Mother-Blessing Services:
"Modern culture has become so focused on the baby-to-be, that we've forgotten the mother about to be born."
Mother Blessings are held as an alternative to the typical baby shower, and their focus is on honoring the mother. A Mother Blessing can also be held in conjunction with a traditional baby shower. Mother Blessing ceremonies were originally modeled after the Blessingway, a sacred ritual of the Dine (Navajo) people. Its purpose is to bring community together in support of a person making a major life transition. Out of respect for the Dine, many choose not to use this term, opting for Mother Blessing, Birthing Way, or other terms.
A Mother Blessing can be secular, spiritual, or anything in between. It's a ritual for women, by women--and is designed individually to suit the mother-to-be. Mother Blessings can include many of the following elements: Casting a circle, prayers or invocations, guided meditations, sharing of birth stories, smudging with sage/incense, releasing of fears, chants and songs, honoring older siblings, reading birth-Goddess myths, and presentation of labor/postpartum gifts to the mother-to-be.
These ceremonies are usually followed by a feast or potluck meal, and an abundance of joy, tears and laughter. The intent is to create a space of love and positive energy to imbue and strengthen the mother-to-be, to remind her that she is not alone on this momentous journey toward motherhood.
Allow me to plan a beautiful Mother Blessing ceremony for you as you approach your birthing time! I will come to your home in the Central Texas area to create a special and deeply meaningful celebration for your emergence (or re-emergence!) into motherhood. Please message me with any questions, and to schedule your date and time!
A lovely and unique mother blessing can include many different elements:
Henna: Beautiful belly art can be applied at your Mother Blessing and will last for one to three weeks afterward. Henna is safe, natural and gentle, and has been used in body art for thousands of years. I am internationally certified as a henna artist, and have worked with henna for over 15 years. I can incorporate symbols of your own choosing, or allow me to create a special design for you. If you choose this option, be sure to wear a two-piece outfit!
Hair garden: A wreath of colorful, fresh flowers is placed on the mother-to-be's head, and then each of her guests in turn is invited to tie or braid a ribbon into her hair, while telling the story of her relationship to the mother-to-be, how they met, etc. This activity helps to draw the connection between the women present, and all women through time and space--mothers and daughters alike.
Candle garden:
Each guest present will choose a candle for the mother-to-be. They are gathered together and lit one by one, with a wish or prayer for the mother-to-be spoken in turn: Peace, serenity, a safe birth, a healthy baby; and so on. Later, when the mother is in labor, the candle garden will be lit once more. The blessings and wishes of her family and friends will be remembered in the spark of the flame, and fortify her against the hard work of labor.
Weaving the web:
A ball of red yarn, symbolizing the eternal umbilical cord that binds all of us together in birth, is thrown from woman to woman as we sit in a circle. As each woman receives the yarn, she gifts the mother-to-be with an intention, verse, or quality--something that she may need in this moment. When the yarn has reached every woman present, we all stand and admire the web of wishes we've created. The yarn is then cut into bracelets, and are worn by each woman as a vigil until the mother-to-be has given birth.
Herbal foot bath:
Relax and be pampered with an herbal foot bath and cornmeal rub. Guests come together and anoint the mother-to-be with scented oils, massage her shoulders, paint her nails, etc. Washing of the feet is helpful in calming the energies of the mother-to-be, and the herbs and oils in the bath can clear toxins and reduce stress. The cornmeal rub is grounding and symbolic of the mother-to-be's connection with the Earth--as well as being good for her skin!
Birth beads necklace
Birth bead necklace/bracelet:
Each guest present will choose one bead from an assortment of gemstone or glass beads. Then each woman will present the bead to the mother-to-be, with an explanation of why that bead was chosen, and what it symbolizes. I will then create a necklace or bracelet out of these symbols or wishes. The mother-to-be can wear this during the remainder of her pregnancy and labor as a reminder of all the good energy and thoughts of her friends and family. It will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.
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Mother Blessing ceremonies typically last at least two to three hours or more, as they often create a powerful connection between the women present. Stories will start to flow, and the typical potluck-style feast that follows will be filled with love, laughter, and deep conversations.
Each guest present will choose one bead from an assortment of gemstone or glass beads. Then each woman will present the bead to the mother-to-be, with an explanation of why that bead was chosen, and what it symbolizes. I will then create a necklace or bracelet out of these symbols or wishes. The mother-to-be can wear this during the remainder of her pregnancy and labor as a reminder of all the good energy and thoughts of her friends and family. It will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.
~*~*~*~
Mother Blessing ceremonies typically last at least two to three hours or more, as they often create a powerful connection between the women present. Stories will start to flow, and the typical potluck-style feast that follows will be filled with love, laughter, and deep conversations.
Please send me a message so we can start planning your Mother Blessing ceremony in the second trimester of your pregnancy. Mother Blessings are typically held in the eighth to ninth month, and a month's time to plan the ceremony is ideal. Please let me know if you prefer a more secular or spiritual focus, and if you are planning on merging the Mother Blessing with a traditional baby shower. We will talk at length and perfect the details of your special celebration!
I will lead the activities for your Mother Blessing, set the tone, and create a special space for your celebration. In addition to the activities of your choosing, I will collaborate with you to include other elements that speak to your heart. Together, we will create a unique and special ceremony that celebrates your dawning motherhood.
I will also include decorative, printed invitations for up to 15 guests, which will include a brief description of a Mother Blessing ceremony so your guests will know what to expect.
I will lead the activities for your Mother Blessing, set the tone, and create a special space for your celebration. In addition to the activities of your choosing, I will collaborate with you to include other elements that speak to your heart. Together, we will create a unique and special ceremony that celebrates your dawning motherhood.
I will also include decorative, printed invitations for up to 15 guests, which will include a brief description of a Mother Blessing ceremony so your guests will know what to expect.
Mother Blessing Ceremony - Simple
A ceremony for a small number of guests; including several lesser elements, printed invitations, and any TWO activities of your choosing.
Please message me to discuss details and confirm your date!
Please message me to discuss details and confirm your date!
$
175.00
Mother Blessing Ceremony - Full
A complete ceremony for up to 15 guests; including several lesser elements, printed invitations, and any THREE activities of your choosing.
Please message me to discuss the details of your special celebration--and to confirm your date!
Please message me to discuss the details of your special celebration--and to confirm your date!
$
225.00
