The Magic(k)al Rites of

Dedication & Initiation

This FAQ has been written for the interest and education of solitaries and newcomers to the Magickal community, to satisfy a general need for factual information on the process of becoming a Magickal person in the formal sense, whether Witch, Pagan or Shaman, as a person "properly vouched for and properly prepared." It is not necessary to Dedicate or Initiate to participate in the life of the community, but these life passage rituals can assist in the development of the individual’s spiritual potential. But it must be stressed that these rituals cannot twist anyone from their intrinsic essential nature, nor should they be unwillingly imposed on anyone. Magick is a religion of the soul’s freedom, and it is through the ultimate trust of this freedom that the soul is given wings. Dedication and Initiation rituals are Magickally active rites, and should not be sought or undertaken lightly.

What is the purpose of Dedication and Initiation ceremonies?

These rites bring an individual into the Magickal community; they do not "make" a person into a Pagan or a Witch per se, rather they confirm and assist in developing the potentials already resident within an individual, as the seed brings forth a shoot in the nourishing soil, with the spring sun and warm rain. Dedication can be seen as "planting the seed" and the first Initiation can be seen as "the sprouting shoot breaking through the soil." These rites are markers in the development of the individual through important life passages and cycles of learning and growth, and those who undertake these rites find the experience to be memorable for a lifetime.

What is the difference between Dedication and Initiation?

Private or self Dedication is a declaration to Deity that the individual chooses to seek a Magickal path. Public Dedication serves the same purposes and also alerts the Magickal community to the presence and identity of the seeker, which may help the individual if he or she is looking for a teacher or a particular tradition. Declaration helps to open doors and align opportunities for education and contact with others who are similarly inclined to give the individual enough exposure to make a good decision about whether or not to make a commitment to Magickal ways.

Initiation can be seen as a confirmation into the Magickal life, requiring commitment from the individual to manifest fully. Usually, after (first) initiation, the individual is considered to be a full priestess or priest of the Art and Craft of Magick. Sometimes, as in a public or coven initiation, this rite also brings a commitment from fellow coven members or from a larger community. There are many different kinds of initiations, and several different levels at which it can occur. More on these aspects of initiation later in this FAQ.

Are self-dedications/self-initiations valid?

That is a matter of individual and traditional opinion. Clearly, each individual's true spiritual/magickal attainment is between one's self, one's teachers and Deity. That would tend to suggest that certain kinds of self-dedications and self-initiations are valid, especially when no teachers or groups are available to assist in the passage. On the other hand, there is the commonly known phrase "Only a Witch can make a Witch" and many tales about how to tell who has the potential to be "made" into a Witch, and who has the power to pass the Gifts down. Each tradition, teacher and group has it's own requirements, and unless a particular tradition has within it a function to recognize self-dedicants and/or self-initiants, it is likely that the individual will need to fulfill the requirements of that tradition, teacher or group, and progress through a usual and particular set of studies and steps, and usually also a formal rite to be recognized as dedicated/initiated by that tradition. This is especially true in degree or tier systems and formalized traditions.

When is it appropriate to Dedicate?

When an individual finds that they can clearly define themselves internally as Pagan or Wiccan, a dedication ceremony will help the individual develop his or her understanding of Magickal ways, toward accepting or rejecting identification within these lifepaths. Dedication does not separate the individual from former religious affiliations, in fact, most Dedicants find that they must come to terms with their former religious associations to pass through issues generated or exacerbated by the power of the Dedicatory rite. There is no commitment to initiate after undergoing Dedication, but it has been suggested that individuals who choose to Dedicate are more likely to stick with their Magickal training and study in the long run. Dedication ceremonies have been held at all times of the year, and although Imbolc has become the favorite sabbat at which to present Dedicants and Initiants.

When is it usual to Initiate?

Individuals usually seek Initiation when they want to be recognized fully and without reservation as Pagans or Witches, even if only in the context of a group, tradition or coven. The traditional period of time between Dedication and Initiation is "a year and a day", and most groups ask that individual study or work with them on some level for a period of time before conferring Initiation.

What are degree or tier systems?

Many traditions have more than one level of initiation, and most have two or three, though some have as many as ten or more. These extra levels provide for differing capacities of interest, involvement and attainment on the part of each individual. The second level of two initiation systems and the third level of three initiation systems are usually reserved for those who espouse a greater commitment to Deity and the community with a Calling to be Clergy.

What are some common elements of modern Initiation ceremonies?

Much of the symbology surrounding initiation is concerned with the rebirth of the individual into a fully Magickal identity, in relationship to the fundamental powers and laws of the cosmos, including Deity, and if a tradition or coven initiation, in relationship to the rest of the Magickal community. Often the individual must demonstrate that they come to the altar of initiation of free will, and that they are mature enough, physically, mentally and emotionally, to make that commitment. The Individual is frequently anointed, and may be given the Five-Fold Kiss, a ritual gesture of blessing and honor.

Is there a minimum age requirement for Dedication or Initiation?

Most teachers and groups will not accept those under 18 - 21. More for reasons of modern legal protection than anything else, the only exceptions to this rule are when explicit, and usually written, permission is obtained from one or both parents or guardians. Those who would be students of the secrets of Magick must demonstrate maturity, conscience and self-discipline. Younger people who have a serious interest are encouraged to read well-recommended books, and to seek out others of similar age and like mind. The traditions and groups will be there when the individual reaches his or her legal majority.

What is the key to finding opportunities for Dedication and Initiation?

Asking. Since proselytization is highly discouraged in the Magickal community, you must show initiative and desire. You must also develop your sense of discrimination and common sense. There are a lot of false teachers and fakers floating about on the fringes of the Magickal and Occult communities. This is part of our heritage of silence, secrecy and separation, and while we will always have traditions of silence and traditions of secrecy, one of the great hopes of the modern Pagan/Magickal anti-defamation/anti-discrimination movement is that in webweaving and connecting, we will expose and turn out the fakes, users and frauds. Meanwhile, be very careful. When you have taken the time to evaluate a teacher or group, and find them to be knowledgeable and of good character, then you can feel safe asking or "petitioning" them for Dedication and/or Initiation.

What else should an individual keep in mind while seeking Initiation?

You may need to ask more than once, and you may be turned down on the first or even second request, as it is sometimes part of a ritual challenge for you to learn to persist in pursuit of what you desire to attain. It is not uncommon to continue to be refused or rebuffed. Do not be offended that this particular teacher or group will not accept you, as there are many reasons why any particular group or teacher may not be able to take a newcomer on, and only some of them have to do with the individual in question.. Some teachers will be happy to explain their reasons for refusing a request of this nature, so it’s worth asking why you’ve been turned down. Even when a particular group can’t help you, keep seeking. There are hundreds of living traditions, old and new, and new groups forming every day. If the Magickal way is for you, you will find your way.

Last Updated 2/2003

Pooklaroux @ 1999, 2000, 2001. 2002, 2003

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