A well conducted initiation can be a very moving and powerful experience. It is a magickal rite, invoking cosmic powers, and should be conducted in the full confidence that the invoked powers will manifest. Every initiation is a symbolic death and rebirth, consciously undergone. In traditional Wicca, a man is initiated by a woman and vice-versa, and the initiator should be a second- or third-degree initiate. The symbol is the inverted triange, representative of connection with God and Goddess- physical and spiritual, as well as the triple aspect of both God and Goddess. This ritual is generally taken from the one I went through (with some modifications), which was traditional Alexandrian. The Initiator (Priest/ess) should have a helper for the ritual. Two other members of the group may be chosen for the Squire and Maiden, but these may also be taken by Initiator and Helper if necessary. There should be a young member (Maiden) of the group available to guide the initiate into the center of the circle. The word "hir" is used throughout to indicate the person who is being initiated. This word stems from ancient Gaelic and is a nongender pronoun.

Preparation: Usual set up with additional items: 1) two anointing oils-one for purification one for consecration, 2) bell, 3) white or red twine and scissors for measure, 4) sword/athame and crowns for both P and H, 5) cauldron, 6) besom.  Initiate should also bring tools to be consecrated (athame, cauldron, etc), three cords (red, black and white, 9' each), scourge (natural materials, made by initiate), white robe (simple, no adornment, made and worn by initiate), black sheet/cloth large enough to cover I, Covenant, items for Cakes & Ale. Initiate should prepare for a minimum of 24 hours in advance by fasting, meditation and usual ritual preparations.  Before circle is cast the initiate should be placed near  the circle area.  Helper (partner) casts circle (excluding the Initiate) and proceeds with the opening ritual. (A gateway will be used for the initiate to enter the circle.) Priest/ess and Helper Draws Down the Moon/Sun.  Bell is rung. Witch's Rune is read.  P takes sword (or athame) from the altar. P and H exit the circle, laying besom on ground, and face I. The Charges may be read.

P: (name of I), why do you come here? I: To worship the Gods in whom I believe and to become one with my brothers and sisters in the Craft. P: What do you bring with you? I: I bring nothing but my True Self. P: What are your skills and qualifications? I: briefly states in hir's own words the skills and qualifications.  P: You who stand on the threshold between the world of men and the domains of the Lord and Lady, have you the courage to make the journey? I: I have two passwords. Perfect love and perfect trust. P: All who have such are doubly welcome. The third is special and known only to the individual. It is symbolized by a kiss. P hands sword to H who places it on altar. P kisses I. Bell is rung three times. P takes annointing oil and annoints third eye of I.  P: With this oil I purify and bless you in preparation for what is to come. I now bid you enter this our circle of worship and magick. The student may be brought to the gateway, but s/he must cross its threshold alone. No one can pass through the portals between the world but by his/her own will and merit. P followed by I enter circle. Gateway is closed. They are met at edge of circle by H.  H: Welcome, ______, to this sacred place. In it you stand at the boundary of all worlds, without a firm foothold in any. Here is the world of form and spirit, light and shadow, earth and sky, World of Earth and World of Spirit. The vows and promises you make here will echo throughout all creation--through past, present and future; to the upper, middle and lower worlds. By stepping into this space you show your willingness to make these vows without fear and without hesitation. Are you now ready to begin making these vows? I: I am. P steps in front of I.  P: I speak now for the Lord (Lady). Why are you here? I: I am here to become one with the Lord and the Lady, to join in worship of them. H: I speak now for the Lady (Lord). Who made you come here? I: I am a free man (woman). No one made me come, for I am here of my own choosing. H: Do you of your own free will declare yourself a Witch? I: I do. I am a witch. P: Do you wish an end to the life you have known so far? I: I do. P: As you have spoken, So mote it be. Maiden & Squire lead I to cardinal points (Quarters) and says:  M & S: (divide as desired) Take heed, ye Lords of the East, South, West and North that ____ is properly prepared to be initiated as a priest/ess and witch. Welcome him/her and bring him/her joy. I is taken to the center of the circle.  P: Know this as a great mystery: In the spiritual we are all children. We must always continue to grow or our spirit dies. Never stop learning, for knowledge is the food of the hungry soul. P: In other religions, the postulant kneels while the priest towers above him, but in the Art Magickal we are taught to be humble, and we kneel to welcome him/her and we say: P kneels and gives I the Fivefold Kiss (feet, knees, groin, breasts, lips) Blessed be your feet that have brought you in this path. Blessed be your knees which shall kneel at the sacred altar. Blessed be your life which is the center of all creation. (kiss just above pubic hair) Blessed be your breath which embodies the lifeforce. Blessed be your lips that shall utter the ancient, Sacred Names. Takes up twine. We shall now take your measure.  Measure is taken, from crown to ground, cut and tie ends. Separate from remainder of twine and place on altar.   P places measure with tools to be consecrated.  P: Go and be reborn. Those gathered form a pathway ahead with arms overstreached. P places black cloth on I. A young child helps to lead I through pathway.

