Category Archives: Cultural Traditions

CHUPPAHS, ARCHANGELS, ASTROLOGY, AND THE FOUR ROYAL STARS OF PERSIA

I’m often asked to create a ceremony for a couple who come from two different spiritual paths or follow no particular path but want spiritual elements to make the ceremony comfortable for their parents. Such was the case in a … Continue reading

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Handfasting: Tie the Knot

You don’t have to be Celtic to include a handfasting ritual in your wedding ceremony. Tying the knot is something any couple can do. For the guests, my adaptation adds surprise and a little humor. For the couple, a handfasting … Continue reading

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Game of Thrones and the Wedding Ritual of Circling

He calls her his “Moon.” She calls him her “Sun and Stars.” He is Khal Drogo, the testosterone heavy, alpha male leader of the Dothraki warrior tribe – proud, fearless, and ruthless, at least in the beginning. Very Mars. She … Continue reading

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Ritual: GARDEN GIFTS by Zita Christian

Many believe that eating basil will protect you and give you courage. And eating orange peel will make you fertile. True. My daughter Laurie Neronha and I love to cook. Despite the aggression implied in the language of the kitchen … Continue reading

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Ritual: DESTINY AND THE RED CORD by Zita Christian

Ei-ling was delighted that so many members of her family were coming from Taiwan to attend her wedding to Jason. She wanted her mother to have a role in the ceremony but was sensitive to her mother’s concern about speaking … Continue reading

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Ritual: GIFTS FROM THE DRAGONS by Zita Christian

To create meaningful rituals for Couples who don’t want a religious ceremony, I often incorporate their cultural heritage. For Jason and Ei-ling, I explored Polish wedding customs and Chinese mythology. I created several rituals for them. You’ll find one of … Continue reading

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Ritual: WIND HORSE by Zita Christian

Chris and Jennifer had come to Buddhism as adults. They wanted their wedding to give their guests a glimpse into the beauty and serenity they’d found on the spiritual path they’d chosen. With that in mind, I created the ritual … Continue reading

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Maiden, Mother & Crone: Celebrating 3 Generations

Every Maiden isn’t young. Every Mother doesn’t have a child. Every Crone isn’t old. What’s important is the energy each embodies and how it makes itself known. Which Goddess are you? The Maiden embodies the creative force. Like one of … Continue reading

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My First Public Ritual: The Making of a Medicine Woman

  To Little Elk, schooled in the healing ways of the Pueblo, she was his destiny.  He knew from a childhood vision that before he died he was to anoint a Medicine Woman, but not Pueblo.  Cherokee. To Lothar, she … Continue reading

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