Parting of the Ways Ceremony

The "Parting of the Ways" ceremony is a Neopagan, or Wiccan handparting ceremony to mark a life passage, usually a divorce of two individuals. It is a very modern idea because it respects that friendship that still exists between two parties seeking a divorce. Though they may not be lovers nor do they want to be romantically involved, they respect and admire one another for the love they shared and the amicability they will continue to share. Rather than focusing on the negativity, the "parting of the ways" gives a proper conclusion to a relationship between two individuals.

Before two individuals can be parted, however, they need to be brought together in the first place. Handfasting is the opposite of the parting, and this unifies two individuals together. Unlike Christian weddings, the amount of time may vary and it is up to the participants to decide. Some choose a year and still others choose to have a union for life. Usually, you do not make promises nor is it even necessary to have witnesses. The god and goddess, and spiritual nature are enough to solidify the union. The space must be made scared and this may involve a little cleaning or the burning of herbs. The participant's hands are bound together with ribbons, strings or whatever material they'd like to use. Blessings are said, and the ritual is performed. Sometimes after the union, they jump over a small fire or walk within a circle. Some couples exchange small rings during their ceremonies. The most popular day is Beltane in May. This is the apex of Spring, and it marks the blossoming of the season. For its importance on the Wiccan calendar, it is the most commonly used day for handfasting.

Depending on the ritual used, the "Parting of the Ways" may only require one individual of the couple to be present. An officiate (a priest/priestess or another coven leader) is usually present. The extant (he/she who is parting) may have their close friends or family with them as well. Children are up to the discretion of the couple. If it is an amicable split, then typically they stay. An altar where the couple is most comfortable is created in one's home or outside in a clearing are common. The cords of the handfasting ceremony should be present. The appropriate colors or some cloth of meaning is draped in the area (red for healing, cobalt blue for wisdom, etc).

A short service is then preformed. The participants begin through the type of prayer, song or dance. Then the officiate "casts a circle" and marks the four directions of North, South, East and West. Depending on the individual's preference, the four winds may be given special symbolic meanings. For example, East may be Decision. After this, the gods and deities may be called to join the gathering. Now the officiate would ask for affirmation from the present parties. Questions such as "Has the time come that love is ended?" are posed, and after being answered, he would cut the cords of the handfasting knots. Before they are dismissed a plain meal of something light (usually bread and water) is shared for the last time.

The officiate may use their "Book of Shadows." This contains an individual's spells, incantations and potions. Each Book is individualized according to the owner's preferences. It's a necessary means to record what and how they are doing their magic. One should always keep their Book close and always use it as a means of reference. Most rituals are individualized, meaning that the user adapts the basic service to his or her personal preferences.

Wiccan practices and rituals are based around the spiritual system of one's relationship to the earth and the divine spirits that encompass nature. An individual possesses free will and thought, and therefore they are responsible for their own actions. The God and Goddess exist in all natural things of the Earth, and so pieces of divinity are found within each and every manifestation of flora, fauna and the four elements. Earth, Air, Fire and Water comprise the basis of all creation. The cadence of nature allows one to understand their own pulse, and how it beats in corresponding time with the natural world. The cycles of the seasons, the sun cycles, the lunar phases and the cycles of the natural world are constituents of what is honored, admired and respected.

Unlike other religions, wiccans are not reliant upon the intervention of a God or a spiritual being; rather, wiccans are able to work directly with the divine because they work with nature. A witch strives for balance and harmony when working their magic because they are working alongside the divine, natural world. The spells and potions are crafted in order to promote healing and wisdom. They are used to advance one's love, inspiration and curative abilities.