Izznet H'unar
Journeyman
Preparing for the wedding of Baron and Callie it was an honor for me to share with her an old tradition I found on travels. The art of henna I have used on myself on several occasions, with the help of another. But this time it will be my joy to offer written designs and blessings on a new friend.
My path in spirituality has been unusual, at best, for one such as I. Striving for a perfection and a purity of soul that I will never acquire seems more like an exercise in futility. The idea of offering a blessing on another feels like it should be hollow, yet in some ways I think it is as redemptive to me as it is a benefit to the one who receives. My hope is that the experience will be a positive one to her.
I have researched the designs to use and what I want them to mean for the new bride. I can only hope she will see my heart. She has recently been informed of my true nature and I know I make her nervous. It is my intent to ease some of her misgivings she has towards me.
As we sit together in quiet I bring the tip of the brush to her left hand. Holding her hand in mine to keep it still as I work I can feel the pulse quicken at my touch. I know she is nervous but perhaps as the design grows her nerves will be quelled.
Drawing the images upside down so she will see them has been a fun exercise long practiced. The soft vines that wrap around her wrist with a lotus flower at the base of her hand are my recognition of her gifting. Her beauty and creativity that she brings to Arkon are accented by the grace that has emerged as her heart and soul awakens in his love.
The other hand, wrapped in the same vines representing longevity and perseverance, is a sun. The flourishes of its rays speak to eternal love and knowledge. The added bonus of immortality I will keep to myself.
Winding up the backs of both hands is the image of water. A river to purify and set apart for one another their body, mind and soul is the gift for this wedding. The flowing flourishes wrap up each finger ending in a little wave at her fingertips.
For the final image I ask she close her eyes and imagine how her life was without him, and then again how it is with him. As she speaks of him the image of a dragonfly fills her palms. One half of the delicate creature fills each palm so when opened the image is complete. When her hands are together the halves are whole, so too when they are together they are complete.
It is my hope and prayer that these two become a great asset to each other, and to the town they serve. Their lives will be ones that others will watch. Some of us will see them as a new hope for a dawning day of rebirth.
“May joy find you in your day of joining. May the protection of your lover’s arms wrap around you into your old age. May the dawn of your love spring eternal.”
My blessing complete it was time to reveal to her the final design. I can only hope it will be pleasing to her eyes, heart and spirit.
My path in spirituality has been unusual, at best, for one such as I. Striving for a perfection and a purity of soul that I will never acquire seems more like an exercise in futility. The idea of offering a blessing on another feels like it should be hollow, yet in some ways I think it is as redemptive to me as it is a benefit to the one who receives. My hope is that the experience will be a positive one to her.
I have researched the designs to use and what I want them to mean for the new bride. I can only hope she will see my heart. She has recently been informed of my true nature and I know I make her nervous. It is my intent to ease some of her misgivings she has towards me.
As we sit together in quiet I bring the tip of the brush to her left hand. Holding her hand in mine to keep it still as I work I can feel the pulse quicken at my touch. I know she is nervous but perhaps as the design grows her nerves will be quelled.
Drawing the images upside down so she will see them has been a fun exercise long practiced. The soft vines that wrap around her wrist with a lotus flower at the base of her hand are my recognition of her gifting. Her beauty and creativity that she brings to Arkon are accented by the grace that has emerged as her heart and soul awakens in his love.
The other hand, wrapped in the same vines representing longevity and perseverance, is a sun. The flourishes of its rays speak to eternal love and knowledge. The added bonus of immortality I will keep to myself.
Winding up the backs of both hands is the image of water. A river to purify and set apart for one another their body, mind and soul is the gift for this wedding. The flowing flourishes wrap up each finger ending in a little wave at her fingertips.
For the final image I ask she close her eyes and imagine how her life was without him, and then again how it is with him. As she speaks of him the image of a dragonfly fills her palms. One half of the delicate creature fills each palm so when opened the image is complete. When her hands are together the halves are whole, so too when they are together they are complete.
It is my hope and prayer that these two become a great asset to each other, and to the town they serve. Their lives will be ones that others will watch. Some of us will see them as a new hope for a dawning day of rebirth.
“May joy find you in your day of joining. May the protection of your lover’s arms wrap around you into your old age. May the dawn of your love spring eternal.”
My blessing complete it was time to reveal to her the final design. I can only hope it will be pleasing to her eyes, heart and spirit.