| Table of Contents · BOS · Candles · Coven · Consciousness and Spirits · Dedication · Elements and Types · Laws and Principles · The Moons · Plant Life · Recipes · Sabbats and Esbats · Terminology · The Tools · Index | Close this Book }|{
Laws and Principles
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||
|
1: We practice rites to attune ourselves with the natural rhythm of life forces marked by the phases of the Moon and the seasonal Quarters and Cross Quarters.
2: We recognize that our intelligence gives us a unique responsibility toward our environment. We seek to live in harmony with Nature, in ecological balance offering fulfillment and consciousness within an evolutionary concept.
3: We acknowledge a depth of power far greater than that apparent to the average person. Because it is far greater than ordinary it is sometimes called supernatural, but we see it as lying within that which is naturally potential to all.
4: We conceive of the Creative Power in the universe as manifesting through polarity ~as masculine and feminine~ and that this same Creative Power lies in all people, and functions through the interaction of the masculine and feminine. We value neither above the other, knowing each to be supportive to each other. We value sex as pleasure, as the symbol and embodiment of life, and as one of the sources of energies used in magickal practice and religious worship.
5: We recognize both outer worlds and inner, or psychological, worlds sometimes known as the Spiritual World, the Collective Unconscious, Inner Planes, etc. ~and we see in the interaction of these two dimensions the basis for paranormal phenomena and magickal exercises. We neglect neither dimension for the other, seeing both as necessary for our fulfillment.
6: We do not recognize any authoritarian hierarchy, but do honor those who teach, respect those who share their greater knowledge and wisdom, and acknowledge those who have courageously given of themselves in leadership.
7: We see religion, magick, and wisdom in living as being united in the way one views the world and lives within it ~a world view and philosophy of life which we identify as Witchcraft~ The Wiccan Way.
8: Calling oneself "Witch" does not make a Witch, but neither does heredity itself, not the collecting of titles, degrees, and initiations. A Witch seeks to control the forces within her/himself that make life possible in order to live wisely and well without harm to others and in harmony with Nature.
9: We believe in the affirmation and fulfillment of life in a continuation of evolution and development of consciousness giving meaning to the Universe we know and our personal role within it.
10: Our only animosity towards Christianity, or towards any other religion or philosophy of life, is to the extent that its institutions have claimed to be "the only way", and have sought to deny freedom to others and to suppress other ways of religious practice and belief.
11: As American {Or Worldwide!} Witches, we are not threatened by debates on the history of the Craft, the origins of various terms, the legitimacy of various aspects of different traditions. We are concerned with our present and our future.
12: We do not accept the concept of absolute evil, nor do we worship any entity known as Satan or the Devil, as defined by the Christian tradition. We do not seek power through the sufferings of others, nor accept that personal benefit can be derived only by denial to another.
13: We believe that we should seek within Nature that which is contributory to our health and well-being.
Top
Your Powers were not made to be used to bring harm, to injure or to control others. However, if the need rises, the Power shall be used to protect your life or the lives of others when necessary.
The Power is channeled only as need dictates.
The Power can be used for your own gain, as long as by doing so you harm none.
It is unwise to accept money for use of your Powers, for they can quickly and easily take control. Be not like those of other religions.
Use not the Power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and magick and in the end brings only punishment.
Ever remember that the Power is the sacred gift of the Goddess and God, and should never be misused or abused.
We are of the Old Ways, among those who walk with the God/dess and receive Their love.
Keep the Sabbats and Esbats to the best of your abilities, for to do otherwise is to lessen your connection with God/dess.
Harm none. This, the oldest law, is not open to interpretation or change.
Shed not blood in ritual; the Goddess and God need not blood to be duly worshipped.
Those of our ways are kind to all creatures, for hurtful thoughts are quiet draining and aren't worth the loss of energy.
Misery is self-created; so, too, is joy, so create joy and disdain misery and unhappiness. And this is within your power. So harm not.
Teach only what you know, to the best of your ability, to those students who you choose, but teach not to those who would use your instructions for destruction or control. Also, teach not to boost pride, forever remember: She who teaches out of love shall be enfolded in the arms of the God/dess forever.
Ever remember that if you would be of our way, keep the law close to your heart, for it is the nature of the Wicca to keep the Law.
If ever the need arises, any law may be changed or discarded, and new laws written to replace them, so long as the new laws don't break the oldest law of all: Ye shall harm none.
May the blessing of God/dess shine down on us all and guide us in our journeys.
