Blessingway
Last weekend my awesome group of mommy friends got together and threw a Blessingway or Mother’s Blessing for me and 2 other of my fellow pregnant mamas.
It was really sweet and powerful at the same time. We started off by all taking a part in weaving floral wreaths for us honorees to wear on our heads (we all brought a variety of flowers, either from our own yards, or storebought) - It made me really feel like a goddess with my headpiece on. Then we went around in a circle and took turns telling our maternal lineage (I am Chelsea, Daughter of Theresa Adelaide, Grandaughter of Willis Margaret, Great-Granddaughter of Ella Florence, and Mother to Rosemary Florence) - and then we told our birth stories and what we learned from the birth and motherhood. It was really touching to hear the emotional stories of my friends and their honesty and what they have learned. I think the most common theme was just allowing ourselves to let go and realize you can’t be in control all the time, whether during birth, or just in the day-to-day trials of being a mom. Things aren’t always going to go as planned, and we have to be Ok with that and not judge ourselves for being “bad moms” if things don’t go as we want or expect them to…
After our birth stories, we moved on to making bead necklaces (each mama had brought beads to contribute) - and decorating our pregnant bellies with henna.
I LOVE the design on my belly and the way it came out…
After the henna/necklace making - we moved on to the food, and I indulged in a delicious mediterranean/middle eastern feast prepared with love by my mama friends.
After eating, we sat in a circle and did a wrist-binding ceremony, linking us all together with the same thread. Then we cut the thread, giving us each a piece to braid and wear on our wrists to remind us of the support of our circle of sisters. We also went around the circle and each read a poem or short reading about birth and/or motherhood.
The final part was the cake! S had her friend make us an amazing goddess cake that was delicious!
It was great to be surrounded with so much love and caring and support from my women friends and fellow mamas. I am truly blessed to have such a wonderful group of intelligent, fun, supportive women to call my friends…
*photos courtesy of my friend S - the designated photographer of the group*
You have so much fun with your sisterhood of friends. You are truly blessed, and I am so happy for you. I love your blogs, as it helps me stay “in touch” with your life, which you are living to the fullest. Thank you. God bless you and Joe and your babies.
Comment by Aunt Paule — June 30, 2007 @ 10:48 am
I’m so happy you got to spend this sacred time with your womoon circle! You deserved every moment of it and I know you will carry those amazing vibes and energy through to your birth.
Know you are on my mind and I send you my love.
XOXO
Comment by Leigh — June 30, 2007 @ 10:13 pm