Since our earliest history, rituals have served to mark times of change and to deepen the connections within family and community. Life Cycles staff will help you create a ceremony to commemorate not only the generally recognized life transitions, but also to celebrate the attainment of any personal goal.
- "Baby (or Child) Naming"
For those not part of a religious community, a Naming Ceremony is a richly meaningful way to introduce your new child to family and friends. Each ceremony is developed to your personal preferences, and can include siblings, grandparents and other important loved ones. Often, "mentors" are named to assist the parents in teaching values and beliefs and in developing a moral philosophy of life.
Adopted Children–A naming ceremony around the time of the adoption is a powerful means to underscore the connections between the child and his or her new family and community.
- Weddings
Life Cycles will help you create a personalized marriage ceremony, then perform that service at the location of your choice.
- Commitment Ceremonies– for those couples who wish to honor the meaning of their relationship, but for whom legal marriage would involve financial disadvantages
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"Welcome Home"– new home dedications
Changing one's residence is often associated with a change in life circumstances, whether leaving the family home for dorm or apartment, relocating due to job or career change, raising a family or even "downsizing." In the busyness of planning for the new home and organizing the move, it can be difficult to pause and reflect on the meaning of these changes and the hopes and anticipations we hold for our lives in these new quarters. Life Cycle's Home Dedication Ceremony provides the opportunity to move through this transition with thoughtfulness, to share the excitement of the change and to create a vision of your future in this new living space.
- Renewal of Vows-
For couples marking a special anniversary or for those wishing to recommit to one another after a difficult period in their marriage, the renewal of vows is a powerful ritual that honors the pair's history as well as anticipates a positive future together.
- Divorce (‘letting go') Ceremonies
Ending a marriage end and building a new life is a complicated, painful process–usually filled with stress, sorrow and uncertainty. At some point, however, (and not necessarily related to the legal process) energy is more focused on the rebuilding and on the future. Formalizing this letting go of the marriage and visualizing a better future with a ceremony–with your former spouse or as a single person–is a powerful way to respect the process and to move forward with hopefulness and confidence.
- Graceful Aging or ‘Croning'
While much is reported on our society's "youth culture," more and more we are also recognizing the value and richness of the aging process. Many women choose to validate this process with a "graceful aging" or "croning" ceremony. Appropriate at any ‘older' age, preparing for such a gathering can involve a life-so-far review and the creation of a personal vision of aging. Sharing these thoughts and receiving feedback from loved ones is incredibly powerful and affirming.
"Mary conducted a croning ceremony for my 50th birthday that was meaningful and memorable. She provided guidance and support every step of the way, from helping me to decide which elements to include in this ceremony, to designing and sending the invitation, to leading the ceremony. I gained valuable insights about myself and deepened relationships with friends who participated. We reminisced, we laughed and we cried. I recommend Mary and this ceremony to any woman." -Alana M.
- Memorial Services
- Pet Burial Services
We will also work with you to create a meaningful gathering to honor any life change.