(In order to give due credit to the author of this work: The original text of this I believe was published by Lady Gwen Thompson in Green Efgg Magazine Vol III #69 as received from her grandmother Adriana Porter in 1946.)
 |
Bide the Wiccan laws ye must in perfect love and perfect trust. |
|
Live and let live- fairly take and fairly give. |
|
Cast the circle thrice about to keep all evil spirits out. |
|
To bind the spell every time, let the spell be spoke in rhyme. |
|
Soft of eye and light of touch- speak ye little, listen much |
|
Doesil go by the waxing moon, sing and dance the wiccan rune |
|
Widdershins go when the moon doth wane, and the Werewold howls by the dread Wolfs bane. |
|
When the Lady's Moon is new, kiss the hand of her times two. |
|
When the Moon rides at her peak, then your heart's desire seek. |
|
Heed the Northwind's mighty gale, lock the door and drop the sail. |
|
When the wind comes from the South, Love will kiss thee on the mougth. |
|
When the wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast. |
|
When the West wind blows over thee, departed spirits restless be. |
|
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them quick and burn them slow. |
|
Elder by ye Lady's tree, burn it not or cursed ye'll be. |
|
When the wheel begins to turn, let the Beltane fires burn. |
|
When the Wheel has turned a Yule, light the log and let Pan rule. |
|
heed ye flower, bush and tree, by the Lady blessed be. |
|
Where the rippling waters go, cast a stone and truth ye'll know. |
|
When ye have need, harken not to other's greed. |
|
With the fool no season spend or be counted as his friend. |
|
Merry meet and merry part, bright the cheeks and warm the heart. |
|
Mind the Threefold Law ye should, three times bad and three times good. |
|
When misfortune is enow, wear the blue star on thy brow. |
|
True in love ever be unless thy lover's false to thee. |
|
Eight words the Wiccan Rede fulfill: |
And it harm none, do what ye will.
(I am not sure who to give credit for this version of the rede since it varies so much from the original. If any one out there has any ideas please contact me.)
Bide the Wiccan Law you must, in perfect Love and perfect Trust.
Live you must and let to live, fairly take and fairly give.
For tread the Circle thrice about to keep unwelcome spirits out.
To bind the spell well every time, let the spell be said in rhyme.
Light of eye and soft of touch, speak you little, listen much.
Honor the Old Ones in deed and name,
let love and light be our guides again.
Docile go by the waxing moon, chanting out the joyful tune.
Wild erosions go when the moon doth wane,
and the werewolf howls by the dread wolfs bane.
When the Lady's moon is new, kiss the hand to Her times two.
When the moon rides at Her peak then your heart's desire seek.
Heed the North winds mighty gale, lock the door and trim the sail.
When the Wind blows from the East, expect the new and set the feast.
When the wind comes from the South, love will kiss you on the mouth.
When the wind whispers from the West, all hearts will find peace and rest.
Nine woods in the Cauldron go, burn them fast and burn them slow.
Birch in the fire goes to represent what the Lady knows.
Oak in the forest towers with might, in the fire it brings the God's insight.
Rowan is a tree of power causing life and magic to flower.
Willows at the waterside stand ready to help us to the Summer land.
Hawthorn is burned to purify and to draw fairy to your eye.
Hazel-the tree of wisdom and learning adds its strength to the bright fire burning.
White are the flowers of Apple tree that brings us fruits of fertility.
Grapes grow upon the vine giving us both joy and wine.
Fir does mark the evergreen to represent immortality seen.
Elder is the Lady's tree burn it not or cursed you'll be.
Four times the Major Sabbaths mark in the light and in the dark.
As the old year starts to wane the new begins, it's now Samhain.
When the time for Imbolc shows watch for flowers through the snows.
When the wheel begins to turn soon the Beltane fires will burn.
As the wheel turns to Lamas night power is brought to magic rite.
Four times the Minor Sabbaths fall use the Sun to mark them all.
When the wheel has turned to Yule light the log the Horned One rules.
In the spring, when night equals day time for Ostara to come our way.
When the Sun has reached it's height time for Oak and Holly to fight.
Harvesting comes to one and all when the Autumn Equinox does fall.
Heed the flower, bush, and tree by the Lady blessed you'll be.
Where the rippling waters go cast a stone, the truth you'll know.
When you have and hold a need, harken not to others greed.
With a fool no season spend or be counted as his friend.
Merry Meet and Merry Part bright the cheeks and warm the heart.
Mind the Threefold Laws you should three times bad and three times good.
When misfortune is now wear the blue star upon your brow.
Be true in love this you must do unless your love is false to you.
These Eight words the Rede fulfill:
"An Ye Harm None, Do What Ye Will"
It is necessary, proper and beneficial to all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the God/desses, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves. There is a high code of honor which is of the most ancient Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who choose to follow the way of the ancients. Witchcraft, or the craft of the Wise, is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind. It's form must be contained in that thoughts and intent that are given form in this life intensifies as it journeys from this world and to the next, and back again. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye reap, so shall ye sow" and "karma is a boomerang". This above all...to thine own self be true, so long as you harm none so mote it be.
Those who seek out the mysteries of the old ways should consider themselves as the chosen children of God/dess, for it is they who lead humanity into the next dimension and beyond the reach of the stars.
Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known. Do not judge anyone for it is a thing of false prophets. To err is human, to forgive is Divine, to realize that people matter more than opinions and simple emotion is humanity realizing Divinity.
Always think about the consequences of your actions upon others and seek not to harm another. The love of diversity is practiced through quiet discernment.
