MORE CEREMONIES

Ceremony and ritual is one of the ways in which humans can put their lives in perspective, whether it be, a commitment to another person, the birth of a child or the beginning of a new career.

COMMITMENT CEREMONIES

"Gay marriages have not been recognised in law but to the gay couples concerned their commitment to each other is the same as in any heterosexual ceremony."
Quote:Dally Messenger. Author Ceremonies and Celebrations.

Therefore, a Commitment Ceremony is very much a special affirmation of the couple’s true intentions but without the legalities.
A heterosexual couple may desire to have a Commitment Ceremony, as they may not desire the legal contract of a marriage registration.
This ceremony is created in the same manner and dedication as a marriage ceremony.
The uniqueness of the couple and their true values are expressed through the text and the creative elements of the ceremony.

PREGNANCY BLESSING

This is truly one of my favourite blessings. A special, heart-warming experience.
A Pregnancy Blessing does not take the place of a Baby Shower, because this Blessing is primarily concerned with the pregnant woman and her impending experience of giving birth to a child.
This Blessing helps a woman feel supported, uplifted and prepared, in a spiritual sense.
This Blessing is activated one month before the due date of the baby’s birth.
The pregnant woman invites close friends and family, male and female, to share in her pre-birth celebration.
Friends and relatives may bring gifts and food offerings to be shared after the blessing if this is what the woman would like.
This Blessing is unique, in that every woman blessed has had a safe n’ easy birth!
If you would like to know more about this blessing and exactly what is practised please contact Caroline.

FUNERALS

In a funeral service one needs to be confident, dignified and sensitive enough so that ones composure in a funeral ceremony can support others.
It is relevant to mention that funerals have also changed within the context of society’s changing values.
There are customs and symbols associated with funerals that have kept their meaning for thousands of years, however we now see an emerging need for the creation of symbols and sacredness specific to the individual who has passed over.
There are also examples of contemporary funeral settings; on a boat because the individual was a fisherman, or in the individuals much loved garden.
The most important issue is that the funeral is appropriate for that individual, with the prepared eulogy, and the celebration of his or her life being accessible to help ease the pain of loss.
I can visit the family and friends, and listen to their stories about their loved one.
It’s always good to be able to listen to 3 or more different members so as to have varying insights and memories.
From these facts a eulogy is written. Once written this is read back to the family to be corrected and made sure it is accurate.

NAMING CEREMONIES

Names have always had a sacred significance. Personal names are part of our uniqueness and our identity.
This ceremony can also act as a Welcoming Ceremony for the new child into his or her community and family.
There are traditional symbols such as candles and water that can be incorporated.
There may be godparents, sponsors or friends that act as support in the absence of the parents. They may be spiritual parents as such.
I can create the ceremony after having interviewed the parents about their commitment to their child and what symbolism etc; they wish to provide.
Poetry, music and decorations enhance the sacredness of the Name Giving Ceremony.
Resource material will be provided.

HOUSE BLESSING

A House Blessing creates a feeling of optimism and warmth in the home. Your home is a very important space and blessing it gives that intention of protection and safety. There are several ways in which your home can be blessed.
A story about your home can be written after researching its past and your hopes for its future. What history does your house have? The street, the suburb……..would you like to name your house?
An experience of house blessing that truly works is the sound and pitch of bells, flutes and drums going into each room and lifting the vibration of each room.
A special cake can be made to commemorate the house blessing and shared after the blessing.

ANIMAL FAREWELL/BLESSING

I love all animals.
The death of a much-loved animal is something we have all experienced at least once.
This is without doubt one of the most unacknowledged losses in our human society.
When an animal friend dies our grief is often tainted with mixed feelings, because we are told, “this is just an animal”. Ah, not so in some cultures.
There is a way to acknowledge this loss and grief. We give thanks for our beloved animal friend’s company and loyalty, in the comfort of our own home with our dearest friends and family, who have also enjoyed the company of this animal.
Cremation details and carved memorial box with photo information contact me.

DIVORCE/ SEPARATION

We joyfully tied the knot, so to speak, and this ceremony is a symbolic ‘untying’ of the knot.
With respect to the individuals who can embark on this journey together [after they have mutually decided to be unmarried ], this ritual is a powerful reminder of the ties that bind.
A form of resolution and conscious letting go can take the two individuals to a place of healing that is quite unknown in our society. Using poetry, music and natural elements. This ritual is one of the most symbolic gestures of our time.
This ‘untying ’requires sensitivity and integrity on the part of all its participants and myself.
For more information please contact me.