Rite of Dedication

This is a rite that dates to the 15th Century in Italy, if one wishes to become Strega, the following ritual should be preformed. Out of need it may be modified to fit into our changing lives and changing age, for it is the intent that is the important thing, but try to keep it as traditional as possible.

At midnight when the moon is full, go out into an open field or a clearing within the woods and take with you a vessel of water, another of wine, and a mixing bowl. Take also a small red bag containing a sprig of rue as your amulet and a pinch of salt.

Pour some wine and water into the bowl and add the pinch of salt. Remove your clothes and kneel beneath the moon. Dip the sprig of rue into the bowl of liquid and anoint yourself with it in the manner of the pentacle. Tough the rue to your forehead, right nipple, left shoulder, right shoulder, left nipple, back to forehead.

Then cup the sprig of rue in your plams and lift it up toward the moon saying:

I kneel beneath the Moon
that all the Witches of old
have knelt before.
And I am one with them
in this sacred light.
Hear me O Diana, goddess of the Moon, Queen of all Witches,
for I bear the symbols of Old Religion
hear me then,
and think yet even for a moment
upon this worshiper who kneels before you.
For I have heard the Strega's story
and I believe the words of Holy Strega.
When she spoke of your beauty in the night sky
when she bid us seek and find you above all others.
Here as the Full Moon shines upon me,
receive me, O Diana
receive me as your child
and grant me the powers of those who follow you.
For I believe in the gifts of Aradia
which you promised to all who follow in the Old Ways.

Anoint yourself again with the rue dipped in the bowl and say:

Dianna, beautiful Dinna
Goddess of the Moon and beyond,
Queen of all Witches
goddess of the dark night and all Nature,
if you will grant me your favor
then I ask a token sign from you.
Let there be heard the sound of a dog
the neigh of a horse
the croak of a frog
or the call of a bird.

Anoint yourself a thrid time and then say:

In the name of Diana, so may it be.

Gather up the items and place them back into the red bag. Sit quietly beneath the full moon and listen to the sounds of the night. If you hear any of the sounds requested, then Diana has granted you her favor, and you are one of the Strega. If you do not hear them, it is not a rejection, but simply means the time is not yet right.