Naming Ritual:
The gown was one my mother made several years ago. I thought it would be good to use for this.
21 June 2005, 11:00hrs
Eric: Powerful Leader, Great King
Alastair: Helper of Mankind
*Each participant should bring a bead as a symbolic gift. They should be asked to meditate on the gift they wish to offer the child, the qualities they would like to call into his life. "Think about your own qualities, about the things you have learned from experience or gained thru struggle. Charge the beads with love and protection." They will be asked to gift the bead at the end of the ceremony.*
Welcome all here today to witness the naming of this new life.
We do give greetings to one who is new to this Mid-Earth
We present this small and sacred one to the Gods
And welcome the small and holy one among us.
*facing the corresponding direction*
Wide Prairie of the East
That brings forth stability, steadfastness and balance,
Sacred Body, I present to you ERIC ALASTAIR
Let his body be whole and strong; let no harm come to him from your creatures. Let health be his birthright; may he know little pain. In sickness, let your wise medicines heal him. May your powers of renewal be within him. May his body be a source to him of joy and pleasure and his hands make good work in the world. May your creatures guard and guide him on his path.
Warm Sun of the South
That brings forth energy, strength and growth,
Sacred Flame, I present to you ERIC ALASTAIR
Let him know your abundant vitality and energy through strength and courage in himself. Shield him from fire's destruction; spare him from the harm powered by hatred and flame combined. Let the blaze of his heart bring warmth, not burning; let the flames of transformation bring him growth, not destruction. May his passions bring him fulfillment. May your creatures guard and guide him on his path.
Deep Waters of the West,
That bring forth cleansing, healing, and love,
Holy Water, I present to you ERIC ALASTAIR
May he never thirst. May he always swim thru your waters with strength and safety. Let feelings flow thru him without injury; let him learn the art of change from your many forms. May he navigate relationships with insight, tact, and integrity. Let him always find nourishment for his spirit in your presence. Be for him a source of comfort and peace. May your creatures guard and guide him on his path.
Cool Winds of the North
That bring forth intellect, knowledge, and wisdom,
Holy Air, I present to you ERIC ALASTAIR
May all the breaths of his life be of clean, wholesome air. Let his blood flow red with your oxygen. Grant him your wisdom and let his mind have your quicksilver thoughts for action whenever danger is near. Share with him your clear eye for seeing, your way of discerning.
May he always use his mind to the greatest capacity. Bless his eyes and his lungs. Bless his thoughts, so that he may think clearly and find his mind a source of pleasure and joy. May your creatures guard and guide him on his path.
Ancestors & Great Spirit
Who are our history, and our future,
Blessed Spirit, I present to you ERIC ALASTAIR
We thank you for this precious life that has been given us to tend and nourish. May your blessings follow this young one throughout his life, may he grow in beauty and wisdom, may he learn your ways and know the wonder of your creation. We ask you to bless him with good health, good humour, and good sense. We ask for your guidance as we care for this child, that he might bring as much joy to the world as he has brought joy to the hearts of all of us here. May your creatures guard and guide him on his path.
Before our friends,
Before those of the mysteries,
Before those who are seen,
And those who are invisible,
Before the spirits of the Quarters,
And before the Immortal ones themselves,
Do I bring forth ERIC ALASTAIR
*hold the child up to the noon sun (rising full moon), and*:
Blessed spirits, I ask you to acknowledge and bless this child.
ERIC, these are my vows to you�
I promise to give you the finest and deepest of training.
Yet make not this life one of tedious labor, for one so young must live well, the joy of life.
I promise to give you a home of love, warmth, and gentleness.
I promise to respect you as an individual, for you are unique.
To remember always that a small frame and child's ways often cover an excellent mind, that in later years many shall honor.
I promise to give always a fair hearing to you, to have patience as you learn and ask, and remember that I once ran your path.
I promise to give ever new horizons, new challenges, new worlds,
So that you may go so far as your own mind and spirit shall lead.
Anoint the different points with moonwater �
* Touch the baby's crown:
"You are named ERIC ALASTAIR
And I dedicate you to a life of peace and love.
* Touch baby's "third eye":
"...That you may see your way clearly."
* Touch baby's throat:
"...that you may speak the truth."
* Touch baby's heart:
"...that your heart always be open."
* Touch baby's solar plexus:
"...that your Will and Strength be strong."
* Touch baby's belly:
"...that your sexuality be joyful and loving."
* Touch baby's penis:
"...that you be a progenitor of lives and creations to come."
* Touch baby's hands:
"...that you may always do the Spirit's work, no matter how you see or worship Them."
* Touch baby's feet:
"...that you always walk the Path you're called to."
There are many Paths, and each must find his own. Therefore, we do not seek to bind ERIC to any one Path while he is still too young to choose. Instead, we ask the Spirits, who know *all* Paths, to bless, protect and prepare him through the years of his childhood. Then when he is at last fully grown, he shall know, without a doubt, which Path is his, and shall tread it gladly.
*Each person is asked to bring forward the bead that s/he has been meditating on to bless the child and give him a magical (or mundane) gift. As in Fairytales, each witch touching the child upon the head and gifting him with something special (like: "May you be wise" "May you be gentle" "May you be filled with love"). Allow people the opportunity to speak freely, from the heart, about their wishes for the child.*
*Thank the spirits,
"Blessed Spirits, we give our thanks for your blessings, and welcome your presence now and always. Hail and farewell."
release the watchtowers:
"Powers of East (S, W, N), Guardians of Earth (F, W, A), we thank you for attending, and bestowing your blessings upon this child. Go in Peace, or stay in Love, and know that you are always welcome here. Hail & Farewell."
and enjoy the feast. Later the beads can be strung into a necklace for the baby.*
Click here to see more pictures of Eric
