Mabon 2001 Newsletter Marriage Celebrant in NSW for the Pagan Community

I am Marybeth Zang, and I heard the wonderful news that I had been formally accredited as a Pagan marriage celebrant whilst sitting in a coffee shop in Rozelle with a friend. In fact she was one of my three referees. For most of my working life I have been a yoga teacher, a school teacher and a bereavement counsellor. In the past decade a pattern emerged in which I found myself called upon to assist at births and in various life passages: menstruation, marriages, menopause and death.

I formalised this by facilitating groups, including women's creative circles, workshops for girls reaching menstruation, and support groups for women in menopause. I have supported women during birth have counselled many bereaved and dying people (men, women and children) and have helped plan and facilitate funerals.

I looked to other cultures and saw that rituals have always existed to help the individual and the community to cope with major events of life. The Pagan tradition with its ancient and traditional recognition of the seasons of life seemed to offer an appropriate way of celebration, as well as comfort and a sense of security.

I became committed to the observance of ritual, and I have run a group in Sydney for the past five years, in my home, or at various open air venues. Whilst the group started in accordance with Pagan observance rites (the 8 sabbats and full moon observances), a need has arisen for the legalisation of marriage in a Pagan ceremony. I have performed a marriage ceremony for a couple (handfasting); they were very satisfied, and felt the necessary legal ceremony they had the next day was a mere formality. A number of couples I know who have sincerely wished for a Pagan marriage had to be married by a civil celebrant, while sensitive to their needs, had no real knowledge of Pagan traditions.

I have performed Namings over the last few years and I will preside over funerals as well. Last July, I submitted my application to the Attourney General in Canberra. It was a huge task and literally took me weeks to complete. It felt like a mini thesis. I was supported incredibly by my family, friends and members of the group. I also organised a petition which was signed by people supporting the need for a Pagan celebrant for the community and got well over 100 signatures. I'm sure I could have got more. I was encouraged and touched by this support and interest. When some appeared shocked or puzzled especially at the word Pagan, I realised it only took a bit of clarification to put them at ease. I feel blessed to have this authorisation. It was worth the effort, persistence and moments of despair. I will be honoured to witness the union of couples - legally and in the Old Way. What a wonderful rite to be a part of!

Enquiries regarding my services:
Marybeth Zang, 43 The Boulevarde, Lilyfield 2040
Phone: (02) 9810 3488 or mobile: 0411 101 715
Email: marebb47@hotmail.com