A Pledge to Pagan Spirituality

By Selena Fox

I am a Pagan and I dedicate myself to channelling the Spiritual energy of my inner self to help and to heal others and myself.

I know that I am part of the Whole of nature.  May I grow in understanding of the Unity of all Nature.  May I always walk in balance.

May I always be mindful of the diversity of Nature as well as its Unity.  May I always be tolerant of those whose race; appearance, culture and ways differ from my own.

May I use my psychic powers wisely and never use it for aggression or for malevolent purposes.

May I never use it to curtail the free will of others.

May I always remember that I create my own reality and that I have the power within me to create positivity in my life.

May I always take responsibility for my actions be they conscious or unconscious.

May I always act in honourable ways, being honest with myself and others, keeping my word whenever I have given it, fulfilling all responsibilities and commitments I have undertaken to the best of my abilities.

May I always remember that whatever is sent out returns magnified to the sender.  The forces of Karma will move swiftly to remind me of my spiritual commitments when I have begun to falter from them.  May I use this Karmic feedback to remain strong and committed to my Spiritual ideals in the face of adversity or negativity.  May the force of my inner Spirit eliminate all malevolence directed my way and transform it into positive light.  May my inner light shine so strongly that malevolence can not even enter my realm of existence.

May I continually grow in wisdom and understanding.  May I see every problem that I face, as an opportunity to learn and grow and to develop spiritually.

May I act out of love for other beings on this planet — to other human, plants, animals, mineral, elementals, spirits or other entities.

May I ever be mindful that the Goddess and God in all their forms dwell within me and that this divinity is reflected through my own Inner Self, my Pagan Spirit.

May I always channel love and light through my being.  May my inner Spirit, rather than my Ego self, guide all my thoughts, feelings and actions.

So Mote It Be.

Copyright © 1960

Selena Fox Circle Sanctuary

P.O. Box 219

Mt. Horeb, WI.  53572 USA.

The Witches’ Creed

By Doreen Valiente

Hear now the words of the witches,
The secrets we hid in the night,
When dark was our destiny’s pathway,
That now we bring forth into light.

Mysterious water and fire,
The earth and the wide-ranging air,
By hidden quintessence we know them,
And will and keep silent and dare.

The birth and rebirth of all nature,
The passing of winter and spring,
We share with the life universal,
Rejoice in the magical ring.

Four times in the year the Great Sabbat
Returns, and witches are seen
At Lammas, and Candlemas dancing,
On May Eve and old Hallowe’en.

When day-time and night-time are equal,
When the sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned,
Again witches gather in feast.

Thirteen silver moons in a year are,
Thirteen is the coven’s array.
Thirteen times as Esbat make merry,
For each golden year and a day.

The power was passed down the ages,
Each time between woman and man,
Each century unto the other,
Ere time and the ages began.

When drawn is the magical circle,
By sword or athame or power,
Its compass between the two worlds lie,
In Land of the Shades for that hour.

This world has no right then to know it,
And world beyond will tell naught,
The oldest of Gods are invoked there,
The Great Work of magic is wrought.

For two are the mystical pillars,
That stand to at the gate of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature,
The forms and the forces divine.

The dark and the light in succession,
The opposites each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess,
Of this did our ancestors teach.

By night he’s the wild wind’s rider,
The Horn’d One, the Lord of the shades,
By day he’s the King of the Woodlands,
The dweller in green forest glades.

She is youthful or old as she pleases,

She sails the torn clouds in her barque,

The bright silver lady of midnight,

The crone who weaves spells in the dark.

The master and mistress of magic,
They dwell in the deeps of the mind,
Immortal and ever-renewing,
With power to free or to bind.

So drink the good wine to the Old Gods,
And dance and make love in their praise,
Til Elphame’s fair land shall receive us,
In peace at the end of our days.

An Do What You Will be the challenge,
So be it in Love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment,
By Magick of old, be it done.

Eight words the Witches’ Creed fulfill:

If it harms none, do what you will.

Copyright:

 John Belham-Payne and the Centre for Pagan Stiudies.

http://www.centre-for-pagan-studies.org/index.htm and  http://www.doreenvaliente.com/

Originally published on Controverscial.Com

The Three-Fold Law

The Three-Fold Law is the belief and principle on which magick is used.  This law relates to the use of power and energy, for when used, power is returned to the sender, three times the level it was sent out.

Used in relation with the ethos, “Do what thy wilt, though it harm none” (as stated in the Wiccan Rede), witches take great care when preparing and casting spells that no harm should come to others because of it.

