The Blessing Way is an Afrikan rites of passage ceremony performed in the last four weeks of pregnancy.
During this ceremony the mother and child are blessed by the ancestors and the community. The attendees are usually women only. The sistas are there to lend their healing energy and support. The new spirit belongs to the community, not just the parents. The attendees of the blessing way will support this child and mother during the blessing way and through life. The midwife and doula attend. A priestess is usually present to bless the child and mother. She may sometimes provide divination to give the mother-to-be more information about the child and her destiny.
But, a blessing way can be performed to fit all mother's cultural and spiritual lifestyles.
The Blessing Way provides more than just commercial gifts, but spiritual and emotional gifts. These will guide the mother during her rite of passage. Attendees can bring gifts that will assist the mother-to-be during labor as well as motherhood. At the most recent blessing way I attended some guests brought cowrie shells from their travels to the motherland and coffee plants. Cowrie shells symbolize fertility and wealth. The coffee plant is a symbol of the wealth and richness of Africa. Stones such as ukanite and malachite are great gifts because they aid pregnancy and childbirth.
Blessing Way Ideas
Begin the ceremony by opening the way with libation to the ancestors.
If possible have a traditional Afrikan priestess attend. The priestess can call on deities and ancestors. She can divine information regarding the child's destiny, mission, and much more.
Each sista should be smudged with sage, myrrh, and frankincense.
Set up an altar for mother and baby. Use colors such as blue and white to bring forth divine mother energy. Place fresh flowers, plants, stones, crystals, candles, etc. on the altar. Have guests bring altar gifts for mother and baby such as stones, poems, shells, flowers, etc. As each guest places their gift on the altar they will explain its significance.
Each sista should introduce themselves beginning with the mother - to - be, lighting a candle and stating, "I am "____", daughter of "_____". The mother - to- be will light the next person's candle. This will create a lighted cipher of unity.
A foot bath can be prepared for the mother - to - be with herbs and oils. While one of the sistas gives the mother a foot bath, the others can write words of inspiration in a journal for the mother- to-be.
Write down on pieces of paper fears concerning birth and motherhood. Burn the fears away in a fire – proof incense burner or holder. Use charcoal and sage. The paper can be smudged with frankincense and myrrh.
The ritual should be followed with a celebratory meal.
For more information on Afrikan rituals concerning children I recommend, "Welcoming Spirit Home: Ancient African Teachings To Celebrate Community" by Sobonu E. Some. http://www.sobonfu.com
