Becoming Wiccan

Wicca is a relatively new religion, taking it's roots from many pagan pantheons and practices. Entry into the religion is open to anyone, and just like any other affirmation of faith, a dedication ceremony or ritual is an event of major importance.

No matter what your history is regarding religion, it is highly suggested that you spend time reflecting on your choice, reading every book regarding Wicca you can get your hands on, (yes, even the bad ones,) and speaking with others who are initiated in the religion. Your connection to the Goddess is one you nurture yourself, however you should prepare and learn all you can about the religion prior to your initiation ritual.

For individuals who plan to raise their children in a Wiccan home environment, Wiccaning is sort of like baptism, welcoming the child into the world. During a Wiccaning, the parents and chosen spiritual guardians dedicate themselves to raising and protecting the child in perfect love and trust. In the course of a Wiccaning, the child is not placed under any obligation to worship according to the Wiccan religion.

The dedication ritual is the first step in the path to learning formally. Many circles require that an interested party study for a period of up to a year and a day before they are dedicated. A dedication ritual is a momentous occasion, the dedicate pledging themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and continued spiritual growth. During a dedication ritual, the dedicate may be approached by a specific individual who will, over the course of the next year and a day, aid the dedicate in their studies.

After a year and a day of dedication, representing the dedicate studying and learning through an entire cycle of the Wheel of the Year, the individual then commits to an Initiation. This is celebrated and joyous, often a very lengthy event. Though initiations differ from coven to coven, this ritual's function is to contact and the initiate to the Goddess. Whereas before the initiate was seen only as an outside student of Wicca, they become a participant in rituals and magic after their initiation.

That's it, really. Beyond the rituals is a lifetime of Goddess worship and learning, devotion and magic. The practices of dedication and initiation are extremely personal, emotional events that will remain in your memory and heart forever. Goddess Bless!