Sharing the positive good vibrations as witnessed by Alan Dearling
Patsy and Minty got hitched in a Wiccan/Pagan wedding ceremony. It was a pretty full-on day with the ceremony in the afternoon and then three bands in an open-to-the-public event at the famed Trades Club in Hebden Bridge in the evening.
Patsy and Minty had been planning their day for most of a year and billed it as: Did someone say Wedding Promotions present….
So, first up was the hand-fasting overseen by Wiccan Witch, Spider. Pretty impressive, incorporating a bespoke proclamation and invocations to the Old deities, including Cernunnus, the antlered god (whose presence is reflected in the seasons of the year), and Brigid, (who is associated with poetry and healing). There were lots of references to a mixture of numerous Celtic traditions. It’s an ancient spiritual practice.
Theirs was a first-stage handfasting for one year and one day. Spider welcomed everyone in the room – friends, family, and loved ones – all who came to witness the union of Patsy and Minty. It was a public and personal proclamation of their love for one another and the binding together of their souls and spirits. One Love!
The celebrants and their witnesses entered into the Magic Circle with Spider. Patsy and Minty had their hands bound together. Then, everyone was requested to join hands throughout the room. We recited in unison an incantation. It was very moving. Emotional. Real magic. Then came the exchange of vows and rings.
The chalice cup was filled and there was a ritual sharing of the Buckfast Wine!
Lots of cheering for the celebrants’ jumping over the broom and out of the Handfasting Circle. Fabulous stuff and a stellar mile distant from many traditional marriage ceremonies.
Later at the Trades Club in Hebden Bridge…the celebrations continued into the night. Three excellent bands playing to a punkish audience, many of whom had travelled a long way for the handfasting and the music. First up, Alcohol Licks. From Birmingham. They say of themselves: “Alcohol Licks shoves a loada genres together (e.g. punk, ska, reggae, dancehall, rock ‘n’ roll).” Lots of smiling faces, dancing and bouncing in the Trades Club main hall. A powerful female singer.
The Sporadics are Traveller festi favourites. It’s hard to describe it better than, “Ska & Dub with big Punk Rock boots on. Jump up & catchy, you will dance.”
Rebellion 2023: Used To Be A Punk / Sick Of It All:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdjpn4LSKTk
And, finally, One Eyed God, who proclaim:
“RALLY WITH YOUR TRIBE, STRENGTHEN YOUR COMMUNITY”
Here’s what is said of One Eyed God online: “…an infectiously raucous wall of sound…”
“Fusing atomic-grade drum rhythms, punchy guitars, manic bass-lines, sax driven melodies and Balkan bouzouki licks into one monstrous musical maelstrom: this seven-piece combo embody the vivacious carnival atmosphere of a festival…”
Spot On! A day of celebration indeed. Nice one, Patsy and Minty!
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