581 lines
31 KiB
Plaintext
581 lines
31 KiB
Plaintext
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THE NEW BOOK OF THE LAW
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[sources: The Book of The Law, The Old Laws for the Old Religion, The
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Great Book of the Law, The Dragon Law]
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Preface: In my years of teaching and running a group, I have always had
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a dissatisfaction with the popular "Book of the Law" available to most
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Seekers. I felt it to be too archaic in its wording and perspective --
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and while it was valuable in the Burning Times, it simply does not deal
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with the concerns and needs of "modern-day" Witches. Over the years I
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became familiar with several other sets of Laws. Each of these had many
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good points, yet they also had their disadvantages as well.
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Recently, I decided to do something daring -- I took the four different
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versions of the Laws which I had, and combined and reworked them. I
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deleted what was no longer pertinent or meaningful, rewording others to
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make them clearer and more understandable, as well as throwing in a few
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new ones which I felt had been lacking.
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I believe that what has evolved out of this work is a set of Laws which
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are readable, usable, and most importantly, pertinent to the needs of
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today's Witches and Neo-Pagans. It is with these thoughts and hopes
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that I would like to share them with you. If you should find merit or
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worth in them, then I will feel as though I have accomplished something.
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The material in this booklet has not been copyrighted, so you may
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reproduce the Laws for students or friends, or reprint them in your
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publication. It is my sincere hope that the New Book of the Law will be
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of use to the Craft Community.
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Blessed Be, Lady Galadriel
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PART ONE
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1. The Laws were created to give our lives form and order, that all
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might be balanced throughout all of the planes. In truth there are two
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sets of laws which govern us -- one sets forth the ways of the Wiccan,
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and the other the ways of the Universe. Both are important, both should
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be observed with respect and treated with honor. The Laws were shaped
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and molded to teach us, to advise us, and to counsel us in our time of
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mortal life on earth.
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2. Honor the Gods, for They are the channels and the manifestation of
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the Source. Honor yourself, for this force also lies within you. Love
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the Gods as They love you, and by loving yourself and your brothers and
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sisters, so the Gods shall honor you. As the love and joy of a man and
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a woman [or "lover and beloved" -- LAH] flowers and grows when nurtured
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with respect, and cultivated with understanding and honor, so should
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you love the Gods.
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3. The Goddess is the Great Mother, and the God is the Great Father, and
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we are Their children; and we shall worship Them, for They are the
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rulers of the Universe, and all that is therein. Therefore, O Children
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of the Gods, try Them not, nor attempt to test Them, for They shall
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show you that he Ways of the Craft are not to be belittled or mocked.
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4. Let the Power of the Craft flow from you only in love -- or not at
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all. For it has always been known that the energy webs which we weave
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and maintain shall eventually return to encircle their creator. Thus
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our works become either the net which entagles and binds us, or th eweb
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of light by which we find the Gods.
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5. Let the Rites of the Wicca be a way for the children of the Gods to
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be as One -- for Power only flows when unified. Always should you
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revere the Earth, and heal and tend Her, for She is our life, our
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Mothership, on which we navigate the dark currents of space.
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6. When you reap the harvests of your lands, then you shall not reap one
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corner of the field, nor glean the herb gardens, or the fallen fruits
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of the orchards. These you shall offer to the Earth Mother, in direct
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return, or through offerings made to your Circle, or to sustain its
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Priests and Priestesses.
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7. Always be proud to be of the Wicca, but do not allow your pride to
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become vanity -- for those who are conceited are a stubling block at
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the door of the Temple, and they shall be cast adrift, to swim within
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their own vanity.
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8. Observe and listen, reserving your judgement, for until all the
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silver is weighed, who can know the worth thereof?
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9. As like breeds like, even more so does good beget love and joy. Your
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life will be full of love and joy if you are joyful and happy.
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10. Your teachers are the servants of the Gods, and they shall plant the
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seeds of knowledge within the minds of their students, and they shall
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use their power for the good of the Wicca. Yet it is each individual's
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duty to tend the seeds which are planted, and to make the final
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harvest. Those who misuse the power and the trust of the teacher's
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position shall have to answer to the Lords of Karma, and adjust the
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balance accordingly.
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11. The Temples of the Gods, which are Their abode on Earth, shall
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belong to all Their children, and each Circle shall be as a special
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family. Do naught against any Temple or any family of the Wicca, lest
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you do that thing unto the Gods, and against yourself.
