15 Mar MAMA BLESSING AT COTSWOLD WELLNESS STUDIO YAHRA
If you ever have the pleasure of being invited to a Mama Blessing then go and embrace such a special, love-filled occasion.
A Mama Blessing, also known as a blessingway, is an opportunity to create a moment in time that celebrates and honours a pregnant woman and her journey into birth. Unlike the traditional Baby Shower, a Mama Blessing focuses on celebrating the mother and helping to prepare her spiritually for her own birthing experience.
Derived from a Navajo tradition, guests come together for this unique and supportive pre-birth tradition and practise a series of rituals. In this instance, the team at Yahra, a Cotswold Wellness Studio, lead the group through emotional readings alongside a yarn, tea and candle ceremony.
Guests along with the room and tools used for the rituals include din the Mama Blessing were staged on entry. Sage has been used in Egyptian, Roman, Greek medicine and Native American healing practices for thousands of years. Dry sage is burned to heal, protect and increase wisdom. It is the perfect cleansing ritual to greet guests with.
Emily started the ceremony by welcoming guests and informing them what a Mama Blessing is. As Jess is one of the yoga teachers at Yahra she was already familiar with the practices. For many of the guests, and myself included, this was our first introduction to such a sacred tradition.
Prior to arrival, guests were invited to bring along a few words for the mother to be and these could either be read allowed or passed on for private reading.
Another common activity found in Mother’s Blessings is creating wool bracelets. Guests were invited You stand to pass a ball of wool around the circle, tying a piece around their wrist. This string can serve as a reminder to think about the mother when she goes into labor. Some will take it off once the baby is born, others use the wool to serve as a reminder to help the mother after delivery.
Following on from the wool ceremony guests took part in a candle lighting ceremony and meditation. The mother to be, Jess, lit the first candle and then all the guest lit their own candles from her flame. When Jess goes into labour, the guest’s candles will light their candles as a symbol of prayer and support.
The Mama Blessing ended with a tea ceremony and some nibbles. The ritual of drinking tea is common in many cultures. It is associated with a moment of peace, a social platform for connection or an energy pick-me-up. In this instance, herbs were chosen to relax and strengthen the mother to be.
As the guests enjoyed the social aspect of drinking tea and eating together they were invited to take part in one last ritual, creating a birth bracelet. Each guests threads a crystal bead onto the bracelet enfused with love and support, ready for the mother to be to keep it with her during the pregnancy. The idea is the strength, love and courage of the special women in her life can be with her during the labour journey.
Emotional and moving the Mama Blessing was truly something very special. Emily (the owner of Yahra) developed a beautiful ritual and truly celebrated Jess when she needs it the most. If you are considering having a Mama Blessing do get in touch with Yahra to find out how they can help you. Having someone experienced to lead the rituals made all the difference.