Creating an Altar at the beginning of the ceremony

Officiant's explanation:
We'd like to ask for your help today in creating an altar for today's celebration. The table contains an outline of a Feng Shui Bagua. The bagua is a map of how energy flows. The altar will be created as friends  and  family place gifts in the bagua symbolizing the blessings they bring (baby)

Using a table up front with a Feng Shui Bagau, have participants place an object (perhaps a gift) on the appropriate section as they announce the blessing they bestow. You can have the objects on hand or ask guests to bring them.

	4-Wealth	9-Fame/Self Esteem	2- Relationship
	3- Family/Ancestors	5- Health	7- Creativity/Children
	8-Study/Knowledge/Meditation	1- Career Life Path	6- Helpful Friends/Travel/Guides

For example, gifts such as these could be placed:
1) a small unicorn (in feng shui called the Chi Lin for good luck in career)
2) a toy that requires playmates
3) a family tree or ancestor photos for the baby's room, an family heirloom
4) a piggy bank with some coins/bills inside
5) a plant (non toxic of course) for the baby's room or yard (it can grow as the baby does)
6) an angel statue or religious statue
7) crayons, puppets or other creative supplies
8) a book
9) a baby turtle figurine, a tiara, a star for the baby's wall, a mirror

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Creating a Baby Blessing necklace

Have all the supplies on hand to create a necklace for baby (string/elastic and beads).  Give each participant a bead (special beads for special people-parents/grandparents, etc.) Participants can come forward to place their bead on the necklace as they announce the blessing they wish to bestow. If guests are in a circled seating parents can carry the baby around as the beads are placed.

Officiant's explanation: (at ceremony opening) We'd like your help today in creating a Baby Blessing necklace for _______________.You have each been given a bead to hold throughout the ceremony. Think of a blessing you would like to send ___________. As you hold these beads please send the bead positive and loving energy along with your blessing.

(Option 1: necklace creation is part of ceremony) Now we will create _______'s Blessing Necklace. As you string your bead onto the necklace announce the blessing you bestow.  Do not worry if someone has already expressed the blessing you wish to give. S/he may receive these glorious gifts many times over.

(Option 2: parents create necklace later.) At the conclusion of the blessing ceremony we would like you to place your bead in the bowl, speaking your blessing /writing it in to the book.

The necklace can be displayed on baby's wall until she is old enough to safely wear it.

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Creating Sand Art Blessings

Version 1
At this time I'd like the grandparents to come forward to assist us in starting the Sand ceremony, a ceremony of spiritual symbolism. Our families lay the foundation for our being. As the grandparent’s pour their sand, we think of the love and encouragement their families gave to (parent’s names)  This love and support remains as a foundation for _(baby name)_.

Now (parents) will pour their sand, representing the love and guidance they will provide (baby). (special person) has been selected to pour (baby’s name)’s  sand, representing all that s/he is and all that s/he will become.

Version 2

Parents can pour or friends/family

God, grant (baby) the gift of love- love from parents, grandparents, extended family and friends. Love that s/he may give in return.

God, grant (baby) the gift of words- words that will guide and encourage him/her throughout  his/her life’s journey.  Words that’s/he may clearly express his/her thoughts and feelings.

God, grant (baby) the gift of health, that s/he grows strong and smart.

(add any other blessings you choose- just give me your ideas and I’ll write it up.)

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Planting a tree

A tree can be planted as part of Baby's Blessing.  (I still drive by a childhood house to see the large trees planted there when I was young.)

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Candle Ceremony
(See sample blessings page)

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Bless the Baby with touch

Officiant/Parent/Special Person can read as other parent touches or officiant can read and touch.

Blessed be your toes-that you may know the joy of squishy mud, warm sand and cool water.
Blessed be your feet- that they may help you to walk the right path in life.
Blessed be your knees - that they may help you to move forward through whatever obstacles you may encounter and goals you wish to attain.
Blessed be your belly- that you may always find nourishment of body, and an occasional tickle now and then
Blessed be your heart- that you may live with it open- full of love to give and receive.

Blessed be your mouth-that you may always find the right words to express your innermost self.

Blessed be your eyes- that you may see the beauty in life and live in gratitude.

Blessed be your brain-that you may use it to your potential learning all you need to know and then teaching those around you.

Blessed be all the parts in between- you are a glorious gift, one of God’s Children.