Initiations
“What is Initiation?”
The subject of Initiation can be difficult to discuss among Wiccans, because there is little common agreement regarding the form, function, and requirements of the formal Wiccan initiation. An initiation can be any or all of these things:
- A Rite of Passage
- An initiation, at its most fundamental level, is a rite of passage that moves the initiate from a state of ignorance to a state of greater knowledge.
- A Group Experience
- Within formal Wiccan traditions, an initiation marks the entry of an initiate into the tradition.
- An Opportunity for Transformation
- Ideally, an initiation offers the chance to shed the outworn pieces of our lives, in order to emerge renewed.
- Outside Guidance
- An initiation cannot typically be performed for oneself and requires the special skills of one who has experienced initiation.
- Common Questions
There are many questions swirling through the Wiccan community regarding the subject of initiations. The debate is complicated by a lack of agreement about what an initiation really is, and why it’s important.
- * What is initiation supposed to be?
- A direct spiritual experience of Divine.
- * What is it supposed to do?
- Open the initiate to a new awareness of Deity.
- * If you're a seeker, should you seek it?
- Most definitely.
- * Why is it such a big deal?
- It can change your whole life.
- * Is self-initiation valid?
- It depends entirely on the circumstances, but not usually.
- * How is it different from dedication?
- Most "self-initiations" are really dedications, which is a personal commitment to Deity.
- * If you're practicing solitary, are you missing out by not having a coven initiation?
- Not a bit. You might not have that particular experience, but there are other ways to make the same connections.
- * Are you really a "Wiccan" without it?
- Absolutely!
- Why is it Important?
- So what are we supposed to learn via initiation that we can’t get from books?
- * Initiation ideally leads us to a new spiritual understanding.
- * It’s purpose is not to acquire simple factual knowledge. Initiation leads us to the direct experience of Divine.
- * It requires another person because, generally speaking, we can't lead ourselves to a place we've never been before.
- * It’s an experience that happens to us, not something we can ordinarily create on our own.
- * It’s the ultimate spiritual journey into the unknown, with the initiators, whether they be human or Divine, leading the way and guiding the initiate into a direct experience of the sacred.
The Initiation Experience
Wicca has blossomed into a flexible and evolving tradition that is more accessible to the solitary seeker than ever before. But many solitary practitioners crave the powerful, transformative experience they’ve heard about from traditionally initiated Wiccans.
So can one have this amazing, transcendent experience without the benefit of a coven initiation ritual?
Of course. If a solitary Wiccan does not have a guide to lead them through this experience, the Gods themselves have been known to step in.
By definition, initiation requires knowledge from outside of ourselves. But remember that God and Goddess are the ultimate, original Initiators.
As a solitary, any work that develops a closer connection to Deity can lead to an initiatory experience.
~Flame RavenHawk
September 17, 2004
A more complete discussion of this topic may be found in “The Sacred Rites of Initiation,” featured in the 2004 Llewellyn’s Wicca Almanac.