Back in July, I posted a ritual (not mine) to help protect immigrants.
With all the hubub around Title X funds, I would like to offer you another ritual, this time from Crafting Change, for Abortion Patients, Providers, and Protectors.
- What you will need:
* A quiet space to do this work
* That which makes your space centered/clean (incense/candles/etc…)
* 3 threads of string, embroidery floss or strands of yarn – long enough to braid and wind around your wrist, or tie to a bag/journal/something of significance. I suggest white (provider), red (patient), and black (protector).
* A heavy object to hold down the strands while braiding, or tape/a book/someway to secure it. For example, I used the weight of my chalice to hold it in place – you could use a book, or a censor. Consider what you want to weight the work, and what you have on hand.
The ritual
Center yourself
Create your space according to your need, path, and/or tradition
Measure the three threads/yarn naming them
* Patient
* Provider
* Protector
Tie the three threads together in a simple knot by coiling them together, coiling them into a loop & pulling the ends through (see this wiki how if you need a visual)
Say “our fates are woven” and begin braiding the three threads, stating, as you weave them their name
“Patient
Provider
Protector”
“Patient
Provider
Protector”
You’ll pick up speed, you may mix up roles, notice yourself, and what you are weaving together
“Patient
Provider
Protector”
Notice how the braid forms ; how quickly your hands and mouth want to move as you raise energy
“Patient
Provider
Protector”
When you are almost out of thread tie off the braid, stating again
“Our fates are woven”
…continue to say…
“Interdependent”
Then tie the braid to what you had decided will carry this reminder: around your wrist, on your bag, favorite protest pin, or other location, while stating:
“As I tie this to my (what you are tying it to)
I support your fates as my own
To protect
To love
To lend strength, and when this falls away, I will (name a concrete action).”
The original post also has some marvelous suggestions for concrete steps you can take to help as well.