IDGAF Initiation
I finally got to do my self-initiation ritual and am now a fully-fledged member of the IDGAF tradition. Without going into too much detail about the secret ritual, I wanted to share with you some photos and my experiences.
I spent the morning setting up my altar and space for the ritual. We then went to Brenton's sister's place for Boxing Day lunch and afterward had a swim in the ocean. So not only did I get to take a ritual bath, I got to bathe in mother ocean before my ritual.
We went home and after dinner I did my ritual. I cast circle and called in the quarters and then invoked deity - both the generalised Wiccan "Lady and Lord" and the Goddesses Isis, Gaia and Kuan Yin (technically she's a bodhisattva, but you know) as well as my guides and angels. The invocations started out very formal, and then became very heartfelt as I prayed for them to be with me and watch over me as I took my oath of initiation. I have to say, I haven't spoken to deity from the heart like that for a very long time.
Then it was time to do the ritual. Without giving away too much about what's in the ritual, I had to say some words about moving on from being a dedicant. I said something along the lines of:
"During my dedicant process I have truly dedicated myself to the path of the craft and the IDGAF tradition. I have read many books, written about my experiences and diligently practiced my spirituality. In this time I have learned much and grown much. I now honour my efforts in this endeavour and I know that I am ready to cross the line into initiation."
I then took the oath (which I can't write here as it's super secret!) and symbolically crossed the line. I had to give myself a token of my initiation, which was the Wild Unknown Tarot deck. I charged and blessed it and took some time giving myself a quick reading. I then said some words about my newly initiated self and my intentions as a witch of IDGAF. I didn't write down what I said, but it was something about continuing to learn and grow all the time, contributing positively to the IDGAF tradition and being a blessing to my fellow members.
After the ritual I had a really lovely feeling that I had honoured myself and done the right thing... I don't know why I was so nervous about it and put off the ritual for so long to be honest! Even when I go into the room where I had the ritual, there's a really nice "vibe", like something really special happened in there.
Here are some photos I took:
My altar, set up for the ritual (in much the same way as I usually set it up really).
The symbolic line that I crossed, along with my special token. I was going to get myself a necklace or something, but the Wild Unknown Tarot came a few days before the ritual and I hadn't "played" with it yet. It seemed fitting. :)
Me, newly initiated! I wore my hooded robe, even though it was hot!
The first reading I gave myself with Wild Unknown Tarot. I asked it to give me some insight into my new path as an IDGAF intitate. Here is my quick interpretation (perhaps you, dear reader, even have some more insights for me?):
Heart of the Matter (Mother/Queen of Wands): The heart of the matter is the decision I have taken to take charge of the direction of my spiritual path and having the diligent and regular practice I have wanted for a long time. This is about me being part of a community now and stepping into my personal power by making this commitment and prioritising my spiritual life in this way.
Opposing forces (Nine of Wands): My defensive and shy nature and fear of letting people in.
Root Cause (Two of Cups): My desire for union, both with the divine and like-minded others.
Past (10 of cups): From being a part of IDGAF I have experienced a lot of enjoyment and the feeling of belonging (even family, if you will) from being a part of a spiritual community. I have a great feeling of accomplishment that I have actually finished my dedicant period now and stuck to the commitment I made.
Goal (Nine of Pentacles): My goal as a member of IDGAF is to build on the "wealth" of the tradition and our community and help contribute to the enjoyment of our members.
Future (Son/Knight of Swords): In my future in IDGAF I see swift movement forward and lots of intellectual stimulation. Yay!
You (Ace of Cups): Very fulfilled, blessed and emotionally satisfied. I have everything I need to move forward as a witch of IDGAF.
External influences (Three of swords): Traditionally a card of sorrow and disappointments, perhaps my tendency for depression will get in the way of my goals if I let it.
Hopes & Fears (The Star): I both hope for and fear that I am divinely inspired and guided. If you look at it one way it's a reassuring thing, but on the other hand it's quite scary!
Outcome (The Moon): Traditionally a card of mystery and illusions, ultimately the future is uncertain, but there's a sense of balance in this card that to me looks promising, and I can see myself making the time to do lots more late-night rituals and workings, since I enjoy it so much! It's time to make it a priority. :)
My altar with my new initiation token deck all ready for next time I use it!
A cheeky selfie in my special mirror.
I would like to send my blessings to all of the members of IDGAF and extend my sincere thanks to the founding members of the tradition: Renée, Drew, Heather and my wonderful mentor, Amy. You guys have done a great thing in creating something that was needed to help eclectics like myself to find community and add the structure and discipline to my practice that was missing before. You all have a special place in my heart and I love all of you dearly. Now that the tradition is well and truly up and running and I believe we're going places, I take my hat off to you and raise my drink in honour of IDGAF! Here's to IDGAF! Blessed be. :) xx
I spent the morning setting up my altar and space for the ritual. We then went to Brenton's sister's place for Boxing Day lunch and afterward had a swim in the ocean. So not only did I get to take a ritual bath, I got to bathe in mother ocean before my ritual.
