Within traditional Witchcraft, there is no such thing as a self-initiation. The reason for this is because during the rite of passage, or initiation, the lineage is passed down to the next generation. Also, during this time, certain secrets are revealed to the initiate.

However, there is what is termed a dedication. A dedication is a more personal ritual that is performed by the individual. It is very different from a rite of passage or initiation, though. A dedication is when a person decides to honor the Gods and the Ancestors and learn the ways of Witchcraft. A dedication ritual is composed by the individual and consists of a pledge of service to the Gods. Just because someone has gone through a dedication but not through a formal rite of passage does not mean that they are not devoted. Devotion to the Gods is personal, and that is why it is expressed through a self-dedication.

Regardless of the tradition within Witchcraft there is usually some form of initiation or rite of passage; although it may or may not be referred to as such. For those that are part of family tradition, the rite of passage is completed through certain rites that occur when an individual reaches specific times within their life cycle. For others, the rite of passage may be done after an individual has completed a time of study along with specified tasks.

The rite of passage, or initiation, is a formal ritual wherein a person must has spent a period of study and has reached a certain point wherein they are given a set of tasks to complete. Some traditions have different stages, wherein other have certain points in the life cycle wherein this ritual takes place. One of the most important parts of the rite of passage or initiation is when the lineage is passed down. The lineage is the line of essence that is passed from Witch to Witch for all the preceding generations. There are also sometimes naming ceremonies. These are sometimes included within the rite of passage or initiation, although in some traditions they remain separate.