We all know that an awakened mantra is more effective than one that is chosen from a list.Does one need to be initiated by Sri Swamiji or Shreemaa to be able to "effectively" chant any of the mantras that were recently posted on these pages? (referring to the Devi Mandir yahoo club)

Swamiji says:
First we cultivate the soil and then we plant the seeds. Use the mantras given in order to prepare yourself so that you will know if this is the example you wish to follow, and if so, what you can expect to achieve by following that example.
When we have a clear understanding, then we can talk about the meaning of initiation.