Time Estimation Chart

Estimating the time that each ritual element will take to complete is not an exact science, but by using the guide below, you should be able to approximate the length of your ritual as you work on your outline.

We give a total time for some elements (e.g., 20 minutes total), while for others we indicate the time you'll need to allot for each guest who will be participating (e.g., 1-2 minutes each). These time estimates take into account the introduction that will need to be given for each segment. However, if you will be working with a group of women who have never before attended a ritual, you may need to provide them with more details about what you will be doing and why you will be doing it. If this is the case, you may want to add a couple of extra minutes to our estimates.

Note: Whenever a ritual element involves sharing, the time can really vary. When we are facilitating a ritual, we often choose someone who has been to a blessingway to go first, in order to set the pace and the depth for sharing or gift giving. If the blessingway is a new experience for all of the women in the circle, we will begin the segment ourselves in order to set an example for them to follow.

Adorning (See Pampering)
Blessings and Wishes
	Candle Blessing	2 minutes each
	Laying-on-of-Hands	20 minutes total
	Personal Blessings	3 minutes each
	Rose or Salt Water (group)	10 minutes total
Breaks		10-15 minutes total
Casting the Circle		3-5 minutes total
Cleansing and Purification		3-5 minute introduction
	Smudging	1 minute each
	Rose or Salt Water	1 minute each
Closing Statement		1-2 minutes total
Connecting (See Meditation)
Creating (Group Activity)		30-60 minutes total
Feast		1-2 hours total
Gathering Time (Pre-Blessingway)		30-60 minutes total
Giving Gifts		2-5 minutes each
Honoring
	Belly Casting	45-60 minutes total
	Crowning	5-10 minutes total
	Letters to Baby	2-4 minutes each
Invocations and Evocations
	Summoning the Four Directions	10 minutes total
	Summoning the Divine	3-5 minutes total
Meditations
	Guided Meditations	10-20 minutes total
	Music Meditations	5-10 minutes total
	Silent Meditations	5-10 minutes total
Opening the Circle		1-3 minutes total
Opening to the Divine (See Invocations and Evocations)
Pampering		45-60 minutes total
	Hair brushing, footbath, massage, mehndi (or other form of adornment), all happening simultaneously.
Personal Introductions
	Brief (e.g., by matrilineal heritage)	2 minutes each
	Introductions that involve sharing (e.g., by altar item or questions)	3-5 minutes each
Raising Energy		5-10 minutes total
Readings		5-10 minutes total
Releasing Fears		30-60 minutes total
Sharing and Storytelling		3-5 minutes each
Sibling Ceremony
	Gift presentation	2-3 minutes each
	Sharing (mother-to-be)	5-10 minutes total
Statement of Purpose		5-7 minutes total
Web Weaving		10 minutes total