BlessingWay Sample Ceremony
The Navajo used the Blessing Way Ceremony for many purposes. It was not just for Pregnancy and Birth. It was a ceremony performed for anything that was hoped to have a positive and happy outcome. The Ceremonies usually lasted 2 days and one night and were performed with much singing and chanting. For an in-depth explanation of Blessingways and Expectant Mother Blessings and choices of ritual and services, please CLICK HERE.
(Please feel free to change any aspect of the ceremony, including blessings, readings, structure and wording or of course a custom written ceremony is available at no additional cost. Be as creative and individualized as you would like! ***You may add multiple blessing rituals as well for an additional cost.***)
Traditional Influenced Navajo Mother Blessing Ceremony
This sample includes an Expectant Mother Blessing and 5 Activities - the adorning of hair with flowers, the cleansing of hands and feet of the mother, the sharing of blessings, readings and poems, the birthing necklace and the red yarn bracelets. This lasts 4 hours or so.
There are infinite choices in the combination of colors, directions, elements and life stages, even in the Native American Community. This ceremony reflects the Navajo specifically, and their medicine wheel, as they are whom from which the BlessingWay is derived.
[A Circle is set up. A white stone and candle or sun symbol(fire) for the East. A blue stone and bowl of water(water) for the South. A yellow stone and feather or incense(air) for the West. A black stone and leaves(earth) for the North. If outside Cornmeal is scattered around the circle. If inside a bowl of Cornmeal can be set in the center. A small cloth covered table is set up near the mother for gifts and ceremonial tools.]
[The Mother-to-be sits in the Northern direction and her midwife and/or doula and/or myself to the East.]
Opening
Today we gather in gratitude. We are grateful for the new life we are about to welcome into this world. We are grateful for the presence of Mother in our lives. We also gather in preparation. We intend to prepare Mother , giving her strength, support and clarity in Mind, Body and Soul for herself, for her birthing and for her baby. We start by preparing ourselves with saging, clearing out the clutter that attaches to us through our thoughts and throughout the day.
[Myself, then Mother-to-be, then others present are saged.]
Acknowledging the Directions
Navajo Based Directions-Elements-Colors-Aspects
We now will acknowledge the directions and elements to create a sacred and positive space for our blessings, well wishes and ceremony.
We look to the The East and The White Light of Dawn. Let the Fire burn away everything not needed and bring new beginnings and an open heart. The Rising Sun that greets us. Honoring our Spirituality. Our Birth.
We look to the The South and The Blue Skied Light of Day. Let the Water wash away our fears and purify our intentions. The Bright Sun that watches over us. Honoring our Emotional. Our Youth.
We look to the The West and The Yellow Light of Dusk. Let the Air blow a healing wind over us and breathe strength into our bodies. The Setting Sun that changes us. Honoring our Physical. Our Maturity.
We look to the The North and The Black Light of Midnight. Let the Earth ground us in our actions and keep our minds clear. The Hidden Sun that knows us. Honoring our Mental. Our Elder.
We look up to Father Sky and the light of the stars.
We look down to Mother Earth and the light reflected off the dew.
We stand in the Center and we ARE the Light interconnected to all in harmony and balance.
[If outside I scatter Cornmeal in each direction.]
Intention
Today we acknowledge, honor, and celebrate Mother's journey into Motherhood. In this sacred space we will help Mother clear her path to Motherhood by supporting her as she releases her fears worries and anything else that might be standing in her way of her fully embracing the coming of her child. By our coming together, we will weave a web of support for Mother , pledging our care and our willingness to provide for her throughout the weeks to come.
(Optional Explanation If those gathered are unfamiliar with a Blessingway.)
A blessingway is a Sacred, Spirit guided ritual. In light of this we ask that everyone stay mindful, flexible and speak positively. We also ask that everyone try to stay present during the ritual, focusing our attention on Mother and sending her our love and support. At the same time, relax, connect and have fun. This is a joyous occasion!
A blessingway has the power to evoke very strong emotion. Especially when letting go of our fears. This is part of the releasing process. Mother blessingway is a no fault ritual so do not be concerned if you have never been to one before. In this safe and sacred circle, all contributions will be honored and don’t feel you have to say anything or participate if you are uncomfortable.
Reading or Chant
I would like to read a Navajo chant from their Blessingway Ceremony.
From the heart of Earth, by means of yellow pollen
Blessing is extended.
Blessing is extended.
On top of a pollen floor may I there in blessing give birth!
With long life-happiness surrounding me
May I in blessing give birth!
May I quickly give birth!
