"I who am the beauty of the green earth, and the white moon among the stars, and the mystery of the waters, call unto thy soul: Arise, and come unto me. For I am the soul of nature, who gives life to the universe. From Me all things proceed, and unto Me all things must return; and before My face, beloved of gods and of men, let thine innermost divine self be enfolded in the rapture of the infinite. Let My worship be within the heart that rejoices; for behold, all acts of love and pleasure are My rituals. And therefore let there be beauty and strength, power and compassion, honor and humility, mirth and reverence within you. And thou who thinkest to seek Me, know that thy seeking and yearning shall avail thee not unless thou knowest the Mystery: that if that which thou seekest thou findest not within thee, thou wilt never find it without. For behold, I have been with thee from the beginning; and I am that which is attained at the end of desire." - from Doreen Valiente's "Charge of the Goddess"
I am the spirit of all beasts wild and free. I run with the stag and soar as a sacred falcon against the shimmering sky. The ancient woods and wild places emanate my powers, the birds of the air sing of my sanctity. I am the harvest, offering up grain and fruits beneath the sickle of time so that all may be nourished. For without planting there can be no harvest; without winter there can be no spring. I am the thousand named Sun of creation, know that by all names I am the same. The spirit of the horned stag in the wild,the endless harvest. See in the yearly cycle of festivals my birth, death and rebirth and know that such is the destiny of all creation.. I am the spark of life, the radiant Sun, the giver of peace and rest. I send my rays of blessings to warm the hearts and strengthen the minds of all."
Hear now the word of the Witches, the secrets we hid in the night,
Mysterious Water and Fire, The Earth and the wide-ranging Air,
The birth and rebirth of all Nature, the passing of Winter and Spring,
Four times in the year the Great Sabbat, returns, and the Witches are seen,
When daytime and nighttime are equal, when sun is at greatest and least,
Thirteen silver moons in a year are, thirteen is the Covens array,
The power has passed down the ages, each time between woman and man
When drawn is the Magickal circle, by sword or athame of power,
Our world has no right to know it, and the world beyond will tell naught,
For two are the mystical pillars, that stand at the gate of the shrine,
And do what thou wilt be the challenge, so be it in love that harms none,
Eight words the Witches Creed fulfill:
-Doreen Valiente
1. Chivalry is a high code of honour which is of most ancient Celtic Pagan origin, and must be lived by all who follow the Old ways. 2. It must be kenned that thoughts and intent put forth on this Middle-Earth will wax strong in other worlds beyond, and return...bringing into creation, on this world, that which had been sent forth. Thus one should exercise discipline, for "as ye sow, so shall ye reap." 3. It is only by preparing our minds to be as Gods that we can ultimately attain godhead. 4. "This above all...to thine own self be true...." 5. A Witch's word must have the validity of a signed and witnessed oath. Thus, give thy word sparingly, but adhere to it like iron. 6. Refrain from speaking ill of others, for not all truths of the matter may be known. 7. Pass not unverified words about another, for hearsay is, in large part, a thing of falsehoods. 8. Be thou honest with others, and have them known that honesty is likewise expected of them. 9. The fury of the moment plays folly with the truth; to keep one's head is a virtue. 10. Contemplate always the consequences of thine acts upon others. Strive not to harm another. 11. Though there may be differences between those of the Old Ways, diverse covens and circles may well have diverse views. These views, even if they are different than yours, should always be given respect. When a coven, circle, clan, or grove is visited or joined, one should discern quietly their practices, and abide thereby. 12. Dignity, a gracious manner, and a good humour are much to be admired. 13. As a Witch, thou hast power, and thy powers wax strongly as wisdom increases. Therefore exercise discretion in the use thereof. 14. Courage and honour endure forever. Their echoes remain when the mountains have crumbled to dust. 15. Pledge friendship and fealty to those who so warrant. Strengthen others of the Brethren and they shall strengthen thee. 16. Thou shalt not reveal the secrets of another Witch or another Coven. Others have laboured long and hard for them, and cherish them as treasures. 17. Those who follow the mysteries should be above reproach in the eyes of the world, and should always seek to make this so. 18. The laws of the land should be obeyed whenever possible and within reason, for in the main they have been chosen with wisdom for the well-being of all. 19. Have pride in thyself, and seek perfection in body and in mind. For the Lady hath said, "How canst thou honour another unless thou give honour to thyself firstly?" 20. Those who seek the Mysteries should consider themselves as select of the Gods, for it is they who lead the race of humankind to the highest of thrones and beyond the very stars.
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