Queen of Swords

I guess it depends on what one means by "initiation" and by "pain".

I also think that unplanned initiations are more likely to involve pain, whereas planned ritualistic initiations may or may not, as there can be other elements that, crafted well, can do the job without it.

Some of the most transformative times in my life have been the most painful. But I have also undergone significant and transformative ritual initiations that were not painful.