1)In my own coven, we mix things up all the time. We have different people perform different task, make sure there is a part in the ritual in which everyone can participate and benefit, sometimes we chant, sometimes we come together with other pagan groups for sabbats, etc. The change keeps things from becoming stagnant.
2)As far as having pets in circle, my cat is usually with me for all ritual. When it is just me and my husband, she will remain in the circle as if she is participating or lay on my altar. I have an altar dedicated Bast and she makes her way onto it all the time.
3)Children in circle has never posed a problem. My granddaughter has been with us during ritual and we put her in the circle with us. There are enough of us to keep her corralled. She adds a positive energy to the ritual and no one minds her being there.
4)My husband and I operate an Interfaith Ministry, but primarily minister to Pagans in our community--so we offer a lot of services. Services include healing, house/building/grounds blessings, handfastings/weddings, child blessings/dedications/wiccanings, hospital visits, sabbat/eshbat services, etc., etc. Many of these are ritualistic, but only require that we use a small part of the ceremony and that does not mean an entire ritual.
5)My Ceremony Examples (I have actually performed): Please feel free to borrow and some portions/concepts were borrowed from other sources (sorry, I don't remember where).
CHILD DEDICATION CEREMONY
OCTOBER 31, 2010
Altar: Set up as usual.
Use juice, milk, etc. and cupcakes or cookies for cakes and ale
Decorations for quarters: Earth-crystal; Fire-Candle; Water: Shell; Air-Feather (Each are gifts to be presented to the children). Gifts to Watch Towers represented by incense or candles.
Circle Cast
Cleanse circle with besom.
Cleanse circle with water and salt.
Cleanse circle with incense.
"Circle flow and circle grow
As above, so below.
The circle is now sealed.
Let naught but good enter in.
Let naught but good exit out."
QUARTER CALL
EAST: Lord of the Winds, come dance and play
For we welcome here children this day.
SOUTH: Lord of the Fire, come shine and spark
That these children's path will ne'er be dark.
WEST: Lady of Water, come by wave and dew
That these children's tears will only be few.
NORTH: Lady of the Earth, come by soil and sand,
Give these children your helping hand.
CENTER: Spirit of Creation, come in truth and love
That these children may be blessed by all Powers above.
INVOCATION OF GODDESS/GOD
Maiden, Warrior, Mother, Crone
Join us here; wath o'er your own. Light the silver candle.
Young Lord, Old Lord, Husband, Son
Be with us to bless each one. Light the gold candle.
BLESS MILK: As the athame is to the male; So the chalice is to the female.
And conjoined they be one in truth.
For there is no greater magic in all the world
Than that of a man and a woman
Joined in the bonds of love.
BLESS THE CAKES: These cakes are the fruition of the union of our Lord and Lady. Let all but the blessings of that union Be cast out, that we may all share in Their bounty.
HPS: We are met in this Circle to ask the blessings of the Lord and Lady on Linda Annette Gallant and Joseph Albert Gallant IV, daughter and son of Laura Ann Gallant and Joseph Albert Gallant III. May they grow in grace and strength, joy and wisdom.
PAUSE
HPS: There are many Paths, and each must find their own. Therefore, we do not seek to bind Linda and Joseph to any one Path while they are still too young to choose. Instead, we ask that the Lord and Lady, who know *All* Paths to bless, protect, and prepare them through the years of their childhood. Then, when they are at last fully grown, they shall know, without a doubt, which Path is theirs, and shall tread it gladly.
HPS: Laura and Joe, please come forward that Linda and Joey may be blessed.
Linda and Joey have chosen their dedication names and these names will only be known to those who are present. They are not to be shared with others outside of this circle.
Linda, what name have you chosen.
LINDA: Moonlight.
HPS: Joey, what name have you chosen.
JOEY: Thunder.
HPS: Then, in the silent senses of the Lord and Lady, they shall be known as Moonlight and Thunder.
*Anoint forehead with oil (pentagram).
HPS: I anoint thee, Linda and Joey with oil and give thee the dedication names of Moonlight and Thunder.
*Anoint forehead with wine/juice/milk.
HPS: I anoint thee Moonlight and Thunder with wine. In the name of the Lord (whisper private nameof the God in children's ears).
*Anoint forehead with water.
HPS: I anoint thee, Moonlight and Thunder with water. In the name of the Lady (whisper private name of the Goddess in children's ears).
*Touch children's crown with hand or feather.
HPS: You are named Linda/Joseph, also Moonlight/Thunder. And I dedicate you to a life of peace and love.
