There is a right time for a dedication. When you have decided a spiritual path is right for you and you truly feel within your heart that the beliefs and principles are the means by which you want to live your every day life, then you may want to dedicate yourself to that path.

For adults, this can occur when ever you feel ready. For children raised in the path, it should not occur until they reach puberty. At that time, a family may decide to opt for a Coming Of Age Rite, instead of a dedication. Leaving the dedication ritual until their 16th or 18th birthday. Once again the choice is up to the individual.

As an example; In the Deborean tradition, the dedication ritual is left to a member's 16th birthday. Some people chose to dedicate themselves to a spiritual path within the Clan, acknowledging their desire and devotion to the faith itself. But the dedication ritual is also viewed as a dedication for those who have chosen spiritual service within the Clan as well. For instance, a person who has chosen the mission of a healer, will dedicate themselves to the studies and work of that path. In some ways it's like an acknowledgement of a major if you were in college. You are agreeing to work with the Great Spirits to fulfill your mission. You are asking for their help and you are agreeing to perform the necessary work, research, learning and spiritual lessons it will take to fulfill the mission. Within the Deborean Clan, a dedication like this is a requirement and prerequisite to an initiation within the Clan. Especially if the dedication ritual includes a devotion of service.

There is also a good time to perform the ritual itself. During the first full moon of the spring season or just after Samhain. These times are perfect for new beginnings and goal setting.

Any pagan ritual or ceremony should be performed within a circle. The circle represents the flow of life, the ever ending circle of growth. This ceremony is written for the solitary pratictioner. However, you can modify the steps to include family members or friends to help you with the ritual itself.

An alter is placed in the northern sphere of the circle. You'll need: A large white candle.

- 2 smaller candles (tapered candles are best). The colors should be light blue and lavender to represent spiritual growth and wisdom. If you are dedicating yourself to a particular service, chose a color to represent that path.
- Candle holders, matches and a candle sniffer to extinguish the ritual candle.
- A chalice filled with blessed water or wine (tea or fruit juice is ok as well). If you have guests, you might chose to include a decanter of wine or fruit juice for your guests (don't for get the cups).
- A masculine tool, such as a wand, or athame.
- A feminine tool, such as a chalice or crystal ball.
- A ceremonial broom
- An offering for the God/Goddess. In this ritual it should be something you can plant that will signify the growth of spirit and partnership between you and the divine.
- A rope made of natural fibers to define the ritual circle. The rope should be able to encompass an areas 5-6 feet in diameter. Or larger if guests will be joining you inside the circle.
- Arrange your alter before you begin. The ceremonial broom and rope should be laid on the ground in front of the alter until it's time to use them.

Cast the circle as follows.

- Fold the cotton rope in equal halves to find the center.
- Stand outside the position of the circle, laying one end of the rope opposite the alter.
- Moving clockwise lay the remainder of the rope on the ground, until the circle is defined and the ends are aligned together in the south. The Alter should be inside the circle.
- A small opening should be left to allow entry into the circle.
- If you want to make a circle big enough to also encompass any guests, family members or witnesses, you can. Just make sure you have a large enough continuous rope. Otherwise, your guests can stand along the outside of the circle.

Once the circle has been laid, stand before the entry way with your ceremonial broom and state the intent of the gathering.

- The opening should be something like this: "In the name of the God/Goddess, I "state your legal name", enter this sacred circle for the purpose of honoring the spiritual path of "state the path you have chosen" and dedicating my spirit and life to that spiritual path.
- Enter the circle.
- If any guests are to enter, now is the time for them to do so. They should enter and move clockwise. The first guest should lead the way around the entire circle, back to the south, where they should be seated. Others guests should follow until all have entered.
- When everyone is inside, place a ceremonial broom across the opening, closing the circle to set and protect the divine ritual space. If you have invited family to your ritual, include them in the ritual. For instance, laying the broom across the doorway is a perfect job for a parent or grand parent. A prayer of protection can be said at this point. Something like this: "We shut the doorway to this circle to protect the divine purpose for which we enter. We ask the Great Spirits to guard our ceremony in keeping our actions and thoughts positive and pure."

You can use the generic Maiden, Mother, Crone and God, or you can evoke a specific deity of your choosing. But the Gods must be present to bless the dedication.

- Stand or kneel before the alter.
- Present yourself to the deities.
- State your given legal name.
- The presentation might go something like this: "Great Spirits, In this sacred space, I "your legal name", come before you in humility and reverence to dedicate myself upon this spiritual path. I ask for your presence and blessings, as I step forth onto the "state your tradition if you have chosen one, if not you can use a generic term" path and ask for assistance in learning and growing.
- Light one of the small candles to represent the flame of life that has been lit within you.

Here's the big part. You don't have to be perfect, if you make a mistake it's ok. Remember this is your first official ritual, the one that will be held up to all others. Do what you can to make it a fun and happy event.