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12. You must not be a teller of tales amongst the children of the
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Goddess, and you must hold no malice or evil thoughts towards others of
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the Wicca.
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13. You should not lie, nor give false testimony before your Elders, or
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those who are of the Wicca -- for liars are fools, and a menace unto
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themselves, and to the Wicca. Be truthful in all your works and deeds,
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especially within the Circle, for what you say within the presence of
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the Gods becomes manifest.
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14. You must not put stumbling blocks in the way of those who do not
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follow the Path of the Wicca. You must make no unrighteous judgements
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of their ways, and you should aid them with an attitude of love when it
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is asked for. Yet ever should you keep the Counsel of the Elders, and
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reveal naught to others of where our Circles may be, nor may you reveal
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our ways without the consent of the Priestess.
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15. When you make a vow to the Lord or the Lady, or you swear an oath to
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another of the Wicca, then you must do all that has come forth from your
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mouth, for a covenant with the Gods, or with the Wicca, is your Honor,
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and woe to those who care not for the fetters they attach to their
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souls by not keeping their word.
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16. The Great Mother and Father would not have their children suffer
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the indignities of oppressors for their sake, for what is within the
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hearts of Their children is dear and true to Them. The Ancient and
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Mighty Ones shall cause the balance to be made for those who desecrate
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the Lord and Lady, Their temples, or Their creations.
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17. Never shall you use Magick, nor the Craft, to cause harm, for this
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is misuse of the Power, and it is not to be condoned. To cause the
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death of another through the Craft is to require the death of the Self
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in sacrifice.
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18. Never betray any of the brethren, nor the lore of our people, for
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you are all servants of the Gods, and must live by the virtues of love,
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honor and wisdom. Let truth, loyalty and honor be your creed. Let them
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be your guides, tempered by love and wisdom.
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19. The Order of the Gods shall you keep, and within Their Circles shall
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you walk. You should not say "I believe" when you doubt, nor claim to
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obey the Lord and Lady's word when you never enter into the Temple. You
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must not profess with your lips that which is not in your heart.
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20. Do not use the names of the Gods in negative or evil ways, for They
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love and cherish Their children above all others. All others They
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love, even those who know them not. Yet those who hate and curse in
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Their name shall have the Mighty Ones take the measure of their worth.
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21. In any disputes between the children of the Goddess, no one may
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invoke any laws but those of the Craft, or any tribunal but that of
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Priestess, Priest, and Elders.
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22. No one of the Wicca may do anything which will endagner the Craft,
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nor bring any of the Wicca into conflict with the Law of the Land, or
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with any of our persecutors.
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23. Your magickal tools are channels to that which is most precious and
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pure within you. Do not cheapen them by haggling their price when you
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acquire them.
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24. Never accept money for the use of the Power. It is sorcerors and
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charlatans who accept money for their spells and prayers. If you accept
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no money, you will be free from the temptation to use the Craft for evil
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or unworthy causes.
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25. You shall never take unduly from any human, animal or elemental that
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which is not yours to take -- for if you steal from another, in the end
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you will have to sacrifice something dearer to you in order to attain
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the balance.
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26. Show honor to all people, that they may look up to you, and respect
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you, and their eyes shall become a mirror for your soul.
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27. Those who are of the Wicca shall not own slaves, for one person may
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not own the spirit of another, for only the Great Mother and Father own
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our souls. Nor shall you take as a pledge any person's life, for to do
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so is to take upon yourself both a mill and a millstone.
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28. If a stranger sojourns with you, you shall do them no wrong; they
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shall be as one of the Circle, born amongst ye, and you shall deal with
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them as you would yourself.
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29. Just weights and just balances shall be given by you, and just value
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shall you give, and thereby receive threefold.
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30. Your altars shall be kept clean, pure and holy, and all that is
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brought into the Temple or the Circle shall be cleansed and blessed, for
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the joy of the Gods, and of the Wicca.
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31. A clean mind should have a clean body. You should keep your body,
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your clothes, and your house clean, in honor of the Mother, who gives
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these things to you.
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32. Let none die without honor, without love, without respect, unless
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their actions have decreed otherwise.
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33. You should not couple together if it shall cause pain, jealousy or
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deprivation to another by doing so. Union for malice or evil reasons
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such as these upsets the balance, and the Lords of the Universe shall
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make adjustments accordingly.
