|
Table of Contents
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Foreword
Preface
Acknowledgments
|
xiii
xv
xvii
|
CHAPTER 1: Creating New Traditions
On Culture and Childbirth
Women and Ritual
The Power of the Circle
How Blessingways Create Community
Who Should Use This Book?
Building a Powerful Blessingway
|
1
4
7
9
10
10
12
|
CHAPTER 2: Planning a Blessingway
Getting Started
Creating a Guest List
Choosing a Location
Inviting Guests
Distributing Responsibilities
|
13
15
16
18
18
21
|
CHAPTER 3: Designing Your Ritual
The Five Stages of a Ritual
Creating an Outline
The Dynamic Nature of Ritual Elements
The Element of Time
|
23
25
26
28
30
|
CHAPTER 4: Ritual Stage 1—Beginning
Welcome and Overview
Cleansing and Purification
Casting the Circle
Opening to the Divine
|
31
33
34
37
37
|
CHAPTER 5: Ritual Stage 2—Shifting
Stating the Purpose
Introducing Participants
Connecting
Releasing Fears
|
47
49
50
51
55
|
CHAPTER 6: Ritual Stage 3—Focusing
Honoring
Pampering
Adorning
Giving Gifts
Sharing and Storytelling
Blessings and Wishes
|
57
59
62
63
64
71
73
|
CHAPTER 7: Ritual Stage 4—Completing
Raising Energy
Weaving a Web
Closing and Giving Thanks
Opening the Circle
|
75
77
79
81
82
|
CHAPTER 8: Ritual Stage 5—Feasting
Our Collection of Recipes
|
83
85
|
CHAPTER 9: Leading a Blessingway
Getting Ready for the Ritual
Guiding the Blessingway Circle
Trusting the Process
|
97
99
102
106
|
CHAPTER 10: Afterthoughts
Liminal Limbo
Postpartum Support
Sharing This Knowledge
|
107
109
112
116
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APPENDIX
Tools and Resources
Blessingway Planning Checklist
Blessingway Supplies Checklist
Feminine Expressions of the Divine
Symbolism
Recommended Resources
|
117
119
120
122
127
136
|
Bibliography
Index
|
143
148
|
