What are “dedication” and “initiation” in Wicca?
These things mean different things in different traditions. Usually “dedication” ceremonially marks the beginning of Wiccan study, while “intitiation” may mark full membership in a coven/tradition (such as after “a year and a day”) or may indicate elevation in skill or to special clergy status. Some traditions look on all initiates as co-equal clergy, while others have grades or “degrees” of initiation, which may be marked by distinct sacramental ceremonies, duties or expectations within the tradition. Some people claim that “only a Witch can make a Witch,” whereas others say that only the Goddess and God or demonstrated skill can make a witch. Doreen Valiente was initiated by Gardner himself, but slyly asks “who initiated the first witch?” Valiente and others assert that those who choose to “bootstrap” a coven into existence (by an initial initiation) or to use self-initiation may do so, citing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Self-dedications are also quite common among new
