Closing of the Bones: My Personal Journey into This Sacred Ceremony
- Kathryn Brown
- Sep 24
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 27
When I first heard about the Closing of the Bones ceremony, I was blown away by its beauty — and I also felt a pang of sadness. I was already pregnant with my second child and had no idea that such a ritual even existed. A ceremony created not for the baby, but for me, the mother. An honouring of what I had been through. A recognition of the transformation I had undertaken. At the time, I only heard whispers of it. I didn’t know where it came from, who performed it, or even if I would be “eligible” for one. I wanted to know more, but I didn’t know where to turn.
Receiving My First Closing of the Bones
Fast forward a few years. After completing my yoga teacher training and spending time teaching pregnancy and postpartum yoga, I felt a deep pull to expand my spiritual understanding of these sacred times in a woman’s life. That calling led me to 13 Moons Women’s Temple, a Kundalini Yoga and Meditation training school. It was there that I not only studied the Closing of the Bones ceremony but was blessed to receive one myself. And truly — words can’t capture the depth of that experience. Afterwards, I felt more grounded. More calm. More certain of my place in the world. In the teachings, it’s said that this ritual returns your soul to your body. I can say, with certainty, that I felt that.
Why I Offer This Ceremony
As a modern woman living in a modern world, I am passionate about bridging the gap between ancient wisdom and our everyday lives. I believe with all my heart that every woman who has birthed a child deserves to receive this ceremony. You don’t need to consider yourself spiritual. The Closing of the Bones is simply about acknowledgement, honouring, and welcoming you back into yourself. It is about being seen, held, and nurtured in a way that our culture often forgets to provide. If you feel intrigued but unsure — that’s exactly how I felt when I first heard about it. So here’s a little breakdown to help you understand what this beautiful ceremony is all about.
What Is It?
The Closing of the Bones is an ancient postpartum ritual practiced
in cultures around the world. It uses shawls, touch, meditation, and ritual to symbolically and energetically “close” the mother after the openness of pregnancy and birth. It’s about returning your energy to your body and helping you feel grounded, contained, and whole again.
Who Performs It?
Traditionally, this ceremony was performed by midwives, elders, or women in the community. Today, it is shared by trained facilitators who hold space with reverence and care. I feel deeply honoured to have been trained and initiated into this lineage and to offer this sacred service to women in Brisbane. Find out more about me - HERE
Who Is It For?
While the ritual is often received in the early postpartum months, it is not limited to new mothers. It can be profoundly healing for:- Mothers months or even years after giving birth- Women who have experienced miscarriage or loss- Any woman moving through transition, such as menopause, grief, or endings. This ceremony is for any woman who feels the call to be honoured, held, and reconnected with herself.
How Long Does It Take?
The ceremony itself takes about an hour, with an additional 30 minutes either side for setup and pack-down. You’ll want to allow around two hours in total. If you have a small baby, they can be at home with a family member during the ritual so you can be fully present for yourself.
How Can You Receive One?
If you feel called to this ceremony, I invite you to reach out and we can arrange a time that suits you - Contact ME. This is your space to come home to yourself — to feel honoured, acknowledged, and deeply supported in your journey as a mother and as a woman.
What my Past Clients have Said
Hearing how other women have experienced the Closing of the Bones can help you understand its depth and beauty. Here are a few words from mothers I’ve had the honour of holding in this sacred space:
"I didn’t realise how much I needed this until I was in it. The ceremony gave me permission to slow down, to release the heaviness I’d been carrying, and to feel like myself again. I left feeling lighter, more connected, and deeply nurtured."— Sophie M.
"The Closing of the Bones felt like being wrapped in love. After my birth I felt scattered and fragile, but this ceremony helped me feel whole again. It was like a gentle reminder that I am worthy of care, too."— Elena R.
"This experience was transformative. I had been holding on to so much — grief, exhaustion, and self-doubt. During the ritual, I felt safe to let go. Afterwards, I felt grounded, calm, and finally at peace with my birth experience."— Amara L.
A Closing Reflection
To every mother reading this: you are worthy of being honoured. You are more than what you give, more than what you carry, more than the roles you juggle each day. This ceremony is not just about closing — it’s about opening you back to yourself.
If your heart feels even the smallest spark of curiosity, trust that. It may be the whisper of your soul calling you home. I would be honoured to hold this sacred space for you. Contact me to Book you Ceremony 🌸
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