The Blessingway
The Blessingway is a mother-centered ceremony that honors a woman as she prepares to make the transition into motherhood, through pregnancy and birth. It has Native American roots and has evolved as a modern ritual for birthing women.
It brings a spiritual aspect to birth preparation and encircles the mother-to-be with love and support from other women. She is honored for who she is, for giving the gift of life, and for who she will become as she begins this new journey as a mother. She is blessed and honored for her beauty and reminded of her connection to all women.
The Blessingway is a sacred ritual and a fun celebration! It can be adapted to any spiritual tradition or belief system. It is about love and community. Usually women will sit in a circle and sing, and talk, and laugh. Sometimes there are fun activities like henna tattoos and belly casting for the mama. And there’s always lots of good food! Creativity and ritual are key elements in the Blessingway.
Birthways offers the service of planning and hosting a Blessingway ceremony for pregnant women. The fee is $125. Ceremonies are usually 2-3 hours in length.
The service includes:
- A meeting to discuss your vision for the Blessingway. It can also be a surprise for the mother-to-be, sponsored by friends and family.
- Creating a guest list, designing and sending out Evite invitations.
- Planning the event, rituals, and activities. Special extras like henna tattoos and belly casting can be arranged through Birthways. Separate fees are paid to the artist.
- Hosting the ceremony and the circle. Events usually take place at the mother’s house or the house of a friend or family member.
- Organizing the food and refreshments. Most Blessingways are potluck, but it’s always fun to have a theme.
Blessingways can also be held for:
- Menarche (a girl’s first menses)
- Adoptive mothers
- A new baby
- Menopause
The purpose is to honor the cycles of life. Please contact Cassandra with questions or specific ideas for a unique Blessingway ceremony.
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