BlessingWay Ceremony 

 

"Just as a tree grows best when anchored firmly in the earth, so can a pregnant mother feel strong and capable when supported by a sisterhood of nurturing friends." -April Lussier 

 

 The Mother's Blessing Ceremony, also known as The Blessingway or Blessing Way Ceremony originates from the Navajo people. It is a very positive ritual, affirming that a woman will have a natural and beautiful birth experience. The ceremony marks a woman's rite of passage. It is a ceremony of empowerment near the time of birthing. Within a circle of friends in a quiet, gentle, spiritual ceremony, those attending will celebrate sisterhood, welcome a new baby to earth and honour mother, birth, life and rebirth.

 

"You have been invited to a blessingway... a blessingway is not a baby shower, but rather a more spiritual celebration. During this non-denominational ceremony, we will shower the mother with our wishes for her birth, and honor her as she journeys through this incredible transition. We will pamper her with an herbal foot bath, crown her with flowers and make a birthing necklace to empower and support her. Afterwards, we will share food and friendship to bless her on her way. Entering motherhood is a very important rite of passage, which deserves to be marked and celebrated." From Mother Shower: A Blessingway Guidebook 

 

Outline of Stefani's Blessing

 

• Introduction what is a  Blessingway
• Introducing ourselves in our lineage of birthing women, e.g. "I am Anna, granddaughter of Kathleen and Katina, daughter of Yvonne, mother of Loki, Gabriel and Aurora"
• Lighting of the blessing candle with a blessing for Stefi as a new mother
• Gift of a bead with a wish for Stefi's birthing
• Belly painting for Stefi
• Hand and foot massage for Stefi
• Celebration of food and drink
• Tying of wool around everywoman's hand to keep ourselves present to Stefi

 

"I had the most beautiful and the most powerful birth blessing, organized by my doula Anna. I was sitting in a circle with twelve beautiful women, sharing the secrets of the feminine and the magic of giving birth. It was a sacred space where every single woman gave me her blessing, lit a candle and handed over a bead she picked for this little being inside me. I felt strong and connected to the women around me when I went into labour the same night. The whole time I was holding on to the necklace we made out of the beads. It was a quick and strong labour at home. I’m still feeling incredible grateful for the support of all those beautiful women and Anna in particular who made that happen." Stefi

 

For more information about BlessingWay ceremony visit http://www.blessingwaybook.com/