Template
for a Child Blessing
be sure to adapt to the people and situation
you are working with!
- Create
sacred space.
- Invoke Watchers and Deities as
appropriate.
- Statements on the nature and
value of
life from respected elders; could include brief readings of relevant story, song
or poetry.
- Question the parent(s) as to
their
desire for the child’s growth and
well-being.
- Identify
the child’s sponsors (people who will
serve as
guardians in
the event of parental incapacity or death, and who will aid the
parents in the religious education of the child.)
- Ascertain the names (public and secret) by which the child is
to be known.
- (optional)
In preparation for the introduction of the child to the
Gods, anoint
and cense the child (taking care to use materials which
will not irritate the child’s skin or lungs).
- The parent(s) and sponsor(s)
of the
child make formal commitments
to the care and education of the child.
- Introduce the child by name (public and secret) to the Gods and Guardians.
- Ask the
Gods and Guardians to protect and guide the child.
- Present the child to all present as
a new
infant member of the community.
- Feasting
and presentation of small gifts
from the community to the parents in
trust for the child, as token of the community’s acceptance
of
their newest member.
- Thank and dismiss Deities and
Watchers.
- Return
space to normal use.
Return to Chapter Three --
Applications