In blessing may I arise again, in blessing may I recover,
As one who is long life-happiness may I live on!
(Optional Introductions of Guests if not acquainted.)
I would like us all to go round the circle and introduce ourselves, by telling us your name, mother's name and children’s names and how you know Mother .
"I am Ashleigh, daughter of Patricia, mother of Elijah and Jaladi. I met Mother , through preparing this Blessingway for her."
Next, let us release our fears. It is believed that the biggest hindrance to a positive birth experience is fear. Giving birth is a releasing process. The baby is one with our body and therefore affected by our mind. Fear causes our bodies to tighten and slow down the labor process. Sometimes overdue babies come after a fear releasing ritual.
The process of letting go of fear is one of the most powerful parts of a blessingway. Expressing fears helps us let them go, releasing them from our hearts and placing them in the hands of spirit. Expressing fear does not give energy to that fear, if you deny your fear exists it allows it to grow. If we release our fears, that space can be filled with openness and love.
Take a moment and think of a fear you would like to release and write it down. We will each release that fear by voicing it allowed then ripping up the paper. We will start at the North with Mother , and then move to the East, South then West. If you would rather not share your fears aloud, just rip up the paper on your turn.
(When Finished going around the circle)
Everyone repeat after me:
We release our fears, expectations and distractions, to the four winds. May we now be free, to focus our minds and hearts, on the present moment.
(Optional Singing, very bonding as women raise voices together!)
I am opening up in sweet surrender to the
beautiful birthright of this babe
I am opening up in sweet surrender to the
beautiful birthright of this babe
I am opening
I am opening
I am opening
I am opening
(3X)
Blessing of the Mother
Now we begin the work of our gathering.
The pathway to birth is a journey of a lifetime. We have gathered together today to help prepare Mother to make this journey. If everyone will move in closer to Mother . Mother we will be adorning you with a crown of flowers to show you have divine attributes. We will be massaging your shoulders to help prepare you for bearing the responsibilities of motherhood. We will massage your hands to ready them for the physically hard work of motherhood. And we will bathe your feet to soothe them and clear the way for a peaceful journey.
***(Optional) Then traditionally Cornmeal is rubbed into the mother's feet to dry them. Then a towel is used to brush off the cake of corn (millet meal, oatmeal or whatever is your sacred grain) and shine up her feet.***
I bestow Blessings upon Mother for recognition of her femininity and connection to all women, all creation, and all life. As well as blessings for a good birth and infinite blessings upon the baby.
Expectant Mother Blessing
May your feet ground you to the earth. Roots to give you a strong foundation, so that you have the strength needed to birth your babe.
{anoint feet with water or oil}
May your hands be soft, so that your body may relax and do its job to birth your babe.
{anoint hands with water or oil.}
May your heart be filled with love, acceptance, compassion and forgiveness. So that you may give these to yourself, while healing from birthing your babe.
{anoint chest with water or oil}
May your intuition guide you in labor and in raising a child. You are the divine feminine. Childbirth and motherhood are an ancient act ingrained into our DNA. May you listen to your instinct and see things as they truly are.
{anoint brow with water or oil}
May you honor the connection between body, mind and spirit. May you connect the human experience of birthing your babe with the spiritual experience of welcoming new life into this world.
{anoint crown with water or oil.}
Birth Blessing
by Natalie Evans
Close your eyes and breathe deep
Breathe in peace, breathe out pain
Imagine your feet
Toes curling into dirt
Think of yourself as rooted
Think of your place in the earth
How did you come to be here?
Through generations of women named
A maternal lineage
That brought you to this place
Think of their birth stories
What you know, what you believe to be true
Realize that their births carry deep wisdom
Some may carry the memory of joy and transcendence
Each birth is a powerful experience
Each birth traces down to you.
Just as you pass this knowledge on to your baby
Understand that your birth is your own
It will be different from all others
Like the swirls in your thumb
Your birth will have a unique pattern
Unfolding with each contraction
Rising and falling like a newborn’s chest
This birth belongs to you
This birth is an opening
This birth is the end and a beginning
May this blessing of birth come to you without fear
May this blessing of birth come to you with great understanding
My this blessing of birth make your heart soar
May this blessing of birth bring shouts of delight to your lips
Blessings to you and your birth.
BlessingWay Inner Rituals
Birthing Necklace
Now let us reform the circle and create a birthing necklace of beads for mother to wear or hold during childbirth, to serve as a calming focus.
The act of creating the necklace symbolizes the strength of our shared experiences as people. I ask that each of you describe why you chose the bead you did (how did the bead speak to you?). If you like you can read a poem or prose to empower mother or tell us about a positive aspect of your birth or a birth that you have been involved with, the bead is then passed around the circle and threaded.
