2011, "Rituals of Purification, Rituals of Initiation: Phenomenological, Taxonomical and Cul- turally Evolutionary Reflections." Pp. 3-40 in Ablution, Initi- ation, and Baptism: Late Antiquity, Early Judaism, and Early Christianity, edited by David Hellholm, Tor Vegge, Oyvind Nordeval, & ...
First, there is a challenge, which ensures that the would-be Witch is sincere in his or her desire to become a part of the Old Religion. As in many such rituals, the initiate is then blindfolded and bound. This symbolizes the darkness and restriction of the womb prior to birth. As is...
…usually conduct the rituals of initiation, a time during which young people are instructed in their future roles as adults and are acquainted with the rules controlling the social stability of the group. Totem and spiritualistic masks are donned by the elders at these ceremonies. Sometimes the ...