| Hudson Valley Ceremonies |
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| Naming Ceremony #8 Welcome: Welcome everybody to the ceremony that welcomes [baby] into her new family. [Mom] and [Dad] are so happy that you could be here with them as their family and extended family, to share your love and your blessings with their beautiful child. And perhaps most importantly, we thank [baby] for bringing us all together in joy. There are many ways to define a family. And although [baby], [Parents] are bonded physically by genetics, they are also bonded by something deeper. Their 3 souls have chosen each other as companions and teachers for their journey in this life, and this is the truest spiritual sense of family. In addition to that, all of you here are part of the same bond. On a soul level, you have all chosen each other as family members, whether or not you're related by blood. And now that [baby] has joined the family and you're all here today, you can share your love in this special ceremony to make her welcome. We'd like to begin by asking each of you to state your personal and special wishes for [baby] (each person takes a turn making a statement). In the spirit of love, I ask you all now to make a solemn vow to this precious child. Do you agree to provide [baby] with unwavering love throughout your lives, to support her highest endeavors, her growth and independence, and her wish to follow whatever path her heart chooses? (WE DO). (Hold baby toward the four directions) We turn to the east, the essense of air, to give us breath, openness, sight and an understanding that each new moment is a new opportunity for growth. We turn to the South, essense of fire, to empower us with passion, energy and light. We turn to the West, essence of water, to deepen our spiritual awareness and our capacity for feeling emotion. We turn to the North, essence of earth, to ground and center us, and to give us a sense of home wherever we are. We ask that this child be guided and blessed by her own instinct and inner light. We wish for her the greatest love and peace, and the confidence and widsom to find her own path in life. As her family, we will help lead her to her own inner strengths, so that she may fulfill all of her desires and potential as she grows through life. May the earth give her strength and security to help keep her grounded and focused. May the winds give her the gift of communication to help her understand others and to let others understand her. May the waters teach her to listen to her own intuition and to understand the depths of love and emotion. And may the flames of passion spark creativity, exuberance and positive life force. I now present to you, [baby], [Dad] and [Mom] as a new, loving family on this earth, and unite you all as one, enduring extended family. |