Initiation Ritual

[Heather05]

I'm a newbie so I'm sure this is a widely used question but I'm going to ask anyways. Do you all think that an initiation ritual is neccesary? A self-dedication? or none at all?

[Dio]

I think that a self-dedication is a very personal decision that is between you and the Gods. It can be done anytime you feel you are ready to let them guide and teach you. An initiation ritual is only necessary if you are working with a group and want to further your commitment to them. But for the most part, the necessity of a dedication or initiation should really depend on whether or not you personally feel that it will benefit you spiritually.

[semi]

I agree with Dio.

[argento_occhi]

I agree with Dio too, but I think it all depends on how you view initiation, too. I do think it suits groups more, but that said, I still think it has a valid place for those solitaries who find it useful. It depends on what it means for you, and the path you're on. Initiation and dedication do have different meanings, and shouldn't be interchanged, but I don't think that separates them into group vs solitary. I think both have merit and which one someone chooses depends a lot on what they hope to achieve in their path and their progress and such. Just my opinion, though.

Argent

[Rosana]

One thing to add:
I see you link initiation/dedication with gods. I don't. If someone chose a "patronless" path, or path which doesn't involve any contacts with gods (as I did), dedication will have a slightly different meaning. I perceive it as dedication to myself, to my studies, to my life as a witch. No gods at all, and it works as well ;)

[argento_occhi]

Aye, you make a good point there. As I said, the terms mean different things to different people. Makes life interesting, no?

Argent

[Seshata]

As said before, I would view an initiation more a thing done with a magickal group or Coven. But a self dedication is a good way to start. Even if you don't have a specific deity you work with, you can still do one - it can be one for you to state 'here I am and I am ready to learn and feel that this is the path that I wish to explore and follow and learn and grow with' or the equivalent. :) It also gives you a focus and helps you if you write down then what you are seeking from all of this.

Hope this helps.

BB

Seshata