The Initiation

The Initiation is the second and final step to becoming a full fledged member of the Coven of the Silver Birch. It is regularly performed AT LEAST three months after the member has taken the Oath to become a dedicate. However, it does depend from person to person. There are always members who show more committment thatn others, and who as a result may have their initiation only after the three months. However it is more likely that a member will not be initiated until he or she has been with the coven for close to a year.

Although the three month interval is the very least amount of time before the dedicate can become initiated, it is not necessary, the dedicate may wait longer to grow and learn before Initiation if they so choose to. As well, if the dedicate has been active in the Pagan practice and lifestyle for less than a year, the members may ask that the dedicate take the rest of the year to learn and study before taking the Initiation.

The Initiation is a big step albeit a fun one, at this time, the member has shown that they care enough about the coven and its members and goals to have been an active member for this amount of time. The Initiation ceremony will take place with either the entire coven present, or only the other initiated members, depending on the wishes of the initiate.p> The dedicate now takes on the same responsibilities as the other initiated members. This is because Silver Birch is a Priestly coven, and therefore does not have a hierarchy. Once initiated, a member has no more, and no fewer responsibilities as the rest of the initiated members. These responsibilities include:

Participating in the writing and designing of rituals
Planning of events and meetings
Leading rituals and lessons (if comfortable)
Organizing projects
Assisting in rites
Helping other members in study