Needed:
- Chalice
- Water
- Bell
- Salt
- Candle (color chosen by celebrant)
- Incense (scent related to the deity)
Clothing Color:
- Council and Staff: Black
- Celebrant: White
Member Preparation
Several days, or weeks, in advance the member should sit quietly and meditate on the following questions and write their answers as they come to them in their personal journal or Book of Shadows.
- What gifts can I bring to my chosen deity?
- Why do I want to dedicate myself to my chosen deity?
- What can I pledge to my chosen deity?
If during their meditation and seeking why they wish to dedicate themselves, the answers include desires to impress friends, scare neighbors, freak out family, or other words to this effect then they are not ready to dedicate themselves to anything. Instead, they should continue their studies and learning, but leave the dedications for another time.
Ritual
On the day of the ritual, before joining the coven, the member should take a special bath and meditate.
The Guardian of the North rings their bell once, stating: “Lords and Ladies of the Watchtower of the North, thou Gnomes of the within the earth and oreads of the mountain forest, bear slow and sure and bull of great strength, and tunneling worms whose work insures life, Boreas master of the north wind and ruler of the winds, here at the dwelling place of the gods be with us in solid strength and permanence, giving us sure knowledge of nature's ever-renewed cycles, the safe womb of night and the slow movement of winter. We do summon, stir and call you up, Come! Be welcome here in this our rite.”
The Guardian of the East rings their bell once, stating: “Lords and Ladies of the Watchtower of the East, thou gentle sprites and airy sylphs, soaring eagle and sweet butterfly, Eurus master of the Eastern wind, be with us in laughter and in thought, bring us the bracing dawn wind and memories of fragrant Spring. We do summon, stir and call you up, Come! Be welcome in this our rite. Blessed be.”
The Guardian of the South rings their bell once, stating: “Lords and Ladies of the Watchtower of the South, thou leaping salamanders and fiery ones, lion in passion and dragon in power, phoenix arising pure and whole from the flame, Notus, master of the South wind, be with us in passion and in truth, bring us the warmth of the hearth-fire and the summer sun, and the clear sight of noonday. We do summon, stir and call you up, Come! Be welcome in this our rite. Blessed be. ”
The Guardian of the West rings their bell once, stating: “Lords and Ladies of the Watchtower of the West, thou deep-dwelling undines and swift-flowing naiads, loving dolphin and hidden eel, Zephyrus master of the Western wind, be with us in feeling and in vision, in the evening tide's mystery and the upwelling autumn dreams. We do summon, stir and call you up, Come! Be welcome in this our rite. Blessed be. ”
The member should have their chalice filled with water. The member should hold their hand over the water and repeat:
“I cast out from you, all hatred, all fear, all anger
In the Name of (chosen deity). So Mote it Be.”
After a brief pause, they should hold their hand over the water again, and state:
“I fill you with love, with hope, and care and understanding
In the Name of (chosen deity). So Mote it Be.”
EbonyDoe: “Is it your desire, of your own free will, to dedicate yourself to (chosen deity) this night?”
Member: “Yes, and I bring with me the gifts of (gifts the member meditated upon). I put these gifts now to the service of (deity).”
The member takes up the salt and sprinkle a few grains on themselves.
Member: “This is the blessing of Earth, may it strengthen me as I dedicate myself to the service of (chosen deity). Through the element of Earth I will walk in balance.”
The member takes up the incense and lets the smoke drift around them.
Member: “This is the blessing of Air, may it inspire me as I dedicate myself to the service of (chosen deity). Through the element of Air I go forth seeking knowledge and the wisdom to use that knowledge wisely and with love for all things.”
The member takes up the candle and holds the flame in front of them.
Member: “This is the blessing of Fire, may it purify me as I dedicate myself to the service of (chosen deity). Through the element of Fire, I forge new things, giving expression to creative energies.”
The member takes up the water and sprinkles a few drops on themselves.
Member: “This is the blessing of Water, may it cleanse and renew me as I dedicate myself to the service of (chosen deity). Through the element of Water I live in love, trusting my emotions and intuition. I, (member's name), do dedicate myself to the service of (chosen deity), by my own free will. This is my pledge towards that service (the member lists the pledge they meditated on).”
Sit quietly and reflect for a few minutes.
EbonyDoe: “How do you feel (member's name)?”
Member: “I have received the blessings of the elements. I have pledged myself to the service of (chosen deity) and She/He has received me as Her/His own. In this sacred space and time, I am changed. (Birth name) has been transformed. I ask to be given a new name to reflect that change.”
High Priest: “Have you chosen this new name?”
Member: “I have.”
EbonyDoe: “And that name is?”
Member: “I am (new name)! By this name I present and dedicate myself to (chosen deity).”
All: “Be you well met (new name)!”
Guardian of the West: “Element of water, thank you for your participation in our ritual. Peace be with you and harm none on your way. Power of water, thank you for your special gifts. Go if you must, stay if you like. Hail and farewell!”
Guardian of the South: “Element of fire, thank you for your participation in our ritual. Peace be with you and harm none on your way. Power of fire, thank you for your special gifts. Go if you must, stay if you like. Hail and farewell!”
Guardian of the East: “Element of air, thank you for your participation in our ritual. Peace be with you and harm none on your way. Power of air, thank you for your special gifts. Go if you must, stay if you like. Hail and farewell!”
Guardian of the North: “Element of earth, thank you for your participation in our ritual. Peace be with you and harm none on your way. Power of earth, thank you for your special gifts. Go if you must, stay if you like. Hail and farewell! Everything comes from the north!”