A Cleansing Ritual for
Neophyte.
Your body is the temple of your soul and life.
How it interacts with the world affects not only the future, but
the present. As Wiccans realize that symbols are important to the
Craft, it is only natural to apply these symbols upon our bodies.
The tradition of Henna goes back to Egypt and beyond. However,
little is known by most in the Craft of the tradition of temporary
body art for casting spells. This is too bad because the ancient
tradition of paining symbols for ceremony was a very powerful way
to incorporate the body with the spirit and gods.
The making of body paint is a lost art. Most
just use "Halloween paint from Kmart" instead of taking the time
to create natural pigments for Craft work. It is these Kmart
witches that give Wicca a poor name and low opinion by many
intelligent thinkers. We highly suggest you try to create natural
paints. Most will provide muted coloration of your body and if
made correctly wash off leaving not a trace. This leaves you the
ability to keep your magick secret from oppression.
The following spells were composed by Enadus in the mid 1980's
using body paint based on Native American traditions. He and his
Coven found them excellent enhancements to their outdoor
ceremonies.
Cleansing Ceremony used on those
joining the Craft
Usually, a Neophyte comes to the Craft
after following another religion. In the United States that
usually means some form of Christianity. This ceremony helps the
new believer to leave his old religion behind.
Have the Neophyte wear as few clothes
as they are comfortable with. Before the ceremony begins paint on
symbols of their old religion. For Xtrains, various versions of
the cross, fish symbol, triangle with an eye (Eye of God), IHS,
Alpha and Omega symbols, heart with crown, crown of thorns, etc.
Start by raising your circle in
the customary manner.
Prayer
Beautiful Demeter, Gods and Goddesses of our
World Bless this place, moment and occasion. A (brother/daughter)
of this Earth has chosen your ways. They have cast off the
superstition of their Fathers. They wish to embrace the ways of
the ages. They wish to be grounded in the beauty of this world and
of your spirits. Please bless our cleansing of our new
brother/daughter. Bless (name of new believer) and bring him/her
closer to your bosom.
We anoint (name of Neophyte) with the
four elements.
High Priestess walks around (sunwise)
the Neophyte with element of water (use symbol of choice).
High Priestess walks around (sunwise)
the Neophyte with element of air (use symbol of choice).
High Priestess walks around (sunwise)
the Neophyte with the element of fire (use symbol of
choice).
High Priestess walks around (sunwise)
the Neophyte with element of earth (use symbol of choice).
The Charge by High Priestess
(Neophyte to answer each question)
Do you, (name of Neophyte) cast off
your old religion?
Do you dismiss the lies of (name of
religion)?
Do you wish to be cleansed of the
symbols of (name of religion)?
So Mote it Be.
Let the Coven join in purifying our
future brother/sister.
At this point clean off the symbols
from the Neophyte's body. This can be done in several ways -
depending upon location and conditions. All can walk into a
shallow body of water and can use white towels wash off the
symbols from the Neophyte's body. If done indoors use a basin of
blessed seawater and white towels.
Once the symbols have been removed
the High Priestess states:
Our brother/sister has been purged of
the symbols of his/her former faith.
He/She is now ready to enter into our
religion, our Coven and our hearts.
At this point with red body paint
and a black handled brush - paint on a pentagram on the flesh of
the Neophyte.
Cherish your new ways and your new
symbols of truth.
So Mote it Be.
You can now end the ceremony or
proceed directly to the ceremony of initiation.
