Witch Initiations

Self Initiation in my opinion is very acceptable as long as certain rules are applied and I am not just talking of the ritual per se. Firstly, I agree to a point with the school of thinking that one can be born a witch (born with the traits of a witch just as one is naturally skilled in carving wood or the other in calculating numbers) but the gaining of knowledge is a necessary prerequisite to the initiation therefore the year and a day principle (as a guideline) is a clever concept. Of course a witch will always have to study but just because I own a calculator that doesn't make me an accountant likewise owning an altar or wand doesn't automatically make me a witch. Having gained the basic principles one can after time initiate oneself as a mini witch of sorts. Think of it like this...I can bake cookies but not gourmet dishes... but hey baking cookies is a start! Here's where my thinking may differ to others...the self initiation is up to you. It is individual but having gained the necessary knowledge beforehand you probably know which deities you wish to dedicate yourself to (for now at least) and how you offer your heart, mind and soul up to link to the energies you require is totally up to you. This is why I feel it is necessary to gain knowledge first. We are all individual, all take our own paths and all develop at a different pace. Thank the Gods for this blessing!

Order The Dark Arts Library Now!

Group Initiation is a very general term as it can mean a number of things but principally defined is initiation into a coven, initiation into a tradition or initiation as a witch (of whichever level). Initiation into a coven is achieved by passing a test (physical or symbolic or both) which invokes a new awakening and spiritual feeling within the candidate. It should be a promise of unity in thought and belief as shared by the whole sect (a melding of consciousness if you will in order to achieve goals together). Initiation into a specific tradition such as Gardnerian/Alexandrian is entering a more family kind of situation which will allow you access to meet fellow "family" members anywhere in the world. As it is above so shall it be below or as it is on the inside so shall it be on the outside. Group Initiation helps us to break down the barriers between planes and be led down a path that has been well beaten by predecessors. This has its advantages as does any "system" for the moment a system. A system should be in place to free the user not to enslave them (software system, traffic system) and keeping this in mind the unity and focus achieved by a group initiation can outweigh the solitude and independence attained through self initiation. Six of one and half dozen of the other. I an a Chinese Dragon Hill Goat so solitude suits me but I sometimes socialize with other practitioners. Having said that, learning by doing is the best way to go so maybe a mixture of your own liking between group fellowship and self initiation may serve you as well as it has served me...you must choose...

Order The Dark Arts Library Now!