Weddings are a time of celebration and joy. Unfortunately, planning them can turn into a nightmare for couples trying to make everyone in their family and circle of friends happy. Handfasting and Wedding Rituals: Welcoming Hera's Blessing by Raven Kaldera and Tannin Schwartzstein provides a guide for Pagans who want to incorporate their religion into their special day.

The book has a grading system for the level of Pagan involvement for each ceremony. Level 1 is considered the least offensive to those outside of Paganism. The rites in this level do not appear to be overtly Pagan. The language is benign and uses traditional wedding symbolism such as flowers, birds, and love themes.

Level 2 is what the authors term Pagan-Lite. Deities may be invoked but not in a way that most non-Pagans would scoff at. This level would be good for a wedding audience that is more hip but not necessarily into the 'Pagan thing.'

Level 3 is all out Pagan. Circles are cast, deities are invoked, and participation is expected from the wedding party and sometimes the onlookers.

Interfaith marriage ceremonies between Pagans and non-Pagans are described in detail. Variations within Paganism are also honored with themed weddings for Faery, Druid, Norse, Celtic, Warrior, and other traditions. The authors encourage you to take what you need and leave the rest using their words as inspiration for your own.

Ideas are provided for traditional heterosexual unions as well as for polyamorous, gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered handfastings. Year and a day ceremonies are also covered. In fact, this would be an excellent resource for alternative weddings. The legality issues of such unions are dealt with honestly. Raven himself is very open throughout the book about being transgendered and shares many anecdotes of his own wedding.

Astrological tips, flower meanings, and symbolism are all touched on in the appendices. A chapter is also devoted to clergy and how to sensitively handle requests they may encounter; even handfastings for teenagers and others who don't seem ready for marriage.

Examples of handparting rituals are also included. This is a ceremony to end a marriage in order to help the individuals ritually let go of the ties that bind them. While this may be a dark subject to bring up in a book celebrating union, it is a necessary one to address. Clergy will appreciate the care with which the authors treat every subject whether they are performing a legal or nonlegal handfasting.

Handfasting would be a positive addition to the library of any Pagan clergy person who needs inspiration to accommodate various members of the Pagan community. Couples will appreciate the very down-to-earth approach of the authors who share their experience with love, warmth, and humor.