*Touch children's third eye with hand or feather.
HPS: That you may see your way clearly.
*Touch throat.
HPS: That you may speak the truth.
*Touch heart.
HPS: That your heart be always open.
*Touch solar plexus.
HPS: That your Will and Strength be strong.
*Touch belly.
HPS: That your sexuality be joyful and loving and that you be a gateway of lives and creations to come.
*Touch hands.
HPS: That you may always do the Lord and Lady's work, no matter how you see or worship Them.
*Touch feet.
HPS: That you always walk the Path you are called to.
*Touch crown:
HPS: Bless this child who is a small Goddess/God; Bless her/him, protect her/him; and give her/him a joyful life.
Take each child by the hand to each of the four quarters for presentation.
EAST: Of Air and inspiration, the morning winds, come ye Powers of the East. Bless and protect Linda, also known as Moonlight and Joey, also known as Thunder as our rite begins.
SOUTH: Of Fire and Power, the noon sun, come ye Powers of South, Bless and protect Linda, also known as Moonlight, and Joey, also known as Thunder. The magic is begun.
WEST: Of Water and insight, the evening tides, come ye Powers of the West. Bless and protect Linda, also known as Moonlight, and Joey, also known as Thunder. And in her/his heart abide.
NORTH: Of Earth and growth, the midnight loam, come ye Powers of the North. Bless and protect Linda, also known as Moonlight, and Joey, also known as Thunder that she/he knows you as her/his home.
*Return to altar.
Light anointed candles for each child.
HPS: Mighty God bestow upon each child the gift of strength. Gentle Goddess, bestow upon each child the gift of beauty. Mighty God bestow upon this child the gift of wisdom. Gentle Goddess bestow upon this child the gift of love.
HPS: In the story of Sleeping Beauty, the good faeries all blessed the child with a special gift. I now ask that each bestow Linda and Joey with a personal blessing. Kiss each child after blessing.
HPS: Are there any who would stand as Godparents to Linda and Joey?
GODPARENTS: Step Forward. We will.
HPS: Do you Kim and Candy promise to be a friend to Linda and Joey through their childhood years; to aid and guide them as needed; and in accord with their parents, to watch over them and love them as if they were of your own blood; until by the grace of the Lord and Lady, they are ready to choose their own paths?
GODPARENTS: We promise to do so.
HPS: The Lord and Lady have blessed them; We their friends and family have welcomed them; Therefore, Oh Circle of Stars, Shine in peace on Linda and Joey, Whose dedicate names are Moonlight and Thunder. So mote it be or Blessed Be!
ALL: Blessed Be!
HPS: Each child has been given a stone representing the Guardians and Elements of the Earth and as a reminder of their dedication to the Lord and Lady and for them to follow their own Spiritual Path.
The feather represents the Guardians and Elements of the Air.
The shell represents the Guardians and Elements of Water.
The candles represent the Guardians and Elements of Fire.
Take a moment and share in cakes and ale.
(Thank the Lord and Lady for their presence. Invite them to stay or leave as they choose.)
(Dismiss the Guardians)
(Open Circle)Circle wane and circle stop
Up from the bottom
Down from the top.
This circle is open, but never broken. Always it remains.
So mote it be!
Blessingway Ceremony
August 13, 2011
Time: 1:00 p.m.
[Play drumming background music, spiritual music, etc.]
STAGE 1
Welcome to all. We are so glad that you could join Rose for this special occasion. Rose has chosen to embark on a spiritual journey, not just the typical Baby Shower. This will be a time of joy, reflection (not just with Rose, but all women here), care, and love within this group that Rose has chosen to share with.
You may be wondering what is a Blessingway ceremony/ritual? This is a ceremony based in part on Navajo traditions concerned with healing, creation, harmony, and peace. But the tradition of caring for, supporting, encouraging the new mother and the celebration of a new life is nothing new in many cultures. Women for centuries have come together during this time to connect with one another in the celebrations of life—something that we have lost in our Western culture.
Today, the participation in ritual will be new to some of you. A blessingway ceremony can be based on any religion or no religion; it varies according to the desires of the mother-to-be. In this case, Rose has chosen the path of Wicca, so there will be those overtones in this ceremony. The elements that she has chosen are symbolic of what she feels are important to her and the blessing and protection of her and her unborn child.
