These nine weeks are to be used for setting up your sacred space, building/erecting your altar, collecting and making your sacred tools of the art, stocking your magickal cabinet with necessary supplies, choosing your permanent magickal name, and sewing or purchasing a ritual robe. You should spend at least fifteen minutes a day in meditation in this time period. These ceremonies are oten performed on a new moon; however, you can choose a date for your dedication that will mean something special to you. Perhaps your birthday or the first day of spring. During the nine weeks you should buy a new book of shadows and copy the dedication ritual below. Take your time. It doesn't have to be done all in one night. Just bookmark this page. :) Copying the ritual in your "own hand of writ" helps to prepare you for the acceptance of the devine energies you will recieve during the ceremony, Especially if you plan to work as a solitary Witch. A week or two before the ceremony (possibly sooner), you may feel a "quickening" of your spirit. It is hard to explain... a sort of fluttering, expectant feeling.
Phase Two: On the night of the ceremony, take a spiritual/cleansing bath. If you plan to transport your props to another site, pack them carefully. Include something to eat and drink in communion. Turn off the phone and lock your doors if you are staying at home to ensue you will not be disturbed. Spend at least a half hour meditating before you go further. Think hard about why you want to do this, what benefits you wish to derive, and what positive changes you desire to make in your life. Immediately before beginning the ceremony, cleanse, concecrate, and empower all supplies that will be used. Pass the four elements over the elements, saying; I cleanse and concecrate these items in preparation for my dedication ceremony. May no evil or negativity abide in thee. May the blessings of the Lord and Lady decend upon this altar and these things. So mote it be.
Set your Book of Shadows by the altar where you can clearly read it. Using a book light is acceptable during the ritual.
Phase Three: Create sacred space by carrying a representation of each element around to to the four quarters in a clockwise direction. Sweep the area with a new, empowered broom in the same manner (clockwise). Place a votive candle at each quarter along with flowers or appropriate items (your choice) that match the quarter. Once you have cast the circle for the self-dedication, it is best not to cut a door. Double-check your altar setup. Do you have everything you need? Did you remember the items for communion? The lighter?
Phase Four: begin the ritual by casting the circle and calling the quarters. Say: I conjure thee, O circle of power, so that you will be for me a boundry between the world of humans and the realms of the mighty ones--a meeting place of perfect love, trust, peace, and joy, containing the power I will raise herein. I call upon the elements of the east, the south, the west, and the north to aid me in this consecration. In the name of the Lord and the Lady thus do I conjure thee, O great circle of power! Remember that you can cast the circle by walking clockwise three times around while reciting the words, or wakling around only once. When finished, tap the ground ad say: As above, so below. This circle is sealed! Tap your foot or your staff on the ground three times. Stand in the center of the circle, and say: