Ausa Vatni/Nafnfest (Name Fastening)

Formally announcing a newborn’s name is a very powerful milestone, it is a word that will have immense meaning as well as power and therefore influence over them for the rest of their life - a key component to their identity. It is also a wonderful opportunity for parents and family to convey their hopes and dreams for their child’s future. Promising to help support, protect and guide the child through life has traditionally fallen to Godparents (christianity) however, we don’t use this term, instead Guideparents or Guardians take on the honoured role and can be an integral part of the ceremony with other family members and guests. (Parents to ensure it is understood the term Guardian in this sense is not the same as legal guardian)

There are a number of different rituals that can take place as part of the child’s naming ceremony which we can discuss. None of these set the child necessarily on that path, they are always free to choose their own way as they grow. The ritual known as 'Ausa Vatni' was carried out in iron age viking-era by sprinkling water over the baby and their name declared before the community. A gift was also given to the child whether the family was rich or not. It was called the Nafnfest which meant the Name Fastening. The parents, especially the fathers, would give their newly-born child a gift, for example, a ring, weapons, or other tokens. Those gifts were commonly related to the farms or the lands.

My Naming Ceremony will normally follow this Norse format, invoking the Norns, Frigga and various dieties as well as adding elements that the parents and family wish to include. All of these details will be discussed and agreed upon in our various consultations.

Each naming ceremony will be different depending on the family’s circumstances beliefs and personal preferences. I will always do my level best to accomodate all requirements and aspects of your special day.

After an initial consultation to discuss what it is you are actually looking for I will send you a questionaire to complete in order for me to learn more about the family and your story to help me create the perfect ceremony for you that you will then be able to edit later. What can you expect from me?

• As many meetings as you require in order for us to build your special ceremony

• On the day of your ceremony, I will be there at least 1 hour before in order to sort out any last minute issues that might arise and ease you into enjoying your wonderful day

• I will conduct your ceremony, leaving you with a special keepsake of your special day

• Once the ceremony is finished I will quietly slip away to leave you to your celebrations

  Price: From - £400

  Terms and conditions apply

Other Milestone Moments

There are many occasions to celebrate as we go through life… Sweet Sixteen for which there are some delightful ceremony ideas; new home, retirement, significant birthdays and anniversaries, new job or first job even a new business! Who needs an excuse for a celebration? Let me help put a magical moment together for you no matter the occasion

I also do Norse, Pagan and Celtic annual calendar events.