A Self Initiation

There are many who say only a witch can make a witch. I happen to disagree. I think only the Gods can make a witch. Now, I will say that I only think you can make yourself a witch. One cannot initiate themselves into a standing tradition such as Alexandrian or Gardnerian. That takes a welcoming of that tradition by an already initiated member. But for those who are wishing to become a witch, here is a simple ritual that can aid you. A Self Initiation The dedicant consecrates the water and salt, casts the circle, strengthen the circle and calls the Quarters. Face the altar and say: I invoke thee and call upon thee, Mighty Mother of us all, bringer of all fruitfulness; by seed and root, by bud and stem, by leaf and flower and fruit do I invoke thee to bless this rite and to admit me to the company of thy hidden children. Sit before the altar, taking a moment to calm yourself. Take up the salt water. Dip your little finger in it and anoint your forehead saying: Let the mind be free. Anoint your heart and say: Let the heart be free. Anoint your genitals and say: Let the body be free. Stand and say: By night's dark shade, and by this ritual hour, Most ancient of the Gods, on you I call. Remembrance of past lives in me awaken, That day's delusion no more shall enthrall. I claim my life, my liberty, my light, Part of all life that flows eternally. I am the microcosm of the Whole, Kindred of star and stone and greenwood tree. Awake in me the power to do my will, Kindle within me love's eternal flame. Accept me as your own, a pagan soul, O Powers of Life, that did this Cosmos frame! Now go before each Watchtower and say: Take heed ye Mighty Ones of the East (South, West, North) that I (name), am properly prepared to become a priest(ess) and witch. Place your right hand on your heart and say: I, (new witch name), in the presence of the Mighty Ones, do of my own free will most solemnly swear that I shall defend the mysteries, will not deny the path of the Wise to any who's heart is pure and intent is true, and that I will follow the Old Ones as they lead me. On this I swear, on my mothers womb and my hopes for future lives. I hereby sign myself with the Triple sign -I consecrate myself with oil(moistens finger with oil, then touches above pubic area, right breast, left breast; this is the sigil of the First Degree). I consecrate myself with wine (touches same places again); I consecrate myself with my lips (kisses hand and touches those same places) priest(ess) and witch. If others have been present as support this is the time for congratulations. Also, give yourself a gift to commemorate the occasion. Go back before the altar and say: I am unique. There is no one else exactly like me. And yet I am One with the whole of nature. I have the right to be what I am. My essential Self is divine and beautiful. I have the right also to be better than I am, that the outer manifestation may be more true to the inner reality. Beloved Lady and Lord, grant me beauty in the inward soul, and may the outward and the inward life be at one. Take time to dance, sing or whatever you feel like doing. This is a rebirth and a joyous occasion! Partake of drink and food, remembering to leave an offering. When you are ready go to each Watchtower and say: Hear ye Mighty Ones of the East (South, West, North) I (new witch name), have been duly consecrated priest(ess), witch and hidden child of the Goddess! Close circle in the usual manner and leave your offering. Congratulations, and may the Gods guide your path! -Adapted from Doreen Valiente and Janet and Stewart Farrar