How to Plan for Your Child's Wiccaning

A wiccaning is a ceremony, similar to a christening, which is held after the birth of a child that is born to Wiccan parents. The ceremony does not have to be done at any particular time, but different individuals and Wiccan covens may have their own idea as to when the ceremony should be held. The wiccaning is to welcome the child into the family and the Wiccan community. While this ceremony is more so for the parents and the friends attending than for the baby, the baby is the most important individual there at that moment and concessions should be taken for them. Try using some of these tips to help plan a ceremony that will be pleasant and joyous and not stressful on the child.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide where you want the wiccaning to be held. If you are not affiliated with a specific coven or there is not one in your area, you may want to think about renting an area where the ceremony can be held.

2. If you are not a member of a specific coven, you will want to find a Wiccan priest or priestess that will perform the ceremony with you. There are several websites that list covens in different areas and usually list the names of people presiding over the coven.

3. You will also need to pick a date that works well for everyone involved. Take in to account the other activities that will be happening around the same time, you don't want to over book yourself.

4. Think about whom you want to invite to the ceremony and who you will want to participate, if anyone. If you are going to be naming godparents for your child, you may want them to participate in the ceremony. Talk to them and see if they have any wishes that they would like to verbally make the day of the ceremony. If the godparents are not Wiccans themselves, you may need to explain a little about what will happen during the ceremony to them. The unknown can seem a little strange and uninviting; you will want to make those involved in the ceremony comfortable with the ceremony.

5. Go over what you want for the ceremony with the priest or priestess that will be officiating. They have probably performed many of these types of services before and can probably give you some very good ideas for the ceremony. Put on paper exactly what you want done at the ceremony, this will help later.

6. Send out invitations to those that you want to invite to the ceremony. Include directions to where the ceremony will be held. Also, if they are not familiar with Wicca, you might want to give them an idea of what will happen at the ceremony and if they will be expected to participate and if so, how.

7. Don't forget to plan for things that will make your child comfortable. They will be going through a situation that is new to them and most likely around people that they are not used to. You will want them to remain calm and comfortable. This will ensure that they are happy and then so will you be.

8. Remember this is a day of celebration. Be practical, and remember the guest of honor is still young and tires easily. Make sure you are adding in time for naps, feedings and diaper changes to keep your little one happy.

[tai-san]

on 1/7/2009 hi i want to do this for my children even though u am the only wiccan within my family and friends but i dont know where to start lookin to do this . Is there anyone who can help? Stacey