This ritual is best done with all adult female family members and friends invited to attend. Both of my daughters were delighted with this ritual, and my relatives, though not Wiccan, were also touched and honored to attend. You can adapt this ritual for an older woman, too. The strength is in having the "female community" welcoming her as a member; it's supportive, inclusive, and incredibly healing.
Cast the circle
Call in the Watchtowers.
EAST-
Hail to thee guardians of the watchtowers of the east, the
powers of water. As all rivers flow to the Mother Ocean, so
too do our daughters flow into womynhood. Water of life, we
gather here to celebrate with and honor our daughter, Sarah.
So mote it be.
SOUTH-
Hail to thee guardians of the watchtowers of the south, the
powers of air. As we breathe your purest beauty, each moment
passes, each minute, each hour, days become years, as we
watch our daughters grow into womynhood. Breath of life, we
gather here to celebrate with and honor our daughter, Sarah.
So mote it be.
WEST-
Hail to thee guardians of the watchtowers of the west, the
powers of fire. The life force which burns in us all, which
burns in our daughters as they become womyn, heat of lust,
and desire of love. Spark of life, we gather here to
celebrate with and honor our daughter, Sarah.
So mote it be.
NORTH-
Hail to thee guardians of the watchtowers of the north, the
powers of earth. As flowers grow from seed to blossom in the
sun, as fawn becomes doe, as all of the blessed animals and
plants become mature and fulfill their life's purposes, so
too do our daughters grow and mature into purposeful womyn.
Sustainer of life, we gather here to celebrate with and honor
our daughter, Sarah.
So mote it be.
Ablutions (Bless all participants)
Invocation to the Goddess:
Maiden, Maiden you who are unowned
You dance gaily, blossom crowned
Among the flowers you are most fair
Weaving them into your hair .
Maiden, Maiden standing in the light
We bring to you your own this night
She stands before you robed in white
In her glory, as is her right.
Share with her your love and play
Your courage to stand for your own way
Firmness of right, and strength today
Hold to your beliefs without sway.
As Mothers we have shown her our truths.
Now 'tis her time for herself to choose.
Mother and Crone watch over her still
Guiding her by example we will.
Maiden, Maiden we call you tonight
Mother, and Crone, in all of your might
Watch over us all, and bless our rite.
Blessed Be.
Invocation to the God:
Oh Horned Father, we call you here
This young one's childhood end is near
She needs your love, and your strength to bear
As now is the hour for which she prepared.
As child, she knew what was expected
To love, obey, and to be protected
Now comes a time when this will change
Her relationships will rearrange
Great Father we call on you to see
That the transition, smooth and blessed be
Watch over her still and your cunning lend
As the years of childhood come to an end.
Come and bless this holy rite.
Blessed be.
High Priestess speaks:(or the mother)
Sarah, in this past month of this full moon phase, your
birthday came, and you turned 16. This is a special age, for
you are neither child, nor yet totally adult. This can be a
confusing time, the between years, and so with the Lord and
Lady's help, we, your Mothers, have assembled here to honor
you and the transition you are about to make.
Here is the Cauldron of Cerridwen, which transforms all things from death to life, it brings rebirth from the old and into the new. Here I have a picture which you drew for me as a child. This was how you saw the world, and this represents your childhood which is now ending.
Into this sacred cauldron, we shall put your childhood, the
past which you will carry with you always, but which is
behind you now.
(You may have her burn the picture to symbolize she cannot go back to childhood.)
And out of this cauldron and your childhood
comes the beautiful young womyn you have become.
As a token of your new status, I give to you this symbol of womynhood.
(Can give a decorated besom, a piece of jewelry, whatever you feel as appropriate
for the person.)
As your Mothers, we welcome you to the circle of womynhood!
(group hugs and kisses)
(It is also appropriate at this time for the other women present to present gifts as well.)
(Lead her to the East, then south, etc.)
Sarah, here is the East, Water, the seas hold mysteries which are the Goddesses alone. As a womyn these are your mysteries too. Blessed be.
Sarah, here is the South, Air, the wind sings of the joy and delight of the Goddess, as she now sings for you, too. Blessed Be.
Sarah, here is the West, Fire, the love and blessings of the Goddess bring forth new life, even the sun shines for her! As He ever shines forth for all womyn, and for you, too. Blessed Be.
Sarah, here is the North, Earth, the body of the Goddess and the symbol of Her awesome power. She holds sway over death itself, because She can bring forth life, and so can you! Blessed Be.
(great rite or share Cakes and Ale.)
(read "The Meeting", from She Lives!: the return of Our Great Mother by Judith Laura, or any other appropriate woman's story)
Now Sarah, as one of the womyn here tonight, the duty shall now fall upon you to thank the Lord and Lady and to dismiss the watchtowers.
(help her if necessary)
Open circle
group hug