At this time, we have some very simple guidelines to establish before we start. First, please turn off cell phones or place them on vibrate. If you do need to get up to use the restroom, please do so discreetly as to not disturb the ceremony and as the sacred space has been cast. There are drinks and snacks on the table, please feel free to help yourself during our time together, but will have our "feast" after the ceremony has concluded. Also, your participation is appreciated, but if there are things that you feel uncomfortable with, you are welcome to just observe. But please do respect the others who do chose to participate. If someone does have an emotional release, please do not just automatically offer tissues or touch her unless asked. It is okay to have the emotional release during this ceremony to allow for time for each participant to allow for personal, emotional, and spiritual growth. While the focus is on Rose, there are portions that are necessary for us to endure in order to provide her the support into motherhood. This is a time for all of us to come together in unity and connectedness as women.
Cleansing and Purification:
We will be forming a circle around Rose when we go out on the porch. Before you take your seat, we will ask that you take a moment to cleanse and purify before going into circle. Take a moment and dip your hands into the rose water and release any thoughts, memories, emotions, and negativity that may hinder our ritual and celebration. Once you have done so, please find where you will be sitting and if possible, stand until we have all come together.
Once all participants are together:
I ask that each of you hold hands at this time as we cast our circle: "Let us form this circle with clear thoughts, wise words, and kind hearts."-Shea Darian: "Prayer for Clarity"
At this time, we will take a moment to open our hearts to the Divine and realize our oneness with the Divine, as there is no separation from ourselves and the Divine. A moment of silence.
Now, let's invite the Divine to be with us. Rose has asked that we call on Hecate, the Goddess of the Crossroads, fertility, and pregnant women (as Rose is now at a crossroad in her life and this is also Hecate Day) and on the Goddess Bast, who helps mothers with nurturing capabilities (Rose wants to be a good mother). Each of you may feel free to invite the Divine from your belief system here with us as well. "Hecate and Bast and the Divine that represents each of these women here, with the lighting of these candles, we ask that you be with us today as we help prepare Rose for her journey to motherhood. Please let us act as conduits for your work, and may everything we do and say at this blessingway be inspired by you."
Since the Blessingway is rooted in earth-based traditions, such as those of the Navajo tradition and Wicca, we will summon them to be with us to guide and protect us during our ceremony.
[LAURA] East: We call on the elements of the air, the spirit of balance, greatness, and humility, and the bringer of breath to new life. Bring to us the gifts of illumination and great vision. Please be with us today. (Feathers, bells, fans, incense, dragonflies, yellow candle)
[GRANDMA]South: We call on the elements of fire, the spirit of passion, adventure and discovery, and the bringer of the promptness of a newborn baby's cry. Help us to learn your lessons of humor, innocence, trust, and appreciation. Teach us how to walk with courage and fiery determination in our quest for growth and balance. Please be with us today. (Dragons, red candle)
[LAURA] West: We call on the elements of water, the spirit of gracefulness, gentleness, honesty, adaptability, and calmness, and who calms the waters of the baby's uterine home. Bring us peace to fill our hearts, and guide us to places of great depths and help us to discover all that life has to offer and what it will take to be all we can be. Please be with us today. (Seashells, bowl of water, oceans, blue candle)
[PRIESTESS]North: We call on the elements of earth, solid and sturdy to guide us in the ways of wisdom, truth, and unfolding trust and wonder. Help us to surrender and to be quiet, to allow us to rejuvenate and reflect. (Rocks, crystals, salt, flowers, mother earth symbols, green or white candle)
STAGE 2
Purpose:
We are gathered here today to acknowledge, honor, and celebrate Rose's journey into motherhood. In this sacred space we've so lovingly created, we will help Rose clear her path to motherhood by supporting her as she releases her unacknowledged fears, worries, and anything else that may stand in the way of her fully embracing the coming of her first child. By our coming together, we will also weave a web of support for Rose, pledging our care and our willingness to provide for her throughout the weeks to come.
A blessingway is a sacred, Spirit-guided ritual. In light of this, we ask that everyone stay mindful, flexible, and speak consciously. We also ask that everyone stay present during the ritual, focusing your attention on Rose and sending her your love and support while she is doing her work. We all have a lot going on in our lives, so if at any time you find that you become distracted by your own thoughts and feelings, please acknowledge them-but put them away somewhere safe, so you can stay fully present for Rose. You can use your breath to carry these thoughts and feelings away or energetically sent them down into the ground by placing your hands onto the ground and releasing your energies to the great Mother.
