Passages: Handfasting A Pagan Guide to Commitment Rituals by Rev. Dr.
Kendra Vaugh Hovey © 2007 Provenance Press (an imprint of Adams Media
www.adamsmedia.com) ISBN 978-1-59869-447-2 243 pages Paperback $10.95
(U.S.) $13.95 (Canada
I had some questions about this book starting on page one, where the
author
states categorically "Understanding handfasting requires that we
understand
to concept of marriage in Scotland starting from pre-Biblical time. It
was
necessary then for any who was to marry to have the consent of their
parents.Often young children would declare their love for one another, or
be
betrothed by their parents, with an agreement to marry in the future.
This
was considered a legal contract between the two and would prevent either
of
them from marrying anyone else." Now, had she changed one simple word in
that paragraph, I wouldn't have had any dispute with it. Had she said
"pre-Christian," rather than "pre-Biblical", it would not have set off
alarm
bells in my mind.
Nor being a scholar of Scottish history, I would have appreciated a little
background on how that statement could be proven. I don't dispute to
concept of betrothal between families, but I do question that belief that
childhood declarations could override familial plans. I don't deny the
possibility I would simply like some amplification.
When she begins discussing the deity forms appropriate for invocation in a
handfasting situation I have another, minor, quibble. Especially when
dealing with less familiar deity names (like Aztec names) a basic,
phonetic,
pronunciation guide would be a nice addition. Some names can be
tongue-twisters and it is common courtesy to address an individual, or
deity, with something they can recognize as being their name or title.
Some
languages have different inflections and stressors which can make a vast
difference in the meaning. Even in English, the presence or absence of a
"silent letter" can make a big difference ("hop" or "hope" - both have the
same pronounced letters, but very different meanings).
Lest you think this is going to be a negative review, let me assure that
such is not the case. The above instances (and a few dropped letters
["you"
for "your" for example]) are all I could point out as shortcomings.
I do admire Reverend Hovey's ability to remind people of the obvious (if
you
aren't sure about the orientation of your altar, use a compass to
determine
directions) which can be so frequently overlooked. More authors need to
remind folks that there is no shame in needing to verify something by
mundane means.
I am sure that some readers will object to her admonition not to mix
pantheons. That choice has become commonplace in the eclectic community,
but there are good reasons for staying with one pantheon. Of course, if
you
have devoted your life to studying comparative mythologies you might be
able
to get away with mixing and matching; most of us have not done so, and so
we
are safer in not doing so.
She offers advice on dealing with conflicts caused by concealing your
Paganism as many do. This advice will be rejected out of hand by many for
reasons which she deals with while offering her advice. But you need to
seriously consider what she offers if you are one of the many who are
still
in the "broom closet".
As I read through this book I was pleased by the amount of detail the
author
managed to incor****ate without overwhelming the reader. This topic lends
itself to the extremes - everything must be "just so" or anything goes.
She
walks the middle-line and, if I weren't already handfasted and married, I
would be looking forward to the prospect after reading this book. She
offers helpful suggestions, and useful alternatives, while stressing the
practicality and common-sense in her approach (don't spend yourself into
debt to get handfasted/married).
If you are anticipating a handfasting in your future, or if you hope to
officiate at handfastings, this book will be an invaluable resource.
Additionally, if you have family members who are not Pagan and want to
know
more about what a handfasting is or isn't and what they can expect, this
book will help you answer their questions and put their minds at ease.
By all means, buy this book. Share it with your loved one(s). It will be
money well spent, I guarantee.
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