In the neo-Pagan world, we say that "there is no one true way" an awful lot. Then we very often get into arguments with other neo-Pagans because something they believe doesn't correspond to something that we believe.

Ah, human nature. Neo-Paganism is all about self-improvement and forging a relationship with the Divine, but at the root of it all, we're still human.

One of the largest debates in the neo-Pagan community revolves around initiation. Not all neo-Pagan paths are initiatory, but most have a tradition of honouring one's teachers. Lineage becomes a method of identifying your affiliations, your training, and your history, whether it be passed through an initiation rite or by a series of teachers. Most neo-Pagans have a strong respect for their ancestors. Spiritual ancestors qualify as well.

Just what is initiation, anyway?

An initiation is a rite of passage which confirms you within your new path, marks a certain level of achievement in study and practice, or connects you to a certain body of knowledge and wisdom. You certainly don't need to be initiated to worship the gods, or to perform magic.

Some people believe that they must undergo initiation in order to validate themselves within whatever neo-Pagan path they have chosen; but really, if initiation is what they're focused on, then they're missing an important part of the point of walking a neo-Pagan path. Overall, neo-Paganism is about how you live your life, and about your world-view.

Some people you meet will ask if you've been initiated, and if you haven't been, they'll dismiss you as unimportant. If they do, it's their loss. Initiated or not, you offer a unique perspective of the world, and as a valuable resource in your own right. An encounter like this might lead you to believe that you must seek initiation to be taken seriously. Initiation and degrees are simply methods of evaluating your progress within a particular tradition or group, not a universal yardstick by which all neo-Pagans are measured. Initiation doesn't grant you godlike powers, or change your life instantaneously.

If you choose to enter into an established formal tradition, they will likely first dedicate you and then initiate you at a later date. A dedication is an oath to study for a period of time so that you and the group may evaluate one another. Initiation may only be given after both you and the group agree that this is the right thing for you to do, if both parties are comfortable with the step. Initiation is a serious commitment, not just a feather for your cap or a badge to sew onto your sash. Initiation serves as a foundation for future work with the group and the tradition.

The same goes for degrees. An individual who has attained a second-degree level is in no way a better person than a first-degree. Every initiation and degree granted (also called elevation) reflects a unique individual's achievements and accomplishments. Sally might not be granted her second degree from her tradition for the same reasons that Patrick has been. And why should it be? Sally and Patrick are two unique individuals, with different priorities, strengths, and challenges. Who wants cookie-cutter neo-Pagans?

If you work alone (and most do!), or with an group that isn't affiliated with an established tradition, then people often choose to self-dedicate instead. This is a ritual where you declare your intention to function within this new spiritual path, and swear an oath to the gods. Some people do this for a period of a year and a day, and then do a self-initiation to seal themselves to their chosen path. (If you're uncomfortable writing your own self-dedication ritual, there are plenty of self-dedication rituals available on-line and in books.) It's a way to affirm your choice of lifestyle, and to formally introduce yourself to your chosen deities.

Throughout your travels in Pagan communities, the Internet, and elsewhere, you'll run into individuals who have dramatic names such as Lord Merlhynn of the BearHound Tradition. Your first act should be to research the BearHound tradition. Is it listed or referred to anywhere? Who else is involved? Who founded it? What are its principles? If Merlhynn claims to be a Lord, a title usually reserved for those of highest degree within a tradition, one would hope that he had done a significant amount of study alone and with others, and not just through a couple of books he found on the New Age shelves of his local super-bookstore. A tradition is only officially recognised as a tradition once its founder has died, and a significant number of people follow it. Sticking "Lord" or "Lady" in front of your name isn't going to magically endow you with wisdom or knowledge; it's just going to make people think you know more than you do. While that may sound attractive, it's not going to be so nifty when someone catches you in an out-and-out lie.

Claiming a magical heritage that isn't your own is a huge faux-pas in the neo-Pagan world. Most neo-Pagan paths value honour, integrity and truthfulness. Lying about your training will net you nothing but dishonour. If you aren't a member of a group, or you haven't been initiated, say so quite simply and truthfully. Tell the person inquiring how long you've been studying on your own, and your areas of interest. The worst you'll get is a cool nod. The best scenario, though, will include a conversation about mutual interests, and might even gain you a book recommendation or an introduction to someone new.

Every neo-Pagan you speak to will have a different opinion regarding initiation, and they ought to - it has different repercussions and effects for everyone. Initiation ties you to a group of people, which isn't necessarily a good thing. If you're convinced that initiation is an absolute must in your life, then think long and hard about who you approach for it. It's a link that will exist for life, and possibly beyond, depending on the initiation.

In a group environment, initiation is a form of mental trigger that serves as a catalyst for future group work, as well as an oath to uphold the secrets and practices of the group. Initiation can be empowering, or can call up a storm of negative situations in your life. Examine your motivations carefully, and be brutally honest with yourself. Why do you seek initiation? If your response satisfies you, by all means search for a group to request admission and initiation. They will likely ask you for those reasons, and they will make their decision based on them and their experience with you. If you can't put a finger on why you want to be initiated, it might be good idea to wait on it for a while. After all, there's always more reading and practice. The gods aren't going anywhere. And everything happens in its proper season.

Initiation is not the all-encompassing validation that many people believe that it is. If you seek initiation to prove to yourself or others that you're a real Witch or Heathen or whatever you are, then you're missing the depth of your chosen spiritual practice. Being initiated isn't a short-cut; it's a recognition of how much work you've put into self-improvement. How much work? It differs from person to person, of course. And then, the true value of that work is the knowledge and experience you gain. Initiation isn't necessarily an end point, either. It should be only a step along your path of exploration and development.

(c)A. Murphy-Hiscock. Originally published on the PaganUniverse website, in June 2003.