Introduction:
The concept of "Closing the Bones" first crossed my path during a Midwifery Today conference in the serene coastal town of Byron Bay, Australia. Sister Morningstar, a wise midwife, shared the captivating story behind this traditional postpartum ritual. Little did I know that this initial encounter would set me on a transformative journey. In this blog post, I'll take you through my personal journey of discovery and unravel the significance of "Closing the Bones."
My Unexpected Introduction:
After my initial exposure to the concept, life carried me forward, and I didn't dwell on it much. However, destiny had other plans. About four or five years later, I received an invitation to participate in a "Closing the Bones" ceremony. This invitation was extended to me because I had unexpectedly been part of this woman's birthing experience, and her team believed it was essential for me to be present. Little did I know that this would be a beautiful, spiritual, and deeply nourishing experience, honoring her incredible journey into motherhood.
The Ongoing Journey:
Following this profound ceremony, I occasionally offered "Closing the Bones" to my clients. However, I couldn't shake the feeling that I might be appropriating another culture's sacred practice. It was then that I decided to embark on an enlightening journey by enrolling in an online course led by a Mexican midwife. Through this course, I began to truly comprehend the significance and depth of this ancient practice.
Unveiling "Closing the Bones":
"Closing the Bones" is a postpartum ritual rooted in traditional Mexican midwifery. Nevertheless, similar closing rites can be found in various cultures around the world, including Russia, Morocco, and Serbia, just to name a few, and each with its unique traditions and interpretations. In the context of Mexican midwifery, it's believed that during pregnancy, a woman's aura undergoes a profound expansion to accommodate the life and soul of the unborn child. Birth itself marks the zenith of this vibrational expansion across all planes—physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual.
The Ritual's Essence:
The essence of "Closing the Bones" lies in honoring this remarkable expansion and gently guiding the new mother towards closure. It's a way to return her to her center, acknowledging her transformation into motherhood. The ritual consists of four integral aspects, each meticulously designed to provide warmth, nourishment, and grounding to the new mother. These aspects also serve as a means of offering closure after childbirth or any significant life transition. Here's what's typically involved:
Full-Body Massage: The ritual commences with a soothing full-body massage, using herb-infused oil. This massage is a gesture of profound care and relaxation for the mother.
Yoni Steam or Herbal Bath: Depending on the location, the mother may receive a Yoni steam or an herbal steam bath. This practice is believed to rejuvenate and cleanse, promoting healing and balance.
Reflective Time: The mother is wrapped in warm blankets to encourage her to sweat and cleanse, and encourage a moment of quiet reflection. This time allows her to contemplate her journey, both physically and emotionally.
Tightening and Closing with Rebozos: The ritual concludes with the skillful use of rebozos, traditional Mexican shawls, to gently tighten and close the mother's body. This symbolic act signifies the end of one phase and the beginning of a new cycle.
Conclusion:
The "Closing the Bones" ceremony is a profoundly beautiful and versatile ritual. It offers closure after childbirth, but it can also provide solace and healing in the face of other significant life transitions, such as abortion, miscarriage, the end of breastfeeding, or any rite of passage. This practice embraces the old but also ushers in the new, aligning individuals with their transformed selves. My journey into the world of "Closing the Bones" has been one of deep exploration and reverence, and I'm excited to share this sacred tradition with those who seek its nourishing embrace.
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