Ceremonies

Once your child has been born you still may want to have a ceremony to introduce the new baby to your extended network of friends and family. One way to do this is to have a Naming Ceremony, in which the baby is officially given her name. In some traditions, this is called a baptism, and in others a “Wiccaning,” but no matter what you call it, it’s the chance to present your baby to the community to which he or she belongs.

Ideally, a name is chosen prior to the ceremony. Most states require you to give your baby a name before leaving a hospital, and others mandate that you apply for birth certificates -- which of course requires a name -- within a month of birth. For choosing baby names, you can either ask Luna or search for Pagan or Celtic baby names.

At least wait until after the baby’s umbilical cord has dropped off to perform this ceremony. Some choose to wait until their child is ready and able to make a decision of which spiritual path they will choose. 

Since the purpose of a naming ceremony is to present the new individual to the community, it places the child under the protection of everyone present at the naming ceremony. Since there are usually so many at the ceremony, the parents may wish to appoint Guardians (of godmother/godfather) for their child. This position is similar to the Christian concept of Godparents. When choosing Guardians, make sure they understand their position is not the same as a legal guardian; it is a symbolic position.

if you’re planning to invite non-Pagans to the ceremony -- which you certainly should, if they’re part of your network of family and friends -- you may want to brief them ahead of time to let them know this is not exactly the same as a Christian baptism. Not notifying family and friends may cause hard or uncomfortable feeling during and after the ceremony.

In the ceremony, the parents take on the role of High Priest and High Priestess and dedicate themselves to their child.  They are asked to swear an oath to their baby to protect, love, honor, and raise them to the best of their abilities.

The ritual is usually held outside, if weather permits, since most churches and other religious places do not look favorably on Pagan rituals. If outside is not an option, find a place big enough for everyone you’ve invited. Cleanse the room beforehand to eliminate any traces of negative energies. There is usually an altar and whatever magical tools the officiant wished to use. Since Luna is a naturalistic witch, this will entail herbs, stones, a chalice full of liquid, and candles. 

All guests are invited to form a circle around the altar.  There is a chant and answer portion of the ceremony in which those present accept and welcome the child into their fold.  The baby is placed on the altar, and the parents give their blessing with the chalice of liquid.  The parents then hold the baby up to the sky so that the Gods and Goddesses can see the child.