Do You Believe in Self Dedication Rite or Coven Initiations?

[EmeraldRose]

I'm a solitary practitioner and I have been practicing the craft for some time now (Although nowhere near as long as some) but I haven't performed a self dedication rite (I think that is what they're called, correct me if I'm mistaken) and people will often say that I should do one and things of that nature but I personally believe that you shouldn't have to do it because being dedicated to something doesn't need to involve performing a rite, I think that being dedicated is something special and that if you really are dedicated to Wicca or anything then both the God and Goddess can tell that from your inner being and thoughts. And I suppose this isn't a wrong view as Wicca has many different paths and it is very 'changeable' according to the individual's personal preference. Let me know what you think about having to perform a rite I'm interested in what everyone else has to say on the matter as long as you don't bite my leg off for my personal opinion! )O( Bless all!

[raynelae]

Hi
Self dedication is a very personal rite where you dedicate yourself to the service of the gods. I like your view on "self dedication". I believe it is more than just a rite---it is an every day prayer, watching the sun rise, and dancing under the moon----that is Wicca. Self dedication is living Wicca. Once you begin to live Wicca, you are a dedicated Wiccan. I think it is still a great idea to perform a self dedication rite, but it should feel right to you.
Blessed be

[melinda]

Well, I'm not a wiccan or anything, but I do think that people perform self dedication rites because they need it, to feel like they're part of something, to make it official.
If you're dedicated to the Gods, and don't feel like you need it, maybe you don't. They're Gods, if you're dedicated to them...they know...

[Greek_Male_Witch]

I haven't dedicated myself with a ritual, I believe dedication comes from the soul, so no need to make it official, it is official when I feel it, no ritual can substitute your beliefs and your soul.

[EmeraldRose]

I haven't dedicated myself with a ritual, I believe dedication comes from the soul, so no need to make it official, it is official when I feel it, no ritual can substitute your beliefs and your soul.

That is exactly what I'm talking about! I'm glad that I'm not the only one! )O(

[Greek_Male_Witch]

Glad I'm not the only one too!

[RainingMoon]

I did something similar to a dedication ritual (though most would say I didn't 'study' long enough). I simply went outside, laid on the grass, and closed my eyes. I spoke to the God and the Goddess, telling them that I now knew my path, and it was to follow Them. I got this intense feeling, I knew they heard me. I felt safe.

So while it wasn't exactly dedication, I felt it was right. When you know this is your path, follow it. You don't need a ritual to make it official(:

[Kei Kawazu]

Perhaps doing a right would help cause a mental shift more towards what you are riting (lol). Like how nuns give a pledge or something similar I suppose.

That or its probably for people who like to change their minds alot and this is to help them remember to stick with something *shrugs*

[Ravencry]

It all depends on what sect of Wicca you are practicing. Traditional witches (Gardnerian, Alexandrian, British Traditional) require a coven, while many other eclectic and solitary sects don't require any set basis on how many people are part of the dedication. I believe that both are very personal, such as a baptism is for Chistians. Since your solitary, a self-dedication rite would be most appropriate. I self-dedicated myself and found it to be quite empowering and beautiful. You can follow a structure or create your own. It depends on what works for you, not all Witches and Wiccans are the same. I suggest just finding something that makes you feel comfortable and affirms your belief.