The nature of this three-fold return can perhaps be better understood when considering the cause and effect principle of a spell.  Let’s take an example – someone comes to you in distress with a problem, you help by sending out positive energy and the problem is successfully resolved.  This automatically makes you feel good about yourself and influences your thoughts; thus your state of consciousness is altered.  In turn your thoughts stir the emotions, which has a physical effect in the body by causing glandular secretions to enter into the blood stream.  The resulting state of mind and body lifts your spirit, which is what makes you feel good.  Thus with the act of a single good deed, you have been effected three times, in mind, body, and spirit.  This then is your three-fold response to the return of positive energy.  Now consider your response had you sent out negative energy or something went drastically wrong?

  The Law of Power

1.  The Power shall not be used to bring harm, to injure or to control others.  But if the need arises, the Power shall be used to protect your life or the lives of others.

2.  The Power is used only as need dictates.

3.  The Power can be used for your own gain; as long as by doing so you harm none.

4.  It is unwise to accept money for the use of the Power, for it quickly controls its taker.  Be not as those of other religions.

5.  Use not the Power for prideful gain, for such cheapens the mysteries of Wicca and Magick.

6.  Ever remember that the Power is a sacred gift of the Goddess and the God, and should never be misused or abused.

7.     And this is the Law of the Power.

 The Four Powers of the Magus 

The Four Powers of the Magus are the personal attributes traditionally necessary and required for the successful use and practice of magick.  These are – To Know, To Dare, To Will, and To Be Silent.  Without these four attributes combined, the individual will never be successful in magick.

The reasoning is quite simple; none of the attributes mentioned are enough in themselves, as all four attributes must be present to balance each other out.  For instance:

To Know – Knowledge is no good, without the will and audacity to see magick done.

To Dare – Audacity is no good, without the knowledge and will to see magick done.

To Will – Will power is no good, without the knowledge and audacity to see magick done.

To Be Silent – What good are the above, without the discretion to remain silent until the magick is done?  To reveal your magick before it is done, dissipates it’s power and effectiveness.

So, anyone aspiring to use magick, he/see needs a knowledge of what he/see is doing, the audacity to use it, the will power to control it, and the discretion to remain silent till the work is done.

Sources:  

Encyclopedia of Wicca & Witchcraft  – By Raven Grimassi

An ABC of Witchcraft Past and Present – By Doreen Valiente

Wicca, A Guide for the Solitary Practitioner  – By Scott Cunningham

Originally published on the website, Controverscial.Com

The Old Laws

(1961)

[A] The Law was made and Ardane of old. The law was made for the Wicca, to advise and help in their troubles. The Wicca should give due worship to the Gods and obey their will, which they Ardane, for it was made for the good of the Wicca, As the [5] Wicca’s worship is good for the Gods, For the Gods love the Wicca. As a man loveth a woman, by mastering her, so the Wicca should love the Gods, by being mastered by them. And it is necessary that the Circle, which is the Temple of the Gods, should be truly cast and purified, that it [10] may be a fit place for the Gods to enter. And the Wicca should be properly prepared and purified, to enter into the presence of the Gods. With love and worship in their hearts they shall raise power from their bodies to give power to the Gods, as has been taught us of old, [15] For in this way only may man have communion with the Gods, for the Gods cannot help man without the help of men.

[B] And the High Priestess shall rule her Coven as representative of the Goddess, and the High Priest shall support her as the representative of the God, And the High Priestess shall choose whom she [20] will, if he have sufficient rank, to be her High Priest), For the God himself, kissed her feet in the fivefold salute, laying his power at the feet of the Goddess, because of her youth and beauty, her sweetness and kindness, her wisdom and Justice, her humility and generosity. So he resigned his lordship to her. But the Priestess should [25] ever mind that all power comes from him. It is only lent when it is used wisely and justly. And the greatest virtue of a High Priestess is that she recognizes that youth is necessary to the representative of the Goddess, so that she will retire gracefully in favour of a younger woman, Should the Coven so decide in Council, For the true [30] High Priestess realizes that gracefully surrendering pride of place is one of the greatest of virtues, and t hat thereby she will return to that pride of place in another life, with greater power and beauty.

[C] In the days when Witchdom extended far, we were free and worshipped in All their Greatest Temples, but in these unhappy times [35] we must hold our sacred mysteries in secret. So it be Ardane, that none but the Wicca may see our mysteries, for our enemies are many, And torture looseth the tongues of many. It be Ardane that each Coven shall not know where the next Coven bide, or who its members are, save the Priest and Priestess, [40] That there shall be no communication between them, save by the Messenger of the Gods, or the Summoner. Only if it be safe, may the Covens meet, in some safe place, for the great festivals. And while there, none shall say whence they come, or give their true names, to the end that, if any are tortured, in their agony, they can [45] not tell if they know not. So it be Ardane that no one may tell any not of the Craft who be of the Wicca, nor give any names, or where they bide, or in any way tell anything which can betray any to our foes, nor may they tell where the Covenstead be, or where is the Covendom, [50] or where be the meeting s or that there have been meetings. And if any break these laws, even under torture, The Curse of the Goddess shall be upon them, so they never reborn on earth, And may they remain where they belong, in the Hell of the Christians.

