WICCA: SELF-DEDICATION RITUAL
For many modern-day Wiccans, being part of a coven is not an option. You may not live around any other people who share your beliefs, or perhaps you havenât yet found the group thatâs right for you. Or maybe youâve just decided you enjoy being a solitary, eclectic practitioner. Thatâs fine, too. However, one of the benefits of being part of a coven or grove is the initiation process. This is a formal ceremony in which one dedicates oneself to the group and to the Divine of the tradition.
If you donât have a group or High Priest to initiate you, what do you do? Quite simply, you can self-dedicate.
WHAT SHOULD A SELF-DEDICATION INCLUDE?
By the very definition of the word, you canât initiate yourself, because to initiate requires more than one person. But what you can do is dedicate yourself to your path and to the Divine you have chosen to follow. For many people, doing this as part of a formal ritual helps to cement their relationship with the Divine. Some people choose to wait until they have studied for a year and a day before having a formal self-dedication rite. Itâs entirely up to you.
You may want to wait until the time of the new moon to perform this self-dedication, because it is a time of new beginnings. Bear in mind that self-dedication is a commitment you are making; it should not be done at random or without significant thought beforehand.
This goal of this rite is to bring the dedicant closer to the Divine, as well as to declare your connection to your spiritual path.
Itâs a pretty important step in your spiritual journey, so you may want to try to include things that make it formal and official in feel and practice.
For instance, you may wish to do a formal preparation with a ritual bath prior to your ceremony. Perhaps youâd like to include altar tools that youâve crafted yourself - you certainly donât have to, but if you do, it can make the ritual even more personal and unique.
You might want to choose a new magical name for yourself, so that you can introduce yourself to your Divine with it, as part of this dedication. Finally, if youâre good at memorization, you might want to take some time in advance to memorize as much of this ritual as possible - if youâre worried you might forget what to say, take the time to copy this ritual by hand into your Book of Shadows.
This Blessing Oil should be blended together in advance. To make Blessing Oil, use 1/8 Cup base oil (Safflower, Grapeseed, Jojoba, Sunflower, or Almond) of your choice and add the following:
As you blend the oils, visualize your intent, and take in the aroma. Know that this oil is sacred and magical. Label, date, and store in a cool, dark place.
SIMPLE SELF-DEDICATION RITUAL
Keep in mind that this ritual is designed as a template, and you can adapt it or adjust it to meet your own needs or those of the tradition you have created.
You should perform the following ritual skyclad, if at all possible (and if you feel comfortable enough). Find a place that is quiet, private, and free of distractions.Â
Begin by grounding yourself. Find your inner peace, and become good and relaxed. Shut out all the things from your mundane life that distract you. Focus only on yourself, and the tranquility youâre entitled to.
You will need the following items:
When youâre ready to proceed, sprinkle the salt on the floor or ground, and stand with your feet upon it.
Light your white candle, and feel the warmth of the flame. Look into the glow of the fire and think about what goals you have for yourself on your spiritual journey. Think about your motivations for performing this self-dedication.
Stand before your altar, and say:
âI am a child of the Divine, and I ask them to bless me.â
Dip your finger into the blessing oil, and with eyes closed, anoint your forehead. Some people do this by tracing a pentagram on the skin with the oil. Say:
âMay my mind be blessed, so that I can accept the wisdom of *[the Divine].â
Anoint the eyelids (be careful here!) and say:Â
âMay my eyes be blessed, so I can see my way clearly upon this path.âÂ
Anoint the tip of your nose with the oil, and say:Â
âMay my nose be blessed, so I can breathe in the essence of all that is Divine.â
Anoint your lips, and say:
âMay my lips be blessed, so I may always speak with honor and respect.â
Anoint your chest, and say:
âMay my heart be blessed, so I may love and be loved.â
Anoint the tops of your hands, and say:
âMay my hands be blessed, so that I may use them to heal and help others.â
Anoint your genital area, and say:
âMay my womb be blessed, so that I may honor the creation of life.â (If youâre male, make the appropriate changes here.)
Anoint the soles of your feet, and say:
âMay my feet be blessed, so that I may walk side by side with [the Divine].â
If you have specific deities you follow, pledge your loyalty to them now.Â
âTonight, I pledge my dedication to [the Divine]. I will walk with them beside me, and ask them to guide me on this journey. I pledge to honor them, and ask that they allow me to grow closer to them. As I will, so it shall be.â
Take some time to meditate. Feel the afterglow of the ritual, and feel the energy of [the Divine] within and around you. You have brought yourself to the attention of [the Divine], so they will be keeping an eye on you. Accept the gift of their wisdom.
* = Any âDivineâ in brackets should be replaced with the name of your Divine or your concept of the Divine.Â
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