Blessing Way for Yeye

“Just as a tree grows best when anchored in the earth so can a pregnant mother feel strong and capable when supported by a sisterhood of nurturing friends.”- April Lussier

This celebration evolved from traditional Native American culture and it is held in a sacred love filled atmosphere.

A mother’s blessing is a pre-birth ceremony held for the mother to be to pour support, love, and encouragement into her. It is concerned with blessing the way to nourish and nurture the mom to be while affirming she will have a safe and beautiful birth experience.

I received henna on my belly as a way to celebrate my pregnancy and to embrace and honor my body and the beautiful changes taking place. Yaya enjoyed as he moved and greeted Shemora during our session. This was so peaceful and such a spiritual experience. I was able to be still and be present. I chose the lotus flower because its life begins in water. It is a symbol of rebirth, purity, self-regeneration, and spiritual enlightenment. It pushes its way through muddy waters and reaches for the sun light. The ankh’s meaning of life and union of feminine and masculine energy resonated with me so deeply. I wanted to include adinkra symbols into the design because they have been a spiritual and cultural guide for me throughout my journey.

Asase Ye Duru (Asasi Yeh Dru) – The earth has weight. Divinity of Mother Earth and the importance of the earth in sustaining life. A reminder to honor and protect the feminine divine.

Gye Nyame (Jih Nyam-me) represents the most high’s involvement in human life. The deep faith the Akans have in the supreme being.

The sisters and some of their daughters, in attendance were from divine encounters that led to them being apart of this moment. They empowered me to flow in my sacred feminine energy; I was tapping into the Goddess within. Space was held for women who couldn’t be there but was there in spirit. The gathering started with the space being smudged and cleared. Releasing of negative energy and replenish positive, healing energy. A birthing altar was also created in the center of the circle with roses, cards with uplifting affirmations for sisters to pick throughout the gathering, love offerings, and a beautiful earth mother statue named “Yeyo”. The roses were placed on the altar for every woman to take because we all deserve our flowers while we can enjoy them, for the energy we so graciously give to the world as nurturers.

As sisters flowed in to meet and greet, I received tribal face painting. I learned that tribal face painting patterns can signify different things such as religious, recreational, and traditional reasons. I chose mine to honor my ancestors. I wanted to gather with a sisterhood that could strengthen and comfort me as I welcomed initiation into mamahood. The gathering flowed effortlessly as we discussed the pressures of my journey and the releasing of my fears that needed to fall away. I wrote them down and burned them as a way to release them back into the universe peacefully. I wasn’t always comfortable being the center of attention but it was everything I needed. I felt supported as I recited womb affirmations to uplift and restore confidence within me. There was also a bowl filled with beads that everyone picked from and shared wisdom and encouraging thoughts. The beads were a great take away to be strung on waistbeads for me to keep them close and carry the messages with me through my labor and delivery.

During the blessing way I wrote down fears I wanted to fall away and burned them as a way to release them back into the universe peacefully. I felt so nurtured as we discussed the pressures of birth and what may come after birth and I was encouraged to be gentle with myself and not to rush recovery. As I welcome initiation into motherhood, I recited womb affirmations and specifically remember the advice of releasing expectation and that was good medicine. I didn’t realize how adored I was. The sisters all picked a bead of their choice and shared an inspiring message so that when I created my waist beads I could wear them as I give birth as a way to carry those messages with me. When I envisioned this gathering I was very happy it unfolded and flowed naturally. I had my feet washed with sweet prayers and intentions. It ended with a lovely belly dancing session. As a way to remember our time together, there was red yarn given to each sister to remember the women who have come before us.

This gathering blessed the way. I felt safe, comforted and held up by my sisters who kindly extended their time, wisdom, and love with me. I felt an awakening and my insecurities melted away. Light and darkness came together and we danced to celebrate the fullness of life with joy. I am appreciative to have been surrounded by a sister circle that shared their hearts and space with me. I have gratitude for the Iyaami (the great Mothers), Yeye Yemoja, Yeye Oshun, among other orisha that support me on my journey . I am reminded that I can call on my ancestors who have my best interest at heart for support and guidance as I move forward on my journey celebrating my child(ren), I have yet to meet. I am being called to listen in a deeper way. Some may say our ancestors can’t do anything for us but this quote is a sweet reminder, they continue to support us on our journey and I hold space and honor them.

“Suddenly all my ancestors are behind me. Be still, they say. Watch and listen. You are the result of the love of thousands.”-Linda Hogan

My hopes are that every mama to be can experience this in their lifetime. We should normalize this type of gathering along with a traditional baby shower; where women and youth girls embrace culture, nature, bond, embrace , and extend strength, love, and support as women go through initiation journey to motherhood. With support our light shines brighter. May the way continue to bless mamas everywhere.

Sister friend, Shemora Sheik of Rites of Passage institute.

Shemora provided my belly henna, tribal face painting, belly dancing and womb affirmations. Gratitude for you being present and your offerings. Check out what is being offered to community. https://www.passageinstitute.com/

My blessing way was hosted by a sister friend, Dionne. She held space for my celebration in her home. Much gratitude for your support and kindness throughout my journey.

Yeyo

Her name is Yeyo. She is accompanied by a pink candle from fear burning and womb affirmations. The candles with cowrie shells were created by Shemora’s daughter.