Spiritual initiations are often used interchangeably with rites. They may be similar, but they also have some differences. What they have in common is that both are rituals that mark a life transition.
Even if they are not spiritual, initiations like these are a part of every person’s life. You could, for example, finish high school by holding a graduation ceremony. You could also finish your military training. Even death and marriage can be considered rites of passage.
These initiations can be religious when they are spiritual. The perfect example is baptism in Christianity, but a Jewish bar or bat mitzvah could be seen the same way. In Hinduism, upanayana may be the best example of a religious rite-of-passage.
But rites of entry can be spiritual even if they don’t have a religious purpose. Let’s explore the stages and how spiritual initiations change our lives.
Significance of Spiritual Initiation
Rites of passage can have many meanings. The journey of each person who goes through a spiritual initiation is different. It depends on both the purpose and the desired outcome of the initiation.
These things are usually cultural. A cultural orientation is usually the focus of such an initiation. They also strengthen your ties to the community. The initiation is a way to help you understand your role in society and what you can expect.
It won’t cover every detail, but you can still use it as a guide to help you understand what is expected of you.
It is important to not overlook the personal approach. This could be the main reason why people choose their own rite of passage from a spiritual perspective.
The psychological aspect is also important. Despite the fact that such situations are rare and scientifically proven, they do occur. Some initiations can be severe enough to increase attraction towards a particular group.
The Three Phases of a Rite of Passage
Three stages are usually involved in rites of passage or spiritual initiations. Sometimes, one of the three stages can be missed, but it is still present spiritually.
The initial separation
This is the first step of spiritual initiation. It is self-explanatory, and it clarifies things. During this phase, the person leaves their old life. It could be anything depending on the role. It could be a religious institution, a past self or a school. It could be a role in a community.
This departure can be physical or symbolic. The physical departure is more cultural. After completing your military training you would leave the school. You could symbolically leave an old belief, or maybe an old religion, that no longer matches with your values.
Even if you’re an older version of yourself, it is still possible to leave it behind as part of a symbolic ceremony.
This is the stage you can’t miss. In theory, the stage is still there, but only as a symbol. Even if nothing is left behind, you are still moving forward with a new perspective or lifestyle. You’re still leaving behind an old self.
The Actual Transition
This is the most important step. The final incorporation may show the end result, but this step is what makes the difference. Spiritual initiation isn’t just about the end result for many people. It’s also about the journey, and the challenges that come with it.
This “in-between” phase allows you to make changes. You’ve already left behind the old self or community. During this phase you will go through a number of changes. Some of these changes could be physical but, from a spiritual point of view, they are mostly psychological.
This stage will test you in a variety of ways.
You’ll face many challenges as you adapt to a new situation. Some will be positive and others not so. Overall, they should be viewed as tests. They are there to push you out of your comfort zones.
The Final Incorporation
This is the final stage of the process. Reintegration is another term that some may use. It depends on the type of initiation that you’ve had. It could be a celebration that the entire community is required to attend. It could also be something personal, which doesn’t require anyone.
This final phase allows for a reentry into society as a completely new person. You may have new responsibilities or goals. Your status might also be different. Now, your new role is recognized. This definition is more appropriate for official initiations such as religious initiations. However, your initiation may be personal.
Imagine a student who has just completed their training. Years of education to finally be able to enter the workforce after graduation. This would be considered the final incorporation.
No one else but you may be aware of the transformation.
When Rites of Passage Take a Personal Approach
You don’t have to change your religion to undergo a rite-of-passage. If you analyze it carefully, the spiritual initiation consists mainly of spiritual and emotional aspects. It has little to do with the physical world.
It is true that changing religions can be spiritual, but it does not have to be.
It may be hard to believe, but you can develop your own unique rites of passage. Two things are all you need. You need to set a goal. Make sure the goal is challenging enough. You need to make the process feel natural to you and tailored to your needs.
Spiritual initiations can be used to achieve any goal.
You may want to be more spiritual, discover yourself or connect with the divine more effectively. Your goal can be anything from a non-spiritual point of view, including travel destinations and all sorts of activities.
Accountability is the second-most important part of the process. While a rite-of-passage may seem like a one-time event, it is much more than that. The initiation is done only once. The purpose of the initiation is to demonstrate your commitment.
Not only to a certain aspect like religion, but to your ongoing growth.
You can “celebrate”, in many ways, this transition. This transition is often seen as a sign of growth or purification by many people. They often use nature to mark the project as complete.
You could, for example, take a walk to mark your progress. The same goes for vision quests, which are common among Native Americans.
The Relationship Between Spiritual Initiation and Rites of Passage
Spiritual initiations and rites-of-passage have many things in common. They are different but can be used interchangeably.
Translation
The two concepts are fundamentally linked. Both can alter who you are. They can help you achieve new levels or a higher status. They often feature initiation ceremonies or events, which are unusual indicators of a successful transition.
The spiritual initiation ceremony is the actual event, while the rites of passage are the rituals that accompany it.
Spiritual Connection
It is not uncommon to have a spiritual connection with the divine. You’ll also have to undergo a spiritual ritual, no matter what the topic of your growth is. It’s not an absolute rule, but it’s usually what connects you to a different version of yourself.
Rebirth
In this process, leaving something behind is a symbol of death. Then there is a process of rebirth that leads to a new you.
These two aspects are covered by both spiritual initiations as well as rites-of-passage. If you are successful in your transition, the new identity will be much better, upgraded, and enhanced.
Extra Guidance
The actual guidance is another connection. Both concepts are designed to help you prepare for a new phase in your life. There is a process or journey that takes a lot of effort. You may need to learn new things, adapt to a new culture and take on new responsibilities.