- In the name of the Great Spirits, I "your legal name" am ready to accept the spiritual path of the ancient ways, living in the divine light of the God/Goddess.
- I am ready to accept the pagan credo as your law to live by.
- I am willing to take on the responsibilities of this journey to proclaim my spiritual path as "state the name of your path".
- {If you are also using this dedication as a statement of service, continue your proclamation}. I step for into service as an apprentice of "state your mission". Giving myself and energies to the Great Spirits for divine purpose and use. I declare my desire and willingness to overcome past deeds that might interfere with this path. I acknowledge the tasks ahead to learn. I open my heart, mind and soul to the education and teachings require to fulfill this mission.
- Light the second candle.

Now remember, this is a rite of dedication, not an initiation into a pagan priesthood or shamanistic role. But at this point, many traditional circles suggest you are recite a pagan credo. This can be a credo written in verse by you, or a standard credo, such as the Wiccan Rede. I prefer one that puts in your own words what you are accepting as the law you will live by. This demonstrates many things to gathering and/or the Divine forces that are present.

- That you understand what you are accepting, acknowledging the importance and reverence of your commitment.
- It demonstrates your level of magikal knowledge, showing you can write your own ritualistic program or prayer.
- It shows that you are indeed mature enough to conduct a ritual on your own with confidence and grace. (Remember it doesn't have to be perfect. This is the biggest confidence builder for a new pagan.)

- Turn to the gathering if you have guests, if not remain facing your alter and recite your credo. The credo should begin something like this: "To the Great Spirits I "state your legal name", proclaim my commitment and desire to walk the spiritual path of "state your traditions or magikal sect's name". I put forth my mind, body and soul to here after be known as "state your new permanent magikal name". - It is important to give some serious thought to the magikal name. Names are very important to the Celts, and carry with them a great deal of energy. The name should reflect your characteristics, hopes, talents or divine gifts. - With the lighting of this candle, (light the large white candle), I bind my journey, my emotions, my thoughts, my actions and my energies to the following principles. State (or read) your credo. - After the credo some traditions also take this moment to declare a pantheon. Here you should pick up the athame (or whatever tool you chose to represent the God) and raise it in both hands at a height even with or over your shoulders. Then state: "From today forward, I call upon "the name of the God", for his wisdom and guidance on my path through this spiritual life. Blessings be to Thee". Place the athame back upon the alter. - Pick up the chalice (or whatever tool you chose to represent the Goddess) and raise it in both hands at a height even with or over your shoulders. Then state: "From today forward, I call upon "the name of the Goddess", for her wisdom and guidance on my path through this spiritual life. Blessings be to Thee". Place the chalice back upon the alter. - Pick up the offering you have brought for the divine spirits, holding it with both hands above your head. Then state: "I make this offering of "state what you have brought", for honor and thanks to "state the God and Goddess' names" for your presence, you willingness to guide my path and your protection as I take this journey forward." Some people like to state what they plan on doing with the offering..if they are going to plant it in a certain place, or bury the offering to represent a certain thing, or burn incense so the smoke can carry a certain message across the winds. Whatever you chose will be fine. When you have conclude, replace the offering (if that appropriate) back upon the alter.

You have conclude the dedication, but you can include a small celebration rite as well. You should stand before the alter for this section, if you have guests everyone should rise.

- If you are a solitary practioner, take your chalice of wine from the alter and hold it level with your heart.
- If you have guests, present each one with a cup (starting with the first person to your right and working clockwise around the circle). Then fill their cup with wine, fruit juice or tea from a decanter (which should have also been placed on your alter). Again, start to your right and work clockwise around the circle.
- Then state something like this: "I, {state your magik name}, thank you all for participating in this ritual of dedication. I ask you to join me in celebration and toast." Some people also like to include a prayer of thanks, but again, this is your choice.
- Once you have taken a sip, return the chalice to the alter. Your guests should return to their seats.
- Cross the circle and lift the ceremonial broom.
- Turn back to the circle and state: "Our thanks and gratitude to the forces that be present, to the Lord and Ladies, the guides and guardians. I close this sacred circle and return this space back to it's original state. Blessings be to all."
- Step back from the circle.
- If you have guests, now is the time for them to exit..again, moving clockwise. The person sitting to the left of the door on the west side of the circle, should move around the entire circle and be the last person to exit.

The ceremony is now concluded, but you still have some clean up to do. The larger candle should be placed on a mantle or as a center piece on the dining room table for a small celebration meal. The candle should be allowed to burn for a minimum of 1 full hour. But do not leave the candle un-attended. When it's time to extinguish the flame, snuff it out with the candle snifter. Clean up your ritual space and alter. Then join in a celebration of life and spirit. Blessings be to you and yours.