Sharing Blessing, Reading, Poem
At this time, anyone is welcome to share a blessing, reading or poem.
We are grateful for this new being
who is small in body
but great in Soul,
who has come into our midst
as a gift.
May we be sensitive
to the Sacred
as we nurture and learn from
this child.
Give us patience.
Give us strength.
And grant us wisdom and love,
to help this child
learn to sing
his own song.
~ Anne Spring
(Optional Add on Activities that can be done at this time or after the closing of the circle.)
Examples :
We will take turns to decorate you with Henna to bring luck, protection and good fortune.
~OR~
We will paint Mother's belly to bring attention and beauty to the place where baby dwells awaiting birth.
Red Yarn Bracelets
Next we will weave a web, to remind us of our connection to each other and to spirit and to mother 's birthing experience.
We will pass a ball of red yarn around, wind the yarn around your wrist two times, and then throw to another circle member.
When the yarn connects everyone, this symbolizes that we are united as one and represents the circle of women and the circle of life.
Everyone stand and pull back gently to feel the strength of the connections you have just made.
We cut the Yarn, each person helping their neighbors to tie their bracelets onto their wrists.
Everyone should wear the bracelet until you receive word that the baby has been born. It is a symbol of our connection and support for mother 's upcoming journey.
Chanting
Before we end this ceremony we need to raise the energy in this circle so it can be sent out into the world, we can do this by all holding hands and chanting.
Woman am I
Spirit am I
I am the infinite within my soul
I have no beginning
And I have no end
All this I am
Now let us ground ourselves after these blessings and acts. Place our palms on the floor to ground and return the energy to the Earth.
Closing
Spirit/Goddess/Creator/four directions we are grateful for your loving and powerful presence here with us today. We release you from this circle with our thanks, asking that your thoughts remain with mother from now until the birth of her baby.
[The alter candle is extinguished]
Today, we have succeeded in forming a beautiful sacred space for mother ’s blessingway. The strength and energy we have helped mother 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 into everything we do from this day on. Let us stay connected to mother , 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.
Opening the circle
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 (African prayer)
[I walk around the circle anti clockwise]
“Our circle is now open, but remains unbroken.”
The Navajo used the Blessing Way Ceremony for many purposes. It was not just for Pregnancy and Birth. It was a ceremony performed for anything that was hoped to have a positive and happy outcome. The Ceremonies usually lasted 2 days and one night and were performed with much singing and chanting. For an in-depth explanation of Blessingways and Expectant Mother Blessings and choices of ritual and services, please CLICK HERE.
(Please feel free to change any aspect of the ceremony, including blessings, readings, structure and wording or of course a custom written ceremony is available at no additional cost. Be as creative and individualized as you would like! ***You may add multiple blessing rituals as well for an additional cost.***)
Traditional Influenced Navajo Mother Blessing Ceremony
This sample includes an Expectant Mother Blessing and 5 Activities - the adorning of hair with flowers, the cleansing of hands and feet of the mother, the sharing of blessings, readings and poems, the birthing necklace and the red yarn bracelets. This lasts 4 hours or so.
There are infinite choices in the combination of colors, directions, elements and life stages, even in the Native American Community. This ceremony reflects the Navajo specifically, and their medicine wheel, as they are whom from which the BlessingWay is derived.
[A Circle is set up. A white stone and candle or sun symbol(fire) for the East. A blue stone and bowl of water(water) for the South. A yellow stone and feather or incense(air) for the West. A black stone and leaves(earth) for the North. If outside Cornmeal is scattered around the circle. If inside a bowl of Cornmeal can be set in the center. A small cloth covered table is set up near the mother for gifts and ceremonial tools.]
[The Mother-to-be sits in the Northern direction and her midwife and/or doula and/or myself to the East.]
Opening
Today we gather in gratitude. We are grateful for the new life we are about to welcome into this world. We are grateful for the presence of Mother in our lives. We also gather in preparation. We intend to prepare Mother , giving her strength, support and clarity in Mind, Body and Soul for herself, for her birthing and for her baby. We start by preparing ourselves with saging, clearing out the clutter that attaches to us through our thoughts and throughout the day.
[Myself, then Mother-to-be, then others present are saged.]
Acknowledging the Directions
Navajo Based Directions-Elements-Colors-Aspects
We now will acknowledge the directions and elements to create a sacred and positive space for our blessings, well wishes and ceremony.
