Blessing a Pregnant Woman

When the babe is growing in the womb, we lay Mother Nerthus’s blessing on the burgeoning belly. Mark the mother with the runes Berkana and Ac, for growth and strength. Crown her with a wreath of fir twigs bound and dangling with bright ribbons, and say the following prayer:

Mother Nerthus, see you strong and safe,

Mother Nerthus, well your womb will keep,

Mother Nerthus, bless the babe within,

Mother Nerthus, let the labour not be long,

Mother Nerthus, will you wæs hæl.

The wreath should be hung over the bed until it is time for the babe to be born.