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34. Let those who would love, and would be as one, and bear child, be
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handfasted. For the sharing of love in this manner is beauteous, and
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love's union in the energy of the Gods, and the heritage of the child.
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It is important for children to know and to identify with those who
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brought them here.
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35. The Law of the Goddess is that none of the Wicca shall take and wed
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someone who they do not love, whether it is to harm another, or for
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some form of material gain.
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36. Remember that your children are Goddess-spawned, and are free
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spirits. You do not own nor control them. They are your brethren,
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come to visit for a while, that they may share in the vision of your
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love and wisdom. Let each parent realize that although they may teach
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and guide with love, the child shall also teach the parent, and aid them
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in their growth and lesson
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37. The etheric web and energy vortexes of the earth are in constant
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flux and motion to adjust to the needs of the planet. The sacred trust
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of the Wicca is to create and to maintain centers of light and
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knowledge, using the magick of the divine spark within us to focus and
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channel the forces of the Universal fire. And these are the channels
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established between the worlds of the stars and the realms of the earth,
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bringing in and regulating the spirit flames which energize and activate
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all life forms. Thus we tend and guard the threads of creation, and we
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weave the patterns of life and manifestation in an ever-evolving
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tapestry.
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38. Never use your heritage or position for self-glorification or gain.
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Respect your magick and our ways. We must always recognize that while
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others may look to us to lead them, they too are our guides.
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39. Keep yor body strong, your mind keen, and your purpose pure, for
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within your being you shall channel the Power, and it needs to be strong
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and pure. And these are the keys to the path of Oneness, and to
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communication with the Gods. Yet first you must learn to speak to Them
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in such a manner as They can comprehend you. For the children of the
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Wicca must aid the Gods, and work with Them, otherwise the Gods cannot
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aid and work with you. Ever remember that the Priest and Priestess are
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the living representatives of the God and Goddess Forces, and likewise
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that all humans carry these forces within them, though they may lie
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dormant and unawakened.
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40. As the Great Mother and Father come unto one another and create with
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the pure vibration of Love-Wisdom, so should you strive to make your
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Temple pure in vibration, and thus a fitting place wherein you may
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invite the Gods. Thus, your Circle should always be duly purified and
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cast, and likewise, those who would use the gateways and travel the
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Circle between the earth and other realms should also be duly prepared
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and purified.
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41. The Goddess hath said, "I shall not carry thee, yet neither shall I
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hinder thee, nor keep thee from having the same opportunities as all of
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my children. Thou art free, yet thou shalt not be coddled like babes in
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the storm. If thou hast true devotion within thee, then all obstacles
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may be overcome."
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42. The laggard is but half a person -- and though half is better than
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none, the whole is twice as good as the half. Those who do not work, or
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who lack the will and desire to learn the ways of the Gods, unto them is
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said, "The Ancient and Mighty Ones shall not keep thee within their
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house, if ye learneth not."
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43. A sanctuary you shall make unto the Gods, that They may dwell
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amongst you. And you shall fashion it to the best of your ability,
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according to all tha your Elders shall show you, and pure energy shall
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you place therein.
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44. An altar shall you make to unto the Lady, and you shall make due
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reverence unto Her, for every place where She is exalted, She will come
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to you and bless you. And you shall fashion your altar out of wood or
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stone, and burn incense and candles thereon, at the proper times, in
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observance of her ways.
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45. You should set aside at least one day during each moon unto the
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Goddess, and on these days you shall do Her work; and on those days She
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shall renew Her children and bless them.
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46. Learn to build your own Temple, and to craft your own sacred Circle,
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and all the tools that are used therein -- for to be a person of the
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Craft is to be a person of consequence.
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47. Let each of you inscribe your own record of our ways and teachings.
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For the course of each Wiccan should be charted, that the patterns of
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their life-web may be made known and utilized. Let each Wiccan start
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their Book of Light with the teachings and lore of their tradition, yet
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let it also contain the rites and ways of each individual, which are the
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harvest of each child of the Wicca, to use the wisdom of their heritage
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as the seeds of their own wisdom. Thus shall our lore and knowledge
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continue to grow and unfold, like a beautiful flower.
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48. It is right to study and to understand the sigils, statues and
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stories of the Gods, for they shall guide your thoughts to Them, and
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They shall hear them. Yet you must ever remember that you worship not
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the sign nor the statue, but the Gods which inspired them.
