The Twelve Gifts
of Birth
Once upon a time, a long time ago, when princes and princesses lived in faraway kingdoms, royal children were given twelve special gifts when they were born. As time went on, the wise women came to understand that the twelve royal gifts of birth belong to every child, born anywhere at anytime. Some day all the children of the world will learn the truth about their noble inheritance. When that happens a miracle will unfold on the kingdom of Earth.

The first gift is strength.
May you remember to call upon it whenever you need it.

The second gift is beauty.
May your deeds reflect its depth.

The third gift is courage.
May you speak and act with confidence and use courage to follow your own path.

The fourth gift is compassion.
May you be gentle with yourself and others. May you forgive those who hurt you and yourself when you make mistakes.

The fifth gift is hope.
Through each passage and season, may you trust the goodness of life.

The sixth gift is joy.
May it keep your heart open and filled with light.

The seventh gift is talent.
May you discover your own special abilities and contribute them toward a better world.

The eighth gift is imagination.
May it nourish your visions and dreams.

The ninth gift is reverence.
May you appreciate the wonder that you are and the miracle of all creation.

The tenth gift is wisdom.
Guiding your way, wisdom will lead you through knowledge to understanding. May you hear its soft voice.

The eleventh gift is love.
It will grow each time you give it away.

The twelfth gift is faith.
May you believe.

Use your gifts well and you will discover others, among them a gift that is uniquely you.