The Dedication Ceremony

On All Hallows’ Eve, on the year that a Witch turns eighteen, she is supposed to announce her dedication to the Witchkind ways. This is done through a ceremony affectionately called the Dedication Ceremony. If she does not complete her Ceremony, her powers are lost forever. The night of the Ceremony is always visited by a full moon, regardless of the moon's natural cycle.
The Three Goddesses - the Mother, the Maiden, and the Crone - demand that a Witch proves her dedication to Them and Their ways by showing that she is willing to die for Them. In return, They grant the Witch incredible power, knowledge, and a long life. They promise to watch over her and her loved ones.
Before the Ceremony, the Witchling must present three pieces of evidence to the Council of Witching Elders. Three spells to prove that she is indeed a Witch. If she passes this exam, the Witch is scheduled for the Dedication Ceremony later that evening. It takes place deep in the forest surrounding Midnight.
Students of the Sacred organize these ceremonies. They burn sacred herbs, dress in traditional cloaks which hide their faces, and paint the inductee in a collection of symbols and runes which speak of the greatness of the Three. When all is ready, the Witchling raises a silver dagger to the heavens and stabs herself. The Three then embrace the Witchling and welcomes her back to her new life as a proper Witch and a full member of the Witching community.