[D] Let each High Priestess govern her Coven with Justice and [55] love, with the help of the advice of the elders, always heeding the advice of the Messenger of the Gods, if he cometh. She will heed all complaints of brothers, and strive to settle all differences among them, but it must be recognized that there be people who will ever strive to force others to do as they will. [60] They are not necessarily evil, and they often do have good ideas, and such ideas should be talked over in council. And if they will not agree with their brothers, or if they say, “I will not work under this High Priestess,” it hath always been the old law to be convenient for the brethren, and to void disputes, any of the Third [65] may claim to found a new Coven because they live over a league from the Covenstead, or are about to do so. Anyone living within the Covendom wishing to form a new Coven, to avoid strife, shall tell the Elders of his intention and on the instant void his dwelling and remove to the new Covendom. Members of the old Coven may join the New one when it be formed, but if they do, must utterly void the old Coven. The Elders of the New and the Old Covens should meet in peace and brotherly love, to decide the new boundaries. Those of the Craft who dwell outside both Covendoms may join either indifferent, but not both, though all may, if the Elders [75] agree, meet for the Great Festivals, if it be truly in peace and brotherly love. But splitting the coven oft means strife, so for this reason these laws were made of old, And may the curse of the Goddess be on any who disregard them. So be it ardane.

[E] If you would Keep a book let it be in your own hand of write. [80] Let brothers and sisters copy what they will, but never let the book out of your hands, and never keep the writings of another, for if it be found in their hand of write, they well may be taken and enjoined. Each should guard his own writings and destroy it whenever danger threatens. Learn as much as you may by heart, and when danger is [85] past, rewrite your book an it be safe. For this reason, if any die, destroy their book if they have not been able to, for an it be found, ’tis clear proof against them, And our oppressors well know, “Ye may not be a witch alone” So all their kin and friends be in danger of torture. So ever destroy anything not necessary. [90] If your book be found on you. ’tis clear proof against you alone. You may be enjoined. Keep all thoughts of the Craft from your mind. Say you had bad dreams; a devil caused you to write it without your knowledge. Think to yourself, “I know nothing. I remember nothing. I have forgotten everything.” Drive this [95] into your mind. If the torture be too great to bear, say, “I will confess. I cannot bear this torture. What do you want me to say? Tell me and I will say it.” If they try to make you speak of the brotherhood, Do NOT, but if they try to make you speak of [100] impossibilities, such as flying through the air, consorting with the Christian Devil, or sacrificing children, or eating men’s flesh, to obtain relief from torture, say, “I had an evil dream. I was not myself. I was crazed.” Not all Magistrates are bad. If there [105] be an excuse they may show mercy. If you have confessed aught, deny it afterwards; say you babbled under torture, you knew not what you did or said. If you are condemned, fear not. The Brotherhood is powerful. They may help you to escape, if you stand steadfast, but if you betray aught, there is no hope for you, in this [110] life, or in that which is to come. Be sure, if steadfast you go to the pyre, Dwale will reach you. You will feel naught. You go but to o Death and what lies beyond, the ecstasy of the Goddess.

[F] ‘Tis probable that before you are enjoined, Dwale will reach you. [115] Always remember that Christians fear much that any die under torture. At the first sign of swoon, they cause it to be stopped, and blame the tormenters. For that reason, the tormenters themselves are apt to feign to torment, but do not, so it is best not to die at first. If Dwale reaches you, ’tis a sign that you have a friend somewhere. [120] You may be helped to escape, so despair not. If the worst comes, and you go to the pyre, wait till the flames and smoke spring up, bend your head over, and breath in with long breaths. You choke and die swiftly, and wake in the arms of the Goddess.

[G] To void discovery, let the working tools [125] be as ordinary things that any may have in their houses. Let the Pentacles be of wax, so they may be broken at once. Have no sword unless your rank allows you one. Have no names or signs on anything. Write the names and signs on them in ink before consecrating them and wash it off immediately after. Do not Bigrave them, [130] lest they cause discovery. Let the colour of the hilts tell which is which.

[H] Ever remember, ye are the Hidden Children of the Gods. So never do anything to disgrace them. Never boast, Never threaten, Never say you would wish ill to anyone. If you or any not in the Circle speak of the Craft, [135] say, “Speak not to me of such. It frightens me. ‘Tis evil luck to speak of it.” For this reason: the Christians have spies everywhere. These speak as if they were well affected, as if they would come to Meetings, saying, “My mother used to go to worship the Old Ones. I would that I could go myself.” 4 To these ever deny all knowledge. [140] But to others ever say, “‘Tis foolish men talk of witches flying through the air; to do so they must be light as thistledown,” and “Men say that witches all be bleared-eyed old crones, so what pleasure can there be in witch meetings such as folk talk on?” Say, “Many wise men now say there be no such creatures.” Ever [145] make it a jest, and in some future time, perhaps the persecution will die, and we may worship safely again. Let us all pray for that happy day.

