A Solitary Initiation Ritual

This ritual is best performed at a crossroads at night or, if that is not safe or possible, within a ritual circle marked as a symbolic crossroads. Bring with you a candle; a ring, cord, or piece of jewelry (any little wearable trinket) to bless as your token of dedication; and a small offering (e.g., wine, bread, milk, or a coin) to leave at the crossroads. Perform the Crossroads Rite and stand at the center of the liminal space you’ve conjured.  Close your eyes and take a moment to center yourself on your ritual’s purpose—dedicating yourself to the study and practice of witchcraft.  When you are ready, open your eyes, light the candle and speak:

By road and path, by track and trail,
I stand between, I lift the veil.
This is the place where the old ones tread,
Where the living meet the dead.

Kneel and pick up a handful of dirt in each hand, one handful representing the physical world and the other representing the spirit realm. Bring your hands (and the dirt) to your lips and  whisper your name[1], saying:

I call my name ________, I make it mine,
Written in earth, in ash, in sign.
Let spirits hear and know me well,
A witch now walks between the veil.

Let the dirt trickle through your fingers, sprinkling it either on your head and shoulders or in a circle around you, saying:

Earth to flesh, dust to bone,
I stand as one, yet not alone.
The path is open, the way is set,
A Witch is born, never to forget.

Stand tall, raise your arms, and call out:

Gather, Spirits! And listen well!

I have sought my Initiator in the shadows and the storm,
In the whispering winds and the flickering flame.
I have found Him/Her/Them, as all who came before,
And written my name in His/Her/Their book[2].

Hold your chosen token (ring, cord, or jewelry) before you. Speak:

By ash and elm, by yew and thorn,
This charm is bound, my oath is sworn.
As long as I wear/bear it, let my craft be true,
By night and by moon, by sun and by dew.

Pass the token over the candle flame. Hold it to your forehead, then to your heart, then to your lips and then place it upon yourself. Finally, leave your offering at the crossroads, whispering:

For those who watch,

for those who guide,
For those who walk the path beside.

Blow out the candle, collect your things, and leave without looking over your shoulder.

[1] It is common for people to take a Craft Name when dedicating themselves to a witchcraft path. You may choose a Craft Name, your given name, a nickname, or whatever name resonates most with you. Refer t your own folklore and beliefs about whether you should give the spirits your birth name or create a false name for working with them.

[2] If you like, you can announce the name of your Initiator here by adding “His/Her/Their name is______!” before “And I have written my name in his/her/their book!”