A blessingway has the power to evoke very deep emotions. Should Rose or anyone else in the circle become emotional, we ask that you not touch her nor offer her a tissue, unless she asks for it. Though well-intended, these offerings of comfort may actually shut down a wonderful release process. Rose's blessingway is a no-fault ritual, so please do not be concerned if you have never been to a blessingway before. In this safe and sacred circle, all contributions will be honored. We do request that you maintain a thoughtful and reverent attitude, and that whatever you hear in this circle remains here. Confidentiality is key to creating safety for everyone today.
Our circle has been cast and is now closed. However, if you find you must leave the circle to take care of personal needs during our ritual, please feel free to do so. We just ask that you leave and return quietly. If anyone needs to leave the blessingway before it's over, we also ask that you leave quietly, observing ritual silence. Thank you for joining us. (MotherRising by Cortlund, Lucke, and Watelet)
We will go around the circle and I would like for everyone to state your name, your matrilineal heritage, and how your relationship with Rose. I will start: I am Candy, daughter of Linda, granddaughter of Anna, and mother to Rose. I am also her minister and Priestess. Continue….
Now that we have all introduced ourselves, I would like for us to all take some time to connect our spirits together through meditation to help us focus on our purpose and to release any fears that we may have.
Meditation Exercise [Play Sounds of Ocean disc]
Everyone, please get comfortable either on the ground or in your chair. Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath. Breath in, breath out. Stay aware of your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Breath in, breath out. With each exhalation, feel your body relax. Breathe in, breathe out. Release your cares and worries away as you breathe out, and breathe in the goodness and love of the Great Mother. Be aware of any physical tension in your body; breathe right into that spot, allowing your breath to massage and release any remaining tension. Keeping your focus on your breath and consciously remaining relaxed and open…bring all your attention within. Breath in, breath out.
Now, imagine yourself on a beach—a beautiful, white-sand beach laden with shells. It is warm, and the water is softly lapping the sand, creating a soothing lullaby. You walk slowly down the beach in awe of Mother Earth's gifts, the beauty of the shells scattered all over the beach. Your eye fixes on one such treasure. You bend down and pick up an amazing shell and hold it in your hand. With reverence for its beauty, perfection, and grace, your eyes close, and you begin to dream. In this dream your shell begins to grow. It grows larger and larger until it is much larger than you. You circle the shell noticing with great awe the beauty reflected in its colors and textures—you are taken aback by its wholeness, as if it could in fact hold all the answers of the world.
As you walk further around the shell, you reach its entrance, which is now big enough for you to step into. The interior colors are vibrant, warm, and soft; the texture as smooth as silk. As you enter the shell, you immediately feel warm and safe. Reverence overcomes you as you realize you are entering a sacred sanctuary.
You walk with great awareness deep into the shell—aware of each footstep you take on the shell's smooth interior. The deeper you walk, the more present and aware you are. Your breath is effortless, deep, and consistent, reminding you of the sound of the lapping waters outside the shell: a comforting, soothing lullaby connecting you to Spirit. As you spiral deeper and deeper inside the shell, you feel more and more relaxed. Worries and fears drop away with each step.
Now, Rose, become aware that the comfort, safety, and love—the sense of connection you are experiencing—must be just how your baby feels being cradled in your womb. Warm, nourished, nurtured. The sound of the mother's heartbeat and breath are all that is, and all that is needed.
After spiraling deeper and deeper, you reach the innermost chamber, the very center of the shell. It feels so comfortable and safe here that you curl up into a fetal position, cradled by the walls of this soft center. The only audible sound is your breath as it washes in and out.
Now Rose, imagine the shell filling with all your closest friends, loved ones, ancestors, angels, and spirit guides. They are spiraling, circling, and surrounding you,--offering protection and sending love and blessings. For those of you, who have journeyed here with Rose, consciously visualize the safe container you are forming for her. Send her your love and blessings.
Rose, feeling so deeply connected to all that is and all those in your life who love and support you, begin to see how connected your baby is to you. Allow yourself to truly take in how deeply bonded you already are. Tap into this magickal place.
Place one hand over your heart and your other hand over your baby's heart. Notice the exchange of energy between you. Be aware that this pulsating energy is love, and as it fills your body and travels down your arms and into your hands, allow it to flow freely between your body and your baby.
Your baby is smiling with reassurance, knowing what a wonderful and loving mother you are. Take a moment to say what is in your heart, to ask any questions you may have for your baby. [Pause.] Now listen to what your baby has to communicate to you. [Pause.] Your baby feels so safe, secure, and loved in your womb. And you too feel safe, secure, and loved in the womb of support created by your friends, loved ones, and guides. Take a deep breath, and breathe this in. Fully absorb how much you are loved and supported.
