555 lines
30 KiB
Plaintext
555 lines
30 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 Great
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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 a
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dissatisfaction with the popular "Book of the Law" available to most Seekers.
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I felt it to be too archaic in its wording and perspective -- and while it was
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valuable in the Burning Times, it simply does not deal with the concerns and
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needs of "modern-day" Witches. Over the years I became familiar with several
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other sets of Laws. Each of these had many good points, yet they also had
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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 th m. I deleted
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what was no longer pertinent or meaningful, rewording others to make them
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clearer and more understandable, as well as throwing in a few new ones which I
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felt had been lacking.
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I believe that what has evolved out of this work is a set of Laws which are
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readable, usable, and most importantly, pertinent to the needs of today's
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Witches and Neo-Pagans. It is with these thoughts and hopes that I would like
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to share them with you. If you should find merit or worth in them, then I
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will feel as though I have accomplished something. The material in this
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booklet has not been copyrighted, so you may reproduce the Laws for students
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or friends, or reprint them in your publication. It is my sincere hope that
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the New Book of the Law will be of use to the Craft Community.
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Blessed Be,
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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 might be
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balanced throughout all of the planes. In truth there are two sets of laws
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which govern us -- one sets forth the ways of the Wiccan, an dthe oter the
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ways of the Universe. Both are important, both should be observed with
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respect and treated with honor. The Laws were shaped and molded to teach us,
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to advise us, and to counsel us in our time of mortal life on earth.
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2. Honor the Gods, for They are the channels and the manifestation of the
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Source. Honor yourself, for this force also lies within you. Love the Gods
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as They love you, and by loving yourself and your brothers and sisters, so
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the Gods shall honor you. As the love and joy of a man and a woman [or "lover
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and beloved" -- LAH] flowers and grows when nurtured with respect, and
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cultivated with understanding and honor, so should you love the Gods.
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3. The Goddess is the Great Mother, and the God is the Great Father, and we
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are Their children; and we shall worship Them, for They are the rulers of the
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Universe, and all that is therein. Therefore, O Children of the Gods, try
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Them not, nor attempt to test Them, for They shall show you that he Ways of
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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 all.
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For it has always been known that the energy webs which we weave and maintain
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shall eventually return to encircle their creator. Thus our works become
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either the net which entagles and binds us, or th eweb of light by which we
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find the Gods.
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5. Let the Rites of the Wicca be a way for the children of the Gods to be as
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One -- for Power only flows when unified. Always should you revere the Earth,
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and heal and tend Her, for She is our life, our Mothership, on which we
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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 of the
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orchards. These you shall offer to the Earth Mother, in direct return, or
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through offerings made to your Circle, or to sustain its Priests and
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Priestesses.
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7. Always be proud to be of the Wicca, but do not allow your pride to become
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vanity -- for those who are conceited are a stubling block at the door of the
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Temple, and they shall be cast adrift, to swim within their own vanity.
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8. Observe and listen, reserving your judgement, for until all the silver is
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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 life
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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 seeds
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of knowledge within the minds of their students, and they shall use their
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power for the good of the Wicca. Yet it is each individual's duty to tend
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the seeds which are planted, and to make the final harvest. Those who misuse
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the power and the trust of the teacher's position shall have to answer to the
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Lords of Karma, and adjust the balance accordingly.
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11. The Temples of the Gods, which are Their abode on Earth, shall belong to
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all Their children, and each Circle shall be as a special family. Do naught
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against any Temple or any family of the Wicca, lest you do that thing unto the
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Gods, and against yourself.
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12. You must not be a teller of tales amongst the children of the Goddess, and
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you must hold no malice or evil thoughts towards others of the Wicca.
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13. You should not lie, nor give false testimony before your Elders, or those
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who are of the Wicca -- for liars are fools, and a menace unto themselves, and
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to the Wicca. Be truthful in all your works and deeds, especially within the
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Circle, for what you say within the presence of the Gods becomes manifest.
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14. You must not put stumbling blocks in the way of those who do not follow
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the Path of the Wicca. You must make no unrighteous judgements of their
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ways, and you should aid them with an attitude of love when it is asked for.
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Yet ever should you keep the Counsel of the Elders, and reveal naught to
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others of where our Circles may be, nor may you reveal our ways without the
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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, and
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woe to those who care not for the fetters they attach to their souls by not
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keeping their word.
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16. The Great Mother and Father would not have their children suffer the
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indignities of oppressors for their sake, for what is within the hearts of
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Their children is dear and true to Them. The Ancient and Mighty Ones shall
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cause the balance to be made for those who desecrate the Lord and Lady, Their
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temples, or Their creations.
