Going of the Ways

Not every couple will desire to remain wedded forever. Each person is an individual, and sometimes the differences will be to great for them to remain together. The decision to part should not be taken lightly, but if all else fails this ritual should be performed to help the couple part as cleanly as possible.

The couple should spend as much time as needed with the priest and priestess to work out a fair distribution of properties, arrange for raising and support of children if any, etc. This agreement should be signed and witnessed and notarized, with copies for each. (Or this part may be done with a lawyer, if preferred.)

The altar should be set up in the western edge of the ritual area. The altar should be set up as usual, with two candles, a sharp knife, and a picture of the couple to be parted. The Priest and Priestess should light the candles and incense, then turn to those gathered.

May the place of this rite be consecrated before the Old Ones
For we gather to perform
that which must be done.
_____ and _____ come before us.

The couple comes forward and stands before the Priest and Priestess, husband in front of Priestess, wife in front of Priest.

You both know fully well the import of the step you are about to take.
So now, for the very last time,
Do you ________ wish to part?
(wife answers)
So you _______ wish to part?
(husband answers)

If one or both say "no" the ritual will be halted, and an attempt will be made at reconciliation. If the reconciliation does not work, and both say "yes" the ritual continues as follows.

Here in this place
and before the eyes of the old ones
and the creatures of the elements
I bid you destroy this symbol of your life together

The couple will then tear and shred the picture, handing the pieces to the Priest. He will place them in the incense brazier, and set them afire. Meanwhile the Priestess will tie a soft cord (the Handfasting cord if one was used and kept) about the right wrists of each partner, leaving a handbreadth space between them. The Priest takes the knife from the altar and stands with it in salute before the couple. He says:

We ask you, O Blessed Goddess , And Most revered God To heal the wounds of parting And to comfort the hearts of those who feel pain When both have gone their ways Let love, and not bitterness remain within

Priest quickly cuts the cord binding their wrists

You are free.

Go now,
and go to peace
for this rite is ended.

If one partner is unavailable, but all do agree that a parting is necessary, a Priest or Priestess from another group can play the part of the missing person for the ceremony.

This from A Book of Pagan Rituals Herman Slater, Editor, 1978, Samuel Weiser Inc. NY, NY.