Preparation beforehand:
If the child has not been presented to the directions and received its power animal, the forstander journeys beforehand to find the child's power animal. The journey, along with any messages, is written down and conveyed during the rite itself. The forstander will also journey to fetch the child's spiritual name.
Review of the rite with the parents. Preferably, in consultation with the parents, find a picture or other representation of the power animal that can be included in the rite/on the altar.
Depending on the family, the gathering and so on, it is decided what suits best: lighting wish-candles, tying knots in a blanket, painting or in other ways creating an image. The parents buy/prepare what they have chosen for the ceremony itself. The parents may include song/joik wherever they wish to have it in the ceremony.
Preparation on the day:
Create a space for the ritual: (this can be done before people arrive or together with the gathering, depending on what suits the group/family and the forstander best)
• Prepare the purely physical space
• Prepare candles for wish-lighting/the knot-blanket and so on
• Create the altar with the elements and the power animal image/symbol
• Open the directions and invite in powers and forces
• Invite the elements and the ancestors
• Welcome all powers, asking them to take part in and support us in this ritual
Once people have arrived/are in place:
The forstander drums, sings/joiks to call upon the spirit world, to give calm,
love, security and wisdom to the child, as well as to all present at this naming ceremony.
Welcome all those present, thank them for wanting to take part in sharing this
moment and ceremony with us.
We are gathered here to welcome Name to us, and to give thanks that they have come.
And, in ceremony, to give him/them/her/name.
We look forward to getting to know them, and to following them on the journey of life.
Those of you here are their closest people, some family, but also friends. You are
the people who, apart from us, will most shape their encounter with life, and we are
therefore glad that you are here today.
There are many paths, and each must find their own. We therefore do not seek to bind Name to
a particular way, since they are too small and young to choose for themselves. Instead we ask the powers and the
elements, who know all paths and to whom all paths lead, to bless them and
protect them and guide them through childhood, so that when they have become
adults, their own path lies before them, and they may walk it without doubt
or fear and with joy in their heart.
• Light candles and incense, optionally pour out water and earth
The parents present the child to the directions and say:
- East: Bless Name with the gifts of the east, the place on the wheel of life where we enter into this
world, with openness and breath, the communication of the heart and the purity of soul and body. From the east
you receive the gift of a new beginning with the rising of each sunrise and the understanding
that each day is a new opportunity for growth and possibility.
- South: Bless Name with the gifts of the south, where the sun stands at its highest point in
the sky and is the element of fire and represents energy, passion, creativity and the warmth of
a loving home. From the inner fire you generate light that you can share with the family, even in
the darkest times.
West: Bless Name with the gifts of the west, the direction of courage and power. May your heart always
be open and good.
- North: Bless Name with the gifts of the north, with their spirit and the vision of times to come.
The elements are the celestial bodies, moon and stars that speak to us on our
eternal shared journey. May they be blessed by the guidance of the ancestors and the spirits.
- The parents hold the child to the earth: Bless Name with Mother Earth's elements, which give us
nourishment, fertility and security. Mother Earth will feed you and enrich you, help you in life so
that you will always be safe.
- Creative power, power of light, that which lies beyond and governs all that happens, we ask you to look down
upon this child, watch over them on their journey through life, and help him/them/her to find and tread the
path that leads him/them/her to joy and power. Bless Name on his/their/her way in life so that they
may fulfil their life's tasks.
- Knee-setting.
The mother holds the child up to those present and asks who will acknowledge the child as their own. "Who here will acknowledge this child as their own and take it in?" The father answers "I acknowledge the child and give it the name NAME." The father then sets the child on his knee and says: "I hereby set you on my knee as a sign that you are mine and (mother's name)'s. I welcome you, NAME." The mother pours water over the child and says
"Element of water, the beginning of life, the great power of feelings,
spirit of love and care, bless Name with compassion, self-insight and love"
The father holds the candle over/near the child and says:
"Element of fire, the true flame of will, the great power of action, spirit of creativity and strength,
bless this Name with passion, will and courage."
The forstander passes incense/eimilauga over the child and says;
"Element of air, the breath of life, the clear power of thought,
spirit of joy and laughter, bless Name with a curious mind, with creativity and humour"
The mother holds stone or earth to the child's feet and says
"Element of earth, structure, power and strength, the mysteries of the night and the power of silence, bless
Name with patience, wisdom and strength"
The father says
"Element of space, wood or ether, bless this girl/boy with centredness in themselves,
room to unfold and grow, and give her/him a sense of direction and movement"
Power animal:
The forstander presents the power animal, optionally fetching and blowing it in, as well as sharing the account from the
journey
Naming:
The forstander says:
Witnessed by these people who surround you, by ancestors, powers and elements, you have been given the name Name. May your way through life be filled with wisdom, truth, power and joy.
Fivefold kiss
Mother/Father:
Kiss the eyes: Bless your eyes, that you may see with clarity.
Kiss the ears: Bless your ears, that you may hear with compassion.
Kiss the lips: Bless your lips, that you may speak your truth.
Kiss the belly: Bless your belly, that you may always feel safe.
Kiss the feet: Bless your feet, that you may walk in beauty and strength.
Optional text/poem/words from mother/father or others; song/joik may also be included if desired
Candle-lighting
Everyone lights a candle while focusing on a wish for the child's life. The wish may be said aloud or
silently, and may afterwards be written in an album or the like.
With this we conclude the ceremonial part of the child's welcome ceremony.
"Life has blessed them; we,
their family and friends, have welcomed them
welcome. May the Sun and the stars shine over
their path."
The forstander gives the parents/child a name amulet made of horn/bone that is to follow the child
and protect its upbringing. Then the forstander concludes by drumming, singing/joiking
to thank the spirit world for their power, love, security and wisdom given to the child
and the gathering at this naming ceremony.
We thank all of you who were with us and shared this moment, both you here in the physical
and in the non-physical world. Let us now eat good food and be together and celebrate Name,
the community and this day. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
