The Oath Taking – Ancient Celtic Tradition . . . 

“Oath Taking “, is an ancient Celtic tradition that was practiced in some areas.  It was more than being “Hand fasted” and less than but more than marriage.  This custom has been handed down generation to generation.  To my knowledge, no one in my family has practiced this since before my great-grandmother, but the tale of it was handed down to me from my grandmother.

After a period of time of courtship when a man and woman decided that they wanted to spend the rest of their lives together, they would take “the oath”.  Sometimes a couple would take “the oath” even after they had been wed.  Couples would usually take “the oath” at dawn on May 1st, which is the first day of spring, signifying the first bloom or birth of a relationship.  The oath could be taken at any time of year, but usually it was during the spring equinox. 

The couple would stand facing each other and the first thing they would do is touch foreheads and recite: “My thoughts to your thoughts”.  Then they would place their right hands over each other’s hearts and recite: “My heart to your heart.”  Then they would clasp each other tight and recite: “My soul to your soul – I pledge to thee my love now and forever.”  Everyone would recite: “It is done”. 

It doesn’t sound like much, but I recently took the oath at the midnight hour over my boyfriend while he slept.  I don’t know why I did this.  A voice would not let me sleep, and kept insisting that I do this.  My boyfriend was not awake and I know now that he did not have the same feelings for me.  So why did the voice insist I do this with someone who was not in love with me?  I completed my part of the ceremony and went to sleep – in peace! 

When I awoke, nothing seemed different or out of the ordinary.   But, while I was at work, I thought about him and wondered what he was doing.  Then it hit me like a ton of bricks!  Emotion so raw, with me feeling like I was inside him and looking out through his eyes.  I almost couldn’t breathe! I loved him so very much.  I wanted nothing more at that moment than to be in his arms.  I realized at that moment, that this was a very dangerous thing if I thought about him at the wrong time.  So, I resolved to remember not to do this very often.  But, I can still do this and be connected with him, even now.                 

Unfortunately, he is emotionally closed off at this time, and I wonder if he wasn’t closed off at the beginning but just wanted so desperately to make a good impression. . .  I still love him and pray GOD’s blessings and healing upon him at all times.  Maybe one day we can be together . . .

Palestrya – 04/17/11