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49. If your Circle owns any land, let all guard it, and help to keep it
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clean. Let all justly guard all monies of the Circle, as well as the
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rights and property of all members of the Circle.
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50. If any Wiccan truly labors, then it is right that they should have
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their just pay. This is not considered the taking of money for the Art,
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but good and honest work. Yet if any Wiccan works willingly for the
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good of the Craft, or for their brothers and sisters without pay, then
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it is to their greatest honor.
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51. If any Wiccan should deny themselves some pleasure or material
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indulgence in order to do service in the Circle, this person shall be
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blessed and remembered. For those who give for the greater good of all
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shall have their spirit uplifted.
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|
|||
|
|
52. Know also that if you gift the Lady's Priests and Priestesses, or
|
|||
|
|
Her Circles, this is an offering made unto the Mother Herself, for a
|
|||
|
|
true Priest or Priestess strives always to do Her work, and to be of
|
|||
|
|
service to Her children, so to honor and respect them is to honor and
|
|||
|
|
respect the Queen of All.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
53. And the offerings which are considered the most pleasing to the Gods
|
|||
|
|
are these: the fruits of the orchards the scents of the trees and herbs
|
|||
|
|
the metals of the earth the waters of the earth the flowers of the
|
|||
|
|
meadows and the milk of all mothers. Yet offerings of labor or money are
|
|||
|
|
honest too, and these will also be accepted -- moreso if you work with
|
|||
|
|
love in your heart, for always there is work to be done for the Gods,
|
|||
|
|
and service to be given to the children of the Wicca.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
54. If your offerings are made to restore the balance, it must by of a
|
|||
|
|
nature that it not offensive to the Gods. It must be of value, yet
|
|||
|
|
given with a free heart. Thus shall the harmony be restored. If your
|
|||
|
|
offerings are given with a heart filled with love and devotion, or are
|
|||
|
|
of service to the Gods, or to the Craft, then shall you receive
|
|||
|
|
blessings manifold.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
55. And when you make an offering unto the Gods, you should offer it
|
|||
|
|
thru the most proper medium, at the proper times, and in such a manner
|
|||
|
|
as to make it acceptable. Any and all remains of the rituals shall be
|
|||
|
|
consumed in the fire, or buried within the Earth, as a way of returning
|
|||
|
|
to the Source all that we use in the observance of our ways, thus
|
|||
|
|
ensuring the continuity of the cycle.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
56. All may use the Craft to help and aid them, or for the advantage of
|
|||
|
|
their Circle, or the Craft -- yet only if you are sure that you harm
|
|||
|
|
none. Let each Wiccan and Circle always debate these matters at length.
|
|||
|
|
Only if all be satisfied that none be harmed in any way, may the Art
|
|||
|
|
then be used. If it is not possible to achieve your ends one way, then
|
|||
|
|
perhaps the goal may be achieved by actng in a different way, so as to
|
|||
|
|
harm none.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
57. Throughout the world it has been many a year since Wiccans have been
|
|||
|
|
burned. Yet misuse of the Power might raise the persecutions once
|
|||
|
|
again. So never break the Laws, however much you might be tempted, and
|
|||
|
|
never consent to their being broken. And if you know they are being
|
|||
|
|
broken, then you must work strongly against it.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
58. In days of old it was decided by the Mighty Ones who came before us
|
|||
|
|
that the Art might be used to restrain others from harming the Craft or
|
|||
|
|
its children, yet only after great consultation with all members of the
|
|||
|
|
Circle, and only then to deflect or to constrain them.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
59. And such were the ways of the Lady that She brought us forth in joy,
|
|||
|
|
and such were the Ways of the Lord that His reign gave all life
|
|||
|
|
pleasure. Offer love in your worship and all shall be joyous in beauty.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
60. In the dimly remembered dawn of ages past, the Wicca were truly
|
|||
|
|
free. Then, in Atlantis came the Age of the Misuse of Power, followed by
|
|||
|
|
the Ages of Persecution and Suffering. Thus the people of the Wicca hid
|
|||
|
|
themselves and cloaked their knowlege, and wove veils of secrecy and
|
|||
|
|
silence. And this is how the Ways of the Wicca have been preserved
|
|||
|
|
through the time of darkness. Yet much of the ways of our people were
|
|||
|
|
lost to the ignorance of others.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
61. Yet the cycle spirals ever on -- and the Age of the Earth Mother
|
|||
|
|
once again draws nigh. We must be strong -- one with our birthright,
|
|||
|
|
and one with our Gods, if we are to bring forth the balance. Those who
|
|||
|
|
would harm us, or attempt to enslave us, we must overcome -- yet only
|
|||
|
|
through light and love, and never through violence or the evil of chaos.
