Self Initiation
Find a quite space outside where you won't be disturbed. This ritual is best done skyclad, but if you are uncomfortable with this, wear a special outfit. Set up a tempory altar and quarter points. The quarters can be stones or candles. Cast a circle of protecton, and then consecrate it. Summon the guardians with the following words, don't forget to pause to visualise the element concerned and to think upon the significance of that element for your self dedication :
"Guardians of the South, sacred spirit of earth. Into the stillness of your cold dark womb shall you accept my death, the death of my former self. I bid you hail and welcome. Guardians of the east, sacred spirit of air. As the sun rises in the east so shall you quide my rebirth into my new life. I bid you hail and welcome. Guardians of the North, sacred spirit of fire. You shall be my protector as I go forth from here along my new path. I bid you hail and welcome. Guardians of the West, sacerd spirit of water. Cleanse my spirit and keep it ever pure from now and into the future. I bid you hail and welcome."
Now for your Symbolic Death Lie on your back and repeat the following words "I am entering the stillness before creation I am entering the ground of the Goddesss May my body be still May my mind be Peaceful May my heart be ready"
Now be at peace with yourself, feel the peace of the Goddess flow into you Feel yourself merge with the cold earth beneath you. Chant this slowly. Hectate, Cerridwin Dark Mother take me in Hectate, Cerridwin Let me be reborn
Keep chanting until yourself melting into the Goddess. When you feel the time is right, slowly get up and begin to walk round the circle chanting the Goddess Chant "We all come from the Goddess, And to her we shall return, Like a drop of rain, flowing to the ocean."
Gradually walk faster and faster, round and round the circle, until you get dizzy. But don't stop. After a while you will get tired but tou must keep going unti you drop exhausted to the ground. This is how the power is raised Lay again on your back to regain your breath. When you have your breath back, stand in front of the altar and annoint yourself by dipping your finger in oil and mark a cross, first on the right breat, then on the left breast and finally just above the pubic hair. Say ... "I annoint myself priest/ess of the old religion, and I take the name ........ (say the name you wish to use quietly)"
Now say "I, (real name), in the presence of the forces of Universe and Divine do of my own free will and mind most solemnly swear that I will ever abide by the religion and science of the Craft of the Wise. I shall neither harm my fellow humans with the secrets that I learn nor shall I flaunt my beliefs or powers before them. From this day on I shall be reborn as (new magickal name) and shall honor, respect and cherish this oath I have Taken"
Now kneel in front of the altar, pour a little wine into a goblet and place in front of the altar. Take your athame and holding it with both hands, pointing down and arms outstretched, plunge the blade into the wine and say "As the cup is to female so the blade is to male. And so conjoined bring blessedness"
Now say to yourself "I am reborn a Witch. I am a Priest/ess" Rise to your feet and say as loud as you can without being overheard "I AM A WITCH!" Now partake of the wine and cakes. Close the circle and dismiss the quarters. Get dresses (if skyclad), partake of more wine and cake. (but leave a bit to give back to the earth)