How long should a Neophyte wait before Dedicating/Self-Initiatiating himself to the Wiccan path
(-I don't like using the term self-initiation for obvious reasons-)
I have been studying Wicca and Witchcraft, along with other religions, for the better part of four years.
I personally still don't feel quite ready right now for dedication, but, i still would like to hear your opinions on what you feel an appropriate length of time would be before dedicating onself to a religion, or, rather, to Wicca.
Blessed Be!
2007-12-26 22:29:20 · 6 answers · asked by Bobby The Wolf JPA 3 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
To the first person that answered: (sorry i didn't read your name ^_^)
Oh i did jump in half ******, but after a while of study i decided to jump back out and wait until the right time. I don't want to pretend to be somthing that i'm something i'm not, so i thought i would tell you :)
2007-12-26 22:51:00 · update #1
If you don't feel quite ready, don't do it. That's the first rule. This is a dedication of yourself to your gods. It's not something one should enter into lightly.
I strongly urge a year and a day minimum so you have an idea of what Wicca actually is, what you believe, what you want, whether Wicca can provide that, etc. After that, however, its very individual. I waited more than four years. In retrospect I wish I had waited a couple more. I was very doubting at the time. I'm not sure I really meant what I said.
2007-12-27 11:50:30 · answer #1 · answered by Nightwind 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Each individual will have to come to this decision in their own time. No matter how long. An honest search and research of the different paths of Wicca or Witchcraft would be a good place to come up with some questions of "which way should I go".
Take a look at who you are and where you want to be and what kind of person you want to be. The answer lies within.
Never jump in too hastily is what I tell those that ask me and it seems that you are not that type now. Very good. I give you many kudos on that one.
Szarah
2007-12-27 10:52:48 · answer #2 · answered by szarahofthefaery 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes, a dedication is NOT the same as an initiation.
A dedication is a promise that you will learn and/or study your path. Often it can mean dedicating to a particular deity for a time of study as well.
It is something that you do at any level of knowledge when you feel you are ready - and if you take it seriously, it will help you focus on what you are trying to accomplish in your path.
An initiation is a recognition of obtaining the knowledge needed for first degree. The tradition will dictate what that is, and if you are working solitary, uit may bea little more difficult.
Most responsible groups will NOT initiate a person until after one full year of study. If you are solitary, then take that year and reassess yourself at the end of it to deicde how you feel. If you are unsure - talk to people whom you consider to be experienced, Elders, clergy, etc. and get their opinions. It is up to you, but if their opinions help then it may give you the confidence you are looking for.
best of luck.
2007-12-27 12:13:05 · answer #3 · answered by conchobor2 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
this is honesty a question only the individual involved can answer. It is a personal decision and if you do not feel ready, then your not. This differs from person to person. I am glad to hear you are not one of those who jumps in half ******. Many do! Sorry I want more help
2007-12-26 22:34:25 · answer #4 · answered by dogwhisperer16 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Four years, huh?
You're searching for something and that something is just not there yet.
Since you're doing a pretty good job of researching this "thing" you're looking for, may I recommend that you actually write down on paper the pros and cons of whatever you're looking for and do a real comparison.
Blessed be back at cha!
2007-12-26 22:35:53 · answer #5 · answered by craig b 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Everyone in their own time.
Don't forget that.
2007-12-26 22:36:46 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