Amara's Dedication (Rites of Passage)

Today, my new pagan student, Amara, had her Dedication, which is basically where we do any Rites of Passage (like birth, puberty, parenthood) that were missed from earlier in life, and the student begins as an official Initiate, getting tested on various things and learning about themselves as they take 9 months to participate in Sabbats and get into the groove of the group I’ve founded.

Generally the puberty Rite of Passage is the most moving, because I make a point of verbalizing the burdensome and sometimes horrific realities put upon girls as they turn into women. I then turn it all around into the blessings that should be what we have as the gateways to life itself, whether we use those to bring forth new life (or not, on such an over-populated planet!)

I was disappointed that my focus and dramatic flair for the rite were not what they needed to be. I’m not yet “back” into my role as a Priestess. It feels artificial again. I had years where it felt right long ago, and it’ll take at least a couple more before it all comes naturally. I am open about this with my students as I dig deeper into myself to pull out the energy and magick needed for such things. At least I know from experience that I can and will “become” a Priestess eventually if I keep at it!

Cat, meanwhile, was doing a sort of “Thanksgiving dry run” making her signature stuffing, except she made her version of green beans (with onions and bacon and pine nuts) and duck breast (fat ON, thanks) with it. The smells permeated the house, and poor Amara’s belly was growling along with mine as we did our thing in the “witches’ attic”!

Cat made enough for 4 people, though, and so Amara, Mike, and myself were invited to partake with her. I pulled out a bottle of rose wine and we all sat down to an amazing meal! It ended up being the perfect note to celebrate Amara becoming an Initiate. She was thrilled as were we all, and Cat felt the glow of being praised for her efforts.

During the meal, our Thanksgiving plans were mentioned, and Amara confessed she had none. So Cat (CAT!?!) invited her to join us. Sleep, Reese, and Reese’s sister are already coming for Wednesday through Saturday, but there’s room for one more easily enough. Amara eagerly took Cat up on the offer. I had assumed Amara had plans, but perhaps she is the Black Sheep of her family like I am of mine, and so friends are the only way to celebrate “family” holidays.

It appears we’re going to have a very busy week ahead!