An inclusive and sympathetic workbook for anyone wishing to create personal rituals and celebrations that mark the many different events surrounding all aspects of becoming a parent.

Birthrites offers practical advice for potential parents. However, rather than concentrating solely on pregnancy, birth and motherhood as may be expected, this book also explores Becoming A Father, Adoption and Miscarriage (to name but a few of the chapter headings). Jackie Singer emphasises the importance of ritual and ceremony; marking life-changing events, and sharing this experience with others.

The suggested ceremonies are varied in nature and never dogmatic, ensuring wide-ranging appeal. Some simply involve quiet contemplation, whereas others can include a specific activity. Throughout the book, Jackie Singer emphasises the individuality and adaptability of ceremony; nothing is set in stone. The author’s personal experiences are interspersed with quotes and real-life accounts from a wide range of contributors.

Singer provides reassurance and support in this relaxed, friendly guide, and achieves a considered balance between practicality and sensitivity. Birthrites identifies an ancient facet of human activity forgotten by some of us, and overlooked by many. Far too often in modern life, the importance of pausing for thought is disregarded.

“Much as the human experience of fertility and reproduction is medicalised in our current times, it still remains an area of profundity... Whether we have a need to express joy, seek guidance, or grieve our losses, working with ritual can give us the means to engage more fully with the mysteries of birth, death and transformation.”

Key Sales Points:
As an increasing awareness of the value of these approaches has grown so has the desire for literature on the subjects. Jackie is is an experienced and inspirational practitioner, her writing eloquent, wise and clear.

Expect interest from the UK’s TV and Radio media, the national and alternative/specialist press and from the very active mothering and parenting blogs.

The Author:
Studied at Oxford University and at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London. Over the next fifteen years she led creative and therapeutic projects with a wide variety of community groups.
Jackie has always found ritual important for marking changes in her own life, and helpful for moving through difficult times. In 2001 she began offering her services as a celebrant to facilitate other people to experience the benefits of non-denominational ceremony. Jackie lives in Oxford with her young family. Her professional life is divided between writing, making ceremonies, music and storytelling.

Pages: 208

Binding: Paperback

Illustrations:
16 line drawings

RRP: £12.95

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