[I] May the blessings of the Goddess and the God be on all who keep these laws which are Ardane.

[J] If the Craft hath any Appanage, let all brothers guard it, and help to keep it clear and good for the Craft, and let all justly guard all monies of the Craft. But if some brothers truly wrought it, ’tis right that they have their pay, an it be just, an this be not taking [5] money for the use of the Art, but for good and honest work. And even the Christians say, “A labourer is worthy of his hire.” But if any brotherswillingly for the good of the craft without pay, ’tis but to their greater honour. So it be Ardane.

[K] If there be any disputes or quarrels among the brethren, the [10] High Priestess shall straight convene the Elders and enquire into the matter, and they shall hear both sides, first alone, then together, and they shall decide justly, not favouring the one side or the other, ever recognizing that there be people who can never agree to work under others, but at the same time there be some people who [15] cannot rule justly. To those who ever must be chief, there is one answer, “Void the Coven and seek an other, or make a Coven of your own, taking with you those who will to go.” To those who cannot rule justly, the answer be, “Those who cannot bear your rule will leave you,” for none may come to meetings with those with whom they are at [20] variance; so, an either cannot agree, get hence, for the Craft must ever survive. So it be Ardane.

[L] In the olden days when we had power, we could use our Arts against any who ill-treated any of the Brotherhood, but in these evil times, we may not do so, for our enemies have devised a burning [25] pit of everlasting fire, into which they say their God casteth all the people who worship him, except it be the very few who are released by their priests’ spells and Masses, and this be chiefly by giving money and rich gifts to receive his favour, for their Alther Greatest God [Greatest God of all] is ever i n need of Money. [30] But as our Gods need our aid to make fertility for men and crops, So the God of the Christians is ever in need of man’s help to search out and destroy us. Their priests tell them that any who get our help or our cures are damned to the Hell forever, so men be mad for the terror of it. But they make men [35] believe that they may scape this hell if they give victims to the tormenters. So for this reason all be forever spying, thinking, “An I can but catch one of the Wicca I will scape this fiery pit.” But we have our hidels, and men searching long and not finding say, “there be none, or if they be, they be in a far country.” [40] But when one of our oppressors die, or even be sick, ever is the cry, “This be Witches Malice,” and the hunt is up again. And though they slay ten of their people to one of ours, still they care not; they have many thousands, while we are few indeed. So it is Ardane that none shall use the Art in any way to do ill [45] to any, howevermuch they have injured us. And for long we have obeyed this law, “Harm none” and nowtimes many believe we exist not. So it be Ardane that this law shall still continue to help us in our plight. No one, however great an injury or injustice they receive, may use the Art in any to do ill or harm any. [50] But they may, after great consultations with all, use the Art to prevent or restrain Christians from harming us and others, but only to let or constrain them and never to punish, to this end. Men say, “Such an one is a mighty searcher out and persecutor of Old Women whom he deemeth to be Witches, [55] and none hath done him Skith [harm], so this be proof they cannot, o r more truly, that there be none,” For all know full well that so many folk have died because someone had a grudge against them, or were persecuted because they had money or goods to seize, or because they had none to bribe the searchers. And many have died [60] because they were scolding old women, so much so that men now say that only old women are witches, and this be to our advantage, and turns suspicion away from us. In England ’tis now many a year since a witch hath died the death, but any misuse of the power might raise the Persecution again; so never break this law, [65] however much you are tempted, and never consent to its being broken. If you know it is being broken in the least, you must work strongly against it, and any High Priestess or High Priest who consents to it must be immediately deposed, for ’tis the blood of the Brethren they endanger. Do good, an it be safe, and only if [70] it be safe, for any talk may endanger us.

[M] And strictly keep to the Old Law, never accept money for the use of the art. It is Christian priests and sorcerers who accept money for the use of their Arts, and they sell Dwale and evil love spells and pardons to let men scape from their sins. [75] Be not as these. Be not as these. If you accept not money, you will be free of temptation to use the Art for evil causes.

[N] You may use the Art for your own advantage, or for the advantage of the Craft, only if you be sure you harm none. But ever let the Coven debate the matter at length. Only if all are satisfied that none may be harmed [80] may the Art be used. If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way without harming any, perchance the aim may be achieved by acting in a different way, so as to harm none. May the Curse of the Goddess be on any who breach this law. So it be Aredane.

