About Stefani Barner Expertise I have been a practicing Witch (Reclaiming Tradition) for over 15 years and am the author of "Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces, a Handbook for Pagans in the Military" (the definitive guidebook for minority faiths in the military). I have taught, lectured and led rituals at Convocation (www.convocation.org) for many years and I can answer questions about:
- Paganism
- Wicca
- Santeria
- Unitarian-Universalism
- Interfaith Dialogue
- Military Pagan life
- God/dess (Perceptions of Deity)
- Ethics
- Parenting
- Relationships
- Coven Leadership & Group Dynamics
- Spellwork
- Ritual construction
- Sabbats
- Rites of Passage
- Apologetics
If you have a question about nearly anything within the realm of modern Paganism, Witchcraft and Liberal Religion, I have an answer for you!
Experience Practicing Witch for over fifteen years. Founding member of the Heart of Isis Womyn's Ritual Fellowship. Student of Santeria for five years (child of Obatala). Expert on Pagan Military Affairs and author of Faith and Magick in the Armed Forces: A Guidebook for Pagans in the Military (Llewellyn, 2008).
Organizations Member of the National Organization for Human Services, Unitarian Universalist Service Committee, Military Families Speak Out and Military Pagan Alliance.
Publications Air Force Times Newspapers, Detroit News & Free Press, newWitch. Speechwriter for several nonprofit advocacy groups & military organizations. Published author.
Education/Credentials Degree in Human Service; advanced training in Crisis Intervention and Conflict Resolution. Professional mediator. Currently studying for my Masters of Divinity.
Awards and Honors NOHS Outstanding Student of the Year (awarded for undergraduate performance).
Question My brother is Wiccan but for the family is he is going with a traditional wedding
ceremony. What can I do for him? Even if it is something that I can read or give
him to let Wiccan be a part of this important occasion for him?
Answer Brandy,
You are such a considerate sister to want to do something special to incoporate your brothers beliefs into the service. I would suggest that you urge him and his fiance to include a handfasting when they take their vows. This is a ceremony wherein the minister or officiant gently ties the couples wrists together while they are holding hands. It is symbolic of the choice to link their two lives together and is the central element of the Wiccan wedding.
There are several lovely readings or traditions centered around the Handfasting. A quick google search should turn up something perfect for your brothers needs.
