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A question and answer from the Circle of Elders mailing list.

Question:

Hi, Leonora,

I do not want to call myself a Witch. I am new on this path. Going deeper,
I feel necessity for self-dedication ritual. Wherever I redid about it, it
is stated a dedication yourself as Wiccan and Witch
 I know I have to find an answer for myself, what is my inspiration,
how I see myself- the seeker, disciple, or something else, but maybe you
could give me advise, it seems you are very experienced, thank you,

Answer:

Greetings, B*

For the Initiation - you can call yourself a 'Seeker' if you wish...

You don't have to call yourself a Witch or dedicate yourself to any specific area of the
Craft at this stage - Self Initiation doesn't require you to make promises
or oaths to any particular group or faction unless you want to.

It is simply to allow your mind - to agree - to open to possibility...

There are three main things you need to do in order to 'Self Initiate':

1) Create a space removed from your 'normal' daily routine.

This can be as simple as imagining yourself in an unusual place in your mind, or you
can trace or draw a circle in your living room or bedroom, name it 'sacred', and
stand in it, or it can be a completely new area indoors or outside.

You can make it as simple or ornate as you like, as long as you have
the intention that it IS a separate space and different from
what you 'normally' do during the day/night.

You can create an altar using candles, incense and a mirror etc. if you wish...

2) Create a 'ritual', either long or short, which contains ideas, feelings, actions and
words indicating that you NOW CHOOSE to OPEN the DOOR to whatever
aspect of the Craft you wish to study/experience.

You don't need to direct this Intent towards any God/dess unless you want to,
but you DO need to perform this ritual inside your 'sacred' space.

Make sure you repeat these ideas, feelings, actions or words with ENERGY!

It doesn't have to be loud or highly active, but it does need to be STRONG!

You must MEAN IT.

This ensures you have a firm grasp of your intent to Change
- to OPEN -
to possibility...

When you have finished your ritual, step "Out" of your sacred space, thank it, and
close it by saying words to the effect: "I now close this space, or circle."

3) (And this is the MOST IMPORTANT) Except in a very few, isolated and
special cases, there MUST be a WITNESS to your initiation!!!

Your witness MUST be human, and at least 13 years old.
They don't have to take part in the ritual, or even believe in it, but they must be
present to observe that you are serious in your First Intention.

I know there are many who feel this last step isn't necessary, and if we're talking
about  those who are only curious with no actual real desire to alter
their lives towards deep Craft Work, that opinion is correct:
a non-witnessed initiation can work very well.

But it WILL wear off in time, with the querent usually returning to general
Outer Circle ritual as can be found in any religious practice.

However, if you really want to make that step from curious to questing,
you MUST have a witness at your Initiation.

Their observance 'locks' your Intent into History.

That's the reason most Initiations, and other Rites of Passage, take
place using Rituals involving at least 2 or 3 people.

So, let me suggest, if you can't find a Witness, complete the first 2 steps, then
actively seek out a group, or someone you can trust to openly
observe your Intent to Continue.

When you have found them - or they have found you - do the Initiation again to lock it in.

May your days and nights be blessed.

With Love

Leonora