Carolina Dean

Dedication & Initiation

Self-Dedication Ritual

Self-Initiation Ritual 

Before the advent of the internet the only way to learn about Wicca and Paganism was to locate a coven that was not only qualified, but also willing, to teach you. At some point in your studies you would be asked to decide if you would like to be dedicated to the craft. If so, a Dedication Ceremony would be performed by the High Priestess, High Priest, or both in the presence of the other members of the Coven. 

The Dedication Ceremony marked a point in your studies whereupon you feel that you have learned enough about Wicca to know that you wish to take your studies to a new level. The point in which this occurs is different for everyone, and a general guideline may be set down by the laws of the tradition of the coven under whom you are studying. Alternately, Dedication may be offered to a seeker at the discretion of one's teacher. 

A Dedication Ceremony signals  that you are committing yourself, in the presence of Spirit, to the study of the craft for a pre-determined period of time (usually a year and a day). During this period, you would receive hands on lessons in the beliefs and practices of the tradition that you are studying. Your progress will be carefully monitored by your teachers as well as the other members of the coven. If at the end of this period of study you feel that Wicca is correct for you, then you may or may not be offered Initiation. Requirements for Initiation differ from tradition to tradition and sometimes coven to coven. 

An Initiation means that you have studied the craft for a period of time and have decided that Wicca is the correct path for you. Initiation involves a symbolic death and rebirth in which the old self "dies" taking with it previous ideas and notions. The new self is "born" into the craft and marks one's acceptance of the teachings of Wicca and a commitment to continue your studies. This rebirth is often marked by the taking of a magickal name. (see Magickal Names)

Wicca has survived through the ages because of it's capacity to grow and evolve with the times. Today with virtually all the world's information at our fingertips, individuals are taking up the study of Wicca and Paganism on their own and in greater numbers than ever.  Many no longer feel the need to be Dedicated or Initiated by another individual. As a result,  Self-Dedications and Initiations have become more commonplace. 

As Wicca is a religion that believes that the individual has direct contact with the Divine, there is no reason that someone cannot Dedicate or Initiate themselves without a High Priestess or High Priest. However, it is important that a person know exactly what they are doing at each step and why. When you are performing these rituals, you are making a real commitment before Spirit and you will be expected to abide by that commitment. Too many people come to the Craft for the wrong reasons, such as

• They think it's cool.
  
• They want to cast spells and perform magick.
  
• They want to instill fear in others.
  
• They wish to rebel against the beliefs of their parents or society.

When for a year and a day,

you have studied the Wiccan ways;

as well as the paths of others,

and feel called by the Mother.

Go alone to a secret place,

and cast a circle in sacred space;

then call the four quarters

to guard it's borders.

Standing in the cirlce round,

invoke the Lord and Lady down;

and perform a meditaiton

on your desire for initiation.

Standing in the God position,

consider that past and all you've done;

then assuming the Goddess pose,

consider the seeds you wish to sow.

Take up the ritual knife,

and as if to take your life;

turn it's tip to your chest,

and into your heart let it press.

"I (N) do solemnly swear,

to honor the vow that I take here;

this oath with a free will I take,

this vow with a clear mind I make.

By the Wiccan Rede I shall abide always,

up to and beyond the end of my days;

And if my power I should abuse,

may I suffer the wrath of my tools!"

Replace the athame and take a cord of silk,

that's Red, Black, and White as milk;

it should be as long as you are tall,

and thin as your finger is small.

Thrice from the same ends with a knot mark,

the points of your forehead, hips, & heart;

Measure & mark these points one by one,

& tie it around your waist when you are done.

"On all planes, now send the word,

with the cord of measure, myself I gird;

Let it be known to man and beast,

I consecrate myself as Witch and Priest!"

With the wand then purify,

the cakes and juice where they lie;

drink half the juice, eat half the cake,

leaving the rest for nature to partake.

Release the Gods from the circle's essence,

thanking them for their presence;

Unless as some witches do,

you wish to hold their close to you.

Release the quarters in love and trust,

to stay if they like, or go if they must;

and let the circle open wide,

releasing the energies held inside.

EXERCISES