The Laws According To The Alexandrian Book of Shadows (Conduct, Valuables, Quarrels)

The Laws According To The Alexandrian Book of Shadows

(Conduct, Valuables, Quarrels)

CONDUCT

  1. Ever remember ye are the hidden children of the Goddess so never do anything to disgrace them or Her.
  2. Never boast, never threaten, never say you would wish ill of anyone.
  3. If any person not in the Circle, speak of the craft, say, “Speak not to me of such, it frightens me, ’tis evil luck to speak of it.”
  4. For this reason, the Christians have their spies everywhere. These speak as if they were well affected to us, as if they would come to our meetings, saying, “My mother used to worship the Old Ones. I would I could go myself.”
  5. To such as these, ever deny all knowledge.
  6. But to others, ever say, “‘Tis foolish men talk of witches flying through the air. To do so they must be as light as thistledown. And men say that witches all be blear-eyed old crones, so what pleasure can there be at a witch meeting such as folks talk on ?”
  7. And say, “Many wise men now say there be no such creatures.”
  8. Ever make it jest) and in some future time perhaps, the persecution may die and we may worship our gods in safety again.
  9. Let us all pray for that happy day.
  10. May the blessings of the Goddess and God be on all who keep these Laws which are ordained.

VALUABLES

  1. If the craft hath any appanage, let all guard it and help to keep it clear and good for the craft.
  2. And let all justly guard all monies of the craft.
  3. And if any Brother truly wrought it, ’tis right they have their pay, an it be just. An this be not taking money for the art, but for good and honest work.
  4. And even the Christians say, “The labourer is worthy of his hire,” but if any Brother work willingly for the good of the craft without pay, ’tis but to their greater honour. So be it ordained.

QUARRELS

  1. If there be any dispute or quarrel among the Brethren, the High Priestess shall straightly convene the Elders and inquire into the matter, and they shall hear both sides, first alone and then together.
  2. And they shall decide justly, not favouring one side or the other.
  3. Ever recognising there be people who can never agree to work under others.
  4. But at the same time, there be some people who cannot rule justly.
  5. To those who must ever be chief, there is one answer.
  6. ‘Void the Coven or seek another one, or make a Coven of your own, taking with you those who will go.”
  7. To those who cannot rule justly, the answer be, “Those who cannot bear your rule will leave you.”
  8. For none may come to meetings with those with whom they are at variance.
  9. So, an either cannot agree, get hence, for the craft must ever survive. So be it ordained.