Closing of the Bones Ceremony

Closing of the Bones (Cierre de Cadera y de Ciclos) is a Ceremony facilitated during a time of transition or a closing of a cycle of life. It is the ritual of practice for any completed cycle to give way to a new phase of life.

When there is ritual involved, our nervous systems can more easily adapt to a new way of being.

Ceremony helps the body and spirit move from one identity to another.

When a closing of a chapter occurs, it is helpful to honor this transition. Some examples of these transitions and great times for this ceremony include:

  • Changing jobs

  • Moving

  • Empty nesting

  • Menopause

  • Marriage

  • Graduation

  • Divorce

  • Pregnancy lost

  • A special birthday

  • Postpartum

  • Any other meaningful transitions

Contraindications: This ceremony is NOT to be done prior to 40 days postpartum, during menstruation, or when the body is frail due to illness or surgery.

Closing of the Bones is a ceremony for completing a cycle and stepping into something new. Different traditions will include alternate elements in the ceremony, so you may see different descriptions of this ceremony throughout different lineages.

Here, I describe the elements of the ceremony I offer that has roots in Mexican Traditional Medicine including Curanderas, Parteras, and Sobadoras.

Most commonly used for postpartum to honor the motherbaby separation at or after 40 days after birth, modifications of the ceremony are chosen specifically for the person and the transition they are going through.

Experiencing this ceremony can be a helpful way to complete a chapter of life or an event that you feel needs closure. It is created to bring you through renewal, nourishment, cleansing, holding, and rebirth.

Ceremony Elements

Intention Setting

Herbal Bath

Closing of the Bones

Soup and Tea Integration

Rebozo Massage

Yoni Steam

  • Yoni Steam

    Vaginal vaporizatión, also called vaginal steaming or yoni steaming, is an ancient Mexican practice where a woman squats or sits over warm steam infused with medicinal plants. It is believed to allow for cleansing physically and energetically. Yoni steams are safe for women during many stages of life.

    The benefits span through many aspects of the body and spirit. Physically, it increases circulation, increases cervical fluid, improves menstrual cycle regularity, regulates blood flow, relieves menstrual cycle pain. Energetically, it can clear past patterns, soothe the energetic system, and allows for deep rest. Psychically, it cleanses memories from the womb space so stuck energy can move and new emotional and mental well-being can come in. And spiritually, it is known to help you connect with your inner power and voice.

  • Herbal Bath

    A herbal bath is a traditional medicine of many people in the Americas, Asia, and Europe. Herbal baths have traditionally been used to heal the physical body as well as cleanse the spiritual body.

    It is customary to give an herbal bath to a woman after birth. It is believed that bathing helps a woman eliminate accumulated toxins, fluid and fatigue, as well as helping her bones and tissues return to place after pregnancy and birth. Bathing helps a woman eliminate accumulated toxins, fluid and fatigue, as well as help her tissues and bones return to their place after having expanded and opened during pregnancy and childbirth.

  • Rebozo Massage and Closing

    The rebozo massage is based on the combination of soft and rhythmic movements, using the rebozo, or woven shawl, as an extension of the therapist's hands. This therapeutic technique aims to release energy blockages, relieve muscle tension and promote deep relaxation of the body and mind.

    The final piece of using the rebozos involves tucking, or knotting the rebozos so they create a bind around the participant. This is designed to create a deep sense of being held for the participant. This is the final of the stages of “death”. Where they are able to let go of the past stage of life and be unraveled to start anew.

Preparation

The ceremony will take between 3-5 hours. It is suggested to choose a time when there are no prior obligations so you can take the time you need and rest afterwards.

This ceremony is best done in your home or place of comfort. After booking, I will send a short list of clothing and things to get together, all of which you already own.

I will bring all herbs, teas, soup, altar settings, rebozos, and materials.

You may choose to have a partner or children join you for the integration piece at the end.

I am currently offering Closing of the Bones Ceremonies in and around Ashland, Oregon. I also will travel for your special event.

Pricing $375 includes all teas, herbs, soups, and materials. Ceremony is facilitated in English.

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