It is important to note here that an initiation is not the same thing as a dedication. A dedication is a statement of faith, an initiation is an acceptance or invitation into a particular form of that faith. The pagan community often refers to a particular form as a tradition, coven, or spiritual sect. An initiation must be performed by the tradition's spiritual leader, often a Shaman or High Priest/Priestess.Traditionally a person is not considered to be a true member of the craft without a formal initiation. However, modern paganism does not always carry out this view. Today a dedication of faith is often all that is needed to declare oneself a member of the pagan community.
That isn't to say that an initiation is no longer important. It is just as important today as an acknowledgement and dedication within a particular tradition as it was hundreds of years past. In order to be considered for initiation, a person must practice and participate (as allowed) within a particular tradition for one year and a day.
This year is designed for a person to learn the ways of the tradition. The final day is often designated as a day of consideration. Consideration by the person, to determine if they truly wish to be initiated into this particular tradition, coven or Coven. As well as, consideration by the coven or Coven's leadership, to determine if this person is truly ready for their initiation.
In family traditions, a mother often initiates her daughter and a father initiates his son. In a formal coven, the invitation for initiation is presented to the apprentice in front of the entire membership. If the apprentice accepts, an initiation ritual can follow, or be organized for a later time. In many formal Covens and sometimes a coven, a formal invitation is elaborately written by the Shaman or Shamanka and personally delivered to an initiate. The messenger then returns to the Coven leadership with the initiates answer. If the invitation to join is accepted, a date and time is arranged for the ceremony. (Source: Pagans Path)