For your infant, knowing this love and security makes entering this world safe and desirable. And for you Rose, feeling this love, confidence, and support leaves you empowered with the qualities and strength needed to give birth—gently, lovingly, and successfully.
You recognize it is time to journey back. Rose, say good-bye to your baby and reassure him or her of your connection. Tell your baby, "I can't wait to hold you in my arms." Thank your circle of support and follow them as they tunnel out of the shell, slowly returning to this world. Let us all carry these feelings of great love and connection with us, all the way back to this very circle. Before we open our eyes, let's take in a deep breath to anchor our feelings of love and connection. Slowly breathe out. Rose, know that whenever you feel the need for support, it is as close as your breath—breathing in and breathing out. Now let us all begin to turn our attention gently to our bodies. When you feel fully present to yourself, here in this circle, slowly open your eyes, allowing them to gradually adjust to the light.
Releasing our Fears [Brigid Fire]
As we finally finish committing ourselves to the purpose of this ritual, I will ask that each of you take time to acknowledge any fears you have. Expressing your fears is not the same as giving energy to it. For when we deny that our fears exist, we leave these fears locked deep within ourselves, giving them the perfect environment to grow. Removing these fears gives space so that wishes, blessings, and other positive love-centered energies can take their place. At this time, I will ask each woman here to take a pinch of the herbs being sent around, to express her fear verbally if you feel comfortable doing so, and then throw the herb into the fire. This act expresses the letting-go of your fears. We will start with Rose after the fire is started. After each woman has stepped forward end with this statement:
"By burning these things, we release our fears, expectations, and distractions to the four winds. May we be free to focus our minds and hearts upon the present moment."
STAGE 3
During this time, just as Rose must openly trust and surrender so that the birth of her baby will unfold from deep within her, the time of Honoring, Pampering, and Adorning, is a symbol of her open trust to the women who are now here to share their friendship, love, and connectedness with her. Rose, you may feel uncomfortable at first with all the attention, but remember this is your time to make the connection with your child, the women who share this day with you, and most of all with the Divine.
Honoring
When honoring a pregnant woman, she is being treated as the sacred vessel that she is. For only women know the gift of bringing a life into this world. This is also the time that she is often closest to death. Just as we evoked Hecate, who is also known as the Goddess of pregnant women, she is also the Goddess of death. For she understands how fragile life is and sees the beginning and ending of human existence. In honor of Rose's blessed state, she is put in a place of honor in this circle. First, we offer her, this headpiece of daisies, representing the life of her new child, her awareness of pregnancy, the love that is expressed here towards her and her love for her unborn child, and the new beginning of motherhood and the newness of life of her child. (Rose is crowned.)[GRANDMA]
Because we want her to remember this special day, and to be able to share this day with her baby later, we have asked each of you to write a special blessing or wish for her and her baby. At this time, I ask that each of you in turn read your blessing/wish to Rose. [Provide paper and envelopes in case someone forgets to write.]
Pagan Self-Blessing [Performed by Priestess using white rose]
Divine Mother, Bless Rose, for she is your child.
Bless Rose's sight that she may clearly see your path as well as her own.
Bless Rose's throat that she may speak her truth.
Bless Rose's heart that she may open to the wisdom of all women.
Bless Rose's solar plexus that she may live in the world in a way that is true to her highest self.
Bless Rose's belly for the children or other creative gifts she has given.
Bless Rose's vagina, the gateway to birth.
Bless Rose's feet that she may walk your divine path.
Bless Rose's hands that do your work as well as her own.
Bless Rose, for she is your child: a part of you, and a part of us all.
In many cultures, women were prepared for birth by being lovingly tended by their community of women by nurturing and nourishing her through baths, hair brushing/plaiting, massages, etc. We will be brushing Rose's hair. [AUNT VIVIAN] This symbolizes straightening out anything that is left undone in passage from maidenhood to motherhood. We will also massage her hands [JULIE] and bathe her feet [AUNT MARY]. The massaging of her hands represents readying her for the work that she will do with these hands as she enters into motherhood and foot bathing honors her ability to stand on her own two feet and for the clearing the way to a peaceful journey from girlhood to motherhood.
At this time, for those who have been asked beforehand, please come forward for this special time of bringing Rose from maidenhood to womanhood.