We look to the The East and The White Light of Dawn. Let the Fire burn away everything not needed and bring new beginnings and an open heart. The Rising Sun that greets us. Honoring our Spirituality. Our Birth.
We look to the The South and The Blue Skied Light of Day. Let the Water wash away our fears and purify our intentions. The Bright Sun that watches over us. Honoring our Emotional. Our Youth.
We look to the The West and The Yellow Light of Dusk. Let the Air blow a healing wind over us and breathe strength into our bodies. The Setting Sun that changes us. Honoring our Physical. Our Maturity.
We look to the The North and The Black Light of Midnight. Let the Earth ground us in our actions and keep our minds clear. The Hidden Sun that knows us. Honoring our Mental. Our Elder.
We look up to Father Sky and the light of the stars.
We look down to Mother Earth and the light reflected off the dew.
We stand in the Center and we ARE the Light interconnected to all in harmony and balance.
[If outside I scatter Cornmeal in each direction.]
Intention
Today we acknowledge, honor, and celebrate Mother's journey into Motherhood. In this sacred space we will help Mother clear her path to Motherhood by supporting her as she releases her fears worries and anything else that might be standing in her way of her fully embracing the coming of her child. By our coming together, we will weave a web of support for Mother , pledging our care and our willingness to provide for her throughout the weeks to come.
(Optional Explanation If those gathered are unfamiliar with a Blessingway.)
A blessingway is a Sacred, Spirit guided ritual. In light of this we ask that everyone stay mindful, flexible and speak positively. We also ask that everyone try to stay present during the ritual, focusing our attention on Mother and sending her our love and support. At the same time, relax, connect and have fun. This is a joyous occasion!
A blessingway has the power to evoke very strong emotion. Especially when letting go of our fears. This is part of the releasing process. Mother blessingway is a no fault ritual so do not be concerned if you have never been to one before. In this safe and sacred circle, all contributions will be honored and don’t feel you have to say anything or participate if you are uncomfortable.
Reading or Chant
I would like to read a Navajo chant from their Blessingway Ceremony.
From the heart of Earth, by means of yellow pollen
Blessing is extended.
Blessing is extended.
On top of a pollen floor may I there in blessing give birth!
With long life-happiness surrounding me
May I in blessing give birth!
May I quickly give birth!
In blessing may I arise again, in blessing may I recover,
As one who is long life-happiness may I live on!
(Optional Introductions of Guests if not acquainted.)
I would like us all to go round the circle and introduce ourselves, by telling us your name, mother's name and children’s names and how you know Mother .
"I am Ashleigh, daughter of Patricia, mother of Elijah and Jaladi. I met Mother , through preparing this Blessingway for her."
Next, let us release our fears. It is believed that the biggest hindrance to a positive birth experience is fear. Giving birth is a releasing process. The baby is one with our body and therefore affected by our mind. Fear causes our bodies to tighten and slow down the labor process. Sometimes overdue babies come after a fear releasing ritual.
The process of letting go of fear is one of the most powerful parts of a blessingway. Expressing fears helps us let them go, releasing them from our hearts and placing them in the hands of spirit. Expressing fear does not give energy to that fear, if you deny your fear exists it allows it to grow. If we release our fears, that space can be filled with openness and love.
Take a moment and think of a fear you would like to release and write it down. We will each release that fear by voicing it allowed then ripping up the paper. We will start at the North with Mother , and then move to the East, South then West. If you would rather not share your fears aloud, just rip up the paper on your turn.
(When Finished going around the circle)
Everyone repeat after me:
We release our fears, expectations and distractions, to the four winds. May we now be free, to focus our minds and hearts, on the present moment.
(Optional Singing, very bonding as women raise voices together!)
I am opening up in sweet surrender to the
beautiful birthright of this babe
I am opening up in sweet surrender to the
beautiful birthright of this babe
I am opening
I am opening
I am opening
I am opening
(3X)
Blessing of the Mother
Now we begin the work of our gathering.
The pathway to birth is a journey of a lifetime. We have gathered together today to help prepare Mother to make this journey. If everyone will move in closer to Mother . Mother we will be adorning you with a crown of flowers to show you have divine attributes. We will be massaging your shoulders to help prepare you for bearing the responsibilities of motherhood. We will massage your hands to ready them for the physically hard work of motherhood. And we will bathe your feet to soothe them and clear the way for a peaceful journey.
***(Optional) Then traditionally Cornmeal is rubbed into the mother's feet to dry them. Then a towel is used to brush off the cake of corn (millet meal, oatmeal or whatever is your sacred grain) and shine up her feet.***
I bestow Blessings upon Mother for recognition of her femininity and connection to all women, all creation, and all life. As well as blessings for a good birth and infinite blessings upon the baby.
