DEDICATION AND PROTECTION OF AN INFANT
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     On the night a baby is born, or on the third night after
that, the mother if she is able, and if not, the father or
midwife should take the baby outside.
     Hold the baby up to the heavens and say:
 
                    "OH LADY OF THE STARRY HEAVENS,
                    WISE ALL-FATHER,
                    BEHOLD THIS LOVELY CHILD,_______.
                    S/HE WAS CONCEIVED AND BROUGHT FORTH
                    IN LOVE.
                    BLESS AND PROTECT HIM/HER
                    AND GRANT THE GIFTS OF
                    WISDOM, WONDER, AND INSPIRATION."
 
     Place the child briefly on the Earth and say:
 
                    "HAIL EARTH, MOTHER OF ALL.
                    THIS IS MY INFANT, MY LOVE,
                    AND MY JEWEL.
                    BLESS AND PROTECT HIM/HER,
                    GRANT YOUR ETERNAL
                    STRENGTH AND STEADFASTNESS.
                    MAY S/HE EVER HAVE A SPIRIT
                    THAT SEEKS THE STARS
                    YET HAVE ROOTS BURIED DEEP WITHIN
                    THY LOVING BREAST."
 
     Hold the child closely and look about.  Visions and
omens about the child's future should appear for the seeing.