[This is from a Pagan mailing list. Info about it is in:]
[/pub/religion/pagan/Net/uthers_mailinglist. --Ceci     ]

From:	IN%"WMJONES@Gems.VCU.EDU"  2-DEC-1993 20:05:33.31
Subj:	Wiccaning ritual

Ananaia wrote:
...
Anyway, my question is: does anyone have any rituals or 
suggestions for a welcoming or blessing ceremony for this precious
little one.   My husband is tolerant and to some degree open to my
interest in wicca, but too much ritual and mythological imagery can
put him off.  So I am looking for something more straight forward. 
If anyone has anything to share with me, I would be very
appreciative.
...

This is the text of the Wiccaning ritual Carol and I used for our
baby. We were lucky enough to have three other covens in the area
to join with us in welcoming Arnie to the world. It seemed to be
well recieved.

It may be too much for your husband, but maybe you can adapt the
basic themes:

- a reminder that the child has CHOSEN to be born to you
- an introduction to the physical and spiritual aspects of the    
  world by meeting the elementals and the Lord and Lady
- a naming ceremony
- the parents verbalizing their feelings by stating vows (very    
  important IMHO)
- community building by allowing all present a chance to verbalize 
  their feelings

Remember that the ceremony is more for the adults than the child!
It is more important to make sure that the feelings come through
than to follow a set form. Let me know how it works out! BB,Bill

                        Wiccaning Ritual

     <<< Cast Circle >>>

Ps.  We gather together as a Circle of friends to welcome one of
     our own back to the community. In past lives we have lived,
     loved, and fought together. It is with great rejoicing that we
     greet one who has returned.

P.   His spirit is one with us, as he has shown by choosing to
     reincarnate in this time and place. But his body is new, and
     must be introduced to the ancient ways of our people.

     <<<  Parents hold child facing north. Ps moves to the north
          holding salt >>>

Ps.  I call to the North
     Powers and creatures of Earth
     Greet this child,
     And give him your blessings.

     <<<  Sprinkle baby with salt. Parents then hold child facing
          East. P moves to the east with censer >>>

P.   I call to the East,
     Powers and creatures of Air.
     Greet this child,
     And give him your blessings.

     <<<  Cense child. Parents then hold child facing south. P
          moves to the south with the sword (or wand) >>>

P.   I call to the South,
     Powers and creatures of Fire.
     Greet this child,
     And give him your blessings.

     <<<  Touch baby with the flat of the blade (or wand). Parents
          then hold child facing the West. Ps moves to the west
          with the chalice. >>>

Ps   I call to the West,
     Powers and creatures of Water.
     Greet this child,
     And give him your blessings.

     <<<  Sprinkle baby with water. P & Ps return to Altar, parents
          and child stand on the other side of the altar >>>

Ps.  Woden and Freya, Lord and Lady,
     We bring this young child before You,
     Asking that You embrace him in body and spirit.
     Protect and guide him upon his path,
     and witness that we accept him into out community
     In Perfect Love and Perfect Trust.

P.   (parent's names), have you chosen a Wiccan name for your
     child?

Parents   Yes, -------

Ps   (baby's mundane name), your parents have chosen (------) to
     be your Pagan name until you come of age. You have honored
     them by being born to them. Now, they return the honor with
     these vows:

     <<<  Parent's state their vows to the child; generally to love
          and respect and protect the child and to be an all around
          good parent. >>>

P.   the Lord and Lady, the watchtowers, and all present bear
     witness to the naming of this child, and to the vows made by
     his parents. It is time for the community to welcome (------).
     Greet him and give him your blessings.

     <<<  P and Ps give their blessings, then parents take the baby
          around to meet the rest of the Circle and receive their
          blessings >>>

Ps.  As adults coming into the Craft, we tend to emphasize the rite
     of initiation into the mysteries. Yet, as important as that
     is, initiation is only one of many rites of passage to be
     experienced in a lifetime. (------) has experienced his first
     rite of passage and his first Circle. May the Gods grant that
     the members of this community will be there to guard and guide
     him as he grows to reach other rites of passage.

     <<<  do Cakes & Ale or close Circle >>>



Written by:    Coven of the Fertile Earth

               C.O.F.E.
               PO Box 174
               Mechanicsville, VA 23111-0174

Permission is granted to distribute, use and adapt for personal
use.