dedicating oneself

[FaeRain]

How do you go about dedicating yourself to the Path or Goddess? I've seen it mentioned several times here in different threads.

Blessings ~*~
FaeRain

[Mithrea]

I guess you usually create a ritual to dedicate yourself or your altar to a deity or even a path I suppose.

If you want some examples try these but I suggest you create your own to make it appropriate to yourself and your purpose:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&q=dedication+ritual

[torryn]

I haven't initiated myself into anything, or dedicated myself yet (still being unsure of what path I am choosing) but I have no pagan friends. Is it necessary to have a guide or help in a dedication?

[Eudaimonia]

It is not necessary to have a guide or mentor, but I find that it would be helpful to me. There are many self-dedication rituals, and coven dedication rituals. The Complete Book of Witchcraft by Raymond Buckland (yeah, you can find it at B&N) has one such dedication ritual which is from Saxon. If you don't feel apt enough to write one for yourself, you could use that one, or tweak it a bit for your use. Futhermore, this book explains the main 'elements' which are common in dedications. The price is about 30.00, but it's worth it, for there is quite a bit of basic information in there. The kind of stuff that, if you're a newbie, didn't even think you needed to know!

Of course, part of the one year one day is that you need to be studying voraciously. Learn all you can, and be sure that this is what you want for yourself. Absoloutly sure. I take my time. I've been studying, more as of late, for apprx 3 years. I don't feel as if I know or understand enough to be a tool of the Goddess. Of course, this is only me, and my choice, my path. What I'm warning is that you shouldn't rush into it, as you shouldn't rush into anything major, or you WILL regret it later.

Perhaps there are lessons that you still must learn before being in the Goddess' fold? I know I must learn moral courage, and have greater will power. I want myself to be the best before I offer myself to her. Kinda like human sacrifice; the sacrifice must be perfect (in some places): shaved, cleaned, virginal, etc. I feel that I am in essence sacrificing my life to the goddess, yet the 'gain' is worth it. This is a frighenting thought, and one I must spend much time contemplating.

Ok, I'll stop. Anywho, check it all out first. And if you have any questions, or just want to chat about magick, life, people, w/e, I'll certainly give you an opinion!

[Myst]

You'll also like to look in our Books forum for recommended books for beginners as these usually have that information.

In short it doesn't matter exactly what you do; if you can cast your basic circle and do a basic ritual that's usually the gist of it, then you just want to do or say something that symbolizes dedicating oneself. It could even be saying what you're dedicating yourself to. It doesn't have to be elaborate tho if you want it to be you'll find rituals like that online or in books.

[Eeluna]

I think there comes a time when you absolutely *know* that dedicating yourself is the right thing to do. It just came to me one day as a fact. I was inspired to write a poem--one of those times when the words flow effortlessly onto the page. When I read it afterwards, I realized that it was my self-dedication.

That same day I went to a beautiful spot nearby and cast a circle. Then I read my poem. It was a very simple yet highly meaningful ritual, and I believe that I was guided by the Goddess.

My advice is to wait until you're sure you're ready, then choose symbols and/or words that are both personal and emotionally meaningful to you. Although a guide may be helpful, you don't truly need one, because in the end, this is only between you and the Goddess/God.

[FaeRain]

thanks for the ideas! I think I need to wait awhile and get more grounded before I have my dedication. I've been pretty spacey lately so I don't think it's the right time.

Also, I've studied on & off again for years but not the consistency of "a year and a day" so I want to become more knowledgeable first.

[yemayasdaughter]

Originally posted by Eudaimonia
I've been studying, more as of late, for apprx 3 years. I don't feel as if I know or understand enough to be a tool of the Goddess.

I agree with you whole-heartedly, Eudaimonia!! I have been studying for about 2 years, and I have yet to perform a self-dedication ritual. I always have the fear that it would seem disrespectful to pledge yourself when you are still wet behind the ears. Of course I am aware that the learning process never ends, but I personally want to feel comfortable with my mind before dedicating myself to the Goddess. What I do in the meantime, is say this part pledge-part affirmation. I simply look at myself in the mirror every morning and every evening and say to myself" I am a child of the Goddess... I am not the witch I want to be, but I am on my way!". :D :D :) :)