To hide yourself from others is to conceal the truth contained within you. Those who follow the old ways with honor shall always be above reproach in the eyes of God/dess. The Universal Laws should always be obeyed within reason, for they have been created out of great wisdom. Seek not to have pride, greed, lust, sloth, vanity, envy, or murder in thy soul for they are decline the measures of one's own self worth. Know that you cannot give to another what you lack within.
As a Witch, you have power, and as your wisdom increases with experience your powers also increase. Be courageous if you seek to live eternal and be a friend only to those who earn it. Strengthen others and you will be strengthened.
Whenever you are in need of anything, once a month preferably during the full moon, assemble in a secret place and adore the spirit of the Goddess, who is the queen of all witches. You will assemble, you who are concealing themselves to learn all sorcery yet have not discovered all of it's deepest secrets; it is to these that the Goddess will teach all things that dwell in the unknown. And it is you that shall be free from slavery; as a sign that you are truly free you shall be revealed in your rites; you shall dance, sing, feast, and make music and love, all with the praise of Goddess. For Goddess is the ecstasy of the spirit, and joy on the earth,; the law of Goddess is to love unto all beings. Keep your highest ideals pure, and forever strive towards them, letting nothing stop you or turn you from them, for Goddess is the secret door which opens upon the Summer Land and hers is the cup of the wine of life, and the cauldron of Cerridwen which is the Holy Vessel of immortality. She is the gracious divine, who gives the gift of bliss to humanity and the gift of the eternal spirit. Beyond death it is Goddess that gives peace, freedom and reunion with those who have gone before you. She does not demand sacrifice, for she is the Mother of all that is living and her love is poured upon the earth.
Goddess is the beauty of the green earth, and the moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters and desires of the heart of humanity.
Call unto your soul, arise and join Goddess. Join with the spirit of nature who gives life to the universe. From Goddess all things come forth and to her all things must return. Before the face of Goddess, the beloved of God and of humanity, let your innermost divine self be embraced in the overwhelming emotions, the mystical experience containing the knowledge of divine things, and the infinite expression of ecstasy and passion.
Let the worship of Goddess be within the heart that rejoices, for behold all acts of love and pleasure are the rituals of Goddess.
Therefore, let there be beauty and strength in your life so that you may know power, compassion, honor, and humility, mirth and reverence. Know that you should serve the truth of the Goddess. You that think to seek for Goddess know your seeking and yearning shouldn't serve you unless you know the mystery: That if you seek that which you do not find within you, you will never find it within you. For behold, Goddess has been with you from the beginning and she is attained at the end of desire.
CHARGE OF THE GODDESS HILLBILLY STYLE
This is courtesy Walking Stick.
(Tune: The Beverly Hillbillies by E. Scruggs)
(Lyrical adaptation by Hare)
Now listen to the words of the Great Star Mother,
In days long past called by one name or tuther,
"I am your Mammy, Queen of Earth, Air, Fire, Sea,
So you better quit your yappin' an' listen to me."
(Isis that is, Astarte, Cerridwen)
"Now y'all listen up, 'cause I'd hate to be a bitch,
When we have our shindigs t'aint none should wear a stitch.
Y'all will eat an' drink an' dance an' love, to show that you're free, 'Cause all acts of pleasure are sacred to me."
(Skyclad that is, Great Rite, Cakes an' Wine)
"If you wanna know my secrets, then look in your own hide,
'Cause if what you seek aint there, well, it won't be found outside.
The greatest Mysteries t'aint really dread nor dire,
I'm with you at the start, and at the end of desire."
(That's right, listen to your heart. Y'all will come back now, y'hear?)
YEEEE--HAWWWW, BLESSED BE Y'ALL!!!
Listen to the words of the Horned God,
The Guardian of all things wild and free, and Keeper of the Gates of Death, whose Call all must answer:
I am the fire within your heart... The yearning of your Soul. I am the Hunter of Knowledge and the Seeker of the Holy Quest; I who stand in the darkness of light; I am He whom you have called Death. I am the Consort and Mate of Her we adore, call forth to me.
Heed my call beloved ones, come unto me and learn the secrets of death and peace. I am the corn at harvest and the fruit on the trees. I am He who leads you home. Scourge and Flame, Blade and Blood these are mine and gifts to thee.
Call unto me in the forest wild and on hilltop bare and seek me in the Darkness Bright. I who have been called; Pan, Herne, Osiris , and Hades, speak to thee in thy search. Come dance and sing; come live and smile, for behold: This is my worship.
You are my children and I am thy Father. On swift night wings it is I who lay you at the Mother's feet to be reborn and to return again.
Thou who thinks to seek me, know that I am the untamed wind, the fury of storm and passion in your Soul. Seek me with pride and humility, but seek me best with love and strength.
For this is my path, and I love not the weak and fearful. Hear my call on long Winter nights and we shall stand together guarding Her Earth as She sleeps.
((}}Bright Blessings!!{{))