|
|||
|
|
And through our efforts the time of our people will come into being once
|
|||
|
|
more. In the times which lie ahead, there lies much work to be done, so
|
|||
|
|
that once more the cycles of life are drawn to the path of light, and
|
|||
|
|
the balance acheived through the power of love.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
62. In order to bring the ways of Light and Love and Life to the peoples
|
|||
|
|
of the Earth, our secrets are slowly becoming secrets no more, and it is
|
|||
|
|
good that this is so -- for the age of shadow and secrecy is passing.
|
|||
|
|
Yet the sharing of our ways needs always to be guided by wisdom and by
|
|||
|
|
love. Let our rites and our mysteries be kept sacred. Let no one
|
|||
|
|
defile our worship or our heritage. For the defilement of our ways is
|
|||
|
|
an honor loss to self, and for the Craft.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
63. Let each High Priestess govern her Circle with justice and Love, and
|
|||
|
|
with the help and advice of the Elders and the High Priest, always
|
|||
|
|
heeding the messages of the Gods when they come.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
64. Ever remember that although the Priest is the force with which the
|
|||
|
|
Circle is built, the Priestess is the ruler therein -- for it is through
|
|||
|
|
her that the Goddess created the world, and all things therein.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
65. The High Priestess will heed all complaints of all Pagans and
|
|||
|
|
Wiccans, and strive to settle any differences between them with reason
|
|||
|
|
and with justice.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
66. Let each Circle of Light decide how it shall be known -- whether by
|
|||
|
|
earthly name or magickal one. For each child of the Wicca knows best
|
|||
|
|
the safety or dangers of their homeland.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
67. Let each Circle or Temple maintain and dedicate unto the Goddess and
|
|||
|
|
the God all the things that are required for Their rituals, for what is
|
|||
|
|
blessed in the name of the Gods rightly belongs to Them, and the Priest
|
|||
|
|
and Priestess shall be the caretakers thereof.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
68. Anyone of the circle who is of sufficient rank, and wishes to form a
|
|||
|
|
new Circle, shall tell the High Priestess and the Elders of their
|
|||
|
|
intentions. Members of the old Circle may join the new Circle when it is
|
|||
|
|
formed, but if they do so they must leave the other Circle, unless
|
|||
|
|
otherwise instructed. For it is the Old Law that each Wiccan may join
|
|||
|
|
the Circle of their choice, yet their energy should not be divided
|
|||
|
|
between two or more Temples.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
69. The Elders of the old and new Circles shall meet in peace and with
|
|||
|
|
respect, to decide the level of interaction and connection between the
|
|||
|
|
Circles. Yet it is known that the splitting of a Circle often means
|
|||
|
|
strife. So only if it is truly in a spirit of peace and harmony should
|
|||
|
|
the Circles meet for the celebration of the Great Festivals.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
70. None shall enter the Circle that have a sickness or an ailment which
|
|||
|
|
may be passed on to the Lady's other children -- for to do so causes
|
|||
|
|
harm to yourself, as well as to the others of the Circle. Rather should
|
|||
|
|
the Healers go unto the sick one, that through the love of the Gods they
|
|||
|
|
shall be made well and whole once more.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
71. It has been judged lawful that if any of the Craft need a house, or
|
|||
|
|
land, and none will sell, to incline someone's mind so as to be willing
|
|||
|
|
to sell, providing it harms none and the full price is paid without
|
|||
|
|
haggling.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
72. In the matter of quarrels or disputes between the members of the
|
|||
|
|
Circle, the High Priestess shall convene the Council, and inquire into
|
|||
|
|
the matter. The Council shall hear each person privately, and then both
|
|||
|
|
together. And they shall decide justly, not favoring one side nor the
|
|||
|
|
other.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
73. If an agreeable resolution cannot be reached, then that Wiccan must
|
|||
|
|
leave the Circle, for a Circle of Light cannot be properly formed where
|
|||
|
|
there is disagreement and discord. And when a Circle is not properly
|
|||
|
|
formed, the energy within is either dissipated, or turns ugly, festering
|
|||
|
|
like a hidden sore. So let them leave, but only with love in their
|
|||
|
|
hearts and yours, for even though your paths may diverge, you are still
|
|||
|
|
all children of the Wicca, and there must be no violence between us.
