Before the rite, the parents should, with careful thought, choose a deity to serve as protector of the child, and prepare a child’s amulet as detailed on page 199. A small cloth or leather bag to hold the amulet should also be prepared.
If possible, one person should be chosen to represent each of the Gods who bring a gift to the child. If enough people are not available, those present can rotate.
If desired, each of the gifts given in the name of the deities during the rite can be symbolized by an actual gift to be placed in a small bag or box. Suggestions can be found at the end of each speech.
Most of the deities mentioned in this rite are traditionally connected with childbirth.
Circle Is Opened.
Priestess: We are gathered to celebrate a joyous event: a loved
one has returned to us.
Priest: A soul has entrusted itself and its upbringing to two of our members.
(To parents)
Parents step forward with child to stand facing Priest and Priestess. Priestess: It is not our right to choose the path our children
will follow. That choice belongs to each individual. When this child has reached the age of decision he/ she will choose the way of the spirit that is right for him/her.
Priest: Until that time, however, we can direct our chil- dren along the path we have chosen. And we can place them under the protection of the Gods as we know and love Them.
Priestess: Before the Gods, name this child. The naming is done.
Priest: As we rejoice in this returning of a loved one, let us bring to this small one the gifts of the Gods.
Parents may stand in the center of the circle, each person stepping forward to bestow a gift, or the child may be carried around the circle. If symbols of the gifts are presented, they should be given to the parent not holding the child.
Priest: The Lord Asar has sent forth _______________ , another from the Land of the Unborn. But He sends no spirit forth alone. In the name of the Father of All, do I bring the gift of guidance throughout life.
(A small compass.)
Priestess: In the name of Aset, Birth Giver, do I give the gift
of love, that this small spirit may both love and be loved in return. (A small heart.)
Khnum: From Khnum who created the seed for the body of this child, do I bright the gift of health. (A tiny pot,
or chip of baked clay.)
Heqet: In the name of Heqet, Mistress of Magic, midwife, do I bring power. (A small frog charm.)
Bes: Bes, God of joy and protection, brings the gift of humor, of joy, of healing laughter. (Small item of
silliness.)
Meshkenet: In the name of She who is the foundation on which
birth takes place, I bring a foundation on which this child may stand firm throughout life. (A tiny chip of
brick.)
Anpu: Anpu, Guardian of Souls, gives the ability to see the truth. (A small candle.)
Priest: What deity have you chosen to protect this child?
Parents name deity. Amulet is brought forth and held toward cen- ter of circle. If a God has been chosen, Priestess reads the follow- ing; if a Goddess, the Priest. The other will read the words of the amulet.
Priest/ess: _________________ , let your power enter this amulet. Let the words written here be your words, let their truth be your truth, and the voice which speaks the words be heard by all as your voice.
Priest/ess reads amulet.
All envision the power of the deity entering the amulet. The name of the God or Goddess may be chanted or sung, or a song may be inserted here.
The amulet and a small symbol of the deity shall be placed in the bag that is placed around the child’s neck.
If godparents have been chosen, they should be called forth at this time.
Priestess: Before the Gods, will you, __________________ ,
take upon yourself for this child’s spiritual upbring- ing, and if need should come, for his/her physical well-being, as though he/she were born from your womb?
Goddessmother responds.
(Deity name)
(godfather)
Priest: Before the Gods, will you, ______________ , take upon yourself for this child’s spiritual upbringing, and if need should come, for his/her physical well- being, as though he/she were grown from your seed?
Godfather responds.
The godparents step back into the circle.
Mother now comes before altar and prays in these words, or words of her own choosing.
My Lady Aset, Mother of All, Mistress of Magic, help me to raise my child with love and wisdom, leading him/her in the right ways. Be ever by my side that I may be the mother to my son/daughter You are to me.
Father steps forward and prays in these words, or words of his own choosing.
My Lord Asar, Father of all, Lord of Life and Death, into my hands you have given this child. Guide me that I may guide her/him to full growth. Strengthen me that I may ever be a source of strength to her/him. Be ever at my side that I may be the father to my son/daughter You are to me.
Priestess: , what vows will you make to this child, who, though he/she comes to you in this small body, may have carried you in her/his arms in an- other life.
Mother makes vows.
Priest: , what vows do you make to this small spirit who may be even older and wiser that any here?
Father makes vows.
Priestess: This child, born to our brother and sister, is now
under the protection of the Gods. Can we do less? Let us each promise our love and protection to this small one.
(Father) (Mother)
Child is carried around circle as each member makes promise. Priest: May we always be worthy of the trust the Gods
have placed in us. Our work is done.
Circle Is Closed.