THE SPIRITUALIST NAMING CEREMONY
| Published: 9th January 2007 16:48 |
BY RAY JONES
Perhaps one of the most meaningful of all the Spiritualist ceremonies is that of the Spiritual Naming. Over the years I have had the privilege of conducting many of these blessing both in the United Kingdom and the United States of America. Each one has been a great joy in which to participate and has left many meaningful memories of the experiences shared. Even now I permit the occasional wave of emotion to tarry awhile when I thin back.
So just what is a Naming Ceremony? As the words suggest it is a Spiritualist way of accepting from the arisen soul of the next life, their name for someone on the earth plane to be known by. To us here we might even reflect it as a sort of nickname given with affection. Whichever way we look at it, to me it is a great honour.
The ceremony is not as many believed restricted to the young. In fact the age range in my own particular ministries cover from 6 months to 92 years. From 'Gabriel' to ' 'Rosalie'.
The service that I conduct usually commences with the organist playing a little light music whilst the congregation familiarise them selves with what some may find to be their first time in a Spiritualist church. At the appointed moment the Officiate will perhaps direct the appropriate hymn to be sung and the congregation are asked to rise. When this is completed the Officiate commences a prayer or introduction, explaining something about the service. In my services I always ask that those who are to attend, bring with them a flower. The purpose of which is that at the chosen moment each person bearing such a flower will hand it to the named one or if it is a baby, place the flower upon the shawl or clothing of the child, at the same time taking the brief period to say a few words to the receiver of the floral gift. It can be very moving I can assure you.
Naming services have been in existence since the beginning of modern spiritualism and have always held a special place in the programs of our churches. The reverence and sincere way in which they are carried out has brought many a tear from the hardiest of people attending them. So if it’s your first time to witness such proceedings don’t be too surprised at the silent beauty that influences you.
The time when the spirit name is received from the spirit world and made known, is rarely given to the ministrant before the service. He or she has of necessity to be mediumistic. The moments prior to the name being given can be very tense within the officiate, as the expected name arrives, followed by the inner sigh of a relieved ‘Thank you’ As anyone will tell you, this is not a moment for complacency. It is a time of true spiritual communion. As interpretation or explanation of how and why the name is given, usually follow. I feel that it is essential so that in the future years, the named person can understand the origin and try to live to the standards that are portrayed in the spiritual meaning.
To complete the appreciation, a prayer of thanks is directed toward God, and those in the spirit world who have participated. A wonderful service and a wonderful feeling will always be apparent at the close and those present will be assured that he memories created will never be forgotten.
So what are the advantages, if any, in partaking in such a ceremony?. Well firstly it is for many, a re-affirmation of our love and devotion to those that have passed into the next world. It is a spiritual confirmation of their recognition and willingness to help us in times of need and desperation. A further bonding and acknowledgment of the continuity of life. God gave us a spiritual and physical life, so can it be such a surprise to acquire form his ministering angles, a spiritual name? After all, we have a physical name so why not a spiritual name?
This is a ceremony recognising the soul which has come amongst us, as an acknowledgement of identity and of oneness with God and all things in the Universe. It is an opportunity for us to bless the future well-being of the child and to offer the child in the ways of spiritual growth with freedom to choose its won pathway and religion with knowledge and love.
A naming Ceremony is a very special way of celebrating the birth of your child and welcoming the new arrival into the family and the wider community. It is also ideally suited to celebrate an older child or an adult into the family, particularly is there has not been a celebration previously. It is a perfect way to bond a family unit.
It’s also an opportunity to declare before family and friends, your promises to be as good a parent as you can and for adult friends or relatives to confirm their special relationship with your child. The child or children can be any age. A Naming Ceremony is a unique occasion for everyone to feel involved as they pledge their love and support for your child’s future development.
Naming ceremonies cross all religious and national boundaries. The tradition of embracing a new life as part of the community bean in ancient times, when early humans believed that a child was a gift of the gods and there was no concept of exactly how the gift was bestowed.
The Tradition goes back to the dawn of time
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