|
|||
|
|
Bear no grudges, hold no thoughts of vengeance, for this will rot away
|
|||
|
|
the foundation of your power.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
74. It has ever been recognized that there are some people who can never
|
|||
|
|
agree to work under any others. At the same time there are also people
|
|||
|
|
who cannot rule justly. To those who must ever be chief there is but
|
|||
|
|
one answer: "Void this Circle, and seek another one, or if ye be of
|
|||
|
|
sufficient rank, then form a Circle of your own." To those who cannot
|
|||
|
|
rule justly, the answer shall be "Those who cannot bear your rule will
|
|||
|
|
leave you." For none may come to Circle with those with whom they are
|
|||
|
|
at variance, for to do so angers the Gods, and hinders the Craft.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
75. Those that do wrong without knowlege shall be held innocent; those
|
|||
|
|
that do wrong through carelessness shall be judged lacking in wisdom,
|
|||
|
|
and dealt with according to the nature of the transgression. Those who
|
|||
|
|
do wrong with deliberation and forethought shall be thrice punished, and
|
|||
|
|
the Lords of Karma shall lay low their pride.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
76. Each person must make a balance for their words and actions, and the
|
|||
|
|
judgements of the Elders should incline to try to make good come from
|
|||
|
|
the injustice or wrong-doing. Many are the ways to restore the balance,
|
|||
|
|
so let the judgements of the Elders and the Priestess be in keeping with
|
|||
|
|
this.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
77. Do not turn aside those who seek the ways of the Wicca for the want
|
|||
|
|
of an offering or the lack of a robe. You are the servants of the Gods,
|
|||
|
|
and the servants of Their people, and those that seek for the Gods you
|
|||
|
|
must aid in their quest.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
78. Of those who would inquire as to the ways of the Goddess, or who
|
|||
|
|
wish to become of the Wicca, ye shall search their hearts, and even into
|
|||
|
|
their spirits you shall look, as you are able. For the Wicca do not
|
|||
|
|
look to acquire mere numbers. Let none be turned away if their hearts
|
|||
|
|
are true, and their desire earnest.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
79. The hidden children are like the strings of a harp: each one may
|
|||
|
|
give a clear note, and when gathered together in sympathy and accord,
|
|||
|
|
they shall give rise to a beautiful symphony. Yet when struck without
|
|||
|
|
reason or thought, these notes may cause discord or disharmony.
|
|||
|
|
Therefore the Gods decree to Their Teachers and Priests that all must be
|
|||
|
|
taught to master their harp, and to pluck their strings with care, that
|
|||
|
|
they cause no discord or imbalance.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
80. Choose the Priests and Teachers of the Wicca with diligence and with
|
|||
|
|
care. The qualities that you should search for within them are Faith,
|
|||
|
|
Belief, Knowledge, Ability, Patience, Leadership, Humility, and a loving
|
|||
|
|
nature -- for they must lead and teach the children of the Goddess, and
|
|||
|
|
will thereby have the power to do great good, or to cause great
|
|||
|
|
imbalance.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
81. In practice it should be that the greatest of the Priests and
|
|||
|
|
Priestesses should guide the rituals within each of the Temples of the
|
|||
|
|
Old Gods, and truly you should be content with the advice and guidance
|
|||
|
|
given by them. Yet ever it should be given so that it is clear and
|
|||
|
|
understandable, for within the Temple each of the Wicca is free, and
|
|||
|
|
thus they should be able to recognize and to understand our ways and
|
|||
|
|
their implications. And those who cannot explain the inner workings, or
|
|||
|
|
give just cause and reason for their decisions, may be questioned, or
|
|||
|
|
the wisdom of the advice weighed.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
82. Let the Priestess and Priest lead as long as they are able, and
|
|||
|
|
their leadership be wise and strong, and to the benefit of the Wicca.
