Coralie was in the final weeks of her first pregnancy when her friend Rebecca approached me about holding a Pregnant Mama Blessing Circle for her. Coralie was also intending to have a baby shower which would be a larger social affair, and the idea of the Blessing Circle event was that it would be a more intimate circle of women friends, including her own mother. The Blessing Circle was held in one of Coralie's friends' houses, and all the women who came contributed to the cost of the evening.
"Hi Ishara, The Mumma Blessing was a fabulous way for women to show on
an emotional level how much they care and to display enthusiasm for
such a special event. It was fun to participate in and enjoyed by all,
especially the Mumma to Be. Women were all impressed by your open
manner and accepting insights to both birthing and motherhood and how
there is not just one way to do things - greatly appreciated!! Lots of
love to you and thanks for a fun night!"
Rebecca
Ceremony Outline
Welcoming
Rebecca welcomes everyone and introduces Ishara
Ishara says a few words about herself, the intention of the ceremony and what to expect.
Each woman introduces herself to Ishara and says how she is connected to Coralie.
Opening Prayer
All join hands in a circle for the opening prayer. A candle is lit.
Chanting & drumming
Ishara leads everyone in the Welcome Song plus a couple of other chants with drumming to get the energy flowing
A Reading
Rebecca reads a poem she has chosen.
Calling in the Angels
Each woman draws an angel card and tells us which angel she has drawn, before replacing it in the bowl.
Celebrating the Journey
The circle holds a space for Coralie to share about her experience of the passage to motherhood – her feelings about the changes in her life, her hopes and dreams for the forthcoming birth and newborn motherhood, any fears or concerns she is sitting with.
Coralie’s Letting Go ritual
Ishara guides Coralie through a ritual of letting go using salt and water. This is about honouring the old pre-pregnancy self which is passing away to make room for the new mother-self that is preparing to be born. Let yourself feel all the feelings!
Dancing
Everyone is invited to get up and move their bodies for a couple of minutes to help keep the energy flowing.
Washing of Feet
Signifying a new beginning. One of her friends ceremonially washes Coralie’s feet in warm water then anoints them with a scented oil or body lotion.
Belly Painting & Ritual Feeding of the Pregnant Mama
Each woman contributes her touch of body paint to celebrate the pregnant mama! And then feeds her a tid-bit from the bowl of nibbles on the table…
Coralie practices allowing herself to receive lots of love and support.
Beading Ritual
Each woman in the circle is given a small paper heart on which to write her blessing for Coralie.
Coralie’s mother gives her a red thread representing the maternal line which connects her to all the women in her lineage who have ever given birth.
Then each woman in turn shares her blessing for Coralie then presents her with a bead for her birthing bracelet or necklace. The beads and blessing hearts are collected in a small box or basket.
Laying on of Hands
All the women gather around Coralie and place a hand on her (wherever they can reach) while Ishara guides a visualisation of healing energy flowing through them into Coralie, ‘charging up her batteries’ ready for the birth.
Closing Circle
Each woman receives a small token to take home with her.
We all join hands again for a closing prayer.
Postscript from Rebecca:-
