(These came to us from the Pregnant Pagans list on Onelist (now eGroups 4/00).  They appear here in a slightly modified form.)

Blessing/"Dedication" of Unborn:

After casting your circle (with normal ritual tools and accoutrements...and/or anything else you'd like for the occasion), lie Skyclad (you may wish to bring a pillow or something for comfort) under the light of the moon (preferably Full Moon to represent pregnancy).

Call to the Goddess: ask for Her blessings and Her love and help during your pregnancy and during delivery and motherhood. Ask also for Her protection and blessings on your child. Make this as general or specific as you wish or feel the need to. After you have done this, meditate on your pregnancy and on your life before, during, and after (what you think it will be if you don't know from exp) the new child...try to think of the positives and if any "negatives" or unpleasantness sneak in (or if you'd like to include them for "just in case" purposes) then imagine them being handled in a calm and positive manner. After you've meditated long enough (you decide for yourself), thank the Goddess and close the circle. Don't forget the "wine" and cakes!

Spell For Easy Childbirth

(This came to us from the Pregnant Pagans list on Onelist)

Work this spell every morning for a week before your delivery date. Anoint a white candle with vegetable oil and roll it in some powdered lavender.

Light the candle and sit or lie down in a comfortable position.  Place both hands on your belly, saying:

"Mother Goddess, hold my hand,

And stay with me throughout this time.

Cradle me in Your loving arms,

and talk to me of Nature's rhyme

Ease the pains of labor when

The time comes for this baby's birth;

Comfort me and guide me through

Its deliverance onto Earth,

And grant that labor not be long,

And that this baby is born with ease,

And that our lives be filled with laughter.

Thank you, Mother.  Blessed Be!"

Burn the candle for 15 minutes every day. On the 7th day, let the candle burn down completely. Place the wick and melted wax (if any) in the center of a piece of blue cloth 6inches square and sprinkle it with lavender. Mark a pentagram over the cloth with your finger and tie it closed with a piece of yellow ribbon. Keep the pouch with you during labor and delivery.

Dedication Of A Newborn Or Young Child

Perform outside preferably...under the light of the Moon.

Supplies:

Candle(s) of choice (as per the particular goddess you are calling on or your personal preference...), 

Incense (choose as you did the candle), 

Blessed salt water, 

Blessed soil, 

Goddess symbol (can include god too)

Any charm/necklace/special gift you wish to give the child as a symbol of protection/dedication.

Cast Circle as you normally would. 

Call the God and Goddess (one or both--preference) and, while holding the child aloft, ask that they protect and "know" this child as one of their own. "Meditate" on your love for Deity and your love of the child. Ask for help and guidance in raising the child in a true and positive way and helping them find their own proper path. (Tailor to any specifics you may have.)

Hold your child close to you and let your love surround her (or him) and protect...comfort...cherish...

Charge the gift and present to the child.

Thank the God and Goddess.  Close the Circle.

"Wine" and Cakes...make sure the newborn (or child) gets at least a dribble of these...if only on her lips (in case of newborn)...can even express some milk if breastfeeding and use that for "Wine."