Adorning [PRIESTESS]
Adorning is a custom in many cultures to bless, protect, and bring love, and good fortune to the mother-to-be. Often these adornments are symbols of the transition from maiden to mother. Rose has chosen to be adorned with Mendhi. The designs she has chosen are meant to bless and protect her through her passage from maidenhood to motherhood. Prior to today, Rose has had her belly blessed because of the length of time it takes for the Henna to dry, but we will adorn her hands and feet representing the joy and beauty that come from working with your hands and standing firm as a mother raising children.
Her Aunt Laura has made her a bracelet, this bracelet is a symbol of love and protection also to her and to the child. Rose, wear this bracelet in remembrance of the fact that you are loved and you and your baby are protected by the Divine. [PRESENTED BY AUNT LAURA]
STAGE 4
Completing
It is our custom to raise energy for the work that we have performed, just as many pray (and prayer is a form of energy), we chant which is our form of prayer. This energy we are raising is to bring about the intentions set forth today, bringing about our spiritual connection with one another, mother and baby, and the Divine.
At this time, I ask that each of you come forward and circle around Rose. Our chant will be "Heaven's Gift to Me". As "Heaven's Gift to Me" plays, focus on this music and how it applies to Rose. Send your love, blessings, and energy toward her as you listen to the music. Think about her connection to the baby and send blessings to her and the unborn child. Think about her connection to the Divine, and ask the Divine to help her through the remainder of her pregnancy, delivery, and the raising of this child.
Play music: "Heaven's Gift…" located on the computer "Candy Lacey>Videos>RealPlayer Downloads>Heaven's Gift."
Weaving the Web
At this time, I will ask that everyone take their seat in the circle. As a symbol of our connection with one another and to Rose, we will weave a web. We will weave the web by tossing this ball of yarn to each woman across from us. When you receive the ball, wrap the yarn around your wrist and then toss to the next woman across from you until we have all had the chance to weave the web. Rose has chosen the color red to represent the symbol of life and creation. So let us begin weaving this web of life and creation together...
When everyone has woven the web, wrap the candle in the center with yarn around the Goddess Candle. Chant: "We are the flow, we are the ebb, we are the weavers, we are the web."
There are scissors so that we can cut ourselves out of the web. Make sure to cut enough that you can create a bracelet. If you like, you may wear this bracelet until the time that Rose has her baby to represent the connectedness you have with her.
Releasing the Elements and Goddesses
Let us now thank the elements and the divine for their presence with us today and close our sacred circle.
Releasing the Elements
[PRIESTESS] This gathering is blessed with gifts from the North. We give thanks for the firm foundation we find beneath us and the stable home to which we may return. Our lives are enriched by these gifts. We release you with our thanks.
[AUNT LAURA]This gathering is blessed with the gifts of the West. We give thanks for the wonder and excitement we have shared today, for the refreshing cleansing we received by releasing what we no longer needed, and for the deep commitments we have made. We release you with our thanks.
[GRANDMA] This gathering is blessed with the gifts of the South. We give thanks for the warmth we feel for one another, which has created a new, sacred circle—a safe place for the heat of our heart's passion—and your light that does indeed brighten the darkest of times. We release you with our thanks.
[LAURA] This gathering is blessed with the gifts of the East. We give our thanks for the communication of the heart, mind, and body made possible here today and for our new knowledge of the growth found in sharing with one another. We have made fresh beginnings today as individuals and as a circle. We release you with our thanks.
Releasing the Divine
Hecate, Bast, and the Divine represented by each woman here, we are grateful for your loving and powerful presence here with us today. We release you from this circle with our thanks, asking that you remain with Rose from now until the birth or her child and give her guidance through motherhood.
Acknowledgement of the Value of Our Work
Today, we have succeeded in forming a beautiful sacred space for Rose's blessingway. The strength and energy we have helped Rose to raise is shining inside her and radiating out for all of us to see. The power of the feminine spirit has been unveiled in each of us today. May we carry the knowledge and gifts we've received on into everything we do from this day on. Let us stay connected to Rose, creating a cradle of support, as she awaits her birthing day and beyond, as she learns to mother her new baby. This has been a powerful day.
Open the Circle
Our circle is now open, but remains unbroken.
African Prayer
There is an African that I would like to recite to remind each of us of this:
Let us take care of our children, for they have a long way to go. Let us take care of our elders, for they have come a long way. Let us take care of those of us in between, for we are doing the work.
Blessed Be!
Thank all of you for celebrating with us. We have food and will have Rose open all of her gifts from all of you.
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