Hello,
I have checked and I have full permission to share this moment with you. A dear friend of mine's daughter turned 13 this week. Izzy, her mother had asked her adult female friends who have known her daughter for much of her life, to write a prayer, wise words or wishes, which she would add to her prayer pouch.
The Prayer Pouch Tradition
For those that don't know, a prayer pouch or tie is a Native American red string belt worn around the waist, which has red square pouches attached to it, traditional to The Lakota and other Plains tribes. Each square is filled with blessed tobacco and houses the prayers and good wishes offered, which are also intended to protect the wearer.
On her birthday, Izzy's daughter would receive these prayers from witnesses and allies throughout her life, marking her coming of age. She would also receive a gold charm bracelet from all of us. A more 'Chichi gift', and a sufficient nod to modernity for a girl of her years.
Missing Rites of Passage
As a mother to a young girl, it made me think about how beyond our actual birthdays there is a distinct lack of rites of passage into womanhood in modern society.
I was really inspired by how Izzy had thought to combine a very ancient tradition with a modern touch. I could see my own daughter loving the modern version more, but at least this ritual might help her understand the provenance of such a gift one day.
Ancient Connections
As I posted out my trinket, I realised that beyond a form of jewelry, I'd never stopped to think about the ancient and mystical origins of the charm bracelet or necklace.
Wearing symbolic objects dates back to prehistoric times, when early humans wore talismans made from shells, bones, and stones for protection and good fortune. The ancient Egyptians pioneered charm bracelets around 3000 BCE, wearing protective amulets to ward off evil and bring good fortune into the afterlife.
Similarly during medieval times, knights and nobles wore charm bracelets featuring heraldic symbols and gemstones believed to possess magical and protective powers during battle. Not to mention Queen Victoria, who gave charm bracelets a significant boost in popularity during the 19th century by wearing mourning charms after the death of her beloved Prince Albert.
The 20th century saw charm jewelry evolve further, from symbols of faith and superstition, to dangling personal mementos. However, as is often the case with the passage of time, some of us have long forgotten its sacred connection to other ancient traditions or items, like prayer pouches or ties, worn to mark significant milestones in a young person's life.
Somehow, it felt like an even greater honour to contribute my charm, knowing what else it might signify and mean to her daughter in years to come.
My Wishes for Her
As for my wishes and prayers for her pouch,
"Beloved xxxx,
Today is a very important day indeed. I suppose in your world you're moving from tween to teen, but in the world beyond yours, this is a mega rite of passage into womanhood!
Despite the ups and downs that life will present to you, always remember it is a real privilege to be a woman, especially to be a free woman at this time on the Earth.
Always remember that you are enough, more than enough in fact! Never let anyone make you play smaller than you are. Remember that it is your birthright to be a woman that shines brilliantly and brightly in the world, so don't dim your light. The world needs beautiful, powerful and talented young women like you...
I believe that your generation will help us turn this ship around, and get humanity back on track. No pressure!!
Don't forget that you are MAGIC, just like the extraordinary magic and mystery that gave you life. Use it wisely, within you are the keys to creation.
And whatever you do, beyond all things, TRUST in yourself and in your deepest inner knowing and wisdom as a woman. Let that be your compass, it is precious, nurture it and protect it.
Lastly, remember to surround yourself with kind people and good women. Women who will show you that when we truly come together, we are an extraordinary force for good, one that can change the world.
Oh, and be sure to heal those places that hurt, and laugh a LOT!
We are so very lucky to have this life and may you always be blessed.
Happy birthday darling - your present is on the way!
All my love,
Remi.
Love,
Remi
Founder and CEO (Chief Esoteric Officer)
Listen to a snippet of Remi talking about rites of passage here.
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Ps. We launch our first Coaching Short this week!!