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17. Never shall you use Magick, nor the Craft, to cause harm, for this is
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misuse of the Power, and it is not to be condoned. To cause the death of
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another through the Craft is to require the death of the Self in sacrifice.
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18. Never betray any of the brethren, nor the lore of our people, for you are
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all servants of the Gods, and must live by the virtues of love, honor and
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wisdom. Let truth, loyalty and honor be your creed. Let them be your guides,
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tempered by love and wisdom.
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19. The Order of the Gods shall you keep, and within Their Circles shall you
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walk. You should not say "I believe" when you doubt, nor claim to obey the
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Lord and Lady's word when you never enter into the Temple. You must not
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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 love
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and cherish Their children above all others. All others They love, even those
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who know them not. Yet those who hate and curse in Their name shall have the
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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 invoke any
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laws but those of the Craft, or any tribunal but that of Priestess, Priest,
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and Elders.
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22. No one of the Wicca may do anything which will endagner the Craft, nor
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bring any of the Wicca into conflict with the Law of the Land, or with any of
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our persecutors.
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23. Your magickal tools are channels to that which is most precious and pure
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within you. Do not cheapen them by haggling their price when you acquire
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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 no
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money, you will be free from the temptation to use the Craft for evil or
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unworthy causes.
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25. You shall never take unduly from any human, animal or elemental that which
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is not yours to take -- for if you steal from another, in the end you will
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have to sacrifice something dearer to you in order to attain the balance.
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26. Show honor to all people, that they may look up to you, and respect you,
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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 not
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own the spirit of another, for only the Great Mother and Father own our
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souls. Nor shall you take as a pledge any person's life, for to do so is to
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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 shall be
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as one of the Circle, born amongst ye, and you shall deal with them as you
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would yourself.
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29. Just weights and just balances shall be given by you, and just value shall
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you give, and thereby receive threefold.
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30. Your altars shall be kept clean, pure and holy, and all that is brought
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into the Temple or the Circle shall be cleansed and blessed, for the joy of
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the Gods, and of the Wicca.
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31. A clean mind should have a clean body. You should keep your body, your
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clothes, and your house clean, in honor of the Mother, who gives these things
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to you.
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32. Let none die without honor, without love, without respect, unless their
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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 such as
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these upsets the balance, and the Lords of the Universe shall make adjustments
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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 love's
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union in the energy of the Gods, and the heritage of the child. It is
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important for children to know and to identify with those who brought them
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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 some form
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of material gain.
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36. Remember that your children are Goddess-spawned, and are free spirits.
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You do not own nor control them. They are your brethren, come to visit for a
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while, that they may share in the vision of your love and wisdom. Let each
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parent realize that although they may teach and guide with love, the child
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shall also teach the parent, and aid them in their growth and lessons.
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END OF PART ONE
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PART TWO
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37. The etheric web and energy vortexes of the earth are in constant flux and
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motion to adjust to the needs of the planet. The sacred trust of the Wicca is
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to create and to maintain centers of light and knowledge, using the magick of
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the divine spark within us to focus and channel the forces of the Universal
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fire. And these are the channels established between the worlds of the stars
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and the realms of the earth, bringing in and regulating the spirit flames
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which energize and activate all life forms. Thus we tend and guard the
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threads of creation, and we weave the patterns of life and manifestation in an
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ever-evolving 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 others
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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 within
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your being you shall channel the Power, and it needs to be strong and pure.
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And these are the keys to the path of Oneness, and to communication with the
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Gods. Yet first you must learn to speak to Them in such a manner as They can
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comprehend you. For the children of the Wicca must aid the Gods, and work
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with Them, otherwise the Gods cannot aid and work with you. Ever remember
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that the Priest and Priestess are the living representatives of the God and
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Goddess Forces, and likewise that all humans carry these forces within them,
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though they may lie dormant and unawakened.
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40. As the Great Mother and Father come unto one another and create with the
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pure vibration of Love-Wisdom, so should you strive to make your Temple pure
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in vibration, and thus a fitting place wherein you may invite the Gods. Thus,
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your Circle should always be duly purified and cast, and likewise, those who
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would use the gateways and travel the Circle between the earth and other
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realms should also be duly prepared and purified.
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41. The Goddess hath said, "I shall not carry thee, yet neither shall I hinder
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thee, nor keep thee from having the same opportunities as all of my children.
