Rituals have historically been used to bring power and meaning to the passages between different stages in life. They make it possible for us to approach life transitions with clarity, respect, and awareness by raising our level of attention and participation.

Birth is a key life passage for women. But modern America has become preoccupied with the arrival of the baby-to-be, and lost touch with birth’s profound impact on the mother-to-be herself.

While our most common birth preparations focus on getting women physically ready to give birth, the blessingway ritual helps a woman to prepare mentally, emotionally, and spiritually for the work of birthing- freeing her to open to instinctive abilities that will guide her as she steps into motherhood.

Full of straightforward information, detailed checklists, helpful tips, and practical advice, Mother Rising contains everything needed to successfully plan, organize, and lead a blessingway. But this is not simply a how-to book! Woven throughout the well-designed pages are thoughtful explorations of cultural habits and women’s issues. While examining the loss of connection to meaningful traditions and lack of personal support systems, Mother Rising shows how the power created by women coming together will deepen friendships, build communities, feed spirits, and even revitalize our culture.