Finding the Path

Self-Dedication Ritual

From The Witches League of Public Awareness Website

You will need to decide on a place where you will not be disturbed. It is best to come to this place after a purification bath and a time of silent contemplation. This will release incorrect energies and set up the correct ritual attitude.

When you arrive at your location, you need to purify space. You will use sea salted water and lighted incense to do this. I like to use sandalwood because of its spiritual vibration.

Walk the circle, with the incense and salted water once clockwise. Say:

"I consecrate this place of rite, by salted water, smoke , and firelight. So mote it be."

Now move back to the center of the circle where your altar space is and replace
the incense and salted water. Take a few minutes to vusualize a circle of white
light energy surrounding your working space. Once this is done, you need to
physically redraw the circle with your athame, wand or right hand. Some
traditions walk the circle 3 times for the 3 Celtic worlds, or the Maiden,
Mother, and Crone; others simply traverse the circle once. It should be
done clockwise in the way that feels right to you. You start in the North
or East. Say:

"This Circle is cast as in days of old to welcome the Old Ones and make the Old Ways retold. So mote it be."
Now you have your working space. In my tradition we do not break the circle
until we have completed all magickal workings.
Next, annoint a white candle with sandalwood oil from center to top, and center
to bottom. Light the candle using wooden matches. Say:
"I do kindle this flame that known it will be of my pledge to the Old Ones. By my will, all to see! So mote it be!"

Now you will call the Quarter to witness your rite. Some groups start in the
North, the center of the mysteries, while some start in the East, the center
of wisdom. Do what feels right for you. You may raise your hands as you
call them holding your pentacle symbol.
For all quarters going clockwise:

"Powers of (North, East, South, West) Please join in my rite do witness my pledge and grant me insight. So mote it be!"

Call to the God and Goddess by raising your hands directly up from the center
of the circle and say:

"Blessed Lady, Mistress of Old, May you witness this rite And hear now my pledge In your love and your light"
"Ancient Lord, Protector of all As this pledge I do make My you witness this rite and the oath that I take"
"By the powers of the Old Ones and the magick of their ways I embark on my journey May they bless all my days So mote it be."

With the God and Goddess, the Elemental Powers and the Old Ones to witness your
rite, you are ready to make your pledge. What follows is a general example but it
is best when it comes from your heart.
Raise your white working candle and say:

"Before the God and Goddess, I (your name), henceforth to be known
as (your craft name), within the circle of the wise to symbolize my rebirth, do
pledge to honor the God and the Goddess in all areas of my life. I will strive to
understand their great mysteries, and the mystery of myself. I will share this
knowledge and this path with all who sincerely seek such enlightenment. I will
protect and guard the Old Ways from those who would desire to destroy them. I
will defend the God and Goddess. I will work in harmony with the energies of the
Earth, and the Kingdoms of Plant, Animal, Spirit, and Man, striving always for
unity and balance. I will work in harmony with the elements, to understand
them. I pledge myself as protector of this Earth and Keeper of the Sacred
Mother. I will honor and respect my brothers and sisters in the Craft even
when our paths do not join. I will respect and keep the Old Ways and the
Wiccan Rede. So mote it be."

If you have chosen a ritual athame or other working tool, you may now want to
consecrate it by purifying it with the elements and speaking your purpose- pass
it through the incense, the candle flame, dip it into the salted water, then wipe
it clean annoint it with the sandalwood oil and say:

"I charge this tool to serve me as I honor and respect the Old Ones.
May it serve me for as long as I work for the good of all. So mote it be"

At this point, you will want to introduce yourself to the elemental powers. Walk
to the 4 quarters, starting at the same one you started the circle. Say:

"I (your craft name), who stands between the worlds do place myself
before you and enter into the sight, for I have pledged myself to the old ones
and old ways. Forever will I work in truth and light.
Sacred powers of the (North, East, South, West) Blessed realms of Earth, Air, Fire, and Sea, May we ever share harmony and peace By my will, so mote it be!"

You may now spend time meditating on the changes that your rebirth into the Craft
will bring. It is also a good time to start a journal or Book of Shadows. Your
first entry can be what you expect to give to the craft and what you expect to
take in return. Be honest and begin your journey in truth.
Now it is time to thank the God and Goddess for witnessing this rite. Say:

"Blessed Lady, Ancient Lord Enjoined as the Sacred One I thank you for your blessings By the power of the moon and sun. Merry Part, Merry Meet Again."

You may now release the quarters. Start at West, South, East, then North.
(End in whatever quarter you started in, do N, W, S, E if you started in the
East) Say:

"Sacred spirits of Old Powers of the Quarters Blessings now upon you From magickal sons and daughters." "I thank you now and forever for gifting me strength of heart May you always return when I call you May your journey be safe when we part. So mote it be."

You may now snuff your working candle with a candle snuffer. Never blow
out a magickal candle, your breath can alter the vibration of the purpose
charge. Now go on to close the magick circle. Walk once counterclockwise
visualizing the energy fading into the earth and say:

"Though this place of rite, is now open it forever is whole in my heart Like the love of the God and Goddess staying with me though we are apart! So mote it be!"

RECOMMENDED READING LIST
Spiral Dance - Starhawk
Power of the Witch - Laurie Cabot
To Ride a Silver Broomstick- Silver Ravenwolf
Buckland's Complete Book of Witchcraft - Raymond Buckland
A Witches' Bible Complete - Janet & Stewart Farrar
Earth Power - Scott Cunningham
Wicca for the Solitary Practitioner - Scott Cunningham