The Caim
"A Caim is an early Celtic Christian custom that can be used to begin an Irish wedding ceremony. Celtic Christians would draw a circle around themselves as a sign of unity with God. The circle was a symbol of the encircling of God's love and the "Mighty Three." The following incantation has mulitiple meanings. It refers to the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, as well as the trinity of sky, earth and water, which are three sacred elements in Celtic tradition. This prayer, from David Adam's book The Eye of the Eagle can be repeated as the circle is drawn.
The Mighty Three,
My protection be.
Encircling me.
You are around,
My life,
My love,
My home,
Encircling me.
O sacred Three,
The Mighty Three.
This circle can be drawn in the ground with a birch branch if the wedding is outdoors. If the wedding is inside, or you do not want to disturb the natural habitation, create a garland using flowers and ivy. This garland can be placed around the couple as the prayer is recited.
At the end of the wedding rite, before the couple breaks the circle, a final Caim prayer can be offered.
The Prayer of Union
We ask the maker
Of the sky,
Of the earth,
Of the water,
To encircle this couple.
May God surround them with his love
And protect them today and every day,
As they stand together in holy unity."
