Self-initiation Ritual

*Initiation in any form is not meant to be any of the following:
1. Pleasant
2. Power-enhancing
3. Easy

This is a Wiccan Initiation ritual. As a religion of priesthood and calling, the gods challenge those they choose -- it has been said that very few people are meant to evolve past the basic stages of Wiccan spirituality, because it is in itself a religion for the few, rather than the many. With this in mind, realize that in any initiation, a test of spirit is involved. In Wicca, we do not do this ourselves, knowing that the gods will find a trial most suitable to the person.

What that trial may be will depend on the gods and that person: something will end, and something will begin. Sometimes it's relatively minor, such as relocating to another town. Sometimes it's more massive, like divorce or loss of a job. Whatever happens, the initiate will be forced by circumstance to rethink his/her identity.

For those who have already experienced it, you know what's bad and not so bad about initiation. For those who have not, we can tell you -- but until you experience it, it just won't make a difference.

*Initiation Ritual

Circle:
I cast this circle in this sacred space
between time and between place
under witness of moon and sun
I have now this temple spun
for safety of spirit
and spirit of grace
I am now between worlds
in this sacred place!

Quarter calls:
Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the East!
Spirits of Air, I call to you!
Stand guard at my rite
and bear witness to my initiation!

Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the South!
Spirits of Fire, I call to you!
Stand guard to my rite
and bear witness to my initiation

Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the West!
Spirits of Water, I call to you!
Stand guard to my rite
and bear witness to my initiation

Hail to the Guardians of the Watchtowers of the North!
Spirits of Earth, I call to you!
Stand guard to my rite
and bear witness to my initiation!

Invocation:
Hail Mighty Goddess, Mother of All!
Blessed Creatrix, she of the Cosmos
I invite you now to be part of my circle
as I ask for your initiation into the Craft
Blessed Mother, I ask - be here now!

Hail Blessed God, Great All-Father!
Consort of the Lady, Protector of the Wicca
I invoke you now and ask that you be part of my circle
Great father, I ask you accept my initiation into
the Craft - be here now!

* wash self from bowl of salt water*

I cleanse myself, that I may be purified
and prepared before the trials of the gods!
So mote it be!

Lord and Lady, I have dedicated myself to your study
for a year and a day:
of my own free will, I declare
that I wish to be part of your priesthood
I ask that you accept me
and my dedication to you

I swear to live by the Wiccan Rede,
An thou harm none, do what thou wilt,
and to study and adhere to the commands of the magus:
To know
To will
To dare
and to be silent

and by this oath I anoint myself:

*anoint yourself with oil, in fivefold pattern: Blessed Be My Feet, which have brought me in these ways
Blessed Be My Knees, which shall kneel at the sacred altar
Blessed Be My Sex, without which we would not be
Blessed Be My Breast/s, formed in beauty
Blessed Be My Lips, which shall utter the sacred names

And I do present myself:
Walk through, and present yourself to each of the elements

Sit in center of circle:
Lord and Lady, I am prepared to accept what wisdom and calling you have for me
*meditate*

My thanks to you, Lord and Lady
Know that I will live by my oath to you
as a Witch's word is as gold
So mote it be!

My thanks to the Guardians of the North,
I release you with thanks!

My thanks to the Guardians of the West,
I release you with thanks!

My thanks to the Guardians of the South,
I release you with thanks!

My thanks to the Guardians of the East,
I release you with thanks

And the circle is open
but never broken
to return from whence it came!