pagan wedding ceremony

 Research and design

An unexpected invitation to a recent wedding and discussion with the grooms party about an appropriate and unusual gift, led to many hours of research in relation to Pagan beliefs, crystals and energy related to different earth elements.

I suggested that it would be lovely to produce a unique wedding gift related to the couples beliefs. The Vegvisir (viking compass) I had made previously for another commission, was to be the central feature, surrounded by a runic inscription, crystals and the date of the wedding.

  The Vegvisir first appeared in the Huld manuscript written in Iceland in 1860, there is no evidence that it dates back to the Viking age, but it formed an important part of pagan beliefs in terms of travelling the way through life and the couples journey together. The inscription reads all that wander are not lost and the symbol at the bottom represents good luck.

The date was a major issue as the Vikings had no formal numeral system. Research showed that the Pentadic system is often associated with runic inscriptions,  again the oldest authenticated use is from a document dated 1885, although two allegedly pre columbian American rune stones show the same notation.

I allowed space for the crystals which were to be arranged around the points of the compass, suspended in wire cages attached to tiny pins.

Once the design had been agreed, drawing and laying out, followed by several hours of fine router work had to be done to complete the piece.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Making

I decided that the piece should be made in oak with silver coloured lettering. The width of the board meant 3 pieces had to be biscuit jointed to make a stable surface for the rest of the design.

Setting out was done on a  paper drawing which was then transferred to the timber. All the lettering  and the compass were cut with the router and an engraving tool, the grooves were then back filled with aluminium powder and superglue.

Cages for the crystals were made using silver plated wire, and these were attached to the board using silver plated pins with an open loop at the end to attach the cages.

I fixed mirror plates to the back to allow the board to be hung from a suitable wall.

The board was finished in the usual oil mix followed by two coats of wax. I then had to manufacture a carrying box to protect the pins and crystals from damage.

An interesting and unique project which was very well received by the bride and groom.