Ceremonies of the Heart: Celebrating Lesbian Union

by Becky Butler

Whether you are planning a ceremony of your own or simply want to look into the lives of lesbians who have taken this affirming step, Ceremonies of the Heart is the perfect book to read and savor. Filled with ideas on creating unique rituals, the book describes the transformative experiences of twenty-seven lesbian couples who celebrated their relationships in wide-ranging ways - from a gala weddings with gowns and cake to a high-spirited Buddhist event under desert skies. Join Noreen and Helen for their "Tryst of the Slothwoman Coven," Rosanne and Judy's "Brit Ahavah" under the chuppah, Kilby and Janet's "Almost Traditional Catholic Wedding," Deborah and Zandra's tender "Mi Casa Es Tu Casa" celebration, and many more. A book that says yes to lesbian identity and culture - and to a new definition of family - Ceremonies of the Heart is a joyous affirmation of passionate and enduring love between women.

Genres: Nonfiction, Lesbian, Queer, Spirituality

308 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1990

Reviews

[lithomancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this eagerly; i was so excited to read it and it truly delivered. I cried and laughed and it made me embarrassingly emotional. I genuinely love other lesbians so much and i love being one.

[Alexandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bring the tissues because if you’re like me, this book will make you cry for so many reasons... and who doesn’t love to cry at weddings, right??! This had me crying at the expressions of love, the often unexpected family support, the heartbreaking tales of tough family relationships and JUST HOW FAR WE HAVE COME with marriage equality now a LEGAL reality.

When published, this was probably a cute and useful source. Now this is an incredible historical document, recounting non-legal weddings pre-gay marriage. I was humbled by the love, pride and perseverance of gay generations before us - this book had me thanking God even more than usual that I have been legally married to my wife since my early twenties!!

CUTE. CUTE. CUTE. I loved it.

(My one criticism of this book was I felt like the essay at the beginning wasn’t strictly necessary. The last 10 pages of it or so were fascinating and related new-to-me perspectives on the fight for gay marriage. However the first 30 pages were a history of women loving women in general, which felt a little off topic and is information you can read in more detail in a lot of other books, detracting from the uniqueness of this lovely anthology.)

[grub · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book is def dated, a lot of second wave feminism stuff but also made me cryyyy
made me think about my eventual future lesbian wedding!!