Heathen Rites of Passage

Please note that not all of these rituals are widely used, the most common are namings, handfastings and funerals. Most of these rites of passage would be incorporated into the group's own style of ceremony (see separate heading on 'ceremonies'). The blessing given over the rite of passage typically follows a warding, a horn passing and an offering, but ceremonies do vary considerably between different heathen groups.

Fertility Rite
Typically a private ceremony shared by partners wishing for a child. Typical gods and goddess invoked could include Frey, Freya, Frigga and Holda.

Child Naming
A celebration for the birth of a new child, traditionally held nine nights after the birth but in practice normally several months later when the parents have recovered and a celebration can be planned. Modern Heathen namings emphasise the protection of the infant rather than a dedication into the religion. Pagans are very tolerant and most respect the right for a child to chose their own religion when they come of age. Typical gods and goddesses invoked include Frigga, Freya, Holda and the Norns.

Coming of Age
Held at various different ages depending on the preference of the Heathen group concerned, or when the adolescent shows signs of maturity, typically at 16 or 18. Some groups will celebrate the passing of Puberty as well as or instead of Coming of Age.

Initiation
Rarely met as a formal ritual in British Heathenry. Heathens tend to initiate themselves with a simple statement to the gods and goddesses.

Hearth Forming
The blessing and dedication of a room or home, often done on the adoption of the Heathen faith or after a house move. The home, often known as a 'hearth' is often given a distinctive name.

Kindred Joining
This festival marks the welcoming of a new member into a heathen group. Some heathen groups will organise a special ritual for this, others will incorporate it into their next regular celebration while in others it is marked only with a hand shake or hug and a pint of beer.

Betrothal
A ritual celebrating an engagement between a Heathen couple - often conducted privately rather than in a group setting.

Marriage / Handfasting
Normally called a handfasting, this is a heathen blessing on couple that wish to live together. Handfasting ceremonies can be just as elaborate as weddings in other religious traditions. Handfasting is not always used in conjunction with a legal wedding but is considered equally binding and meaningful to Heathens, if not more so. The oaths sworn normally allow for separation at a later date as Heathens take oath breaking very seriously.

Godman/Godwoman Making
A ritual acknowledging a Heathen as a permanent priest or priestess. Rarely found in Britain where most heathen groups tend to be informal.

Eldership
A ritual celebrating an individuals maturity, the menopause or retirement from the rat race.

Funerals
A ritual accompanying burial or cremation. Heathen funerals will include toasts in honour of the dead, praise poems and the giving of offerings and grave goods.