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Self-Initiation

11:37 / 25.01.02

Helloo,
I'm looking for info/tip on writing a self initiation ritual. I'm best termed a Kitchen Witch: a no robes, if I can't buy it at Tesco do a really need it kind of a gal. I've been tossing the idea about for a while but can find very little examplesw on the type if thing I want to do. All the stuff I've seen has been a little too fluffy bunny for me or it's a whacking great group shindig which isn't suitable either. Any ideas, including flippant ones, greatfully recived.

12:44 / 25.01.02

While I don't know of any self-initiation rituals I do hope someone here does.

I'd be interested in what people have found that works and doesn't work for solo initiation.

12:57 / 25.01.02

Hi Little Mother, Have you ever consecrated a Magickal tool? I see self-initiation as a bit like that. A dedication that I be used for divine purpose and that my path be one with the Divine. I would start with a ritual bath and do the rest of the ritual in the nude ( or skyclad, rather

).
Doing an elemental cleansing by exposing yourself to the elements (careful with the fire!) can purify the aura and help to focus further.
Next a self blessing which, is a lot like a five-fold kiss except you use salt water to place at those five spots.
This is the bonding to the Divine part. With a piece of jewllery (a piece that has meaning for you) acquired specifically for this and consecrated, state your dedication and put the jewllery on (this cannot be taken off now only in extreme emergency). Announce the marriage between you and the Divine and begin a feast. While you feast use all your senses. Be the eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin of the Divine. You are now one with it.

Is that good for you? I really like it and if you do I will answer any questions about you might have. I know some who did not like the idea of wearing jewllery so they asked a tattoo artist to tatto their dedication piece right onto them.Cool eh!
Sigils can be made and burned to even futher your commitment on all levels. I think that is the key...to etch your dedication on all planes.

~May Tricks

[ 25-01-2002: Message edited by: May Tricks ]

17:23 / 25.01.02

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Little Mother:
I'm looking for info/tip on writing a self initiation ritual. I'm best termed a Kitchen Witch: a no robes, if I can't buy it at Tesco do a really need it kind of a gal. I've been tossing the idea about for a while but can find very little examplesw on the type if thing I want to do. [QUOTE]

It depends on what the self-initiation is supposed to achive. It is an initiation to say "Now I'm a witch", or "I'm dedicated to Yoohoo"?

I've had self-initiatory experiences, though often I didn't realise it at the time. What I do have is a coterie of Guides/Allies/Gossipy Bastards who keep telling me things I should do. I've found following their advice has lead to many life-changing experiences.

Now, one thing I can suggest is what the Heathens would call "sitting out", but it's common idea in many cultures - call it a vigil if you like.

The idea is that you go to a secluded place, with enough stuff to keep you warm, and sit out all night. Listen to Nature, and hear what it has to say. Talk to the Spirits, your Ancestors, God/desses and Guides.

This might sound simple, but doing something like this takes courage, especially if you're totally on your own. I did it and I know it was very beneficial.

Imbolg is coming up, as is the full Moon, so you have opportunities to plan something useful.

In the end, the main thing is that you design something that has meaning to you, and is designed to change some way of thinking/pattern of behaviour, or mark a significant change in your life.

Good luck.

17:29 / 25.01.02

May I add, that I have used the solitary act of fire making in a suitable wood/forest. I usually follow it with meditation and contemplation.

I found that it is an act of the elements, locating and affirming oneself with the Cosmos. Fire, Earth, Air and Water (pissing on teh fire or dousing with water)

Good luck also

17:33 / 25.01.02

quote:Originally posted by Wyrd:
In the end, the main thing is that you design something that has meaning to you, and is designed to change some way of thinking/pattern of behaviour, or mark a significant change in your life.

Isn't that the key. Wyrd has hit the nail on the head! If you design an initiation from your heart, it makes quite an impression. Were you planing on taking bits and pieces of suggestions and making something of your own, WWMM? It is a highly personal thing when you get down to the performance of ritual. No two actors has ever played Hamlet exactly the same.

~May Tricks

05:39 / 26.01.02

Word to Wyrd (although, I think it's pronounced "weird")! And treats to May Tricks! IMHO, Little Mother, both say some really great stuff.

I have certainly experienced, "...self-initiatory experiences, though often I didn't realise it at the time." These have sometimes occurred during a random walk that suddenly reveals an implicit order of which I was not previously aware: you are nowhere in particular, and then, you are at the locus--the rest unfolds!

Of course, you seek to initiate with intent, and so, I've got to throw the third to doing what comes from you: realize that what you will do is do your will, and if you will with love and sincerity, then your aim is true. Or at least, that's how I feel about it!

An initiation seems more of a dedication, a promise to yourself that you intend to keep. The tools, the phrases, the images and such are more of a focus and a reminder: choose those which will be most appropriate for you!

May you walk your path with peace,
23 + 11 + 1 - 2 = 3 (mod 5)