Celebrating the Birth of a Child with Non-Pagan Participants

Celebrating the Birth of a Child with Non-Pagan Participants

Purification

Space is incensed prior to attendees arriving.  Incense placed at doorway to bless participants as they enter.

Initiate the Rite  

Welcome everyone.  We’re gathered here today to celebrate the growth of this family and to rejoice in the birth of <name>.  We come together to welcome this child to the community and extend the hand of friendship and support to this family. 

Earth Mother

We meet on the bountiful earth who gifts us with our homes and our sustenance.  We are here to provide support and love of this family, with respect for the land, as we walk in balance to bless the birth of this child. 

Statement of Purpose

It has long been the custom for a community to join together and welcome its newest members with a ceremony.  You all represent the community of this child.  You will be their role models, friends, and confidants.  We come together now to welcome them into our midst and bless <name> as they begin their walk through life with us.

Recreating the Cosmos

We stand in this space, our hearts filled with the light of the fire.  Like the flame, we come to dance for a short while, and like you we are hungry and must be fed.  You cook our food, light our way, and keep us warm in the winter. Like the fire, let this child be filled with passion, brightness and warmth.

We stand near the well, the waters of the womb that carried <name> so recently.  It is the water that carries creativity and life.  Water adapts to its surroundings and is flexible and ever changing. Like the well, may the wisdom of the waters flow through <name>. 

We stand in this space, centered like a tree with roots firmly in the earth and arms stretching high to explore the universe around us.  It is in this space that we find balance and strength.  Like a tree, may <name> keep their roots firmly planted on the earth and their sights soaring with the stars as they grow.

Opening the Gates

Right now, we stand in balance with the world, our feet firmly pressed to the ground that our ancestors walked on, below the bright warmth of the sun, standing connected to them both.  It is with this connection that we will bless the birth of <name>.

Three Kindreds

At this time, I want to take a moment to acknowledge the ancestors of this family that has passed on before us.  Their stories are still shared among this family, and their love still lives on in their lives.  While they cannot be here in person, they stand with us here in spirit to welcome <name> into this community.

The family also wants to acknowledge the furry members of their family, and the adjustments that they will have to make to this new member of the family.  <dog> has been a member of this family for 6 years and is eager to anxious to welcome <name> into their home and to build a special bond together. 

The divine powers of the world have blessed this family with the gift of <name> and have blessed <name> with an incredible loving family.  These divine powers influence the world around us and bless our lives with many gifts.  We ask now what gifts we can look to for this child to receive. 

Key Offering

We’ve gathered here to bless this child and welcome them into this community.  Let the power of this community empower <name> throughout their life.

Prayer of Sacrifice

Pour water upon the earth.

 Let these waters, fresh and pure, remind us all of the purity that lives in this child.  Let the potential of these waters remind us of the potential that lives within <child>.  Let us give this child our love and praise. 

Omen

I will give a brief reading at this point, explaining how the energies will be returned to the child.

Blessing:

Hold a cup of water from the altar toward the attendees.

At this time, I ask that the positive thoughts and well wishes of this community flow into this cup.  We ask these blessings provide this family with the wisdom to grow and develop together, and the perseverance to continue forward when things are challenging.  Allow them the vision to see the potential in the future, and the courage to take the path less traveled.  Help them to keep their integrity in the face of adversity.  This family already sets a beautiful example for <name> by living lives that are pious and filled with moderation and integrity.   Let them approach their lives together with the fertile thoughts of growing together, and hospitality to their expanding community.

Working

<name> is anointed with the blessed waters, washing over their forehead, hands, and feet.

Let <name> be welcomed into this community and blessed by the all that join us here today.  <Name> let your thoughts be filled with wisdom and clarity.  May your actions be just and positive.  May your feet guide you forward and keep you grounded.

May you be built with a kind heart. May you be surrounded by the love of their friends and family.  Today, you may not know it, but we’re here to welcome you into this community where you are so very loved. Welcome <name>!

Thanking the Beings

Thank you so much to all who have joined us here, both in person and in spirit.  You all will have an impact on <name>’s life from this day forward. 

Closing the Gates

May we continue to stand in balance with the world, and to teach this child to do the same.  Let us walk with wisdom, and always feel the bright sun shining down on us, even when the days are cold. 

Thanking the Earth Mother

May the earth continue to provide the nourishment to <name> to allow them to grow into a valuable part of this community. 

Closing the Rite

Let us all celebrate the arrival of <name> and continue to celebrate their place within our community.  Thank you to all for joining us here today.