An Introduction
No doubt you will come across people who will tell that true initiation can only be carried out be in group or coven, or at the very least by someone else initiating you. More poppy-cock I am afraid. If you go along with this, just think of the power this gives them - 'I am the great initiator and only I can reveal to you...'. Yawn, sorry fell asleep just then. True initiation only occurs on the astral plane. It is not in anyone's gift to pass on to you. Nor is it something that will be passed on until you are ready. Astral initiation may come to you in meditation, dreams or just simply by feeling different somehow. Initiation is unique to each individual. Initiation into a group is slightly different as you are being connected with the group soul or consciousness. But any group worth its salts won't try to pass this off as some great power they are giving you.
So why bother with self-initiation? Coming from the Latin, initiation implies a beginning. The related verb, initiate, means to begin or start a particular action, event, circumstance, or happening. So it can been seen as a way of marking the beginning of the path you are walking. But please remember the golden rule - do not even consider self initiation if you are not ready or have any doubts. It will cause a fundamental process of change to begin within you. The initiation process is often likened to a simultaneous death and rebirth, because as well as being a beginning it also implies an ending as existence on one level drops away in an ascension to the next.
If you feel ready for a simple, self-initiation to mark the beginning of your new path, here is something you might like to try. But only after you have meditated on the matter and decided to perform a self-Initiation. It is best performed on a Sabbat. If this is not possible, then on the waxing or full moon.
Prior to the initiation, spend some time on your own, meditating on the step you are about to take. Unless medically unable, you should observe a fast consisting only of whole-grain breads, honey and herbal teas. The step that you are about to take is a serious one. This is a commitment to the gods for your lifetime. Although this is a religion of freedom and you may leave at any time, you will be promising to remain "ever true to the gods". Meditate on what this means to you.
Just prior to the ritual, take a ritual bath. Charge the water with a handful of sea salt, sending white light into the water as you stir it in. During the bath, you should mentally clean yourself. This can be done by performing a cleansing meditation, and employing the water.
You will need a black shroud or scarf and a length of white rope.
You should not wear any jewellery, perfume, makeup, deodorant, or so on.
Begin the ritual by casting your circle. Then, before you get the cakes and ale section, recite, aloud. the charge of the Goddess:
Listen to the words of the great Mother; she who od the old was also called among men Artemis, Astarte, Athene, Dione, Melusine, Aphrodite, Cerridwen, Dana, Arianrhod, Isis, Bride, and by many other names.
Whenever you have need of anything, once in the month, and better it be when the moon is full, you shall assemble in some secret place and adore the spirit of Me who is Queen of all Witches.
There shall you assemble, who have not yet won my deepest secrets and are fain to learn all sorceries. To these shall I teach that which is yet unknown.
You shall be free from slavery, and as a sign that you be free you shall be naked in your rites.
Sing, feast, dance, make music and love, all in My presence, for Mine is the ecstasy of the spirit and Mine also is joy on earth.
For My law is love unto all beings.
Mine is the secret that opens upon the door of youth, and Mine is the cup of wine of life that is the Cauldron of Cerridwen that is the holy grail of immortality.
I am the Gracious Goddess who gives the gift of youth unto the heart of mankind.
I give the knowledge of the spirit eternal and beyond death I give peace and freedom and reunion with those that have gone before.
Nor do I demand aught of sacrifice, for behold, I am the mother of all things and My love is poured upon the earth.
Hear the words of the Star Goddess, the dust of whose feet are the hosts of heaven, whose body encircles the universe:
I who am the beauty of the green earth and the white moon among the stars and the mysteries of the waters,
I call upon your soul to arise and come unto Me. For I am the soul of nature that gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed and unto Me they must return.
Let My worship be in the heart that rejoices, for behold -- all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. Let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honour and humility, mirth and reverence within you.
And you who seek to know Me, know that your seeking and yearning will avail you not, unless you know the Mystery: for if that which you seek, you find not within yourself, you will never find it without.
For behold, I have been with you from the beginning, and I am that which is attained at the end of desire.
Now, go the East. If you have a wand raise it, otherwise raise both of your hands and say:
Guardians of the East I, __________ (your name), present myself for initiation.
Move deosil around the circle, repeat at the South, West and North
Stand before the altar and say:
Lord and Lady, I come before thee, humble but without fear. I have studied thy ways and sought long after thee. Please, aid me and bless me on this quest.
Kneel and cover your head with a shroud/scarf so that you cannot see. Spend this time in meditation. It is at this time that you may be given a sign, or you may receive a vision or message. When you are ready, remove the shroud/scarf and stand
Go to each quarter in turn (beginning again in the East), to meditate and receive the message which each element has to give you.
Return to the alter and say:
Lord and Lady, I present myself in perfect love and in perfect trust.
I swear ever to cherish and never reveal the secrets which Gods may reveal to me, Except it be to a worthy person in the centre of a consecrated circle, such as I am now in. And I will ever remain true to the gods and to the art, and I shall help any true brothers and sisters of the art. This is my solemn vow. So mote it be!
Take the white cord, double it if necessary and tie it around your waist. This is a symbol of your oath.
Beginning in the East, go to each quarter in turn, raise the wand or your hands to each direction, saying:
Guardians of the East (South, West, North), behold, I am _______ (magickal name), a true priest/ess of the Lord and Lady.
Now continue your ritual with the cakes and ale.
Later you will do a different type of self-initation ritual, announcing yourself my loudly on the astral, but I think you have done enough for now!