Further Studies In Wicca

Self Initiation


First let me remind you, that you don't HAVE to, as a solitairy praticioner, do an initiation, if you don't feel it necessary. Being just that, you can make and break any rules you don't feel comfortable with (as long as they keep with the rede).
If you haven't been in Wicca long, you may want to wait also, and get to know the Goddess and the God, before you're initiated.
(the all powerful Scott Cunningham said:) "You have the right to preform a self-initiation. No one can take that right from you. If you've woked Wiccan ritual, met with the Goddess, and the God, have grown comfortable with Wicca, and have decided that it's your path, there's no reason on the Goddess' green Earth why you shouldn't undergo a self-initiation."
Self Initiation for a Solitaire varies greatly. Because, while one person may want a "traditional" and highly ritualized initiation, others may prefer a simple casting of a circle and proclaiming their initiation into the craft.
but most self-satisfying dedication rituals should include:
1. a bath steeped with herbs of purification (of course, to purify yourself) and those that banish negativity (and if you don't have any herbs on hand salt is good, and good if you DO have other herbs too).
2.laying of the alter with whatever tools you normally use.
3.casting the circle.
4.opening invocations of the Goddess and the God ( you may want to make up a special one for this occasion)
5.a symbolic death of your old self. (perhaps, if you were to do the dedication ritual on Samhain [which would be a great time!], you could even use a Halloween costum. paint your face up, white and dead [with something easily washed off] and then use the water from the cauldron to wash away your "old self")
6. Use your favorite smelling oil, and draw the symbol of the goddess (the full moon with cresants on either side of it) and the symbol of the god (circle with horns) on your chest.
7.Pray anew to the Goddess and the God and state that you are now a Wiccan and dedicate yourself to them and wiccan ways. If you have chosen a magickal name mention it also. (Nox- Algiz is mine. Nox is latin for "night", and I got it from a book where Nox was a Goddess that came even before Chaos. Algiz is Norse rune for "protection", which is the rune one of my familiars [a ghost] chose for himself....as he is my protector.) Magickal names are important for me, but you don't have to have one.
8. sit in the candles and incense etc. and meditate for a time. Eat the simple feast you have prepared for yourself. Thank the Goddess and the God, the quarters, and dissapate the circle. your rite is finished.

Matron and Patron deities

You may have come across these terms and been confused as to what they mean:
Many wiccans (such as myself), chose a few deities, or maybe just two (one for the God one for the Goddess) that they work exclusively with and dedicate themselves to. the Matron Goddess is the Goddess that a person dedicates him/herself to, and the "Patron" God is the God that a person devotes him/herself to.


Magickal names are quite popular among Wiccans. Some people even have more than one magickal name: one for public use, and one for private us (that is known only to the Wiccan and the Goddess and the God).
For many Wiccans taking a new name is an outward symbol of his/her devotion to wicca. It's seen as part of the "rebirth" into the religion, and is used frequently as part of dedication rituals as a death of the old non-wiccan self, and the emergance of the new witch.
A magickal name can be given to you, by fey people, by spirits, or even bestowed apon you by the Goddess herself. It is up to you to decide. Some people simply adopt the name of their matron or patron Goddess/God in honor of Them. Many people include animal names in their magickal names, such as: RavenWolfe etc. Or maybe a stone that pertains to them: Amber. Or a plant: Foxglove. As with all things done in the Solitaire: It is largely up to you.

The Big Wiccan Mysteries:


The problem with most Wicca's rituals, is that they lack the spiritual connections necessary to learn "the mysteries". With the Solitaire, this can be handled pretty easily, once you find what you are comfortable with, and what helps you attain an altered consiousness. Basically, as with everything, it takes practice. Mysteries of wicca, profound experiences, can only be obtained in your own specific way. They can be learned through medidation, while sleeping, taking a walk...almost anything.
¿What are the mysteries? Most relate to the Goddess and the God (What YOU want to learn about this and that), but They are, what you make of them.

Secrecy


Have you come across the big controversy of secrecy? Some people say you should keep your new religion a secret at all costs, and others say you should be open and proud about it. In my opinion, secrecy is becoming outdated for its original uses. Because of the Churches power, it was quite unwise to proclaim you were a wiccan (and thus, a devil worshipper). Times have improved. I tell those who can handle it. But it is wise to keep it a secret from those it would hurt, and cause problems with. Many people come across this religion in their teens, and their parents are avid Christians, it would be wise, in that case, to keep the secrecy. There is no reason as of yet to go around wearing big signs that pronounce "I am a Wiccan!". It's okay to be proud, but don't over-do anything, attract unwanted attention and cause yourself problems.

Ritual Jewlery and Dress


As simple as it may seem, it may be helpful to have a certain robe and other items worn ONLY DURING RITUALS. Have you ever noticed that if you do your homework etc. in a certian place, you will feel more ready to study. If you wear certain things during your rituals it may help "get you into the right frame of mind" to do your ritual.

Life after Death


The Wiccan "heaven" is called Summerland. We go there for short periods inbetween incarnations and dwell with the Goddess and the God. When, after several incarnations, we have perfected ourselves through trial and error on Earth, we will return to Summerland forever.

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