Mothers’ Blessing rituals

Many women long to reclaim this beautiful celebration of mothers-to-be, but when they come to the list of possible rituals they want to understand more deeply what each one looks like and the meaning behind them. Below I explain some of the common rituals many women choose to include in their Blessing.

• Sharing wisdom, song, quotes, or prayers

  A big part of a Mothers’ Blessing is giving the group a chance to share something they feel will help the mother-to-be. It could be advice from their own parenting journey, a song that resonates, a poem that sums up an experience perfectly or reassuring words reminding her that she’ll be an incredible mum and that her village is here for her no matter what.

• Candle lighting

  Each person at the Mothers’ Blessing can come forward and light a candle on the centre alter, honouring their motherline (red thread) and calling themselves present to the space.

• Red thread ritual

  For this ritual, a red thread or string is looped around the wrists of each person in the circle until you are all connected with the red thread. It symbolises the way the group is now connected and commited to supporting the mother-to-be, while also acknowleding our own red threads (motherline ancestry). The thread is then cut and tied around each persons’ wrist. If possible they keep it on to remember the mother until she has her baby.

• Bead ceremony

  When each person comes forward to light their candle, they can also drop a bead they have brought with them into the bowl. The beads are then used to make a bracelet for the mother-to-be that she can wear or hold close to her during the birth and into postpartum. The idea is that she’s holding a small precious gift from her closest circle, filled with their best wishes. (I bring spare beads in case anyone forgets or the mother wants to bulk up her bracelet)

• Baby prediction cards

  Just like at a baby shower, some women like to include customised prediction cards for her guests to fill out, guessing the baby’s name, size, birth date and features. I can bring these with me if the mother-to-be would like them.

• Massage or foot bath

  We can physically honour a mother too, by giving her a mini pamper session. That could include a epsom salt and rose petal foot vbath, a lavender oil foot rub and hands on touch as her nearest and dearest send beautiful energy and love to the mother and baby. We can also do a shamanic drum journey, for grounding and relaxing.

• Singing together

  Some mothers-to-be have songs that they feel a connection to or resonate with voices singing a song together. I can suggest some songs and supply lyrics if you’d like this, but nothing comes to mind. It could be a pop song, a folk song or even a nursury rhyme or lullaby.

• Tea or cocao ceremony

  A tea or cocao ceremony is a beautiful addition and a way to drink up the blessings and gratitude for being together. This looks like intentionally prepared loose leaf tea or hand-ground cocao with spices, drunk bring awareness to all the senses and thanking the plants for the beautful medicine they provide.

• Meditation

  I usally lead a short meditation for the group to help everyone arrive and be fully present in this sacred space.

• Smudging

  Lighting sage or palo santo to cleanse the room and the energy of each person can be included before the start of the ceremony.

• A meal for the freezer

  Bringing a meal for the mother to put in her freezer is a beautiful way to continue the support and love she is bathed in into postpartum. It reall y helps in those early days when nourishment is so important but there’s no time to cook.

• Shared feast

  After the ceremony, sharing food and drink is the perfect way to celebrate together. It also helps everyone ground after being in the spiritual portal of the Blessing circle. Some mothers-to-be ask their friends to bring food, other get the day catered or cook themselves. It’s up to you.

• Flower Crown

  The mother-to-be can wear a flower crown so she’s beautifully adorned and clearly the celebrated mother in the photos. I supply flower crowns based on your preference of color and style for an added costs of $60. They are intricately made with dried flowers.

• Other rituals

  You can really add any ritual that speaks to you to your Mothers’ Blessing. This is a ceremony that is tailored exactly to your wishes and preferences. You can customise the day so it’s perfect for you.

I offer Mothers’ Blessings across Sydney for mothers-to-be who want something significant and sacred to mark this monumental rite of passage. Learn more about my Mothers’ Blessing here.