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Thou art free, yet thou shalt not be coddled like babes in the storm. If thou
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hast true devotion within thee, then all obstacles may be overcome."
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42. The laggard is but half a person -- and though half is better than none,
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the whole is twice as good as the half. Those who do not work, or who lack
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the will and desire to learn the ways of the Gods, unto them is said, "The
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Ancient and Mighty Ones shall not keep thee within their house, if ye learneth
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not."
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43. A sanctuary you shall make unto the Gods, that They may dwell amongst you.
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And you shall fashion it to the best of your ability, according to all tha
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your Elders shall show you, and pure energy shall you place therein.
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44. An altar shall you make to unto the Lady, and you shall make due reverence
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unto Her, for every place where She is exalted, She will come to you and bless
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you. And you shall fashion your altar out of wood or stone, and burn incense
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and candles thereon, at the proper times, in observance of her ways.
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45. You should set aside at least one day during each moon unto the Goddess,
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and on these days you shall do Her work; and on those days She shall renew Her
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children and bless them.
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46. Learn to build your own Temple, and to craft your own sacred Circle, and
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all the tools that are used therein -- for to be a person of the Craft is to
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be a person of consequence.
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47. Let each of you inscribe your own record of our wa s and teachings. For
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the course of each Wiccan should be charted, that the patterns of their
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life-web may be made known and utilized. Let each Wiccan start their Book of
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Light with the teachings and lore of their tradition, yet let it also contain
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the rites and ways of each individual, which are the harvest of each child of
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the Wicca, to use the wisdom of their heritage as the seeds of their own
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wisdom. Thus shall our lore and knowledge continue to grow and unfold, like a
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beautiful flower.
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48. It is right to study and to understand the sigils, statues and stories of
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the Gods, for they shall guide your thoughts to Them, and They shall hear
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them. Yet you must ever remember that you worship not the sign nor the
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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 clean.
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Let all justly guard all monies of the Circle, as well as the rights and
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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 their
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just pay. This is not considered the taking of money for the Art, but good
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and honest work. Yet if any Wiccan works willingly for the good of the Craft,
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or for their brothers and sisters without pay, then it is to their greatest
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honor.
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51. If any Wiccan should deny themselves some pleasure or material indulgence
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in order to do service in the Circle, this person shall be blessed and
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remembered. For those who give for the greater good of all shall have their
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spirit uplifted.
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52. Know also that if you gift the Lady's Priests and Priestesses, or Her
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Circles, this is an offering made unto the Mother Herself, for a true Priest
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or Priestess strives always to do Her work, and to be of service to Her
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children, so to honor and respect them is to honor and respect the Queen of
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All.
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53. And the offerings which are considered the most pleasing to the Gods are
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these:
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the fruits of the orchards
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the scents of the trees and herbs
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the metals of the earth
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the waters of the earth
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the flowers of the meadows
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and the milk of all mothers.
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Yet offerings of labor or money are honest too, and these will also be
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accepted
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-- moreso if you work with love in your heart, for always there is work to be
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done for the Gods, and service to be given to the children of the Wicca.
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54. If your offerings are made to restore the balance, it must by of a nature
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that it not offensive to the Gods. It must be of value, yet given with a free
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heart. Thus shall the harmony be restored. If your offerings are given with
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a heart filled with love and devotion, or are of service to the Gods, or to
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the Craft, then shall you receive blessings manifold.
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55. And when you make an offering unto the Gods, you should offer it thru the
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most proper medium, at the proper times, and in such a manner as to make it
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acceptable. Any and all remains of the rituals shall be consumed in the fire,
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or buried within the Earth, as a way of returning to the Source all that we
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use in the observance of our ways, thus ensuring the continuity of the cycle.
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56. All may use the Craft to help and aid them, or for the advantage of their
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Circle, or the Craft -- yet only if you are sure that you harm none. Let each
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Wiccan and Circle always debate these matters at length. Only if all be
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satisfied that none be harmed in any way, may the Art then be used. If it is
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not possible to achieve your ends one way, then perhaps the goal may be
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achieved by actng in a different way, so as to harm none.
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57. Throughout the world it has been many a year since Wiccans have been
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burned. Yet misuse of the Power might raise the persecutions once again. So
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never break the Laws, however much you might be tempted, and never consent to
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their being broken. And if you know they are being broken, then you must work
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strongly against it.
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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.
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
END OF PART TWO
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
PART THREE
|
|||
|
|
|||
|
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 oncemore 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 to 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 r 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.
|
|||
|
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|
|||
|
|