Blessingway
When a woman is pregnant, it is a beautiful thing to invite friends and family and receive blessings on the unborn child and mother. Candles can be lit, blessings and readings spoken and a gentle massage may be part of the ceremony followed by a party.
Menarche Ceremony
When a girl has her first menstrual bleed, her moon time, she enters into womanhood and joins the community of women who surround her. Menstruation has been viewed negatively in the past and often is still today. It has been surrounded with shame and kept hidden. It is empowering to celebrate this female milestone in the company of other women, mother, grandmothers, aunts and friends. When I experienced a menarche ceremony as part of my training, I was blown away by its power although my time of menstruating lies far in the past. It had a huge healing effect that continues on to this day. My inner wild maiden revelled in the affirmation of the feminine that comes with this ceremony.
Menopause Ceremony
The menopause is another important milestone in a woman’s life. Her childbearing years are behind her, her children may be grown up or preparing to fly the nest. She may be beset with a range of symptoms such as hot flushes, forgetfulness and sometimes low mood.
She may also experience the menopausal time as one of increasing freedom, an invitation to step into her authentic self and find creative outlets for her energies. New ideas and projects arise and she may find herself courageous and determined, no longer bothered by what others think of her.
The menopause ceremony enables a woman to review her life up to now, to give thanks for what has been enriching and happy and to grieve for that which has been painful. She can let go of the old wounds and patterns that need to be released and welcome in a new phase of her life. Walking a timeline, she may discover a future full of opportunity and greater freedom and orientate herself towards her own fulfilment and creativity. The ceremony is also a chance to honour all those people who have supported her on her heroine’s journey thus far, and celebrate her own resources and qualities.
Chosen female (and male) friends and family members can be present to witness and support her self-honouring journey and offer her gifts. There is usually a party afterwards.
Croning Ceremony
At some point after the menopause has been safely navigated, a woman may wish to invite her friends and family to a croning ceremony. Older people, especially women, are not especially valued in our society and yet, those who are aware, have much valuable wisdom and experience to share. In indigenous societies the wisdom of the elders is sought out by those who need to take decisions for themselves and their communities. Wise women and men are honoured and cherished.
A croning ceremony usually involves a celebration of the qualities the woman has and her achievements. Children and grandchildren can express their gratitude for all she has given and continues to give to their lives and friends can express their appreciation of her in any ways they choose. A ‘wisdom crown’ can be created and placed on her head. Prayers and blessings for health and a long life can be spoken and gifts given.
Afterwards a feast of celebration is usually enjoyed. As with all ceremonies it will be your choice to create a really special occasion that will always be remembered.
Sulis Ceremonies 