Pagans, how should I prepare for...?

Question

a Self Dedication Ritual? I want to be sure my mind and spirit are both ready for this passage. Any advice?

Answer 1

One thing you might want to consider, as a lead-in, is changing your eating habits. Some folks full-out fast; some just avoid processed foods for 24 hrs.

I know a lot of people favor ritual baths, but I actually prefer a ritual shower. If you can snag a specific purifying soap that's just for that purpose, all the better.

Meditation is a good wrap-up; however you want to do it, you'll want to clear your mind and get into the right mindset for the ritual.

Answer 2

I'd suggest you hold off and do some more study, if you don't know how to do the ritual, you aren't ready for it. Have you decided to whom or what you want to dedicate yourself? Have you picked a path? Wiccan? What branch, there are several. Druid? Same thing. Odinist? Isian? North American Shamanistic? A good start would be Scott Cunningham's "A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner". It covers all the Wiccan basics, and gives the procedure for a Self-Initiation. That will at least get you started.

Answer 3

Well, assuming you've done the appropriate research, which includes studying the traditions of at least 3 different religions, boning up on Pagan history and folklore and have a firm grasp of the cosmology, morality and philosophy of your chosen path...

You'll want to do a harm none fast for three days beforehand. That is, don't eat any food whose production required the death of another living thing. (Think fruit, nuts, etc.)

First set up your altar.
Take a bath in salt water, annoint your body with olive oil. (just rub it all over. You can add essential oils as appropriate if you like.)
Approach your altar in your nice clean purified state.
Smudge the area
Call quarters if you're into it.
Meditate on your purpose
Begin your ritual

Answer 4

The ritual cleansing bath is an excellent suggestion. As well as a cleansing incense. Other than that, have your ritual planned out in advance and whatever materials you plan to use: candles, salt, water, herbs etc. gathered and ready to go. You may be surprised how long it takes to get things in order. Lastly, try to secure a space and time where you won't be disturbed, no unexpected guests or ringing phones. As long as you're peacful and prepared you are good to go. Blessed Be.

Answer 5

Take a bath, use whatever herbs, oils, etc that will relax you... then meditate for a bit till our mind is relaxed as well. These techniques are also good to use before you try a complex ritual.

Answer 6

A lot of study and meditation. Meditation on things like what exactly is dedication, specifically what are you promising and to whom, why you are dedicating yourself to this/these deities (or path), how long are you dedicating yourself (a year and a day or a lifetime?), how your life will change. It helps to put these things on paper and would make a good entry into your spiritual journal. This is harder than it sounds.

Use whatever methods help you to focus and meditate, Incense, water, fasting, chanting, etc.
Many blessings on your journey!

Answer 7

what type of self dedication ritual are you doing?
what tradition are you entering?

these answers would help me to give you a more solid answer.

but basically use sage

make a ritual bath and use some sage leaves in the water, and burn some insence in the room to clean the body and relax the mind.

then burn some sage and fan the smoke over your body to remove any residual negative energy.

meditate to clear the mind and focus yourself on what you are doing.

these are some basic tips, tell me more and i can help you more..

blessings, and good journey on your newfound path.

Answer 8

You will need a dead OX... puree the horns and mix it with the gall from the gall bladder... then spill the Ox's blood on your alter and cut your arm to mix your blood with the Ox's blood... burn the blood while drinking the gall mixed with the pureed horns