Mother Blessing/Blessingway/'Closing the Bones'
A Mother Blessing is a pre-natal celebration ceremony for the new mother's right of passage attended by her close female family and friends. This is a lovely way for friends to offer of themselves and for the birthing mum to feel held, supported and loved by her community of women.
Blessingway/Mother Blessing
A blessingway is an old Navajo (native American) ceremony, which celebrates a woman’s rite of passage into motherhood. In the west we have embraced this intension and Mother Blessings/Blessingways are being increasingly held by women to celebrate and support an imminent birth journey of a pregnant woman.
A Mother Blessing is all about nurturing the expectant woman and celebrating motherhood rather that showering her with bought gifts. In a ceremonial way she is showered instead with love, wisdom, stories, support and debriefing fears to instill confidence and strength as she awaits the impending birth of her baby.
What Happens at a Mother Blessing?
A Mother Blessing involves a gathering of the mother-to-be’s most trusted friends and family, who sit in the power of a circle and share amongst one another. Traditionally it is a woman-only gathering and may include her mother, sisters, aunts, daughters, best of friends, mentors — anyone she respects, looks up to or values. A Mother Blessing helps the woman to prepare herself for the birth, emotionally, spiritually and mentally, for the all important role of a new mother. She feels ‘held’ and supported by those she loves and respects — a great way to help her release any blockages she may be feeling and to allow her to embrace what’s to come. Hearing other women’s birth stories as you share around the circle can be surprising, exciting and heartwarming to hear. A Mother Blessing can be very affirming, empowering and uplifting. It doesn’t matter what religion (if any) the mother is — a Mother Blessing honours all belief systems. Guests can bring a plate of food to share (to follow in the theme of sharing), although you may like to provide all the food yourself if you are planning one. But don’t forget to include it on the invite if you wish for them to bring a plate to share. Mother Blessings will vary in proceedings and rituals, there is no set order or agenda, so you can choose what you would like to do.
Blessingway/Mother Blessing
A blessingway is an old Navajo (native American) ceremony, which celebrates a woman’s rite of passage into motherhood. In the west we have embraced this intension and Mother Blessings/Blessingways are being increasingly held by women to celebrate and support an imminent birth journey of a pregnant woman.
A Mother Blessing is all about nurturing the expectant woman and celebrating motherhood rather that showering her with bought gifts. In a ceremonial way she is showered instead with love, wisdom, stories, support and debriefing fears to instill confidence and strength as she awaits the impending birth of her baby.
What Happens at a Mother Blessing?
A Mother Blessing involves a gathering of the mother-to-be’s most trusted friends and family, who sit in the power of a circle and share amongst one another. Traditionally it is a woman-only gathering and may include her mother, sisters, aunts, daughters, best of friends, mentors — anyone she respects, looks up to or values. A Mother Blessing helps the woman to prepare herself for the birth, emotionally, spiritually and mentally, for the all important role of a new mother. She feels ‘held’ and supported by those she loves and respects — a great way to help her release any blockages she may be feeling and to allow her to embrace what’s to come. Hearing other women’s birth stories as you share around the circle can be surprising, exciting and heartwarming to hear. A Mother Blessing can be very affirming, empowering and uplifting. It doesn’t matter what religion (if any) the mother is — a Mother Blessing honours all belief systems. Guests can bring a plate of food to share (to follow in the theme of sharing), although you may like to provide all the food yourself if you are planning one. But don’t forget to include it on the invite if you wish for them to bring a plate to share. Mother Blessings will vary in proceedings and rituals, there is no set order or agenda, so you can choose what you would like to do.
The Closing of the Bones Ceremony is designed for mothers from postpartum and beyond. The ceremony is open to all mothers at any time who wish to find some closure for themselves no matter how old the child is. Most women find it beneficial between 6 to 12 weeks postpartum.
In a warm and quiet room, a sacred space is created for this ceremony. Lights are dimmed if possible, a mat and some blankets are placed on the floor, maybe soft music playing. When the woman to be blessed is ready, we start with some birth story reflexion.
After some warm oil is applied all over the skin of the belly and a gentle massage begins. The movements are rhythmic and relaxing, bringing the energy of the woman back to her centre. We are lovingly taking care of this area where a baby grew. Both giver and receiver acknowledge this great achievement.
With the help of a Rebozo, the body of the woman that has widened and open to accommodate the growing baby and to give birth is then gently rocked and pulled back into place. The gentle rocking movement, has a soothing effect. We are also honouring the work the body had to go through to bring a new life into the world.
In a warm and quiet room, a sacred space is created for this ceremony. Lights are dimmed if possible, a mat and some blankets are placed on the floor, maybe soft music playing. When the woman to be blessed is ready, we start with some birth story reflexion.
After some warm oil is applied all over the skin of the belly and a gentle massage begins. The movements are rhythmic and relaxing, bringing the energy of the woman back to her centre. We are lovingly taking care of this area where a baby grew. Both giver and receiver acknowledge this great achievement.
With the help of a Rebozo, the body of the woman that has widened and open to accommodate the growing baby and to give birth is then gently rocked and pulled back into place. The gentle rocking movement, has a soothing effect. We are also honouring the work the body had to go through to bring a new life into the world.
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For the last part of the ceremony, a woman’s body is tightly wrapped using five rebozos. We wrap and honor different parts of her body—feet, knees, hips, shoulders, head. The woman is then left to rest as we hold this sacred space for her. Some energy work can be done to bring her back to centre, balance her energy and relax her. The new mother is then unwrapped.
Closing the Bones is a practice that can be transformational for any postpartum mama–whether you are 3 days or 30 years postpartum–who is looking to find more peace within. This is a profoundly powerful tool, which acknowledges the immense challenges a woman has undergone in pregnancy and childbirth, and assists in bringing her spirit back into her body. Women who are honoured in this way, experience a sense of calm and grounding. My hope is that more women, will learn about this wonderful practice, and participate in a Closing the Bones ritual after birthing |
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LocationI am located in Briar Hill and am happy to travel within an 90 min radius covering Melbourne, Australia and surrounding suburbs
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