Gathering place is is quietly lit. Flowers are scattered softly around the circle, spilling out of pots, Sweet peas, begonias of all colors. They symbolize long love and endurance.

Wait for all gathered to settle into silence.

Facing east, power hand or wand pointed down begin walking the circle.

" As i cast this circle of light, hear my plea, for this rite. Let love only enter, let love only leave, as i will so mote it Be"

Walk the circle three times. Stopping back at the east.

Light a candle saying:

"We call thee oh East wind, bring to this promising, communication understanding and movement, may you add your blessing to this rite."

turn south and light a candle saying "

We call to thee, oh fire of the south, may you bring change and transformation to those gathered , may you add your blessings for this rite.

Move to the west , light a candle and say:

West, we call to thee, the waters, may you add your blessings, your invocation of flow or balance to this rite.

Walk to north , light candle and say :

We call to thee, North. earth, may you add your blessing to this rite, your grounding, your centering presence for those gathered here.

return to the east and stand silently for a moment feeling the presence of all gathered.

raise hands upward and say:

" we also call to thee spirit, that which binds us, and moves us to attend and bless this rite of promising. May we feel your presence as the vows and words are spoken , may you add your blessings to this rite."PS: Artemis, also known as Diana, Huntress, Protector, Ever Virgin, we ask you to attend this Ceremony, to witness the Promises made, and to watch these two youn people as they grow closer in love, and make sure the Promises are kept.

P: Apollo, brother of Artemis, Defender, Virtuous and Honorable, we ask you to attend this Ceremony, to witness the Promises made, and to watch these two young people as they grow closer in love, and make sure the Promises are kept.

PS:You have come here to make Promises, with Artemis, Apollo, and those here as witnesses. Do not take this lightly. This is a first step toward a possible handfasting, and if you can't keep these promises, then you won't be able to keep the deeper ones that marriage bring. Knowing this, do you want to continue?

(Couple answers)

P:The promises you speak today are pledged before all gathered, and before the powers unseen that guide our lives. May all take note of what they pledge to each other this day, but know also that a promise is only as strong as the will that binds it together. As in all things, there will be good times as well as bad; sickness as well as health. There will be anger, and happiness; tears of sorrow as well as joy. Realizing this, do you both acknowledge that you are coming to this with true hearts and open minds, aware of the difficulties and triumphs that await you?

(Couple answers)

PS: In life there is growth. With each day that passes we grow in knowledge, in spirituality, and emotionally. Will you encourage that growth in each other, and rejoice when a new level is attained?

(Couple answers)

P: You have signed a Pledge of Abstinence. Knowing you will be together sometimes, without others around, will you keep this Pledge?

(Couple answers)

PS:As you grow, and learn more about each other, there will be times when you need advice or counsel. There are many that are willing to be there for you, to encourage you, to help you. Will you seek out these Elders and Teachers, and listen to what they say?

(Couple answers)

PS: Please face each other and hold right hands.

P: (Woman) repeat after me:

I Pledge you love, honor and trust. Love which will honor your inner deity, endure hardship and nurture honesty, trust and devotion. I pledge to support and cherish your growth in the human adventure; to explore with you the wonders of life; to hold you in my love when you are ill or sad and to nurture your healing growth, development and actualization. As you evolve, so shall I, for we are as one and reflect one another.

PS:(Man) repeat after me:

I Pledge you love, honor and trust. Love which will honor your inner deity, endure hardship and nurture honesty, trust and devotion. I pledge to support and cherish your growth in the human adventure; to explore with you the wonders of life; to hold you in my love when you are ill or sad and to nurture your healing growth, development and actualization. As you evolve, so shall I, for we are as one and reflect one another.

(couple share their words)

PS: (holding up cord) This cord, in a handfasting, would be used to bind your hands together. With a Promise Ceremony, it is used to bind your promises to each other. (ties knot in middle of cord) With this knot, the promises are bound. Keep this cord in a place of honor, a place you will see each day, as a reminder of the promises you made. When the time comes, you may use this same cord for your handfasting. The knots in it will add to the promises you made today. (Hands cord to the couple, each taking one end)

P:May Artemis and Apollo, and all the powers of the unseen guide you in your growth. May you come to fully know and understand the steps toward love. Rejoice!!!! A new star shines bright.

(couple may kiss)

PS: Artemis, we thank you for attending, and ask that you help guide this couple in the months and years ahead. Go if you must, but stay if you will.

P:Apollo, we thank you for attending, and ask that you help guide this couple in the months and years ahead. Go if you must, but stay if you will.walk facing east and release

"Softly leaves the East wind, but the communication and openness stays as a blessing." Blessed be!

fast south

"Swiftly leaves the burning Southern fires, but transformation lingers in its cleansing wake," Blessed be.

walk west

"Silently withdrawing are the west waters, but fluidity and understanding linger after it leaves: Blessed be.

walk north and say

"Quietly the Northern Earth settles, but grounding and centering are left behind." Blessed be.

raise hands skyward. and say:

"Oh spirit you never leave us but settle quietly back with in, that which binds in words or deeds we hold dear in our hearts, and value greatly." Blessed be.

Walk to east once more and drawn arm downward. cutting thru your circle.

"I release this circle, as we freely part, but the love we shared will remain, travelling with us all as we go "

Blessed be.

Circle open.

The circle is open but unbroken. Blessed Be.