Initiation

The word itself is defined as "the action of Beginning something". The Initiation Rite is a ritual in which one begins their journey as a witch, typically within a coven of a specific tradition. Some of us receive Higher Initiations from Spiritual Entities separate from groups, and some of us undergo Self Initiation which has been quite a debate among some traditionalists. As I've mentioned in a few of my books, we experience our very first Initiation in the separation of ourselves from the rest of the world as children where life is a spiritual journey thus creating an experience that can never be duplicated but rather only celebrated within the rites we give ourselves to do so. The first Initiation Rite within many traditions is a simple acknowledgement of the self as a witch, and the acceptance of one's path and duties along that path to the self and others. However, Initiations do not end with the first induction into a coven, or the first rite of recognition as a witch. What initiations follow will depend greatly on the traditions you follow.

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Dedication

The Dedication Rite is not practiced by every traditions, and typically is a Solitary endeavor. The witch may set aside a specific day of the week, month, or year to hold a Dedication for honoring their Higher Power, Deities, etc. for purposes of staying connected, reconnecting, or keeping current with an agreement of veneration. It may consist of the Spirit's favorite associations, or what the witch may associate with them; food, music, dance, poetry, flowers, scents, symbols, etc.

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Paganing

The Rite of Paganing has been adopted into Wicca as the "Wiccaning" Rite of a new born or small child. Paganing is simply giving the community a chance to acknowledge the new life that has been brought into the world. It is a Rite that can also be used to present the child to the elements, deities, and coven members and it is common to use this ritual to place protection onto the child by deities and the circle. It's also common to give the child a secret name only known by the coven. As it turns out, our middle names come from a custom of secret names that only the family would know. It was said that knowing the secret name gave a person power over the individual which is why everyone had a secret "middle" name that no one outside of the family was aware of.

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Eldering

The Eldering Rite is a ceremony such as a "Croning" or "Saging" of an elder member of a coven, in which they are acknowledged and recognized there after as an Elder of the Coven and it's Traditions. In a sense, they may be seen as an authority on particular traditions, but also that they may deserve a certain amount of respect for their cunning, resilience, and wisdom. Eldering Rites are typical among Neopagan Groups and Religions such as Wicca.

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Handfasting

The Rite of Union between two people in marriage is called a Handfasting. The term "Handfasting" refers to the binding of hands of those being joined together as one in marriage. Each rite can be as unique as the couple needs it to be, and is acceptable in most pagan traditions and covens. The families would generally gather together, hear prayers or acceptable words for the occasion by the Minister, after which the Minister will take up the Handfasting cord and bind the hands of the bride and groom together with a prayer and vows. It is tradition that the couple stay bound and jump over a broom or a fire for protection and prosperity. While modern times for pagans has used the Handfasting Rite to replace the traditional Christian Wedding, the Handfasting Rite was meant to bind two people for at least 2 years as a "trial run" so to speak. If the couple still wanted to be married they would have a second, more permanent marriage. If not, they would undergo the Parting of Ways.

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Parting of Ways

This rite is exactly how it sounds. Whether permanently or temporarily bound, if two people have decided that they shouldn't be together, a Parting of Ways is performed so that families and community members can acknowledged that the two individuals are no longer one. Today, this may be followed by legal divorce if necessary.

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Death Rites

Need I say more? But Funerary Rites are the responsibility of the Minister.

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Coming of Age

There are many kinds of Coming of Age Rites according to the traditions you follow of when these must take place. Typical rites would include The First Blood Rite when a girl first receives her Blood of the Moon, and a Boy's Coming of Age when his manhood should be tested.

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