[O] ‘Tis adjudged lawful an anyone need a house or land, an none will [85] sell, to incline the owner’s mind to be willing to sell, provided it harmeth him not in any way, and that the full worth is paid, without haggling. Never bargain or cheapen anything which you buy by the Art. So it be Ardane.

[P] It is the Old Law and the most important of all Laws [90] that no one may do or say anything which will endanger any of the Craft, or bring them in contact with the law of the land, or the Law of the Church or any of our persecutors. In any disputes between the brethren, no one may invoke any laws but those of the Craft, or any Tribunal but that of the Priestess and the Priest and the [95] Elders. And may the Curse of the Goddess be on any who so do. So it be Ardane.

[Q] It is not forbidden to say as Christians do, “There be Witchcraft in the Land,” because our oppressors of old made it Heresy not to believe in Witchcraft, and so a crime to deny it, which thereby put [100] you under suspicion. But ever say “I know not of it here, perchance they may be, but afar off. I know not where.” But ever speak so you cause others to doubt they be as they are. Always speak of them as old crones, consorting with the Devil and riding through the air. But ever say, “But how may men ride through the air an they be not [105] as light as thistledown?” But the curse of the Goddess be on any who cast any suspicion on any of the Brotherhood, or speaks of any real meeting place, or where any bide. So it be Ardane. [R] Let the Craft keep books with the names of all Herbs which are good for man, and all cures, that all may learn. But keep [110] another book with all the Banes [poisons] and Apies. and let only the elders and trustworthy people have this knowledge. So it be Ardane. [S] And may the Blessings of the Gods be on all who keep these Laws and the Curses of both God and Goddess be on all who break them So it be Ardane. [The following two sections were added after 1960.] [T] Remember the Art is the secret of the Gods and may only be used in earnest and never for show or vainglory. Magicians and Christians may taunt us, saying, “You have no power. Do magic before our eyes. Then only will we believe,” seeking to cause us to betray our Art before them. Heed them not, for the Art is holy, and may only be used in need. And the curse of the Gods be on any who break this law. [U] It ever be the way with women, and with men also, that they ever seek new love, nor should we reprove them for this, but it may be found to disadvantage the Craft, as so many a time it has happened that a High Priest or High Priestess, impelled by love, hath departed with their love; that is, they have left the coven. Now, if a High Priestess wishes to resign, she may do so in full Coven, and this resignation is valid. But if they should run off without resigning, who may know if they may not return w within a few months? So the law is, if a High Priestess leaves her coven, but returns within the space of a year and a day, then she shall be taken back, and all shall be as before. Meanwhile, if she has a deputy, that deputy shall act as High Priestess for as long as the High Priestess is away. If she returns not at the end of a year and a day, then shall the coven elect a new High Priestess. Unless there be a good reason to the contrary. The person who has done the work should reap the benefit of the reward, Maiden and deputy of the High Priestess.

The Four Rules and The Law of White Witchcraft

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In order to live a full and successful life as a ‘White Witch’, one must first understand what the rules of the game are. The principles which are put forth below are intended to be a very simple, basic way to remember the way of the White Craft.

The total idea may be visualized as a four legged stool. Each of the Rules can be seen as a leg and The Law may be seen as the seat. The Rules without The Law are uncomfortable and nigh on to useless in their function. The Law without the Rules gives you a comfortable place to be, but it is rather impractical and again, nearly useless. However, when all of these are brought together they make a highly stable, functional, and enjoyable life.

The Four Rules

1. Live – Live each day as if it were your last, for one day you will be right.
2. Love – Love yourself first and foremost. For when you truly love yourself, loving those around you will come as easily as breathing – and we all must breathe.
3. Learn – Learn your life’s lessons – each as it comes – for that is the reason we are here.
4. Enjoy – Enjoy your life, because if you do not most likely someone else will enjoy it for you… and then your time here will have been wasted.

The Law: Harm None.

Explanations

Live

The first Rule put forth sounds pretty straight forward at first. Then you actually try to live it! 🙂 Living each day as if it were your last means maximizing your potential for every moment that you have been given.

If you are let go from your job… that is an opportunity to face truth and see what you can do to make yourself more marketable and go get a BETTER job. Or, if you are highly motivated, dedicated, and a risk taker you can take that chance to start your own company.

When I first began to follow these principles, my business was not very successful, my marriage was only tolerable, and I often felt depressed about my situation as a whole. Then I began to live each moment.’Carpe Diem’ (Seize the day) became my motto. I began to maximize every moment and live in the moment, not for the moment.

This does not mean that in order to be a good witch that you have to work like a rabid squirrel on ‘speed’… but it does mean that you have to be honest with yourself to see what your situation really is and to make the most of it. I believe that if I can go to bed at night and think to myself that I had done the very best I could that day with the information I had at each moment of opportunity, then the day was a success. But if I go to bed thinking that I had let an opportunity slip away I do not beat myself up over it. I simply say to myself, “Gee Torin, that was one you missed. I’ll get it the next time it comes along.”

