To Re-Dedicate Oneself to Witchcraft
A rite for the solitary witch to reaffirm their path after a long absence or as an annual renewal. Choose a place of power that is meaningful to you and your craft. If indoors, create a threshold with an open door or mark a cross on the floor with ashes or chalk. Gather there: a candle; a bowl of water (from a natural source, if possible); a handful of dirt; an iron key or skeleton key; a cord; and a written copy of any personal vows you wish to undertake.
Light the candle and place the bowl of water and the dirt nearby. Hold the knife hand. Stand with your feet apart, one in shadow, one in light, if possible. If you have marked the ground with a cross (visible or by gestures), you can get the same effect by putting on foot on one side of an axis and the other on the opposite side. When you are ready, say:
By hoof and claw, by wing and scale,
By silence, by whisper, by word, by wail,
Who walks the crooked path with me?
Spirits of the wind and tree,
I call thee now, I call thee near,
Watch my rite and witness here.
Wash your hands in the water, then let the dirt fall through your fingers. Say:
Washed in water, bathed in dust,
I wake again, I rise, I trust.
Touch the key to your brow and chest. This marks your return as a witch and wards against doubt, confusion, and malevolence. Speak your personal vow of dedication. Example:
I walk the road where few will tread,
With spirits, shades, and witch-fire fed.
By key, by bone, by blood, by breath,
I claim my craft in life and death.
Tie a knot in the cord to bind your words. Keep it or wear it as a reminder. If this is an annual rededication, you may keep the same cord and add more knots as you carry on your craft each year. Leave a piece of hair, spit, or small offering for the spirits, saying:
By blood and breath, by bone and thread,
By whispered word and oath well-said,
I give this gift, both small and true,
A witchβs bond, a token due.
Take and taste, by fang or wing,
And walk beside me as I sing.
Hold the charm in your hands and breathe over it, using your breath as a symbol of imbuing it with intent and essence. You can remain here, doing any workings you like (such as re-blessing any tools or creating any oaths you like) or simply spending time with the spirits. When you feel your work is complete and you are ready to leave, put out the candle, saying:
The fire dims, but never dies,
The road is dark, but so am I.
Witches past and witches near,
I stand once more, my path is clear.
If outdoors, collect your things and leave in silence, without looking behind you. If indoors, fully clean up your ritual items without speaking and leave the room to settle for a bit. Carry the key or incorporate it onto your working altar as a reminder of your rededication.
