Blessing Charm for an Infant. This ritual is intended to provide protection, guidance, and positive energy for a newborn or young child. It uses elements of folk magic and can be adjusted to fit your personal or family traditions. The following steps are organized for clarity and ease of use.
To begin, gather these items: several bay leaves (for protection and blessings), one gold candle (for light, prosperity, and warmth), red thread (for vitality and the thread of life), and a muslin bag or any small natural-fabric pouch (to hold the charm).
Start by preparing the muslin bag. Sew three small X’s at the top of the bag using the red thread. These X’s represent protection, love, and health. As you sew, focus on wishing well-being for the child.
The timing of the ritual is important. Traditionally, it is performed during the night of a Waning Moon, which is linked to banishing negativity and offering protection. Check a lunar calendar to find the right evening, and prepare your materials ahead of time.
Before you begin, make sure the child has been bathed and is ready for bed. Cleanliness is believed to invite positive energy. Arrange all your ritual items neatly on a small table. The child should be held by a parent, close family member, or trusted friend. If others are present, they may stand in a circle around the table. If your practice includes casting a protective circle, do so now to create a safe and sacred space.
To start the blessing, light the gold candle. As you light it, say these words with the intention of protection and growth for the child:
By the light of the Moon,
and the grace of the Sun.
You’ll grow up far too soon,
Stay safe little one.
Next, place each bay leaf into the bag, one at a time. With each leaf, say the following lines:
First leaf: May the Goddess give you Grace.
Second leaf: Sun and Moon light on your face.
Third leaf: Give you strength in any danger.
Fourth leaf: Share your kindness with a stranger.
Fifth leaf: Always keep you in good health.
Sixth leaf: Know the value of yourself.
Seventh leaf: Guide you to your Sacred path.
Eighth leaf: Help the learning of your Craft.
Ninth leaf: With this wisdom you’ll be sound,
So Mote it Be, this Blessing’s bound.
Take your time with each line, letting the words and intentions settle into the charm.
After all the bay leaves are in the bag, close it and say:
With the power of this Charm, keep (name) safe from threat or harm.
Invite everyone present to gently kiss the infant’s forehead. This act symbolizes the love and support of the community.
Place the finished charm in the infant’s room, out of reach of children. Allow the candle to burn out naturally to complete and seal the blessing.
