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Initiation is a ceremony by which a person is enters into Wicca/Witchcraft or a Tradition therein, and is aligned with the essence of its ways. ... In mystical and occult communities the term 'initiation' has traditionally meant the passing on of occult powers and knowledge; a transformation or realignment of the person and his or her relationship with Deity, self, and the universe. This is achieved by means of a ritual initiation where prescribed symbolism is designed to carry consciousness along preestablished association chains. Such chains were designed by the ancient masters of the art, refined and perfected over countless centuries.²

One of the most ancient of rites, initiation marks the psychological crossing of a threshold into new territories, knowledge and abilities. The central themes of initiation are suffering, death and rebirth. The initiate undergoes an ordeal, symbolically dies and is symbolically reborn a new person, possessing new wisdom. In contemporary Witchcraft, initiation marks entry into a closed and traditionally secret society; opens the door to the learning of ritual secrets, magic and the development and use of psychic powers; marks a spiritual transformation, in which the initiate begins a journey into Self and toward the Divine Force; and marks the beginning of a new religious faith. While traditional initiation rites exist, Witches and Pagans feel the spiritual threshold may be experienced in a group or alone. It may be formal or informal. It may be performed with an old ritual or a new one; it may come as a spontaneous spiritual awakening, in meditation or in dreams. It may occur at a festival.³

There are a number of fragmentary accounts of old-time witch initiations, and from these a composite picture can be built up. The whole-hearted acceptance of the witch religion, and the oath of loyalty, were the main features. There was also the giving of a new name, or nick-name, by which the novice was henceforth to be known in the circle of the coven. These things were sealed by ceremonial acts, the novice was given a certain amount of instruction, and, if the initiation took place at a Sabbat, as it often did, they were permitted to join in the feast and dancing that followed. ⁴

Other Witches, as well as many Pagans, have a vigil as initiation. Such a vigil might involve fasting and an all-night experience outdoors, during which the initiate comes in direct contact with the gods, discovers his or her own power and connects with tutelary, totemic or guardian spirits. Still other Witches and Pagans undertake a shamanic initiation, an ecstatic journey to other realms of consciousness.⁵

In witchcraft ceremonies today, the new initiate is marked with oil, wine, or some pigment, such as charcoal. However, as Margaret Murray has pointed out, there is a possibility, judging by the many old accounts of a small red or blue mark being given, the infliction of which was painful but healed after a while, that this may have been a tattoo mark. Ritual tattooing is a very old practice; and some relics of it survive today, in the fact that people have themselves tattooed with various designs 'for luck'. However, when persecution became very severe, it would have been unwise to continue this form of marking.⁶

To be a member of a group is a nice thing, providing you remember that any group is nothing more than a number of like-minded people who gather together to work or worship in a certain way. Another thing to remember at this stage is that certain groups have systems of degrees of advancement. So you work through a set course and at the end of it you get a degree of initiation. Very nice too; but this degree doesn't mean a damned thing outside that group. In fact, many times it means the exact opposite, a case of 'Oh, yeah -- and so what?' ⁷

I personally don't like the idea of initiation. How can one Witch have authority over another in any area? How can on Witch say she or he has any idea whether someone else should be a Witch? The Deities in which I believe do not choose one Witch over another for any purpose, nor do They give one any more power than another. I believe the best initiation is a simple welcoming ritual. ⁸

ABOUT... Moonspider Location: Bridgeport, Connecticut Author's Profile: To learn more about Moonspider - Click HERE Bio: Mark MoonSpider Sosnowski has been on this path most of his life. Life has dealt him many twists and turns, and usually says he came into the Craft through the back door. He loves books and reading and makes his living as a librarian. Numerology is his main form of divination having worked it for over 15 years. but, his Gemini mind, never at rest, has studied astrology, crystals, runes, I Ching and whatever else strikes his fancy. He serves on a local Pagan board as education chair, and began formally teaching Craft classes last month. Other Articles: Moonspider has posted 16 additional articles- View them? Other Listings: To view ALL of my listings: Click HERE Email Moonspider... (Yes! I have opted to receive invites to Pagan events, groups, and commercial sales) To send a private message to Moonspider ...