The Closing of the Bones ceremony is a sacred ritual from the Yucatec Maya healing lineage. This ceremony, traditionally offered after childbirth, offers closure, healing, and renewal at any time after birth, miscarriage, or a terminated pregnancy. A ceremony inspired by the closing of the bones can also be powerful for anyone going through a big transition, including leaving the family home, marriage, divorce, leaving a job, and more.
A Journey to the End of the Universe
Ancient Mayan wisdom says that women must travel to the end of the universe to bring a child into the world. This extraordinary journey leaves a woman’s body and spirit wide open and vulnerable. The Closing of the Bones ceremony lovingly honors that journey and helps call the woman fully back to herself, restoring balance, safety, and containment.
What the Ceremony Involves
The ritual may include gentle plant brushing, aromatic herbs, smudging, womb massage, and prayers. The body is wrapped with shawls or cloths in a sequence that symbolically and physically “closes” what has been opened. This process often brings grounding to the body, comfort to the heart, and peace to the spirit. The ceremony is typically done with more than one woman present, so if the woman has family or friends who would like to support her, they can be a part of the ceremony.
A Ceremony for Life’s Transitions
While rooted in postpartum healing, Closing of the Bones can also be profoundly supportive during other transitions in a woman’s life. When a child leaves home for college, gets married, takes a major step into adulthood, or tragically passes away, if the mother hasn’t received the ceremony yet, it can help her process the grief and change that come with letting go. It offers a sacred space to honor endings and beginnings, and to reconnect with one’s center in the midst of change.
A Ceremony of Renewal
Women who receive this ceremony often describe feeling held, supported, and deeply restored. Whether after birth, loss, or transition, the Closing of the Bones offers a sacred space to honor the body, release grief, and invite healing.
If you are a woman who has been pregnant and would like to receive this ceremony, please schedule a call so that we can connect and see if this ceremony is right for you.
