THE WITCHES’ REDE OF CHIVALRY
(Adapted from Rites From The Crystal Well)

 

Insofar as The Craft Of The Wise is the most ancient and most honourable creed of humankind, it behoves all who would be witches to act in ways that give respect to the Old Gods and Goddesses, to their brothers and sisters of The Craft, and to themselves

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

Know well that thoughts and intent put forth will wax strong on many planes of existence and return, bringing into creation that which has been sent forth. For this reason the adept must exercise discipline over his or her thoughts. Remember, ” as you sow, so shall you harvest”

It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we may one day unite with the Godhead.

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

A witch’s word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed document. It is only by developing such mental discipline that great power may be controlled and directed

It is well to refrain from speaking ill of others for not all truths of the matter may be known

Pass not unverified words about another. For the most part hearsay is a thing of falsehoods

Be honest with others. Have them know that honesty is likewise expected of them

The fury of the moment plays havoc with the truth. Strive always to keep your head

Harm not another. Think always of the consequences of your actions

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

As a witch you wield much power. Therefore exercise much discretion in its use

Courage and honour endure forever.

Offer friendship only to those worthy of it. To associate with younger souls will only pull you down

Those who follow the mysteries must be above reproach in the eyes of the world

Keep pride in thyself. Seek perfection in body and in mind

The Witches Creed

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 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 the witches are seen
At Lammas and Candlemas dancing, on May Eve and old Hallowe’en.
When day-time and night-time are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
The four Lesser Sabbats are summoned, and Witches gather in feast
Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the coven’s array.
Thirteen times at Esbast make merry, for each golden year and day.
The power that was passed down the age, 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 of power,
Its compass between two worlds lies, in land of the shades for the hour.
This world has no right then to know it, and world of beyond will tell naught.
The oldest of Gods are invoked there, the Greatest of magic is wrought.
For the two are mystical pillars, thatstand at the gates of the shrine,
And two are the powers of nature, the forms and the force divine.
The dark and the night in succcession, the opposities each unto each,
Shown forth as a God and a Goddess: of this our ancestors teach.
By night he’s the wild wind’s rider, the Horn’d One,
the King of the Woodland, 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,That dwell in the deeps of the mind
Immortal and ever-renewing, with power to free or to bind.
And Do What You Will be the challenge, so be it love that harms none,
For this is the only commandment. By Magic of old, be it done!

—-Author unknown