Excerpts from Mother Rising

From Chapter 1: Creating New Traditions...

The blessingway rituals presented within Mother Rising draw upon the rich traditions of many cultures, having been crafted from the mixed heritage and life experiences of many women. Though initially inspired by the earth-based ways of the Native American culture, these rituals are not intended to represent, nor be executed as, reenactments of a sacred Native American Blessingway ceremony. The word "blessingway" is used conceptually, with due honor and respect, to describe a non-Native ceremony that celebrates a woman's passage into motherhood. more ...

From Chapter 2: Planning a Blessingway...

Our modern lives move quickly. For many of us, every twenty-four hours is filled and even overflowing. It doesn't seem to matter whether we are single and without kids, or the mother of seven children. So when we are presented with the idea of planning a blessingway, it's understandable that our first thought may be: "Where will I find the time?" If we stay wrapped up in thinking we have too little time, we are bound to feel powerless and even taken for granted amidst our rush to "get it all done." more ...

From Chapter 3: Designing Your Ritual...

If creating a blessingway ritual seems at all daunting to you right now, we empower you to explore this idea in any way that feels right. A blessingway doesn't need to be an overwhelming, overcomplicated undertaking. If in doubt, try planning a ritual that is very simple, rather than abandoning the entire concept. more ...