Yesterday I finished making the handfasting talisman for Jim and Candy. I picked 7 yarrow stalks after explaining the purpose and asking for their permission a bit ago, long enough to dry them. I sewed them onto a heart-shaped doily and strung red bells with red ribbon. I wrote up the following to explain it and printed it out.
Something Old
A traditional Yarrow talisman to ensure the happiness of your union for 7 years.
Something New
Some modern touches to update the talisman
Something Borrowed
Yarrow spirits from the land who came with permission of the plant to make magick for your union.
Something Blue
Oops, Red for love, for passion, for energy and life in your union.
This plain wooden base represents the every day work on which a lasting relationship is built. It may not always be pretty but without it no relationship will last.
The doily represents the niceties, the courtesies, and kindnesses that help to smooth out the way.
The yarrow blossoms bring 7 years of love and happiness. And since it is also a healing herb that stops wounds from bleeding, may they bind and heal the small wounds that happen in any relationship.
They are sewn on with wine colored thread to bring a touch of pleasurable intoxication to keep the romance alive.
The Seven bells are to ensure that you will always take time to ring each other's chimes.
Yesterday and today I packed for Starwood but I noticed that I am so tired of packing. It is getting to be quite a chore. Luckily I do expect it to be worth it. Tom is driving me to Phoenix' house tonight so I can spend the night there and go with her and Aaron in the morning.