Coven initiated or self- dedicated Pagan/Wicca: does it really matter?

Question

Have you ever heard the "real witch is a coven initiated" remark? Why all the fuss about it?
I am self-dedicated but an frustrated by the potentially dogmatic attitude that the "real witch.... etc" can convey. Is possible to find unity in our wide and varied Wicca and Pagan community or have I lost my marbles? Granted, this question is an old chestnut but I like to see some answers and opinions. Thanks and Blessed Be.

Answer 1

People have been practicing the art of witchcraft for many years. Some are initiated into groups, others are not.

There have been polytheists (pagans) for many years and again, some belong to initiatory religions while others do not.

Wicca is a relatively new, initiatory religion. Not all witches and pagans belong to the religion of Wicca, so not all witches and pagans need initiation---only those who are drawn to initiatory religions like Wicca.

There is a big difference between a dedication rite and an initiation rite. Really. Check any dictionary. One need not be initiated into any particular group to dedicate their lives to deity/ies.

Answer 2

There are dogmatists on both sides of this debate. There are those who say that only a witch can make a witch. On the other hand, there are those who completely reject the idea of initiation and never want to have any part of it. Both views are a bit extreme.

The solitary path works fine for some people. Others feel that, after a while, they've gone as far as they can on their own, and decide to seek out a teacher or group. This is where initiation comes in.

I have been a solitary Pagan for many years, and then sought initiation through a Magickal Lodge. I have also gone through the process of Reiki attunements, which is also an initiatory path. I found both to be a very rewarding, powerful, and transformative experiences. But I must say, the true moment of initiation might not come in that temple during that ceremony. It might come hours, moths, years later when you make a connection and suddenly all the symbolism of that ritual falls into place and you get it. Or, it may come before the ritual even takes place, and the initiation rite is there to formalize a level of spiritual development already attained. Here's an analogy -- think of the initiation ritual as someone telling you a joke, and the moment of initiation is the instant you get that joke, and the enlightenment comes with the laughter! The initiation ritual is there to facilitate the environment where a transformative spiritual experience is possible. It also marks one's membership and level of attainment within the structure of a group.

Some people can have initiation experiences on their own, although there is no such thing in my opinion as "self-initiation." There is self-dedication, but initiation is something the Gods give you, not something you give yourself. The formal ritual of initiation is not necessary to receive an initiation from the Gods -- but study, practice, and dedication is.

You can call yourself a Pagan, Wiccan, Witch, Druid, or magician without a formal initiation. If you want to lead a group, coven, grove, or lodge, however, I think that you should be initiated.

Answer 3

I think to be a Wiccan you need to be initiated, because that's the sort of religion it is. At the same time, you can be a witch or a pagan without being a Wiccan, so if someone wants to be a witch or pagan, then self-dedication is fine. For Wicca, though, initiation is required.

Of course, this is my opinion only, and many people have been happy self-dedicated Wiccans, so what do I know?

Answer 4

Well, I suppose first off I should say that I started off solitary and so did go through my own self initiation rites but then I found a coven, loved it and its rules and ways and was eventually not only allowed initiation but was promoted to high priestess... That said, I need to say I don't see a problem with either, as many people in today's hectic society don't have time for a full and traditional Gardnerian Wiccan initiation act, and others just don't see a point. I am one of the latter. The initiation was nice into the coven, but I don't and didn't even then, see it as neccessary. So I suppose the easy answer is it doesn't matter to me. What say the rest of you?
Blessed be.

Answer 5

There are many traditions, belief systems etc...within witchcraft and wicca, so no one can really say what a "real" witch is supposed to do. I am a solitary Witch, I have not done a self-initiation, because I don't feel the need. I also know many who are self-initiated wiccans and practice happily. If you are happy and feel secure believing, studying and practicing, then don't let the words of those who wish to put you down affect you. I too have heard these words, and think, "You know what? This is MY path, not theirs. If they want to be initated by a coven then that is up to them. It is not for me."

In my opinion, your marbles are well intact hun.
Blessed be

Answer 6

Mostly, the initiation issue comes up when you're dealing with one of the Mystery religions - Trad Wicca, for example. Folks who aren't initiated into the tradition (or who aren't initiated to the higher levels) don't have all the information - which can consist of anything from ritual structure to the secret names of the deities involved. Some folks might not see this as being a major issue, but for others, it's a key element that separates "Wicca" from "not-Wicca."

In a way, this issue certainly contributes to one of the major issues in Paganism. Since so many people dismiss the issue of initiation, and claim that Wicca can mean whatever they want it to mean, it provides a lot of backing for the willfully ignorant, the folks who ignore fact for fantasy.

Answer 7

To some Wiccans it does matter. Gardnerians in particular are fond of saying that anyone that hasn't been initiated by a coven isn't a real Wiccan. Though not all of them do that. Ignore them. Every religion has its extremists, ours are just less vocal than others.

It doesn't really matter whether you're coven initiated or not. Many Wiccans find covens to be too much like organized religion. I'm one of them.

Answer 8

I am a solitary wiccan and am doing just fine on my own. My sister is as well. I don't think there needs to be a coven in order to be a real witch. Blessed Be.

Answer 9

There are always people trying to drag mud into clear streams. As more power is built along with a stronger Wiccan church there will be those whose only reason for becoming Wiccan is gaining Power.

Answer 10

yeah, right --tell that to the Fam-Trads--fundies are fundies whether they worship a god or a goddess, and you get more than your share in wicca