Solitary NeoWiccan Self Initiation

NeoWiccan Self-initiation is largely what you make it, but for the most satisfying results every such ritual should include the following steps. What follows is the barest ritual outline. I’ve left out such things as lighting candles and charcoal.

Purification of some kind; A shower or bath prior to the ritual is fine.

The laying of the altar; Use whatever tools you normally work with.

The circle casting; Though this isn’t absolutely necessary, it certainly heightens the atmosphere. It’s best if you’ve already gained proficiency in circle casting before initiation. If you feel comfortable casting the circle, use it. If not, don’t.

Opening invocations to the Divine; These may be those that you use in your everyday NeoWiccan ritual work, or special ones composed for this rite.

A symbolic death of your old, non-NeoWiccan self; Be creative. This may consist of wrapping yourself in black cloth, blindfolding yourself while sitting before the altar, or even singing a dirge. Create a prayer appropriate for this moment. After a suitable time of meditation and reflection, cast off the trappings of death with a cry of joy.

Pray anew to the Divine, dedicating yourself to them; State that you’re now a Neo Wiccan. If you’ve chosen a magical name, now would be the key moment to commit to saying it aloud to them.

Relax in the circle for a few minutes; Watch the candle’s flames. If you’ve brought cakes and wine into the circle, it’s time to dedicate them and to share in the manifested love of the Divine. When you’ve finished your sacred meal, thank the Divine for Their attendance and close the circle.

Conventional Wiccans may argue with this self-initiatory plan, but it's effective. I’ve presented it here as a pattern that NeoWiccans may use to create something meaningful of their own, which is unique to them.

However Self-initiation is an important ritual that isn’t to be undergone lightly, and "any initiation" isn't better than "no initiation". The NeoWiccan should be ready for both spiritual and physical change following this rite. After all, once you’ve undergone a self-initiation, you’re no longer just a student; you are a Wiccan. Self-initiation is a wonderful affirmation of our dedication to NeoWicca if it’s performed for positive reasons, at the appropriate time, in the proper state of mind. But it is no less than the beginning of a new life.