Love

What is life without love? Honestly, I can’t imagine what that would be like. Yet many people live their lives without the most important form of love there is – the love of the self. If you truly understand yourself and are willing to take responsibility for your own actions you will suddenly find a great love for yourself.

In order to give free and unconditional love to another person you must first have that kind of feeling for yourself. This is all this means.

Learn

One of the cornerstones of The Craft is the belief that our souls are here on this plane of existence at this point in time to learn lessons. Your lessons are different from (although probably quite similar to) my own. Learn what life teaches you. It is no more difficult than this.

Enjoy

The life of the witch does not require you to live your life in suffering nor poverty. There are no mandates for pain, unhappiness, or unpleasantness. We do not see suffering as the ‘key’ to getting into Heaven (or the Summerlands as some of us call it). Indeed, we see such things as exactly what they are… unpleasant! This does not mean that we never have unpleasant things happen to us, nor that we walk around in a constant state of denial.

We see suffering as either the result of an action we took (i.e. going to jail for robbing a bank) or the way that The Unknown (see “The Deities of Witches” by Torin W.) has chosen to teach us a lesson which we need to learn but have not done anything consciously to bring about the circumstances (i.e. the totally unexpected death of a close friend).

Witch Craft allows you to reap all of the happiness and prosperity from your life that you can muster… so long as you stay within the accepted boundaries. For instance, if you work hard at an honest job you like to do then there is nothing which says you should feel badly for being more successful than others. But if you rob a bank, you may be happy with the things that the money can buy for a short period of time, but eventually you will suffer far greater than if you had simply worked for it. (I know this may sound somewhat like a contradiction to what I said earlier, but I do not believe in keeping a job which does not give me enough pleasure, satisfaction, and money to make up for the difficulties I endure.)

The Law: Harm None

I have been asked to explain this statement more than all of the previous ideas combined. I often describe ‘Harm None’ as “the Law which must remain unbroken, but cannot remain whole at all times.” Think about it, you can’t do it as a human being.

In order to actually harm none you would have to be in total and complete harmony with all things int he Universe at exactly the same time. Your immune system would not kill bacteria and other infections (because that would be harming them). Nor would you allow the bacteria to infect you because that would cause harm to yourself. You would not eat meat, nor vegetables because it would cause the destruction of either. Neither would you not eat because that would harm you. Do you see how this is simply an impossibility?

What I teach my students is to take great pains to Harm None and to think out the results of any act as far as possible ahead of time. I also stress that whenever magics are being worked that the free will of any individual or group should never be infringed.

I have been asked specifically about the use of various types of drugs in witchcraft and their relationship to the ‘Harm None’ principle. I believe that The Bright Ones gave us a sober state of mind for a reason. They also gave our brains some of the most potent chemicals known to man for achieving altered states of consciousness. Therefore i see no reason to alter the chemistry of the brain in order to ‘gain enlightenment’. Ask any recovering drug addict… he/she will tell you that the drugs lie to you.

Because of part of the training I give, I require that no illegal drugs are used while under my tutelage. In fact, if a student becomes sick during training and requires a prescription strength pain reliever, the training schedule is reworked to allow for the purging of the body before training resumes.

One of my students used to do a good deal of psychotropic drugs (i.e. LSD, mushrooms, etc.). Then he and I began to work together. After a few months of training, we worked a circle to allow him to develope his psychic senses (i.e. clairaudience, clairvoyance, etc.) When he left the circle he related to me a feeling such as none he had ever known. His words were, “It was a hundred thousand times better then the best acid trip I had ever taken.”

In short, I personally feel that drugs can be a great hinderance and only cause damage to your soul. But I also recognize the free will of the individual. I can only tell you that in my own perception, drugs do cause harm to you.

Witches Rede of Chivalry

Insofar as the Craft of the Wise is the most ancient and most honorable creed of humankind, it behooves all who are Witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods, to their sisters and brothers of the Craft, and to themselves.

Therefore, be it noted that:

1. Chivalry is a high code of honour which is of most ancient Celtic Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways.

2. It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return… bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for “as ye sow, so shall ye reap.”

3. It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead.

4. “This above all…to thine own self be true….”

5. A Witch’s word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron.

6. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known.

7. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods.

8. Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them.

9. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one’s head is a virtue.

10. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm another.

11. Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, diverse covens and circles may well have diverse views. These views, even if they are different than yours, should always be given respect. When a coven, circle, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby.

12. Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired.

13. As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof.

14. Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust.

15. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee.

16. Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven. Others have laboured long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures.

17. Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world, and should always seek to make this so.

18. The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom for the well-being of all.

19. Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady hath said, “How canst thou honour another unless thou give honour to thyself firstly?”

20. Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond to the very stars.

    Author Unknown
    

THE ORDAINS

Concerning the relationship of the Witch with others

Revere, honor, tend, and heal the Earth

Of that which you grow, make or use, let as much as possible return to the Earth as an offering to Her, as a way to nourish the cycle of life.

Do not judge those of other paths, but offer them love and aid.

Do not steal from human, animal, or spirit; if you have needs you can’t meet, turn to your community.

Offer friendship and hospitality to strangers who visit among you.

You shall never handfast or wed someone you don’t love.

Honor the relationships and commitments of others, and don’t couple together if it will cause harm to another.

Raise your children with kindness, feed, clothe, and house them as well as you can. Show them love and affection, teach them strength and wisdom.

Deal fairly and honestly in all your transactions with others, following the letter and spirit of any contract you agree.

THE ORDAINS

On the Witch’s personal standards and spirituality

An ye harm none, do as ye will.

If you know the Rede is being broken, you must work strongly against it.

Watch, listen, and withhold judgment; in debate let your silences be long, your thoughts clear, and your words carefully chosen.

Never boast, or threaten, or speak evil of anyone.

Be truthful always, save when speaking would lead to a great harm.

Keep clean your body, your clothes, and your house.

Should you take a task upon yourself, work hard and well to accomplish it properly and in good time. Always do the best you can.

Do not haggle over the price of your ritual tools.

Witches know that there no absolute truths.

Witches understand that the universe consist of perfect balance; therefore, everything has an opposite.

Witches realize that for every action there is a reaction. (The Law of Three)

Witches know that we are all one; we are all connected.

Never lie to yourself for this is the ultimate act of deceit.

Witches understand that the ultimate act of spirituality is the act of positive creation through love.

Witches realize that the energy created through worship and rituals manifests as a circular stream of positive energy.

Witches should never close their minds to knowledge.

Never practice a magickal system that you don’t fully understand.

Do not set a price on your magickal work.

A witch uses the magickal circle as a physical and non-physical representation of a temple on the earth plane.

Witches use the energies around them to assist in raising power.

Witches use common sense and do not share their mysteries with fools.

A Witch who knowingly breaks the Law (Ordains) will not be permitted to incarnate on Earth again.

The Witches Ordains

Those of the Wicca follow an intricate set of laws in their personal and group practice. Collectively, these laws are called The Ordains. The Ordains fall into three basic categories: spiritual laws, practical laws, and coven laws. The spiritual laws can be seen as a code of ethics or morals giving the Crafter a guideline for spiritual living, whether you choose to practice as a solitary (a Witch alone) or within a group structure. These spiritual laws apply to all magical people, and most magical individuals incorporate these laws into their group workings, as well as their solitary practices.

Consider practical laws as the blossoms of experience from  those who have practiced the religion before you. Therefore, not all of the practical laws will apply to every person. Think of these laws as guidelines.

The third type of Craft law (mundane law) belongs to group hierarchy, and most of these laws do not apply to the Witch  practicing alone. This doesn’t mean that solitary Witches should ignore these laws entirely, as many in their community may follow some sort of coven or group government, and they practice Witchcraft within the confines of these laws. Mundane laws fall into two categories: Those laws created for general Wiccan government; and those laws created by the current organization, group, or coven. The laws created by each group may not contradict the general mundane laws, but seek to enhance the organization and assist in creating a group mind.

Through the Principles of Belief and the more intricate Ordains, New Generation Witches can practice a structured religion that doesn’t appear structured. That’s the enchantment, and the mystery, of the Craft.

Good Tuesday Morning, brothers & sisters of the Craft. I hope you are having a very beautiful Tuesday morning. I want to start by apologizing for yesterday. The posts being so short, I mean. I had worked all weekend redesigning our store. I am sure most of you know with teenage boys around, that is hard to do during the day. I stayed up Saturday night and Sunday night. Then when it came time for work, I got in my nice peaceful office and went right straight to sleep. I am really surprised you did see “ZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ,” going across the screen. Yesterday, was my fault and I apologize. Today is short because I have to take Jacob to the doctor to see if we can finally get the cast off his arm. But that is not what I wanted to talk to you about.

What I want to talk about was the letter I wrote to Tucker Carlson. I was surprised that I received some heat from our very own community. I don’t know why I should have been, it seems there are always those waiting in the shadows to jump. The only problem I jump back and I say what is on my mind. I believe that is what keeps me in more hot water than anything, my mouth overrides my ass at times.

