In the writing of this I had many difficulties. One was not to insult any religion, but to show differences and meanings behind the act of a Paganing. In this I had one other boundary to overcome what to term the parents of a particular faith. When the decision came down I chose to use the word witch in defining Pagan parents. This is a common association, but I would like to remind everyone that not every Pagan is a witch--that is a choice that is made, not a requirement.

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This is not the place to debate the difficult question of the religious upbringing of children. But we think one point should be made during this issue about the differences between Paganing, and Christening and a Baptism. We are not here, to say that one or the other is better or worse, just that there is indeed a difference, as well as many similarities.

A wiccaning ceremony for the child of a witch family does not commit the child to any one path, even a Wiccan one. It is similar to a christening in that it invokes Divine protection for the child and ritually affirms the love and care with which the family and friends wish to surround the new one. It differs from a christening in that we do not say which faith our child should ultimately follow, we leave that decision up to the child itself (when the child has mature judgement). To be fair, when parents of other faiths and beliefs insist upon this- they are not merely following social convention-often perform the ritual of a Christening for they sincerely believe it is essential for the safety of their children's souls.

Pagans mainly believe in reincarnation, thus there is no need for the child to be saved before being sent to "heaven". For those that do not follow reincarnation theories or that feel they do indeed go to heaven they simply know that their children are protected, and that s/he is already saved. Witches, in general, hold the view which was virtually universal before the era of patriarchal monotheism-namely, that all religions are different ways of expressing the same truths and that their validity for any particular individual depends on his nature and needs. Thus we choose to give our children the freedom to choose their paths as we have.

Wicca is above all a natural religion-and as in all religious families it is natural to try to communicate to their children the joy and fulfillment their religion gives them, and the whole family will inevitably share in its way of life. Sharing is one thing; imposing or dictating is another, which regrettably is often the case. Far from ensuring a child's 'salvation', may very well impede if not push the child away from the faith of their parents.

Pagans also have Godparents for their children. Just as with any other religion the Godparents do not need to be of the same faith as the parents. But, with all religions it is best if those that have agreed to at least understand the path of the parents and understand fully what is to be asked of them before they attend a ceremony of any kind.

The rite should be performed as the Moon is waxing, and preferably near to an appropriate seasonal festival.

The HPS should wear symbols of the Moon, and the HP should wear symbols of the sun. The Circle should be marked with flowers and greenery, and the cauldron placed in the centre, filled with the same, and perhaps with fruit as well. Consecrating oil is placed ready on the altar. Only very light incense should be used-preferably joss sticks. Implements required for the ceremony are: the coven sword, and a wand if preferred, . Candles may be used in the calling of the quarters. Gifts for the child are placed beside the altar, and food and drink for a little party in the Circle after the ritual.

The parents should choose beforehand a 'hidden name' for the child. (This is largely for the child's own benefit; growing up in a witch family, he or she will almost certainly like having a private name just like everyone else.)

If you are interested in learning more about the ways of Pagans and some of their rites through life I would highly suggest reading:

Rites of Passage The Pagan Wheel of Life by: Campanelli