A Baby blessing ceremony

22nd July 2001
Addington Neolithic Tomb

God Father (GF): Spirits of this ancient place, we ask for your blessings, guidance, protection and inspiration, on this rite of naming, and celebration of the blessing of [son] and [daughter]. Let us begin by giving peace to the quarters, for without peace, can no work be.

Goddess Mother (GM): May there be peace in the North. May there be peace in the South, May there be peace in the West. May there be peace in the East

All: May there be peace throughout the whole world.

The circle is cast, and consecrated with Fire and Water

GF: May the spirits of the four directions be invited into this circle to witness our celebration.

East: Let this place be filled with the joyful dawn chorus, with the gentle lullaby of breeze-caressed leaves, with the drowsy humming of honey-bees, and the faerie song of the wind. To the spirits and guardians of the East – Hail and Welcome!

South: Let this place be filled with crackling strength, with the warmth of the golden, balmy days. The melody of crickets, the dozy scurrying of summer hedgerows; the scents of the noon-day sun. To the spirits and guardians of the South – Hail and Welcome!

West: Let this place be filled with cool, renewing waters; the rippling brook , the sighing sea; the slap of the leaping salmon; the haunting cry of the whale, the droplet on the still pool, the peace of evening. To the spirits and guardians of the West – Hail and Welcome!

North: Let this place be filled with the glittering light of the cold northers stars; with the enduring strength of the earth, our Mother; the tang of the heather and the silent breath of the distant mountains. To the spirits and guardians of the North – Hail and Welcome!

Druids' Prayer is then recited by All


The baby blessing


Mother explains why her son is named XXXXXX – You are named XXXXX in honour of [add explanation in own words]. These are the names we give to you – should you wish to choose another name later in life then may you choose a noble and strong name that is worthy of you. 

[son] is passed to his Goddess-Mother

Father explains why his daughter is named XXXXXX – You are named XXXX after [add explanation in own words]. These are the names we give to you – should you wish to choose another name later in life then may you choose a name of beauty and of wisdom that is worthy of you. 

[daughter] is then passed to her God-Father


GM: What we will do now is take the children on a journey and present them to the four quarters, beginning in the North, place of gestation, from whence they so recently came through to this world from the womb of the Goddess.

They approach the North

GM: We have travelled to the realm of the north to present [son] and [daughter] to the powers of Earth

GF: Would the Spirits of Earth bless these children?

North: Yes (and gives Earth’s individual blessing and presents token gifts)

GF: We thank the Spirits of Earth for their generous gifts and blessings, may they stay with these children throughout their lives; so may it be.

All: So may it be.


They approach the West

GM: We have travelled to the realm of the West to present [son] and [daughter] to the powers of Water

GF: Would the Spirits of Water bless these children?

West: Yes (and gives Water’s individual blessing and presents token gifts)

GF: We thank the Spirits of Water for their generous gifts and blessings, may they stay with these children throughout their lives; so may it be.

All: So may it be.


They approach the South

GM: We have travelled to the realm of the South to present [son] and [daughter] to the powers of Water

GF: Would the Spirits of Fire bless these children?

West: Yes (and gives Fire’s individual blessing and presents token gifts)

GF: We thank the Spirits of Fire for their generous gifts and blessings, may they stay with these children throughout their lives; so may it be.

All: So may it be.


They approach the East

GM: We have travelled to the realm of the East to present [son] and [daughter] to the powers of Water

GF: Would the Spirits of Air bless these children?

East: Yes (and gives Air’s individual blessing and presents token gifts)

GF: We thank the Spirits of Air for their generous gifts and blessings, may they stay with these children throughout their lives; so may it be.

All: So may it be.


Godparents then hand the children back to their parents

Anyone else who wishes to bless the children or present gifts do so now and then a picnic is shared amongst the stones of our ancestors before the ceremony is closed in the usual way with the Oath of Peace and closing of the circle.