|
|||
|
|
Yet if their health is ill-favored, or if the next generation needs to
|
|||
|
|
try their hand, then let them have the vision and the wisdom to step
|
|||
|
|
away from their position, and pass the duties of the Circle t o another.
|
|||
|
|
Let them not become overly attached to the office, nor too fond of the
|
|||
|
|
power.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
83. If a Priestess or a Priest should tire of their duties and charges,
|
|||
|
|
then they may step down, but only after having trained and acknowledged
|
|||
|
|
a successor. If a Priest or Priestess deserts their Circle, then they
|
|||
|
|
have lost the right to ever lead again within this life, so great a
|
|||
|
|
trust they have broken. If they should return to the Circle within one
|
|||
|
|
turn of the Wheel, and are judged to have true atonement in their
|
|||
|
|
hearts, new insight and growth, then they may be forgiven, and allowed
|
|||
|
|
to return to the Circle, yet they shall worship only, and hold no office
|
|||
|
|
or title. Leadership is a sacred commitment and an honor, and they have
|
|||
|
|
shown that they cannot be trusted with such responsibility.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
84. Any Priestess, Priest, or Elder who consents to a breach of the Laws
|
|||
|
|
regarding the use of the Craft to cause harm to others must immediately
|
|||
|
|
be relieved of their office, for it is the lives of the children of the
|
|||
|
|
Goddess which they endanger, as well as the honor of the Craft.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
85. The High Priestess may take a Sabbatical from her Circle, if her
|
|||
|
|
personal life and duties require it, for up to a year and a day. During
|
|||
|
|
that time, the Maiden shall act as High Priestess. If the High
|
|||
|
|
Priestess does not return at the end of a year and a day, then the
|
|||
|
|
Initiates of the Circle shall name a new Priestess. Unless there is
|
|||
|
|
good reason to the contrary, the person who has done the work of the
|
|||
|
|
Priestess should reap the reward. If someone else is named, then the
|
|||
|
|
Maiden should continue in that office.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
86. Each Priestess and Priest shall choose their own consorts, yet let
|
|||
|
|
them be wise in the learning of our people, and thus others shall abide
|
|||
|
|
by the wisdom of their choice. Yet if the Circle feels the decision is
|
|||
|
|
ill-advised, or that they cannot abide and work in honor and trust with
|
|||
|
|
that consort, then they may request a gathering of all concernted to
|
|||
|
|
meet and to talk, and to resolve the balance with love and honor. For
|
|||
|
|
only those who are pure and strong, keen and wise, patient and loving,
|
|||
|
|
can effectively and properly carry out the duties of a Keeper of the
|
|||
|
|
Circle.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
87. Those of the Priesthood shall not neglect their mates, or their
|
|||
|
|
children, or their house, nor anything which is in their possession; nor
|
|||
|
|
shall the sick and the needy be neglected for the sake of the Circle.
|
|||
|
|
Therefore let them adjust the one thing against the other, that neither
|
|||
|
|
should suffer, and that which is given by the Gods is treated with love
|
|||
|
|
and respect.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
88. Long ago, at the time of Creation, it was deemed that the female
|
|||
|
|
should hold the power of life-giving. And such was the male force drawn
|
|||
|
|
to the love and beauty of the Creation of life, that he surrenders unto
|
|||
|
|
her keeping the force of his powers in the furtherance of life. Yet the
|
|||
|
|
Priestess must always remember that the fuel of the flames which light
|
|||
|
|
the fires within her Temple comes from the Priest. Thus she must use
|
|||
|
|
the force wisely, and only with love, and she must honor and respect he
|
|||
|
|
who is the activator of the Life Force.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
HERE ENDS THE NEW BOOK OF THE LAW.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Published by: The Grove of the Unicorn PO Box 13384 Atlanta, GA 30324
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
Ordering Information: Send Legal size SASE A small contribution towards
|
|||
|
|
printing/handling costs will be appreciated.
|
|||
|
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|||
|
|
To this I would add only one more admonishment, based on my own
|
|||
|
|
experience: It is as important not to take oneself, one's power, and
|
|||
|
|
one's Craft too seriously as it is not to take them too lightly.
|
|||
|
|
Moderation in all things, including moderation. And remember that all
|
|||
|
|
acts of love and pleasure are the rites of the Goddess, and this
|
|||
|
|
includes HAVING FUN.
|
|||
|
|
|
|||
|
|
B*B Leigh Ann
|
|||
|
|
|