Other Rites of Passage: 

Interest in ritual is returning, as we realize the importance of marking significant stages and events in our lives. Just as the wedding publically declares our intention to keep an enduring relationship, so too, do the witnesses of other rituals bring significance to the events that they mark. A good ritual is particular to the individual or individuals that it is created for. The symbols and the words will reflect the reality they are evoking, helping to bring a sense of fullness or completion.

Preparing for the Birth of a Baby (a different kind of baby shower):

This ritual has some of the elements of a baby shower - guests will likely bring gifts - but it is based in more personal and historical context. The new mother to be is pampered and prepared for the ritual. Special emphasis is placed on the relationship of the pregnant woman and her mother and womanhood in general. Symbols of food that go back to early days are included and named. Stories are shared by the guests ie. women's wisdom or "Bad Mom" stories that may take the pressure off the new mother-to-be's need to be the "perfect" mother.

Baby Blessing:

Unlike the traditional Baptism ceremony, this blessing does not welcome the child into a church, but into a particular circle of family and friends. Using a rose, dethorned - representing our protection and the child's potential opening- and water - a universal symbol of life and nurture, the child is invited to grow into his/her own wisdom and beauty, supported by this circle of loving family and friends.

Comment: Thank you for making S's blessing so special with the beautiful ceremony. Your peaceful presence and calmness is always great to be around. R. & J.

Coming of Age:

Children and elders have a stronger sense of themselves in cultures where there is a ceremony noting their coming of age. While in some traditions, these are still very much alive, in our western culture we are noteably lacking in such rituals. Recently there is a renaissance for young people coming into their teens and for crones embracing a new stage of their lives. Honoring and encouraging are ways that the community supports them in their rites of passage.

Renewal of Marriage Vows:

Many people as they come through passages in their relationships, choose to do a reaffirmation of their vows to celebrate and refresh their committment.

Comment: Thank you so VERY much for making our Reaffirmation of Vows special. The ceremony was just right and beautiful. It was the best wedding anyone could every have - Thanks so VERY much! R. &. V.

Dissolution of a Marriage:

"Until death do us part" is no longer part of many marriage contracts. We grow and change in different directions and sometimes, for good reasons, decide to go our separate ways. To go through a process to gently, gracefully and gratefully undo the ties that have bound us and wish each other well in our continuing journeys will truly set us free. The goal is to be at peace with the decision and the growing apart. For some this will be a simple ceremony. For others, there may be a period of meeting to clarify and clear the air in a caring, loving way in order to feel free to move on.

Comment: Thank you for a Dissolution of Marriage ceremony that was both profound and deeply moving. I was able to let my separating partner know how much I mourned the end of a relationship that had been so special in a caring and loving way and honor our marriage. I felt a soul deep sense of release and gratitude for what my partner had meant to me without bitterness tingeing the sorrow. I recommend this process. - T.H.

Memorial Service:

This is likely the greatest transition we will ever encounter. As we honor the person who has embraced the mystery of death, we say something about who they are, but also about who we are as a people. A memorial service can be a time of healing for the surviving family. It is a time of mutual support, storytelling, and coming to know the deceased in wider ways. Using symbols of the person who has passed, poetry, music - the individual pieces that will create an ambiance of love, forgiveness, acceptance and renewed engagement in living life fully.

Comment: Thank you for the beautiful service today – it is and will be forever a comforting, happy memory. It was so personal and acknowledged all the relationships in D’s life. You put his life picture together so well and everyone commented on the quality of the service; it was all well received. I’m so pleased how well the forgiveness candles lighting went. Thank you for your tender care these past few weeks. Forever grateful. P.E.

And Still Others:

Moving from a much loved home, addressing very particular and personal issues - there are lots of times when ritual eases and completes a difficult transition. I've planned many rituals over the years and would be happy to sit with you and design something that meets your particular needs.

Comment: Barbara has performed two profoundly meaningful and effective ceremonies for me. The first was a non-traditional communion service to mark the transition in my spiritual development when my masculine and feminine 'sides' became integrated on the archetypal as well as the personal level. The second ceremony adjusted the balance of masculine and feminine powers in my marriage. In both instances, the ceremonies allowed me/us to step beyond a clear threshold into another way of being in the world, which released creative energy and allowed more openness. S.B.