VAMPIR NAMING AND BLESSING RITUAL FOR A BABYOR CHILD
16:33 Sep 07 2010
Times Read: 1,276
Naming Ceremony
(Dedication to the Child)
Children are often a natural consequence of marriage and other unions. This ritual is offered as an alternative to a Baptism or Wiccaning, providing a rite that acknowledges both the child and the responsibility of child-rearing. This rite can also be used to bind a non-related care-giver to the child, as in the case of a step-parent or other individual who is committed to helping raise the little one.
The Rite:
Priest: We are gathered tonight to welcome a new soul into our community. This child represents the greatest potential any of us can achieve: the ability to affect the future. By nurturing, guiding, and gently instructing this new life, we can create positive change that will be felt now and in succeeding generations.
(The parents and/or caregivers are called forth. If both parents cannot be present, it is preferable that the mother lead the child through this ceremony, but there is no restriction that prevents the father from being the main supporter in the rite.)
Priest: (Mother and Father). This little soul has chosen you as his parents. There are things that he feels he can learn from you, and undoubtedly there will be things that you can learn from him.
Through your body, Mother), you provided him flesh. It is thus your duty to nurture that flesh. As his parents and caregivers, you are bound to feed him and to clothe him, to keep him safe, and to nurse him through illness. But your duties do not end there, for this child is not simply a being of flesh and blood. He is a being of mind and spirit as well.
As you must nurture his body, so must you nurture both his spirit and his mind. In this way, you will become not merely his caretakers, but his guides, his guardians, and his friends as well. Henceforth, it will be your sacred duty to teach this child in the ways of the world, to instruct him in his spiritual path, to help him explore and develop his intellect and natural abilities, and to provide him with your compassion, your support, your discipline and your love.
Being a parent is not just about giving birth. In nurturing this little life, you are committing yourselves to great burdens and rewards. I ask you both, do you understand the full measure of what you are committing to? Are you both willing and able to undertake this responsibility to this child?
Response: Yes, we are.
Priest: Very well. There are seven vows that you must swear to this child. These bind you to him, in spirit as well as blood. I charge you both, by all that you hold sacred, to keep these vows inscribed upon your hearts, and to never forget them in all your dealings through this child’s life.
Aafter each, please respond, So do I swear.
Priest: Do you swear to care for him when he is sick and to provide comfort for him when he is in pain?
Parents: So do I swear.
Priest: Do you swear to laugh with him and to teach him how to play so you are a friend to him as well as a mentor?
Parents: So do I swear.
Priest: Do you swear to be his emotional support when he is going through hard times and to serve as his spiritual guide as well as you are able?
Parents: So do I swear.
Priest: Do you swear to teach him about himself and the world around him and to help him learn to lead a happy and centered life?
Parents: So do I swear.
Priest: Do you swear to encourage him to experiment and explore his identity and his gifts, guiding him safely with an open mind?
Parents: So do I swear.
Priest: Do you swear to provide discipline when it is needed, but always to correct him with love and never with anger in your heart?
Parents: So do I swear.
Priest: And finally, to love him unconditionally, no matter what, and to always welcome him back into your heart if he chooses to stray?
Parents: So do I swear.
(The Priest weaves energy between all parties swearing the oath to bind and witness the vow.)
Priest: It has been witnessed. Now, place your hands over the child’s heart.
(Those who are dedicating themselves to the child step forward and join the mother, each placing a hand gently upon the child. The priest lays hands over the hands upon the child.)
Priest: I bind you to this child, not with ties of blood, but with your own vows and dedication. In heart as well as in spirit, this child is now a part of you, to be treated as you would be treated yourself.
(Names of Mother and Caregivers), may each of you become a mentor to this child during his youth, and his friend once he has grown. Keep sacred the vows you have made tonight. Remember that you do not have to be a perfect parent, but you should strive to be perfect in your love.
(The Priest sends a warm wave of energy through all their hands, blessing the Mother and Caregivers. There is a moment of silence as all reflect on the ties sealed here this day.)
The Naming:
(All step away but the mother.)
Priest: Now, Mother: you have borne this child from his first moments. You shared with him your body, and it is by your choice that he was brought into this world. By what name shall we call him?
Mother: I name this child (Childs name).
Priest. Very well.
(The Priest gathers energy into his left hand and touches the child on the forehead, the lips, and the heart.)
Priest: (Childs Name). I greet you. I bless you. I call you by name. May you meet the world with an open mind, a questing spirit, and a loving heart. May the secrets of the world be clear to you, and may you always find your way along your particular life’s path.
Now, for all those who have gathered to witness this rite, I present to you the child (child’s name), his mother, and his father. Please welcome this child into our community, and give everyone here your blessings and your love.
(The family and caretakers are presented around and each person present can greet them and offer blessings or advice. When all are finished, the Priest draws the ceremony to a close.)
Priest: This ceremony is ended. Let us all go forth and celebrate, in darkness and in light.
All: Forever.
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