Calling Upon Celtic Deities in Your Handfasting Ceremony
Handfasting is more than just a beautiful wedding ritual—it's a deeply symbolic act rooted in ancient Celtic tradition. As more couples seek to personalise their ceremonies with meaningful spiritual elements, many are rediscovering the power of honouring Celtic deities during their handfasting. Calling on these divine figures not only connects you to your ancestral heritage, but invites powerful energies—love, protection, transformation—into your union.
One of the most beloved goddesses is Brigid, a deity of the hearth, healing, and creativity. As the guardian of home and family, she is a powerful presence to invoke during a handfasting. Lighting a candle in her name or weaving her qualities into your vows can symbolise your shared intention to nurture your life together with warmth, compassion, and inspiration.
Another revered figure is Danu, the mother goddess of the Tuatha Dé Danann. She represents wisdom, the earth, and divine flow. Including Danu in your ceremony can bring a grounding energy—ideal for couples looking to root their love in something enduring and spiritually rich. You might include water on your altar, symbolic of her nurturing presence.
Aengus Óg, the youthful god of love, is a romantic favourite. He is said to reunite soulmates across lifetimes, reminding us of the eternal nature of love. His presence is often honoured in ceremonies with poetry or music—perfect for couples who feel destined to be together.
The Morrígan, goddess of sovereignty and transformation, may appeal to couples who have weathered storms and come through stronger together. She represents personal power, rebirth, and the shared courage to evolve as a couple. While less traditionally associated with weddings, invoking her can be a powerful choice for couples who view their love as a transformative force.
Incorporating these deities doesn't have to be elaborate. A simple mention in your vows, an altar offering, or the use of symbolic colours and knotwork in your handfasting cord can be a beautiful gesture. At Anamchara Cords, we intentionally design cords that honour the elements and symbolism of Celtic spirituality. Whether it’s silver for the moon goddess, red for Brigid’s flame, or interwoven ribbons to symbolise divine union, your cord can become a vessel of meaning and memory.
Calling upon Celtic deities during your handfasting ceremony is a beautiful way to honour tradition, deepen your spiritual connection, and bless your partnership with ancient wisdom. After all, your love story is timeless—why not bind it with a thread that stretches back through centuries?