I am so excited you know about the magical nature of a Blessingway, or, as it is becoming known in western culture, a ‘Mother Blessing’.
In religions and cultures across the world a pregnant mother is, (quite rightly!) hailed as one of the most powerful blessings that can be bestowed upon the human race.
A Mother Blessing is just this – a ceremonial blessing of the mother and an opportunity for her friends to stand in solidarity and spirit with her as she readies herself emotionally and spiritually to give birth. A Mother Blessing brings women together to share stories, ease fears and recognise the mother for the life giving goddess that she is!
From the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus, to the Egyptian goddess Isis, to Gaia the great Earth Mother, the astonishing, awe-inspiring wonder of a life-giving woman has been the hope of the people of Earth made flesh since time began.
A quick note before we get into the beauty of what this ceremony is all about (and a thank you to Kelly Winder at BellyBelly for sharing this) the name ‘Blessingway’ comes from the deeply sacred Navajo tradition of blessing a pregnant mother, and it can be disrespectful to use the term Blessingway out of this context. For this reason, In Western culture, the term ‘Mother Blessing’ is now more commonly used, and I think, just as beautiful.
As many pregnant mums can sadly testify, the empowerment and support of a pregnant mother can often be overlooked in the community’s excitement about a new baby. The traditional baby shower, for example, usually puts focus on gifts and well wishes for the newborn. While this sentiment is absolutely lovely (who doesn’t want to wish a newborn baby the very best?!) – there can be a very important link missing – the recognition of the sacred role of the mother who will give birth.
Usually, the gathering is attended by those who identify as female, and as Mother Blessing traditions are wide and varied, and we can create a beautiful bespoke Mother Blessing for your own life giving goddess that suits her personality to a tee.
I usually begin by arriving before the guests and setting a sacred space, either in the lounge of your home or in the venue you have chosen, if you are having a larger gathering.
I set beautiful rugs and throws upon the floor and set cushions in a circle around a font of flowers, candles and any special items. I smudge the area with sacred aromatherapy sprays or incense, depending upon what you prefer.
On opening the ceremony, I begin with a welcome and can include visualization and meditation. I usually perform a foot washing ceremony for the mother, and crown her with flowers.
We can then include any number of beautiful activities, including but not limited to:
- Birthing bead necklace and bracelet – all guests choose a bead to bring with them – beads can also be collected from those who haven’t been able to make it or who live too far to travel. Working together with intention and in sacred space, we make a bracelet and necklace for the mother to wear during labour, infusing it with love and best wishes from her sisterhood that she can take forth with her into the labour room.
- Story circle – this can be a deeply transformative experience, especially for first time mums. Those gathered are invited to share their stories around birth: What has been learned? What wisdom can be shared? The confidentiality of the story circle is absolutely sacred, and during this time many pregnant mums learn things from their own mothers and grandmothers that they would never otherwise have known. This is also an opportunity for the pregnant mother to share any fears they may have about the upcoming birth, and where possible, have them eased, or simply held in sacred space with the solidarity of her sisters around her. For centuries, women have supported each other through the joys and travails of birth – even those who haven’t given birth themselves may have much wisdom passed to them for their own line of women and sisterhood. Let this be your sacred time to share the stories and revel in the knowledge of the feminine divine. We close the circle with a positive intention and good wishes for the birth.
- Quilting – during the story circle, it is possible for each member to craft a square with love and intention for the new mother and her child. You don’t have to be good at needlework, just as long as you are filled with love and good intentions, the end result is always beautiful.
- Paint the Bump – a blooming, pregnant belly is heralded across nations as one of the most powerful symbols of life in the universe. . . for humans, there are few things more magnetic and joyful – there is a reason why, when you’re pregnant, personal boundaries seem to go out of the window and the world seems to want to touch your bump! During the Mother Blessing, it can be a deeply meaningful and reverent experience for the pregnant mother and her gathered friends to honour her bump, the haven of safety she has grown and provided for this little life to grow. Gently, those present can adorn the bump (with appropriate mum friendly paint!) with symbols of strength and love for the upcoming birth, including flowers, spirals, butterflies and more.
- Elemental journey – a stunning journey around the wheel of the elements of Earth, Air, Fire and Water I am able to provide following unique training I received with the Priestesses of Avalon in Glastonbury.
The ideas for what we can include to suit your pregnant mother are limitless.
We welcome your feedback and questions about our services, please don’t hesitate to get in touch on hello@wildflowerceremonies.co.uk or 07922 591684, we’d love to hear from you!