P and H place their crowns on their heads, take up their athames (or swords) and stand side by side holding them up in salute.  M: Now, then, you must face those whom you seek. S removes cloth.  M: Behold, in these two do we see the gods. And in that, know that we and they are the same. S: As we need the gods, so do the gods need us. P: I am s/he who speaks for the God/dess, yet you and I are equal. H: I am s/he who speaks for the God/dess, yet you and I are equal. P & H lower their blades.  I: I salute the Lord and the Lady, as I salute those who represent them. I pledge my love and support to them and to my brothers and sisters of the Craft. P: Do you know the Wiccan Rede? I: I do. States the Rede in hir's own words.  P: In this act, we celebrate a Covenant between you and the Lord and Lady. Have you brought your Covenant today? I: I have. States Covenant in hir's own words (if desired). Sets it aflame and places it in a cauldron.  P: Are you ready to swear that you will always be true to the Craft? I: I am. P: Are you always ready to help, protect and defend your brothers and sisters of the Craft? I: I am. I kneels.  P: Then say after me: "I, ___, in the presence of the Mighty Ones do of my own free will and accord most solemnly swear that I will ever keep sacred the Art of the Craft. And that I will never deny knowledge to any person, if he or she be properly prepared, searching, or of a right and pure heart. All this I swear by all that I hold sacred." Bell is rung three times. H & P help I to feet. P takes consecration oil and moistens fingertips.  P: With this Sacred oil I annoint and cleanse you in the Triple Sign. I consecrate thee with oil, giving new life to one of the Children of the Gods. Hir touches I just above pubic hair, on right breast, on left breast and again above pubic hair. Priest/ess and witch. Come, now, and meet your kindred. The ritual may be interupted for each member of the group to welcome and congratulate hir. When this is done, present and annoint the working tools (with oil by both P and I).  P: Now I present the working tools. First the Athame. With this, as with the Magick Sword, you can form all Magick Circles, dominate, subdue, and persuade the elements and spirits. With this in your hand, You are the ruler of the Circle. Next I present the Magick Sword. This is the true witch's weapon and has all the powers of the Athame. Next I present the White-handled knife. Its use is to form all instruments used in the Art. It can only be used in a Magick Circle. Next I present the Wand. Its use is to call up and control the more subtle energies with whom it would not be right to use the Magick Sword. Next I present the Cup. This is the vessel of the Goddess, the Cauldron of Cerridwen. From this we drink in comradeship, and in honour of the God and Goddess. Next I present the Pentacle. This is for the purpose of calling up appropriate spirits, and serves as a reminder of our proper place in the Universe. Next I present the Censer of Incense. This is used to encourage and welcome good spirits and to banish evil spirits. In many traditions, lessons are taught by hardship. We recognize the importance of hard work and these lessons. I present to you the Scourge, an ancient symbol of hardship. Use this as a reminder of the Burning Times when a mis-spoken word, a side glance or errant action could mean torture and death. Remember these times and their meanings and never forget the sacrifice of our brothers and sisters in the Craft. It has also been used as an aide for purification and enlightenment, for it is written "to learn you must suffer and be purified." Are you willing to endure all that is required of you to learn? I: I am. P: In the not so distant past, the Priest and Priestess of the coven kept each covener's measure in the event that any person would betray the others or leave the coven. There is no longer a need for such control, so I give back to you your measure in recognition of love, trust and as a reminder of your devotion to the Gods. Next and lastly I present the Cords. They are of use to shape the sigils in the Art. I now salute you, priest/ess and witch. Bell is rung three times.  P leads I to Cardinal points.  Here ye Mighty Ones of the East, South, West and North;  ___ has been consecrated priest/ess, witch and child of the God and Goddess. Now is truly a time for celebration. P & H continue with Cakes & Ale.  I dismisses directions and closes the Circle.