On Saturday, October 27th, 2001, Linda Schneider and Billy Tharp exchanged vows in an evening handfasting ceremony officiated over by Michael McDane Harris (AKA "The RenGeek" AKA "Reverend Butcher"), with Rev. Harris' wife Pamela Harris, assisting. The torch- and candlelight rite began shortly before 9pm, in a consecrated Circle of Protection set up behind "McDane's Tavern" at the TRF patron campground. Among friends and wellwishers attending the ceremony were Pat Rickard (AKA "Madame Fatima"), James Huckabay (AKA "Tavern Knight"), Van Brackin, Shelley Hamlet (AKA "Kylie"), Ann and George Laking (AKA "Ryleh the Wanderer"). Ryleh's part in these rites included Calling the Quarters, Consecrating the Circle, purifying and protecting our couple with Copal and leading both Billy and Linda to the altar. An Honour Guard bearing broadswords and rapiers was also organized by Taz to form an arch of live steel under which the newly-handfasted couple passed as they exited the Circle. (Photo, above and below: Linda and Billy stand before the altar, listening attentively as the Rev. Harris reads aloud their handfasting vows by flashlight).
As Linda and Billy kneel before the altar, Pamela Harris places wreaths of autumn leaves upon their heads (Photo, right). These had a special significance for our happy couple, as they first met just one year ago in the Fall -- at McDane's Tavern in the TRF campground!
Linda and Billy pledge their troth over the Lady's Cup during their handfasting ceremony. In addition to the formal vows read to them by the Rev. Harris, they also had intimate vows of love, honor and support to offer each other (Photo, left).
Pamela Harris binds Linda and Billy's wrists together with a purple sash. This was the heart of the ritual, symbolizing the togetherness, love and commitment within their relationship (Photo, left).
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