Birthrites: Rituals and Celebrations for the Child-bearing Years

Birthrites: Rituals and Celebrations for the Child-bearing Years

by Imogen Oxley (Illustrator), Jackie Singer (Author)

Synopsis

Birthrites offers practical advice for potential parents. However, rather than concentrating solely on pregnancy, birth, and motherhood, this book also explores "Becoming a Father," "Adoption," and "Miscarriage" (to name but a few). Jackie Singer emphasizes the importance of ritual and ceremony in marking life-changing events, and sharing this experience with others. The suggested ceremonies are varied in nature, ensuring wide-ranging appeal. Some simply involve quiet contemplation, whereas others incorporate a specific activity. Throughout the book, Singer emphasizes the individuality and adaptability of ceremony; nothing is set in stone. The author's personal experiences are interspersed with quotes and real-life accounts. Singer provides reassurance and support in this relaxed, friendly guide and achieves a considered balance between practicality and sensitivity. Birthrites identifies an ancient facet of human activity forgotten by some of us and overlooked by many. Far too often in modern life, the importance of pausing for thought is disregarded.

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More Information

Format: Illustrated
Pages: 208
Edition: 1
Publisher: Permanent Publications
Published: 19 Oct 2009

ISBN 10: 185623049X
ISBN 13: 9781856230490

Media Reviews
A refreshing and inspiring approach to how we celebrate key moments as our children grow up. It is an inclusive and easy to read book that can be used by a wide variety of families. In an inspiring way Jackie encourages new parents and parents-to-be to include rituals in their lives to mark the joyous or sad occasions that accompany the bringing up of children. A book to keep, treasure and visit to enrich family life. Richard Barnett, Ethical Pulse
Author Bio
Jackie Singer studied English at Oxford University, and then trained as a Drama and Movement Therapist at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Over the next fifteen years she led creative and therapeutic projects with a wide variety of community groups in Oxfordshire, and honed her skills as a musician and storyteller. Jackie has always found ritual important for marking the significant changes in her own life, and helpful for moving through difficult times. In 2001 she began offering her services as a celebrant to facilitate other people to experience the benefits of non-denominational ceremony. Improvisation as a route to inspiration is a common thread in all her work. Jackie now lives in Oxford with her husband and two young children, and divides her time between writing, making ceremonies, playing music, telling stories, and changing nappies.