What Is A Blessingway Ceremony?
Blessingway Ceremonies originated from Navajo culture: called "Hózhójí", it was used to bless "the one sung over" (the meaning of the name) with good luck, good health and blessings for all that pertains to them. It is still a tradition carried out today: individuals joining the Armed Forces, moving into a new home, expecting babies and otherwise experiencing major changes in their lives are given a Hózhójí in order to allow family and friends to express good wishes and to invoke spiritual protection. This is usually done with dancing, chanting, prayer and feasting.
Today, a Blessingway Ceremony is becoming a popular alternative or compliment to baby showers and church christenings/dedications: it allows active participation in a ritual that empowers all present, especially the new parents. Ceremonies usually have various embodiments, depending on who is attending. Some insist that it be a female-only space, others include spouses. Some draw heavily on Pagan teachings and others choose to include Jewish, Muslim or Christian traditions. Some people prefer non-theistic expression. A Blessingway Ceremony is personalized, unique and memorable!
I personally design each Blessingway Ceremony anew to encapsulate the wishes of the family and/or the individuals who are providing it as a gift. I use poetry and art incorporating symbols that represent growth, fertility, family, joy, and peace - things like water, flowers, circles, etc. Each family will receive a memory book containing the ceremonial script, to which they can add their own thoughts, pictures and souvenirs (I.e. a list of presents they received, a menu of the food items served, names of special guests, etc.).
What Does A Blessingway Ceremony Look Like?
Imagine the glowing faces of your family and friends as they meet you in a place of your choosing: your home, your place of worship, your garden or a community centre. Picture a space decorated with flowers, fruit and beautiful objects. Smell the tantalizing odours of the delicious food your loved ones have brought to share with you. Feel the sweet weight of your precious baby in your arms as you gaze into your partner’s eyes and celebrate this new and exciting time.
I bring these images from inside your dreams and fashion them into reality by beginning with the following ritual outline:
Introduction/Beginning - creation of the ritual space
Shifting Focus/Centering - the statement of the Blessingway’s purpose, making introductions, releasing of fears and tensions
The Blessing - offering the parents and new baby positive and strengthening energies, honouring the family and the sharing of meditations and best wishes
The Completing - affirming the love expressed, concluding the ritual, releasing participants from rite, final remarks
The Socializing - family and friends feast together and joyfully interact before the event draws to a close.
This outline allows for much creativity and individuality for your Blessingway Ceremony. Some people choose to incorporate mehndi (henna painting), bellycasting, storytelling, footwashing ceremonies, smudging, singing, and prayer in their Blessingway Ceremony. What will feel right for YOU?
The idea is to shower the new family with blessings - to convey expressions of hope, peace and encouragement - and to welcome the new baby to his/her new life. By allowing someone else to handle the details, you are able to relax, enjoy your child, and avoid stress and hassle!
Fees
Each Blessingway Ceremony is a tenderly designed work of art, with a variety of inspirational and exquisite characteristics…made just for you! Therefore, the cost of each event varies from family to family, depending on materials required and whether or not they wish for me to officiate.
Basic Blessingway Package
This package includes:
- Ritual script
- Suggested readings and activities for the event
- Suggested decorating and party organizing tips
-
Memory book
COST: $250.00 (approximately) Please note that a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 is required.
Enhanced Blessingway Package
This package includes:
-
Ritual script
-
Suggested readings and activities for the event
-
Suggested decorating and party organizing tips
- My services as ceremony leader
-
Memory book
COST: $350.00 (approximately) Please note that a non-refundable deposit of $100.00 is required.
Supreme Blessingway Package
This package includes:
- Ritual script
- Suggested readings and activities for the event
-
Suggested decorating and party organizing tips
-
Party decorations, ritual accessories
-
My services as a ceremony leader
- Memory book
COST: $1000.00 and up (approximately) Please note that a non-refundable deposit of $500.00 is required.
Create a free website at Webs.com