I received a few comments in regards my mentioning Brett Kavanaugh. For those of you who brought that topic up, you didn’t catch the jest of what my letter was about. I did mention him because he was one of the intended victims of the group “hex-in.” A few told me, “if you believe he is innocent, then I can’t follow you anymore.” Everyone has their own opinions, I believe we still live in a country were we have that right. I never saw any credible proof that he was guilty. Did you? I used this example yesterday:

I go before the local law enforcement and I tell them you committed murder. I have no evidence only my word and the local sheriff believes me. He comes to your house and arrests you. He then locks you up in the jail. Remember only on my word, I have no proof and can’t even remember when the murder happened or who it happened too, but they believe me. You are then sentenced to life in prison. Again, only on my word, no proof. You are going to sit behind bars for the rest of your life, just on my word. You were automatically assumed guilty because I said so. Does that sound like a bum deal or a smear campaign against you. I think it does. Where is the presumed innocent until proven guilty go that our legal system was founded on. Must have went out the door. Oh, well that will give you something to think about while you rotten in jail on my word alone.

I sincerely hope and pray that I still live in a country were you are presumed innocent until you are proven guilty. That is not what was done in the Kavanaugh case. The letter came forth and before anyone knew who even wrote the letter, he was guilty. Not the way it is suppose to work in this country. You are suppose to be innocent until proven guilty. Then the burden of proof lies on the prosecutor to prove you are guilty. Again, I never heard any proof of this man being guilty of anything. My opinion is he is innocent until proven guilty. Or do I not have that right anymore? It seems the Left is working to change everything in our country. Did I wake up in the wrong country or has things already changed so much that the presumption of innocence no longer exists in this country. You might want to wake up to what is going on around you and see what is really trying to be done in our country right now.

The next comment I got criticized on was, “who gave you the right to speak for all witches.” Some of them even stated they never heard of the Ordains, the Witches Code of Chivalry or any of the other laws I quotes. Don’t worry you will because we are going to have a refresher course on them this morning instead of the horoscopes. In answer to that question, you gave me the right to speak for all witches. Until you are ready to sit down at your computer or take pen in hand and write to one of the TV stations or newspapers, I have that right. Some want to sit in the dark, keep their mouths shut, while we are being casted in such a negative light. Fine, sit in the dark. But I am not going to sit there with you. We have worked and worked to try to educate the public on the truth about Witchcraft. Now the press, brings out this group of witches who are hex happy and reports on them. Do you not realize that once this group is made public that the entire nation, let alone the world, will see us as just exactly that. I will be the first one to admit I have casted a few hexes in my time but they have never been against anyone who didn’t deserve it. Now to call for a hex-in against people they don’t even know because of some crazy accusations, it is pathetic. If you are going to cast your hexes, then do it in private. Don’t come out and broadcast it to the world. Doing so only makes all of us look bad. It casts a negative light on all of us.

We, the WOTC, have fought for too many years to show the world what witches are truly about. First started out, someone found out I was a witch they automatically assumed I was going to hex their cattle(whether they had cattle or not is another question). But we have fought long and hard to remove the reputation that witches and witchcraft had. The letter I wrote was my own opinion. I gave a general outline of what witchcraft was like. I am a Solitary practitioner and in case you have forgotten what that is, then let me refresh your memory. It gives me the right to pull from other Traditions what I want and what I can use for my benefit. Or has the Left took away that right also? If you don’t like the general outline I gave, then do something about it. Get on that computer, write those letters yourself. Show your side of what witchcraft is all about and what it means to you.

I am a Solitary Practitioner. I have developed my own beliefs and practices over the years. One of those beliefs is to never idly stand by and let witches or the Craft be run through the mud. Not to let witchcraft be used for political gain or influencing others into a negative way of thinking. That is just my views on the topic. You don’t like my views, then get on the computer and write your letters. Until that time, I will not stand by and watch us being casted in such a negative matter. Would you like to go back to the days were they think all witches have green skin, pointed noses and warts? Oh, you’re blowing it out of portion. Am I? Wait to the Left gains power. They have shown that everyone they use to gain influence has gotten burned in the end. Check the record. The poor woman they brought forth to testify against Kavanaugh, where is she at now? Don’t know, do you? They used her and discarded her. They made her a pawn in their own political agenda. They have ruin that woman’s life forever. I have empathy for women who have been raped, abused, or tortured by men. I personally cannot stand for it and I believe there is a special place reserved for them in the Summerlands. I have seen what the Left does to people they convince to come out for them. I don’t want any witch to fall for their fake promises and lies.

If my letter made you angry because I shouldn’t have represented all witches, I won’t apologize. Someone needed to open their mouth and let the general public know that we are not all like that. If you are tired of me speaking for witches in general then next time pick up that pen or get on that computer and write a letter yourself. I will continue to write letters and others here will also. Now are we going to be the only ones that does?

Lady of the Abyss

Had a very wise man one time tell me, “What good does it do if you have 10 members or 10,000 members, if they won’t do anything.” At the time I didn’t think he was that wise, now I know I was wrong. Thanks, Peter.