How do you think she felt about it? I've always wondered what the perspective is from the young woman. I've had a couple of friends that their daughters wanted nothing to do with a ceremony like this despite being raised Pagan/Heathen. Raising a young witch myself (turning 6 this month) I always think about rites in her future and whether she will be honored or horrified by these things. Any info or advice is welcome.
Well, being a pre-teen who thinks everyone is observing and judging every single word she says and gesture she makes . . . she was apprehensive about being the center of attention. She only invited one friend in her age group who also comes from a strongly pagan background. She didn't want to invite people she'd have to explain things to--or anyone who might later make fun of this event. She understands the Power of Silence! She was also intrigued. The women who showed up were all women she knows well--her Magical Aunties who have been in her life as long as she's been here. She says she felt very honored. Felt like she had really been welcomed and that she was glad for all the information. She was moved--afterwards she wept in my arms while saying how grateful she was. If she had expressed any mixed feelings about it, I wouldn't have gone forward with it.
I think the horror and embarrassment some girls this age might feel is because they have already integrated the negativity of the over-culture.
I'm weeping just reading this. What a wonderful time for her, and you! Back when it was time for my daughters, I was very much a solitary, with no local pagan friends. Although special in it's own way between just mother and daughter, I would have loved for them to have had such an experience. I look forward to my grandchildren, and another chance... Thank You for sharing such a special time.
Thanks for sharing. I look forward to my daughters crossing but I hope to have a few more years until that celebration. I wish to give her what I didn't have. But on the other hand, I know my Mom gave me more than her mother was able to give her.
I have been planning a crossing ceremony for my now 13 year old son this spring with another Mom/Dad. I have found so little info in regards to boy vs girls and a gentle loving introduction to men mysteries. The only book that I have found so far is 'Boy into Man by Bernard Weiner'
As parents, we all do the very best we can with the tools we have on hand. My Mom certainly didn't have the tools I have. Her Mom had an even more limited toolbox. I hope I am passing on excellent tools to my daugher who will build upon them and be a better parent than I should she choose to parent at all.
Yes. Hard to find stuff for boys. I agree. Here, there are a couple of programs. One is a wilderness program offered by a local organization called Earth Works, which also offers tons of nature-based classes especially for homeschoolers (ah the threads are weaving together!) and another is run by the Men's Resource Network which is for adult men overcoming violence. Neither buy into patriarchal paradigms.
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I sent her my well-wishings last night.
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She was also intrigued. The women who showed up were all women she knows well--her Magical Aunties who have been in her life as long as she's been here.
She says she felt very honored. Felt like she had really been welcomed and that she was glad for all the information. She was moved--afterwards she wept in my arms while saying how grateful she was.
If she had expressed any mixed feelings about it, I wouldn't have gone forward with it.
I think the horror and embarrassment some girls this age might feel is because they have already integrated the negativity of the over-culture.
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Back when it was time for my daughters, I was very much a solitary, with no local pagan friends. Although special in it's own way between just mother and daughter, I would have loved for them to have had such an experience.
I look forward to my grandchildren, and another chance...
Thank You for sharing such a special time.
Reply
I have been planning a crossing ceremony for my now 13 year old son this spring with another Mom/Dad. I have found so little info in regards to boy vs girls and a gentle loving introduction to men mysteries. The only book that I have found so far is 'Boy into Man by Bernard Weiner'
Reply
As parents, we all do the very best we can with the tools we have on hand. My Mom certainly didn't have the tools I have. Her Mom had an even more limited toolbox. I hope I am passing on excellent tools to my daugher who will build upon them and be a better parent than I should she choose to parent at all.
Yes. Hard to find stuff for boys. I agree. Here, there are a couple of programs. One is a wilderness program offered by a local organization called Earth Works, which also offers tons of nature-based classes especially for homeschoolers (ah the threads are weaving together!) and another is run by the Men's Resource Network which is for adult men overcoming violence. Neither buy into patriarchal paradigms.
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