We went home and after dinner I did my ritual. I cast circle and called in the quarters and then invoked deity - both the generalised Wiccan "Lady and Lord" and the Goddesses Isis, Gaia and Kuan Yin (technically she's a bodhisattva, but you know) as well as my guides and angels. The invocations started out very formal, and then became very heartfelt as I prayed for them to be with me and watch over me as I took my oath of initiation. I have to say, I haven't spoken to deity from the heart like that for a very long time.
Then it was time to do the ritual. Without giving away too much about what's in the ritual, I had to say some words about moving on from being a dedicant. I said something along the lines of:
"During my dedicant process I have truly dedicated myself to the path of the craft and the IDGAF tradition. I have read many books, written about my experiences and diligently practiced my spirituality. In this time I have learned much and grown much. I now honour my efforts in this endeavour and I know that I am ready to cross the line into initiation."
I then took the oath (which I can't write here as it's super secret!) and symbolically crossed the line. I had to give myself a token of my initiation, which was the Wild Unknown Tarot deck. I charged and blessed it and took some time giving myself a quick reading. I then said some words about my newly initiated self and my intentions as a witch of IDGAF. I didn't write down what I said, but it was something about continuing to learn and grow all the time, contributing positively to the IDGAF tradition and being a blessing to my fellow members.
After the ritual I had a really lovely feeling that I had honoured myself and done the right thing... I don't know why I was so nervous about it and put off the ritual for so long to be honest! Even when I go into the room where I had the ritual, there's a really nice "vibe", like something really special happened in there.
Here are some photos I took:
My altar, set up for the ritual (in much the same way as I usually set it up really).
The symbolic line that I crossed, along with my special token. I was going to get myself a necklace or something, but the Wild Unknown Tarot came a few days before the ritual and I hadn't "played" with it yet. It seemed fitting. :)
Me, newly initiated! I wore my hooded robe, even though it was hot!
The first reading I gave myself with Wild Unknown Tarot. I asked it to give me some insight into my new path as an IDGAF intitate. Here is my quick interpretation (perhaps you, dear reader, even have some more insights for me?):
Heart of the Matter (Mother/Queen of Wands): The heart of the matter is the decision I have taken to take charge of the direction of my spiritual path and having the diligent and regular practice I have wanted for a long time. This is about me being part of a community now and stepping into my personal power by making this commitment and prioritising my spiritual life in this way.
Opposing forces (Nine of Wands): My defensive and shy nature and fear of letting people in.
Root Cause (Two of Cups): My desire for union, both with the divine and like-minded others.
Past (10 of cups): From being a part of IDGAF I have experienced a lot of enjoyment and the feeling of belonging (even family, if you will) from being a part of a spiritual community. I have a great feeling of accomplishment that I have actually finished my dedicant period now and stuck to the commitment I made.
Goal (Nine of Pentacles): My goal as a member of IDGAF is to build on the "wealth" of the tradition and our community and help contribute to the enjoyment of our members.
Future (Son/Knight of Swords): In my future in IDGAF I see swift movement forward and lots of intellectual stimulation. Yay!
You (Ace of Cups): Very fulfilled, blessed and emotionally satisfied. I have everything I need to move forward as a witch of IDGAF.
External influences (Three of swords): Traditionally a card of sorrow and disappointments, perhaps my tendency for depression will get in the way of my goals if I let it.
Hopes & Fears (The Star): I both hope for and fear that I am divinely inspired and guided. If you look at it one way it's a reassuring thing, but on the other hand it's quite scary!
Outcome (The Moon): Traditionally a card of mystery and illusions, ultimately the future is uncertain, but there's a sense of balance in this card that to me looks promising, and I can see myself making the time to do lots more late-night rituals and workings, since I enjoy it so much! It's time to make it a priority. :)
My altar with my new initiation token deck all ready for next time I use it!
A cheeky selfie in my special mirror.
I would like to send my blessings to all of the members of IDGAF and extend my sincere thanks to the founding members of the tradition: Renée, Drew, Heather and my wonderful mentor, Amy. You guys have done a great thing in creating something that was needed to help eclectics like myself to find community and add the structure and discipline to my practice that was missing before. You all have a special place in my heart and I love all of you dearly. Now that the tradition is well and truly up and running and I believe we're going places, I take my hat off to you and raise my drink in honour of IDGAF! Here's to IDGAF! Blessed be. :) xx