Expectant Mother Blessing
May your feet ground you to the earth. Roots to give you a strong foundation, so that you have the strength needed to birth your babe.
{anoint feet with water or oil}
May your hands be soft, so that your body may relax and do its job to birth your babe.
{anoint hands with water or oil.}
May your heart be filled with love, acceptance, compassion and forgiveness. So that you may give these to yourself, while healing from birthing your babe.
{anoint chest with water or oil}
May your intuition guide you in labor and in raising a child. You are the divine feminine. Childbirth and motherhood are an ancient act ingrained into our DNA. May you listen to your instinct and see things as they truly are.
{anoint brow with water or oil}
May you honor the connection between body, mind and spirit. May you connect the human experience of birthing your babe with the spiritual experience of welcoming new life into this world.
{anoint crown with water or oil.}
Birth Blessing
by Natalie Evans
Close your eyes and breathe deep
Breathe in peace, breathe out pain
Imagine your feet
Toes curling into dirt
Think of yourself as rooted
Think of your place in the earth
How did you come to be here?
Through generations of women named
A maternal lineage
That brought you to this place
Think of their birth stories
What you know, what you believe to be true
Realize that their births carry deep wisdom
Some may carry the memory of joy and transcendence
Each birth is a powerful experience
Each birth traces down to you.
Just as you pass this knowledge on to your baby
Understand that your birth is your own
It will be different from all others
Like the swirls in your thumb
Your birth will have a unique pattern
Unfolding with each contraction
Rising and falling like a newborn’s chest
This birth belongs to you
This birth is an opening
This birth is the end and a beginning
May this blessing of birth come to you without fear
May this blessing of birth come to you with great understanding
My this blessing of birth make your heart soar
May this blessing of birth bring shouts of delight to your lips
Blessings to you and your birth.
BlessingWay Inner Rituals
Birthing Necklace
Now let us reform the circle and create a birthing necklace of beads for mother to wear or hold during childbirth, to serve as a calming focus.
The act of creating the necklace symbolizes the strength of our shared experiences as people. I ask that each of you describe why you chose the bead you did (how did the bead speak to you?). If you like you can read a poem or prose to empower mother or tell us about a positive aspect of your birth or a birth that you have been involved with, the bead is then passed around the circle and threaded.
Sharing Blessing, Reading, Poem
At this time, anyone is welcome to share a blessing, reading or poem.
We are grateful for this new being
who is small in body
but great in Soul,
who has come into our midst
as a gift.
May we be sensitive
to the Sacred
as we nurture and learn from
this child.
Give us patience.
Give us strength.
And grant us wisdom and love,
to help this child
learn to sing
his own song.
~ Anne Spring
(Optional Add on Activities that can be done at this time or after the closing of the circle.)
Examples :
We will take turns to decorate you with Henna to bring luck, protection and good fortune.
~OR~
We will paint Mother's belly to bring attention and beauty to the place where baby dwells awaiting birth.
Red Yarn Bracelets
Next we will weave a web, to remind us of our connection to each other and to spirit and to mother 's birthing experience.
We will pass a ball of red yarn around, wind the yarn around your wrist two times, and then throw to another circle member.
When the yarn connects everyone, this symbolizes that we are united as one and represents the circle of women and the circle of life.
Everyone stand and pull back gently to feel the strength of the connections you have just made.
We cut the Yarn, each person helping their neighbors to tie their bracelets onto their wrists.
Everyone should wear the bracelet until you receive word that the baby has been born. It is a symbol of our connection and support for mother 's upcoming journey.
Chanting
Before we end this ceremony we need to raise the energy in this circle so it can be sent out into the world, we can do this by all holding hands and chanting.
Woman am I
Spirit am I
I am the infinite within my soul
I have no beginning
And I have no end
All this I am
Now let us ground ourselves after these blessings and acts. Place our palms on the floor to ground and return the energy to the Earth.
Closing
Spirit/Goddess/Creator/four directions we are grateful for your loving and powerful presence here with us today. We release you from this circle with our thanks, asking that your thoughts remain with mother from now until the birth of her baby.
[The alter candle is extinguished]
Today, we have succeeded in forming a beautiful sacred space for mother ’s blessingway. The strength and energy we have helped mother 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 into everything we do from this day on. Let us stay connected to mother , 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.
Opening the circle
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 (African prayer)
[I walk around the circle anti clockwise]
“Our circle is now open, but remains unbroken.”