Dedication

When I think of dedication I think of the hard work one puts into something, be it a project or a skill of some sort, or even trying to type through a blog post with a faulty keyboard. (ahem) In the pagan community the word dedication usually summons up an image of a young neophyte swearing fealty to a god, or many gods, and his path. Many books on witchcraft or paganism usually include some sort of self-dedication near the end of the book so that the reader has a sort of guideline on where to go next.

For me personally dedication is merely symbolic, and is not strictly necessary for one’s survival in the Art. However, I have made dedications because I need to. I need to cement in my own mind through action th changes I make in my life for my Art.

It was precisely a year a go when I re-Dedicated myself physically to the Land Beneath my Feet. Though, shortly after this I left Montana for Washington, and immediately felt a pull for back home. I let my blood upon the Land, which seemed the traditional thing to do. I knew in my heart of hearts that this would bind me forever to this place, and I am perfectly comfortable with that. Here in Montana is where I am the most healthy, the most aware, the most happy.

And now I must do it all again. This previous dedication was to shed my old life behind so that I could reaffirm my compass; I have done that now. Now I have determination in my heart, I know what it is that I truly want both for my Art and for my daily life outside of the Art. Though, of course, I have started to realise that the two are not mutually exclusive. Indeed, they should, and do often, mix and blend!

This dedication is not a ritual, exactly, but it certainly contains one. In truth the dedication contains many. I have set out a list of fifty two rituals that I want to complete through out the year. This includes necromatic rituals that I have always been too afraid to try. It also includes a spirit vessel ritual concerning Old Bumble. These are not weekly, of course, many of them (twenty four of them to be exactly) are just moon ritual for the full and dark moons.

This year I am being dedicated to Consistency!

The Cord is Knotted, the Stang is Raised, the Old Goat is watching.

And I am prepared.